Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures $83 Million Settlement for Texas
AG Holds Kroger Accountable for Role in Opioid Epidemic
November 14, 2024 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an $83 million statewide opioid settlement with Kroger to resolve claims by the State of Texas and its Political Subdivisions for practices that contributed to the opioid epidemic in Texas.
The settlement is the latest in a series of agreements Attorney General Paxton has negotiated to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable for worsening the national trend of overdoses and deaths from prescription opioids. To date, Attorney General Paxton has obtained over $3 billion in legal settlements with drug manufacturers and other entities for their roles in the national opioid epidemic. Funds from statewide opioid settlements are dedicated to opioid abatement and overseen by the Texas Opioid Council.
Affected Political Subdivisions in Texas—such as local governments and county governments in the Texas Opioids Multidistrict Litigation—are encouraged to sign on to the settlement to ensure that Texas citizens and entities may receive all benefits and opioid remediation funds to which they are entitled. To sign on to the settlement, Subdivisions may visit the OAG’s website here for more information.
Joining the settlement allows for Subdivisions to receive direct payments and grant money in the form of opioid abatement funding from the Texas Opioid Council. The deadline for all Texas Political Subdivisions to sign on to and receive benefits from the settlement is December 29, 2024.
“We’ve worked relentlessly to hold major pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies accountable for their role in the national opioid epidemic that has created so much suffering in our State,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This settlement is an important step in our ongoing efforts to securing justice for Texas.”
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Volunteer Auxiliary Sponsoring Health Care Foundation’s Gala
November 14, 2024 – The CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Volunteer Auxiliary is once again sponsoring the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala slated for January 25, 2025.
Photographed with the Auxiliary members are (holding the check from left to right) Joe Bob Burgin, Julie Burgin, and Brad Burgin who, along with other family members, are chairing the 19th annual Gala.
To learn more about the Gala visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com.
Chamber Connection – November 13, 2024
By Butch Burney
The annual Economic Development Conference is back, and we have an experienced speaker and college professor, Mick Normington, to present information on jobs, housing, unemployment and education for our area.
Mick has two master’s degrees, co-authored the book “Working Texas Style,” previously worked at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Labor Market Department of the Texas Workforce Commission, and is now a business professor at Lee College in Huntsville. He is a skilled presenter who has spoken to numerous Economic Development Councils.
The luncheon, which is co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation, will take place on December 3 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Sponsorships are available for $500 for a table for eight, $250 for a table for four, and individual tickets for the event are $30 each. If you have any questions, please call 903-885-6515 or email me at [email protected].
Community Awards
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
When nominating a person or business, please write in the nomination letter the reasons you are presenting them for the award.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Woman of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Please get your nominations in before the end of the year.
Ornaments and Stew Merch
Our 2024 Christmas Ornaments, featuring the Total Solar Eclipse, are on sale at the Chamber office. They are $40 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2024 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and hoodies. We are located at 110 Main St.
Christmas Activities
■ The 33rd annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League live auction is brought to you by Chad’s Media on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. The event will be streamed live via the Front Porch News Facebook page and Chad’s Media YouTube page. Expect to see incredible gifts from local businesses, handmade treasures and unique local experiences, all available for you to place your bid. And remember, everything you donate goes to funding local music enjoyment and education like the Children’s Concert, the Dallas Opera and the Independence Day concert to Sulphur Springs!
■ Christmas in the Park is set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ Lake Country CASA’s annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. There will be cookies, cakes and other treats for sale to benefit Lake Country CASA.
■ The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 6 starting at Buford Park. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main St.
Entry fee is one new unwrapped present for Blue Santa.
■ Along with the parade, the city will host the Lighted Celebration Market downtown from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. It will include lighting of the city Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m.
■ The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, downtown. You can do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
■ Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “Winter Wonderland” production at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for ticket information.
■ The Best Christmas Pageant EVER will be playing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, 8 and 12, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, 14 and 15.
