SSHS Wildcats Played Their First District Football game September 27th Against Aubrey
September 29, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats played their first District football game of the year Friday, September 27th, 2024 against Aubrey. The fierce competition took place in Aubrey, Texas. KSST broadcast the game, live, on 1230AM, and streamed it live on KSST’s YouTube Page. We also recorded it for playback on Cable Channel 18 and on YouTube. The quick play by play action was called by KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin. Check out the thrilling District game below.
Paris District Road Report for Week of September 30, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 30, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Impaired driving and penalties – DUI & DWI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can risk your life and the lives of others, and it can send you to jail. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
When am I legally intoxicated?
You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent, but you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI?
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
- Loss of driver license up to a year.
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
Third offense
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.
Impaired driving with a child passenger
- You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving impaired with children under 15.
- You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
- You could be put in jail for up to two years.
- You will lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
Driving with an open container
Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not impaired, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
As the US 75 project continues to move into the final stages there will be nightly lane closures on both north- and southbound lanes as construction crews perform pavement marking and sign installation. Drivers should expect delays.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on completing the remaining work at the intersection.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to backfill the overlay and place striping and rumble strips on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at Elba Creek, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at Deaver Creek.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 901, from US 377 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from FM 121 to FM 922. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 is closed to thru traffic while crews perform bridge repairs. All traffic will be required to take the exit for US 69 and then will be able to take the next entrance ramp back onto SH 121. A temporary signal is in place to control traffic on SH 121 and US 69 during this closure. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121, from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 151, from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform culvert repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: IH 30, Truck Parking Area. Crews will be constructing concrete paving on the new eastbound truck parking area.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: I-30, at FM 269. Crews will be performing tree trimming and tree removal operations on the westbound and eastbound side.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
FM 38 at West Fork of Sanders Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J at East Langford Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews perform bridge maintenance operations.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and is currently widening shoulders and performing ditch grading in the area. Culvert and Safety End treatments are being installed along the project and excavation and road widening is in progress. Shoulder embankment work will be ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. Final punch list items are underway. Oncor has supplied power to the signal lights and the signals are in testing phase. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has completed cross culverts and culvert extensions and will be placing riprap soon. The contractor has sealed and shouldered up the first mile of the project and has placed flex base and placing geogrid at various locations. Contractor is currently performing reclamation work and subgrade widening along with placing GEOGRID. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor currently has paving operations and sidewalk operations ongoing. The contractor is placing sidewalk and backfilling curb in the area. Site Grading work is ongoing. Paving operations are in progress in areas north of FM 35 Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed placing GR4 seal course on the final section of roadway. The contractor is also backfilling turnouts, driveways and roadway edges. Roadway strip and permanent seeding will be placed today and through the weekend. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has begun excavation at FM 1903 (West side) and working on placing wire wall at FM 1903 (East side) and soil nail walls at FM 1903.The contractor is also placing embankment & Wire walls east of 1570.along with Form work for Bent #3 Cap at FM 1570.Pipe/Inlets work for drainage FM 1570 is ongoing.Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36: The contractor is currently grading and placing embankment between the frontage roads and mainlanes. Continuing grading EB between 1565 and FM36.The contractor will be placing hot mix for shoulder rehab at night and Milling at night along WB and EB for shoulder rehab. Grading at FM 1565 intersection and embanking along WBML 2511 area. Underpass at FM 1565 will be closed for a few weeks to install Culvert from north frontage to south frontage.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County MNT will be performing sealcoat prep on FM 2874.
Rains County MNT will continue to address pavement issues SH 19 south and north.
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Cumby ISD Announced Their 2024 Homecoming Court
September 29, 2024 – Front Row (Left to Right) Jaylinn Martinez (Freshman Representative), Kasandra Camargo (Sophomore Representative), Addey Owens, Senior (Queen Nominee), Carrigan Oats, Senior (Queen Nominee), Jacie Morales, Senior (Queen Nominee), Julia Hernandez ,Senior (Queen Nominee), Kinslee Dowdle (Junior Representative.
