Texas Farm Bureau says Domestic Sterile fly Production Facility is ‘Emergency Necessity’
August 1, 2025 – (WACO, Texas)—A joint letter today to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and more than 175 other leading state and national livestock, dairy, wildlife, agribusiness and landowner organizations across the country expresses strong support for USDA’s leadership and calls for immediate federal action to strengthen the nation’s defenses against the growing threat of the New World screwworm (NWS).
The coalition commends Rollins and the USDA team for their proactive efforts, including the recent announcement of a five-pronged NWS Domestic Readiness and Response Initiative and the establishment of a sterile fly dispersal facility in partnership with the Panama-U.S. Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm.
The letter urges the Trump administration to fully fund and begin construction of a domestic sterile fly production facility, an essential component of the proven Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) strategy. Without it, the coalition said, the U.S. remains vulnerable to a potential outbreak that could devastate agriculture and wildlife.
“We cannot afford to wait. The New World screwworm is advancing, and the consequences of inaction are staggering,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “Secretary Rollins and her team have laid a strong foundation, and now we must build on it. A domestic sterile fly production facility is not just a strategic priority. It’s an emergency necessity. Our coalition is united, and we are ready to support USDA in taking this critical next step to protect our livestock, wildlife and rural economies.”
According to USDA estimates, an NWS outbreak in Texas cattle alone could result in $1.8 billion in annual losses, with national economic damages exceeding $10.6 billion. The threat spans livestock, wildlife, endangered species and the rural communities that depend on them.
The coalition says it is united, it is prepared, and its members are committed to working alongside USDA to ensure the nation is ready to meet this challenge.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Launch of New Modernized Child Support System to Strengthen Services for Texas Families
August 1, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the successful launch of ChAMP—short for Children Are My Priority—a new case management and customer service system designed to modernize the operations of the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division (“OAG-CSD”).
The new system officially launched on June 12, 2025, replacing a 30-year-old legacy platform with a secure, cloud-based solution that improves efficiency, streamlines case processing, and enhances the customer experience for Texas families who rely on child support services.
“ChAMP represents a significant milestone in our commitment to serving Texas families,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This system modernizes the core of our child support operations, empowering our staff with better tools and giving parents the timely support and information they deserve. My office will continue to prioritize innovation that directly helps the children of Texas because fighting for them and their future will always be at the forefront of the work we do.”
Since its launch, ChAMP has processed 3.1 million payments totaling $614 million in support, an amount that, in just a month and a half, exceeds what 35 other states disburse in an entire year. This remarkable performance underscores the scale of the Texas child support program and the importance of reliable, modern systems to support it.
The move to ChAMP was strategically planned to ensure continuity of operations, and key functions like payment processing and customer engagement have remained strong throughout the rollout. As staff and partners continue to adapt to the new system’s capabilities, the agency remains focused on delivering long-term gains in efficiency, accuracy, and service.
As with the old system, some customers may have case-specific holds or questions from time to time due to their unique circumstances. Customers with any questions are encouraged to contact the OAG-CSD through the website’s chat feature or by calling (800) 252-8014.
Through the new Self-Service Portal, parents can also now log in 24/7—online or from a mobile device—to view case and payment information in real time. In the first month alone, the portal saw more than one million logins, and engagement continues to grow each week. Employers also benefit from this modernization: more than 100,000 employers across Texas are already using the new Employer Portal to report new hires and securely exchange information with the agency.
The OAG-CSD operates the largest child support program in the nation, managing nearly 1.5 million cases and collecting more than $4 billion each year on behalf of Texas children. The successful launch of ChAMP reinforces the division’s longstanding reputation for leadership and innovation, and it also sets a new benchmark for what modern, high-performing child support programs can achieve.
The ChAMP platform consolidates multiple data sources into a unified case management system, empowering child support officers with streamlined workflows, automated functions, and real-time data to make faster, more informed decisions. For example, a key financial process that once took up to five business days to complete due to overnight batch processing can now happen in near real time, accelerating support to families across the state.