Tickets are $15. Visit communityplayersinc.com for more information.
■ First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs will present Christmas at First on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, at 6 p.m. each evening. Reserve your free tickets at SSFBC.org.
The Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held November 21st
November 14, 2024 – Join us in-person, if you can, by Zoom, if you can’t make it!
Thursday, November 21, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– Don Easterling
Don Easterling will review his latest book, Tales of a Purple Tiger. In the book he discusses the history of football, UIL, and the history of football in Mt.Vernon. He will cover the hiring of the first coach, Herman Morgan and how he built a winning team. Also covered is the connection between Sulphur Springs, Mt.Vernon and SMU. Included will be a short summary of life after high school of the seniors on the 1938 team.
We are looking forward to this interesting and informative presentation Don will be bringing us. He will also have copies of his book available for purchase and signing!
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Nov 21, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
If you choose to join us via Zoom, you will need to register in advance for the meeting at:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlc-Gprj0qGdCMvqTK4QQv_qsm7Qal-q20
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Texas A&M Forest Service Honors Personnel and Service at 2024 Annual Meeting
November 14, 2024 – TYLER, Texas Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in Tyler, Texas. Statewide agency employees gathered to recognize the past year’s agency accomplishments and employee achievements.
“Our agency has had a successful year of overcoming many challenges,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis. “This year’s personnel meeting was a great day to reflect on our growth, improvements and employee success.”
During the meeting, Davis spoke on many agency highlights from this year including giving over $20 million through the Rural VFD Assistance Program, over $38 million through the Community Wildfire Protection grant and over $16 million to landowners and communities to improve natural resources.
“I am respectful of our past and excited about our future,” said Davis. “With the help of the Texas Legislature and our employees’ adaptability, we stand ready to conserve and protect Texas.”
During the meeting, agency leadership recognized 78 employees for five years or more of service including: Kirk Risinger, Radio Communications Specialist IV in Hudson for 25 years of service; Bryan Young, Resource Specialist V in Lufkin for 25 years of service; Michael Dunivan, Area Operations Chief in San Antonio for 30 years of service; Joel Hambright, Regional Operations Chief in Huntsville for 30 years of service; and Ricky Holbrook, Fire Coordinator V in Livingston for 35 years of service.
Employees who consistently deliver excellent service above-and-beyond regular job duties were presented with Director’s Awards.
Donna Smith, Business Assistant III in McGregor, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Field. Smith is known to be an uplifting and encouraging spirit, supporting the office and her team in the field. She goes above and beyond by supporting the agency’s mission and activities through helping with Pac-testing, tree planting, administrative training, Sisters in Fire, Texas Abor Day and Smokey Bear events.
Adam DeWitt, Project Coordinator in College Station, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Office. DeWitt has demonstrated excellence in project management, technical analysis and process improvement for the Capacity Building Department. His leadership in the development and implementation of FireConnect will have lasting impacts on the agency and fire department cooperators.
Kayla Walkoviak, Business Assistant II in Conroe, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Professional. Walkoviak has been an integral part of the agency for seven years showing indispensable leadership in district logistics, finances, grant management, reporting and resource tracking. In addition to business functions, she actively engages in prescribed burning on the Jones State Forest and assists with education and outreach events.
Jason Ellis, District Forester IV in Jacksonville, received the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Information and Education Award. Ellis works tirelessly to provide sound educational experiences to visitors of the Fairchild State Forest. He teaches FFA and 4-H members and students from Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M University.
Michelle Moore, Staff Forester II in Lufkin, received the Director’s Award for Technical Forestry. Moore leads the agency’s Electronic Land Management Records program which supports field staff. She is also the Project Director for Texas Climate Smart Initiative’s Forest Commodity Team.
Matthew Moore, Resource Specialist IV in Palestine, received the Charles Krenek Award for Resource Specialist. Moore is dedicated to servicing his district, the agency and all of Texas through wildfire response to assisting landowners. He has a wealth of knowledge and serves on the Employee Advisory Council; is an instructor for chainsaw, ATV/UTV and forklift operations; and is a member of the hand crew.