Back Row (Left to Right) Easton Elmore (Freshman Representative), Gunner Campbell (Sophomore Representative), Jarred Patterson. Senior (King Nominee), Chett Vaughan, Senior (King Nominee), Braylon Boggs, Senior (King Nominee), Zeneb Umana Fuentes (King Nominee), Jayden Evans (Junior Representative)
Food Drive for Community Chest This October
September 29, 2024 – Community Chest in Sulphur Springs is running low on food. You can help make a difference for people facing food insecurity in Hopkins County.
Something like a jar peanut butter or sack of flour will be greatly appreciated.
Drop off locations are listed below.
Find out more about Community Chest by clicking here.
CBP Officers Make Huge Bologna and Prescription Drug Bust at Presidio Port
No matter how your feel about the most dubious of lunch meats, Mexican bologna fetches a premium price north of the border. Estimates for it’s value range at around 10 to 20x markup once it reaches the US.
September 26, 2024 – PRESIDIO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 748 pounds Mexican bologna September 23, 2024. The prohibited meat was in a vehicle that arrived from Mexico. CBP officers also discovered more than 280 boxes of undeclared prescription medications while searching that same vehicle.
“We stress that it is important that travelers educate themselves on what products are allowed to be legally entered from abroad. And even if they believe an item is allowed travelers should still declare all items they are transporting to the U.S. to avoid fines and penalties,” said CBP Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes, Jr. “The concern with pork products is that they have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases that can have devastating effects to the U.S. economy and to our agriculture industry.”
The seizure was made at 4 p.m. when a 43-year-old female, U.S. citizen driving a 2023 GMC Yukon arrived from Mexico. The driver declared a cooked meal during the primary inspection. CBP agriculture specialists initiated a secondary exam during which they removed several suitcases from the vehicle. The suitcases seemed heavier than normal. The agriculture specialists opened one suitcase and found numerous rolls of Mexican bologna inside. A total of 40 rolls were found in the suitcases.
Mexican bologna is a prohibited product because it is made from pork and has the potential for introducing foreign animal diseases to the U.S. pork industry.
CBP agriculture specialists continued their exam and located hundreds of boxes of undeclared medication hidden inside various panels of the vehicle including Tramadol, which is a schedule IV controlled substance. Other medications removed from the vehicle included Fentermina, Alprazolam, Clonazapam, Diazapam, Farmapram, Ampigran, Sulfamethoxazole and more.
The driver was issued a $1,000 civil penalty and the bologna was seized and destroyed by CBP agriculture specialists per USDA regulations. The medication was seized. CBP officers also seized the conveyance and more than $7,600 in concealed currency.
CBP has been entrusted with enforcing hundreds of laws for 40 other government agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These agencies require that unsafe items are not allowed to enter the United States. CBP officers are always at ports of entry and assume the responsibility of protecting America from all threats.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security are partners in the effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of pests and diseases at our nation’s ports of entry. Undeclared prohibited agriculture items will be confiscated and can result in the issuance of a civil penalty for failure to declare.
Ad Campaign Could Help Expand Popular TxDOT Roadside Service Known as HERO
September 27, 2024 – By Laura Butterbrodt
AUSTIN, TX — Revenue from ads could help expand the popular TxDOT program known as HERO that helps people stranded on roadsides throughout the state.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved a new program today that will help provide additional funding to Safety Service Patrols, known in some parts of Texas as HERO or Highway Emergency Response Operator.
Safety Service Patrols, which are currently funded entirely by local TxDOT districts, can help people on the roadside in multiple ways, including changing a tire, filling up gas and helping protect and clear crash scenes in cooperation with first responders.
For Amanda Florence, the San Antonio HERO program wasn’t even a program she was aware of until it came to her daughter’s aid this summer. Florence’s daughter, Jaylyn, was driving on I-10 and didn’t quite make it to a gas station before her car ran out of fuel. A friend suggested she call HERO, and an operator promptly came to help the young woman.