By replacing an outdated system with a flexible, cloud-based platform, ChAMP is already driving measurable improvements in service delivery—and it’s only the beginning. Designed for adaptability and continuous evolution, the system opens the door to innovations that were never possible under the legacy infrastructure. For general information about the Office of the Attorney General and the child support services it offers, visit the agency’s website at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support.
Texas A&M System to Lead $59.8M Autonomous Helicopter Wildfire Response Initiative
July 31, 2025 – BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas Legislature recently appropriated $59.8 million for the Texas A&M University System’s George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex to develop a way to use pilotless Blackhawk helicopters to combat wildfires.
The project is intended to revolutionize how Texas responds to the wildfires that ravage the state every year. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, selected the Texas A&M System to collaborate on the agency’s Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System, better known as ALIAS.
“The Texas A&M System always steps up,” Robert Albritton, chairman of the Texas A&M System’s Board of Regents, said. “We have the know-how. We have the drive. And we are ready to do our part for the state.”
Chancellor Glenn Hegar agreed.
“We see it every year. Texas gets more than its share of disasters, and we at the Texas A&M System promise to continue our work to leverage the latest technologies and innovative ideas to make our great state as safe as possible,” Hegar said. “I also need to mention that this project would not be possible without the hard work of our top state officials, in particular Chairman Greg Bonnen. We appreciate their dedication to the well-being of Texans.”
In addition to the Bush Combat Development Complex, or BCDC, key contributors include Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi’s Autonomy Research Institute, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
“The Texas A&M System is ready to lead this initiative due to our extensive technical and firefighting expertise across multiple universities and state agencies,” Hegar said. “This is the latest example of how the Texas A&M System provides valuable services to the state.”
BCDC Director Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tim Green said he is excited for the System to have an opportunity to build upon critical advancements in autonomous helicopter development.
“I am proud we are working with DARPA in a manner that will benefit Texas, the Department of Defense, and commercial industry,” Green said. “Wildland firefighting will be the first mission application fully developed to take advantage of over a decade of work by DARPA on its Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS).”
DARPA’s ALIAS program, launched in 2013, has successfully demonstrated fully autonomous flight capabilities on approximately 20 aircraft platforms. The automation toolkit, known as MATRIX, was developed by Sikorsky and will be a cornerstone of the Texas initiative, alongside DARPA and Sikorsky as key partners.
The funding will support the acquisition and autonomous configuration of up to four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, as well as the development of facilities, tools, and equipment necessary for research, testing, and integration of firefighting capabilities over the next two years.
The goal of the ALIAS program is to enable high-risk missions—such as firefighting and combat operations—while reducing the risk to pilots and aircraft, minimizing operational costs and wear on aircraft, and maximizing flight availability. BCDC’s testing of ALIAS-equipped aircraft will include aircraft working in fully automated (no pilots) and semi-automated (only one pilot, using AI as their “co-pilot”) as they conduct highly complex firefighting tasks using one or more ALIAS equipped aircraft working concurrently.
“Advancing system capabilities through the last stages of technology maturation, operational testing, and concept development is always hugely exciting and rewarding,” said John Diem, Director of the Innovation Proving Grounds at BCDC, who will serve as Principal Investigator for the ALIAS project. “The best part of my career has been seeing systems I tested move into the hands of warfighters. Now, I’m proud to help ensure ALIAS is safe and effective in protecting life and property – and we will do that through realistic and challenging testing.”
Located on the 3,300-acre Texas A&M-RELLIS Campus near Bryan, Texas, BCDC represents a $300 million investment from the State of Texas and TAMUS. Since 2019, BCDC has partnered with Army Futures Command and other defense and academic institutions to accelerate the development of critical national security technologies, including autonomous vehicles and hypersonics.
The Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group Has Record Turn Out
July 31, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Breast Cancer Support Group met on July 14 and had its most well-attended meeting yet. Faces both new and familiar gathered to learn, share cancer stories, testimonies, and prayer requests, discuss outreach ideas, and enjoy each other’s company.