John Hawkins, District Forester IV in New Boston, received the Byron “Jeff” Durant Prescribed Fire Excellence Award. Hawkins has planned and executed prescribed burns on 6,616 acres from 2022 to 2024 in our North Region. He has strengthened partner relationships which has helped develop the next generation of prescribed burn managers, ensuring the continued success and safety of prescribed fire operations.
The Director’s Award for Team Effort – Best Interdivisional Project was awarded to a group who has elevated the Civil Air Patrol Partnership, increasing aerial fire detection and forest management. This team is comprised of Mike Sills, Staff Forester IV in Dallas; Buster Robinson, Incident Aviation Operations Officer in Palestine; James Russell, Regional Coordinator in Nacogdoches; Billy Whitworth, Area Operations Chief in Nacogdoches; and Courtney Blevins, Staff Forester V in Fort Worth.
Texas A&M Forest Service and the Civil Air Patrol have a Memorandum of Understanding to assist with aerial fire detection. This partnership helped this group facilitate Wildland Fire Behavior training for Civil Air Patrol pilots and observers.
Texas A&M Forest Service is proud to recognize agency accomplishments and employee achievements while looking forward to the future and the coming year of service.
#
Paris Junior College Hosts Basketball Classic this Weekend
November 14, 2024 – The Paris Junior College Women’s Basketball Classic has seen tremendous growth, with eight teams competing on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16, in the Hunt Center on the Paris campus.
“We’re excited for the Classic,” said PJC Athletic Director Clay Cox. “It’s an event that is bringing in a lot of quality teams, players, and coaches, and hopefully it’s a recruiting event for all these teams. It’s also a great, great opportunity for the city of Paris to bring in business and so we’re excited all around. We think it’s going to be a great tournament.”
“This is the second year of the classic, but our first year hosting this many teams,” said PJC Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Christian. “In year one, we had a four-team field and the games were outstanding. It resulted in a lot of great feedback and interest for this year’s field.”
PJC will host Blinn College, Midland College, Seminole State College (OK), Shorter College (AR), South Plains College (ranked 18th nationally), Trinity Valley Community College (ranked 16th nationally), and Western Texas College.
“Attendees can expect to see some very high-level basketball,” said Christian. “The field contains two nationally ranked teams, with others receiving votes, and several highly ranked individual players. The games will be fast-paced, exciting and very competitive.”
A player of the game will be named for each game, and the weekend will be capped with all-classic team selections.
“Our team is excited to compete,” Christian said. “We have a young group, with a lot of freshmen playing big minutes for us. But the group is very athletic, hardworking, and hungry to learn. Our non-negotiable is to get better every time we take the floor, and this group is really leaning into their growth.”
Game schedule for Friday, Nov. 15 is Trinity Valley vs. South Plains, 1 p.m.; Blinn vs. Midland, 3 p.m., PJC vs. Seminole State, 5 p.m.; and Western Texas vs. Shorter College, 7 p.m. The schedule on Saturday, Nov. 16, is Western Texas vs. TVCC, 12 p.m.; Seminole vs. Blinn, 2 p.m., South Plains vs. PJC, 4 p.m.; and Midland vs. Shorter, 6 p.m. All games will be in the Hunt Center and concessions will be available both days. Admission is $4 per adult.
For those wanting to learn more about the basketball programs, PJC is partnering with the Paris – Lamar County Chamber of Commerce for a Tip-Off lunch. PJC Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Christian and Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Foy will give a season preview at the lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the McLemore Student Center Ballroom. Tickets are $10 for Chamber members, $15 for non-Chamber members, and free for students with ID.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Announces Record Sales for GO TEXAN
Topping $1 million in sales proves the continued success of TDA’s GO TEXAN program
November 14, 2024 – Austin – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) proudly announce record-breaking sales at the 2024 State Fair of Texas GO TEXAN Pavilion, sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers. This year’s Pavilion was a major success for GO TEXAN partners, achieving an impressive total of $1,114,895 in sales. This figure represents the combined sales of participating GO TEXAN partners and the Pioneer Brand General Store, showcasing the strength and support for Texas-made products.