“He didn’t make her feel bad for running out of gas,” Florence said. “He told her it was going to be OK and he was there to help her. I don’t recommend breaking down on the highway, but I highly recommend the TxDOT HERO program. Five stars.”
The new funding initiative — the Acknowledgement Program — will allow companies or organizations outside TxDOT to donate to Safety Service Patrols. In exchange, donors can be acknowledged for their donations by having their name, logo or image placed on the back of a Safety Service Patrol truck.
The donations will help offset some program costs, which could result in program expansion. Safety Service Patrol responders are contracted workers. For some TxDOT districts that don’t currently have a Safety Service Patrol, donation funds could potentially garner enough funds to create a program.
Mandi Hernandez, manager of the San Antonio HERO program, said the program is invaluable in the communities it serves. The teams are committed to supporting and protecting the driving public, no matter the challenge.
“At HERO, we often embrace the mantra that each day brings the unexpected,” Hernandez said. “Whether it’s handling a major incident or assisting with something as routine as a tire change or fuel delivery, our commitment to serving the community remains steadfast.”
HERO offers its services without cost to motorists. By addressing common roadside issues onsite, the program helps prevent stranded drivers from becoming vulnerable to traffic crashes.
The teams also help quickly clear roadside incidents to minimize the risk of secondary crashes and traffic congestion. This includes towing vehicles to safer locations off of highways or frontage roads, and also supporting first responders by blocking crash scenes and redirecting traffic away from the scene.
The response of a Safety Service Patrol can sometimes be a critical intervention. Hernandez once responded to a vehicle pulled to the side of the road, assuming it would be a simple fuel issue.
“As I approached, I discovered a gentleman slumped over the steering wheel with the car still in drive and his foot on the brake,” Hernandez said. “In that critical moment, I immediately called for emergency assistance, shifted the carinto park, and began performing CPR. What started as a routine call had transformed into a life-or-death situation.”
Thanks to Hernandez’s quick response and decision-making, the man’s life was saved.
“This experience underscored the vital role we play, often in ways we cannot foresee.” Hernandez said. “It’s a powerful reminder that our work goes beyond the surface of roadside assistance. Each day, our dedication to safety and service holds the potential to make a profound difference.”
She said every HERO operator has a story of their own about being in the right place at the right time.
“It’s these moments that affirm our commitment to keeping our city safe,” Hernandez said.
Paxton Vows to Fight Unlawful Firearms Bans in the Future
September 27, 2024 – With recent show down with the State Fair of Texas and City of Dallas over legal firearms carried on public property, Attorney General Ken Paxton vows to continue his fight.
His lawsuit was rejected by a judge, and the Texas State Fair opened Friday long before his appeal process could complete.
Paxton will continue to defend Texans’ right to lawfully carry a firearm on land owned or leased by governmental entities following a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court that allows the City of Dallas to assist the State Fair of Texas to enforce a firearms ban while litigation continues.
On September 25, Attorney General Paxton filed a petition for a writ of mandamus in the Texas Supreme Court, asking it grant relief after the Fifteenth Court of Appeals refused to stop the unlawful firearms ban. Now, the Supreme Court has allowed the City of Dallas to help enforce the ban while the lawsuit proceeds.
“Texans have a right to lawfully carry and the City of Dallas has no authority to contract their rights away to a private entity,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This case is not over. I will continue to fight this on the merits to uphold Texans’ ability to defend themselves, which is protected by State law. While Texas clearly prohibits this type of gun ban, I will be working with the Legislature this session to protect law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights on public property.”
Dinner Bell Returns to Onsite Serving and Eating October 2, 2024
Christus Health was founded on January 28, 1999, with the merger of Houston’s Sisters of Charity Health Care System and San Antonio’s Incarnate Word Health System; however, its story extends back to 1866, with the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas by the Sisters of Charity.