Stacy Davis, MS, LPC, led a discussion on anxiety and how to stay strong for yourself and others during challenging times.
“Life is not without hardship. Although I’ve never had cancer, I have experienced pain, anxiety, and illness—like any other human—and that is what I can speak to.”
Stacy emphasized the importance of discussing feelings with a trusted friend or professional, explaining, “feelings are always valid, but never to be trusted.”
The ladies went around the room, each sharing their cancer testimony and trading tips and tricks they used to get through experiences like treatments, radiation, and post op. A new member, Mary Lou Jones, shared how helpful it was when a friend dropped off what she called a “busy bag” on her front porch when she was unable to leave her home after treatments.
“The bag had puzzles, crosswords, magazines – all sorts of things that helped keep my hands busy and my mind on happier things.” The group discussed the possibility of making busy bags to gift to homebound members.
The support group meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of every month in the Medical Plaza, 113 Airport Rd, which is the 3-story building in front of CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Hospital Sulphur Springs.
Since 1997, the Foundation has worked to expand healthcare opportunities for Hopkins County through free clinics, programs, and educational resources. The Foundation further supports healthcare by funding equipment and programs for the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. All or part of donations may be tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax preparer for more information. To reach the Foundation, email [email protected] or call (903) 438-4799.
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Boil Water Notice for Brashear Water Supply
July 31, 2025 – Due to an undetermined source of turbidity (cloudy water), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Brashear Water Supply Corp public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office at 903-582-2670. We don’t have many details at this time, but we are working as fast as we can to fix this situation. We will keep you informed as we get information.
Thank you,
Brashear Water Supply Corp
Texas Classrooms Will Have 10 Commandments on Display
July 31, 2025 – Senate Bill 10 mandates that all Texas public school classrooms display the Ten Commandments on a 16-by-20-inch poster that is clearly legible and visible. Schools are not required to spend public funds to comply with the law, they are permitted to purchase or print the posters if they choose. Posters, that comply with requirements, can be donated as well.
Numerous legal challenges have been brought against SB 10. Several organization have pledged to fight the bill to the bitter end. As of the date of publication, school districts across Texas are required to comply with SB 10.
Supporters of the bill argue that the Ten Commandments reflect foundational moral principles and that the display supports a historical and cultural connection to American legal and educational traditions. They view the measure as a reinforcement of values and discipline in schools.
Texas Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) requires the Texas Attorney General to defend any school district facing lawsuits related to the bill. This means that if a school district is sued for complying with the law, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, the Attorney General’s office will represent them in court and cover the legal costs.
Opponents, however, raise concerns about the separation of church and state. Critics argue that the requirement may infringe on religious freedom by promoting a specific religious text in a public, government-funded setting. Legal challenges are likely, especially from civil liberties organizations questioning the constitutionality of the mandate.
The text of the poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments described by Subsection (a) of the bill must read as follows:
“The Ten Commandments
I AM the LORD thy God.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven images.
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.”
Required commandments text taken directly from SB 10.
In School Suspension No Longer Capped at Three Days
July 31, 2025 – Under House Bill 6 (HB 6), Texas schools now have expanded authority to assign students to in-school suspension (ISS) for extended periods. Previously, ISS was capped at three consecutive days. With the new law, students can remain in ISS for as long as school officials determine appropriate, provided the placement is reviewed every 10 school days.
Supporters of the measure argue that it gives schools more flexibility to manage serious or repeated behavioral issues without sending students off campus or into alternative education settings. They also say it allows for a more structured environment where students can continue their academic work while being separated from the regular classroom.
Critics, however, worry that longer ISS periods could disproportionately affect vulnerable students, including those with disabilities or from minority communities. Extended time in suspension may lead to disengagement from learning and worsen academic outcomes, especially if instructional support during ISS is limited.
The law emphasizes administrative discretion, making consistent application across schools and districts a concern for some advocates. As HB 6 takes effect, educators and policymakers will likely monitor its impact on discipline trends, student performance, and equity in how consequences are applied.