“I’m proud to announce that the GO TEXAN Pavilion at the 2024 State Fair of Texas pulled in over a million bucks in sales this year,” said Commissioner Sid Miller. “That’s proof that folks want Texas-made and Texas-grown products on their tables and in their homes. These numbers are a big win for our GO TEXAN partners and prove that nothing beats Texas quality, Texas pride, and Texas independence.”
The GO TEXAN program is a TDA initiative dedicated to identifying and supporting Texas-based businesses and connecting them with customers across the Lone Star State and around the globe. The Pavilion’s GO TEXAN partners offer a diverse range of products, from coffee and salsa to houseware and healthcare items.
“GO TEXAN fosters growth opportunities for small businesses in revenue, marketing, and reputation,” Commissioner Miller said. “The mark is a seal of approval that Texas consumers trust, and the success of the program and its Pavilion at the State Fair is proof of that.”
Created in 1999, GO TEXAN promotes the products, culture, and communities that call Texas home. For more information on GO TEXAN, visit GOTEXAN.org.
Rep. Patterson Files Suite of Bills Aimed at Protecting Minors Online.
PATTERSON FILES SUITE OF BILLS AIMED AT PROTECTING MINORS ONLINE, IN SCHOOLS, AND EMPOWERING PARENTS TO DO THE SAME
November 12, 2024 – Austin, TX – As pre-filing began for the 89t Legislative Session, Texas State Representative Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) filed a suite of priority bills aimed at protecting minors online, in schools, and empowering parents to do the same.
“Heavily addictive social media platforms are destroying the lives of children in Texas. Record increases in anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide have coincided with the rapid rise in social media use by minors.” said Rep. Patterson. “This has been proven not only by independent third parties, but by the research conducted by the platforms themselves. Social media is the most dangerous thing our kids have legal access to in Texas.”
HB 186 filed today by Patterson restrains social media companies from conducting business with minors, requires age-verification for new users, and provides parents with the means to have a child’s account removed from the platform.
“Our kids deserve better… Last session, we made it clear that parents are the ultimate authority in charge of their child’s education. However, school district administrators have the advantage of unlimited funds for hired-gun attorneys to derail and delay efforts of parents seeking justice.” said Rep. Patterson. “Whether it’s activists pushing sexual content on Texas schoolchildren or district administrators thumbing their nose at state laws passed and supported by the People of Texas, parents will be given an equal playing field.”
Last session, Rep. Patterson passed historic legislation protecting children from sexually explicit content in public schools, named the READER Act. This law established first-ever mandatory library standards for public schools and definitions for sexual content in library materials. As legal proceedings continue on portions of the READER Act related to vendor book ratings, Rep. Patterson is doubling down by filing the following pieces of legislation.
HB 267 removes the current affirmative defense to prosecution for educational purposes known as the “obscenity exemption”. This exemption allows educators to provide sexual content to children that would otherwise be illegal to distribute to minors in Texas. Originally designed to protect educators teaching health, anatomy, biology, and for other legitimate educational purposes, the exemption is currently being used as a legal shield for groomers and activists pushing sexual content on Texas schoolchildren.
HB 183 creates a new statewide library material review process for the elected State Board of Education (SBOE). This new process provides the SBOE an ability to create rules necessary to review and approve library materials similar to how it currently approves textbooks and provides an avenue for parents to directly request a review of library materials to the state based on state standards.
HB 284 levels the playing field between parental rights and public school administrators ensuring state and federal law is followed without parents being forced to fund expensive and time-consuming lawsuits. It does so by directing the elected State Board of Education to create the position of Ombudsman. The state Ombudsman would field complaints filed by parents of public school children when state or federal law isn’t being followed and would have the authority to investigate and recommend corrective actions.