In 2016 Christus merged with Trinity Mother Frances Hospital and Clinics (itself a product of a merger of two Catholic based systems) giving it a major presence in East Texas.
Facing a deadly cholera epidemic in 1866 the Catholic Bishop of Texas wrote to contacts in France for help. Three women of the new Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Incarnate Word sailed for Galveston and established Charity Infirmary (renamed St. Mary’s Infirmary).
In 1869 Cholera ravaged San Antonio and three sisters from Galveston came to that town to establish Santa Rosa Hospital. In 1937, 16 sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth order of Chicago arrived in Tyler to establish Mother Frances Hospital, opening its doors early to aid the victims of the New London tragedy that occurred on March 18 in nearby Rusk County.
In July, 2016, the Hopkins County Hospital District and Christus Health formed an alliance in which Christus became the leasing entity of the hospital building, its employees, and the medical services of the hospital.
At Christus Health helping improve the health and well being of the communities it serves with the underlying core values of Compassion, Excellence, Dignity, Integrity, and Stewardship. Under its umbrella are 63 hospitals in the U.S., Mexico, Columbia and Chile, employing 45,000 associates.
Christus Mother Frances is a partner with Dinner Bell six times yearly. The relationship to feed those needing a meal in Sulphur Springs and its vicinity dates back to 2017.
The doors to the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church will reopen at 11:00 a.m., for meal service beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Please come join us, along with personnel from Christus Mother Frances Hospital, to share a meal.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
The Fellowship Hall at First UMC will open at 11:00 a.m. and close at 12:45 p.m. each Wednesday. Parking is available at the church parking lots.
MENU:
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Bacon Infused Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Lou’s Pineapple Cape
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Free Mammogram Appointments Are Going Fast
September 26, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The free mammography clinic sponsored by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation only has 6 appointments left. Uninsured Hopkins County women over 40 are eligible to take advantage of this program.
The free mammograms will be conducted at the Jack & Ruth Gillis Women’s Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. The Gillis Women’s Center staff can be reached at 903-438-4325 to make an appointment.
Proceeds of the 5th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo and donations from local women are being used to fund this lifesaving clinic that is now in its fifth year.
Early detection of breast cancer is key to a positive outcome. Women are encouraged to not skip a year for this reason. One year can make all the difference.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation was founded in 1997 to promote Hopkins County healthcare opportunities. The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Funds raised by the Foundation are used to benefit Hopkins County citizens.
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Avoiding Aggressive Bees This Fall! From Master Gardener David Wall
September 26, 2024 – As the cooler weather this fall encourages us to spend more time outside, there will be the annual problem of what we consider to be aggressive bees of all types, yellow jackets, and both red and black wasps.
So, what can we do to keep the aggressive pests away from us, especially if we’re hypo-allergic? First, why are they aggressive? Basically, food supplies are getting scarce, and the colony is at its highest number. Also, cooler temperatures make their food searches more difficult. This simple combination means that if you’re eating food outside, they are going to go for the food! Actually, just the smell of food will set them off, so if you’re just close to a food supply, you’re in “the war zone!!!” Then, there’s the aspect that cooler temperatures have them looking for a nice warm place to spend their time! This means they’ll be around your house looking for any entrance to warmer temperatures. Hunger and cooler temperatures add up to highly potential problems. On top of this, the drought just exacerbates the problem.
You can use an organic repellent spray around where food is placed, and perhaps a spray or two on your clothing. If none are available, make a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. The critters don’t like the smell of either option!
You can get the same effect by peeling a cucumber and spreading the slices in small dishes around the table and/or wiping them on your clothing. Some even wipe them on their beverage glasses!
Loud, bright colored clothing will attract the critters, and this includes tablecloth colors! If you’re spending time outdoors, avoid such clothing. Browns and blacks are considered the best colors.
Finally, avoid attractants such as colognes and perfumes, and keep covers on food.