Latest THC Bill Moves to Texas House
July 31, 2025 – Senate Bill 5, authored by State Senator Charles Perry (R–Lubbock), aims to significantly restrict the availability of THC-containing hemp products in Texas. Passed by the Senate on a 20-9 vote, the bill would ban the manufacture, sale, and possession of consumable hemp products containing any form of THC, including delta-8 and delta-9 variants. However, it would still permit the sale and use of products containing only non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD or CBG.
“The only hemp product that’s going to be out there is nonintoxicating hemp, which is below three milligrams of THC,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said.
Supporters argue the bill is necessary to close legal loopholes that have allowed intoxicating hemp-derived products to proliferate in gas stations and smoke shops across Texas. Perry, defending the bill on the Senate floor, noted that while the law doesn’t criminalize users directly, “Regulation is decriminalization,” suggesting that tighter regulatory oversight can effectively shape market behavior without overwhelming law enforcement.
Opponents of the bill, including some in the hemp industry and criminal justice reform advocates, warn that the ban could hurt small businesses and push THC products back into the unregulated black market. They argue that consumers should have access to regulated, tested hemp products rather than risk untraceable alternatives. The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.
Dinner Bell for August 6, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Dixon & Dixon Insurance
Legacy Ag Credit
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
Dixon & Dixon Insurance, located at 750 Wildcat Way, Ste. B, is an independent insurance agency with over 50 years experience in the industry offering policies for home, auto and business/commercial needs. Se Habla Español states the agency is prepared to service all persons in the area. Christie and Maggie will hear your needs and find the perfect coverage for you and your budget. Travel insurance to Mexico is very important and they offer that also!
Legacy Ag Credit is proud to support The Dinner Bell and its mission to nourish both body and community. It also provides high school scholarships, participates in the Junior Livestock Show, sends a team to the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament and cooks in the Hopkins County Stew contest. This business is truly creating a “Legacy” in Sulphur Springs.
As a local ag lender, we believe in planting seeds of support wherever we serve, and we’re honored to be part of such a meaningful gathering in Sulphur Springs. At Legacy, we specialize in financing rural Northeast Texas – everything from farms and ranches to recreational and hunting properties, acreage, and even country homes. Whether you’re growing your operation or putting down new roots, we’re here to help you make it happen.
Thank you both Dixon & Dixon and Legacy Ag Credit for continuing to be Community Partners with the Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry!
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
- Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
- Mashed Potatoes
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Garden Salad
- Gooey Butter Cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices! We would encourage you to wear masks where required and get inoculated and boosted! Wash your hands often!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
August 2nd Marked Down Market Boasts Huge Vendor List
July 30, 2025 – Marked Down Market on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in downtown Sulphur Springs brings together a huge roster of vendors from across Northeast Texas. Hosted between Alliance Bank and CNB on Gilmer Street, the event runs from 9 AM to 4 PM CDT.
Marked Down Market will be a great opportunity for back-to-school shopping, especially for families looking to stretch their budgets.
Expect over 10 boutiques, local artisans, food vendors (including a Greek food truck), farm‑fresh produce, and a wide assortment of unique goods. The collaborative sidewalk sale features markdowns on boutique items, handcrafted treats, and live local music, offering a festive, community‑centered shopping experience
Vendor list:
Marlene Sass and Class
Pink Brizilia
Diamond J
Soho Boutique
Sister Babyz
Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop
Ranch Cat Flowers
Optimum
Cora Handmade
Sunset Sterling
Callies Clay Co.
Coral’s and Abbys Closet
Pieces of me
Clementine
Callies Country Cottage
Thalia Permanent jewelry
Grace Goods
Organica
Ochoa and Colman Orthodox
Bay’s Freshies
Skin made easy
Granny Joes Kitchen
Sirena Amor
Pint Sized Play
Mariel Puch Bakery
Soni Pops
Seaton Garden
Barbis and Barley
HTeaO
Southern Roots
Sponsors
Munoz Farms
Latson
Ol mad
Alliance Bank
A Level Above Build
La Dona
Julia Wilhite – State Farm Insurance