Jared Patterson represents House District 106, in Denton County. Patterson serves as Chairman of the Select Committee to Protect Texas LNG Exports and Joint-Chairman of the Study Committee on Effects of Media on Minors. He also serves on the House Committees on Calendars, Transportation, and Licensing & Administrative Procedures, and as Policy Chair of the Texas House Republican Caucus. His family resides in Frisco.
Statewide Winter Readiness Means Preparations, Partnershipss
November 14, 2024 – By Lauren Macias-Cervantes – EL PASO – The first day of winter isn’t until Dec. 21, but TxDOT maintenance crews across the state are ready for winter weather.
The readiness begins with extensive internal planning. This includes doing inventory on supply stockpiles needed to pretreat and winterize roads, making sure radio communication is in place, checking personal protection equipment, coordinating personnel schedules, and testing and calibrating equipment.
TxDOT staff in Yoakum complete a “What’s in YOUR bag” check, to make sure employees have the necessary safety equipment. Employees are also encouraged to prepare by taking care of home checklists and responsibilities.
In Bryan, Amarillo and El Paso areas, TxDOT crews began mobilizing in mid-October. In other areas, such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, Yoakum and Atlanta, crews have conducted similar preparations and are ready for response.
Every November, TxDOT’s Austin District holds a news conference and demonstration of equipment for the news media. They combine this with TxDOT’s #EndTheStreakTX campaign, providing tips for driving in wintry conditions. HERO crews join to share stories of what they see and how they help during storms.
In the Houston District winter readiness also means dry runs with law enforcement and work on water. Ferry crews make sure to have de-icing material available to place in public areas on the boats. They also make sure emergency equipment on the boats is winterized.
Coordination is key for TxDOT teams internally but for many districts neighboring other states, that also means collaboration with other state department of transportations (DOTs). This includes New Mexico DOT for the El Paso area, New Mexico DOT and Oklahoma DOT for the Amarillo area, and Arkansas DOT and Louisiana DOT for the Atlanta, Lufkin and Tyler areas.
Teams meet for a presentation by the National Weather Service, and have an opportunity to discuss their plan and exchange best practices.
Some parts of the state saw their first dose or threat of snow in early November. A severe winter storm activated Amarillo crews who pretreated then plowed roadways. Teams in El Paso also pretreated a mountain passage ahead of the warning.
“The safety for our employees and the traveling public is our priority,” said TxDOT El Paso District Engineer Tomas Treviño. “We want to be proactive, as it is critical to be ready for inclement conditions and it is safer to pretreat roads ahead of any storm.”
Crews winterize roads by applying brine, a salt and water mixture, ahead of freezing temperatures and precipitation. It is a fast-moving operation that has minimal impacts to drivers.
Ahead of winter weather, drivers will often see a convoy of trucks pretreating roadways, and they should give that mobile operation space as they work.
If a storm results in accumulation, crews use plows to clear roadways.
Motorists should not crowd the plow and should increase their distance.
While not all parts of the state will see winter weather, all are ready and may be called upon to assist in impacted areas.
As always during a winter event, the public should only travel if necessary. Road conditions can be tracked on drivetexas.org
.
Governor Abbott Prohibits College Tuition Increases In Texas
November 13, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Texas colleges and universities prohibiting college tuition increases in the next biennium.
“When inflation and other economic pressures burden household budgets, our public universities must take every step possible to ease the financial burden on our students and their families,” reads the letter. “Last year, I signed a law that prohibits increasing undergraduate tuition and fees for both the 2023-24 and the 2024-25 academic years. As this tuition freeze expires, let me be clear: I will not support any tuition increase at any public higher education institution in the upcoming biennium. When all Texans have access to quality and affordable education, they can earn better wages, meet workforce qualifications, and experience a higher quality of life. I will ensure college affordability remains a top priority for the state as we head into the next legislative session.”
