State Representative Jill Dutton Helps Secure a $25MM Proposed Investment for Short Line Railroad in Texas
August 23, 2024 – Northeast Texas is one of the fastest growing regions in Texas and freight by rail will play an essential role to our economy, job growth, and transportation safety. The NETEX Rural Rail Transportation District is a multi-county District, enabled by the Texas Legislature, which includes Titus, Franklin, Hopkins, Delta, Hunt, and Collin counties. The NETEX rail currently carries 1,800 – 2,000 cars per year with immediate demand for 5,000 cars per year via a new trans-loading facility constructed by the Hopkins County EDC, just east of Sulphur Springs, Texas. Covering 65.7 miles, the short-line rail carries raw materials such as lumber, steel, grain, and hazardous materials needed for industrial use. For every rail car of materials, this is eliminating 4 truckloads from our state highways and county roads. Based on our conversations with the region’s EDC’s, we currently have interest, letters of intent, and letters of authorization for industrial development at the former Thermo (Luminant) coal mine area that would include five thousand+ acres, millions of square feet, and billions of economic dollars. These estimates in turn are expected to demand approximately 35,000 cars per year from the NETEX Rural Rail transportation District by years 2027 and 2028!
This rail line is well over 100-years old with hundreds of cross tie marker nails still in place dated from 1927 to 1949. This short line is considered an “Excepted” Trackage and is limited to 5 miles per hour due to the defective cross ties and current bridge deficiencies. “Due to lack of funding and lack of dedication to rehabilitation, the rail has continued to deteriorate over the decades”, said Dutton. The first step in the state’s budget process begins with the agency recognizing a need and seeking approval to devote resources toward that need. Today, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) proposed to their executive board a budget for the next biennium that included a requested $25 million for short line rail rehabilitation. With a unanimous vote, the Texas Transportation Commission approved the proposal and recognized the role of the state in taking care of its rail lines. Today, the $25 million for short line rail moves along to the next stage, as we advance toward final approval for this much-needed financial relief for the short lines such as the NETEX rural rail. Next month, the funding will be vetted and approved by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). I will continue to shepherd these funds in the right procedural direction as the required legislative steps are taken toward finalizing the state budget. “Today’s victory is one that I am proud of, but more importantly, a win that signifies that TXDOT values the NETEX and all short line rail systems in Texas. Commissioners Bugg, New, Vaughn, Meade, and Alvis deserve the gratitude of House District 2 and the NETEX Board. Along with the hard-working staff of TXDOT, the Commission established a record for supporting short rail, and acknowledged the dire needs of the NETEX”, said Dutton.
I will keep you informed as we move ahead in the budget process. As always, if you have any questions
or would like to communicate with me, please call (512) 463-0880 or email [email protected].
My District and Capitol offices remain dedicated to monitoring this vital round of funding for short line
rehabilitation and we welcome you to participate in the process. Thank you for your faith and support as I work to help the constituents of HD 2.
CEA Mario Villarino Visited with John Mark on Another Episode of A Second Cup of Coffee
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez visited with John Mark on another episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. The two talked about what trees are losing their leaves right now, and why. They also talked about the current moisture conditions in Hopkins County, the threat Army Worms present, and much more. Be sure to check the video out down below.
COURT ACCEPTS REQUEST TO REVIEW APPEAL OF CRYSTAL MASON ACQUITTAL
AUGUST 21, 2024 – FORT WORTH, Texas – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has decided to reexamine the voting case of Fort Worth resident Crystal Mason that it had previously sent back to the Texas Second Court of Appeals to review. That lower court reversed Crystal Mason’s conviction in March 2024.
Mason, a mother of three , faces five years in prison for submitting a provisional ballot in 2016 that was never counted as a vote.
In April, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office announced that it had asked the state’s highest appeals court to overturn the recent decision. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals today accepted the case for review, which means further briefing will occur before the court.
“While I am ready for this case to be over and for my acquittal to stand, I will continue to maintain my faith that justice will be done,” says Crystal Mason.
Mason had been convicted of illegal voting despite believing she was fulfilling her civic duty and not realizing the state considered her ineligible to vote.
In the appeal of her conviction, Mason is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the ACLU, Texas Civil Rights Project, criminal defense attorney Alison Grinter Allen, and civil attorney Kim T. Cole.
The following statements can be attributed to members of her legal team:
“We respect the Court of Criminal Appeals’ decision to further review this case,” says Tommy Buser-Clancy, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas. “We remain confident that the court of appeals made the right decision in vacating Ms. Mason’s conviction and rendering an acquittal. We look forward to briefing our position to the court.”
“Crystal Mason’s acquittal was based on a record that did not support her conviction,” says Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project. “We are confident the Court of Criminal Appeals will agree and uphold the decision.”
“We respect the Court of Criminal Appeals’ decision to review Ms. Mason’s case and trust that the Second Court of Appeals’ decision to acquit Ms. Mason will be upheld upon review,” says Christina Beeler, senior supervising attorney at Texas Civil Rights Project.
“We have faith that the court will uphold Crystal ‘s acquittal and all Texans will see a day when they can feel confident in the franchise and go to the polls unafraid that they could face prison time for any mistake or misunderstanding,” says Alison Grinter Allen, criminal defense attorney.
“The last time this case was before the Court of Criminal Appeals, they rightfully remanded the case back to the 2nd Court of Appeals for review under the accurate interpretation of the law,” says Kim T. Cole, attorney . “I trust that this time they will confirm that the 2nd Court of Appeals’ decision in reversing Crystal’s conviction is the correct and just outcome.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Investigation Into Reports that Organizations May Be Illegally Registering Noncitizens to Vote
August 22, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into reports that organizations operating in Texas may be unlawfully registering noncitizens to vote in violation of state and federal law.
Investigators from the Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit recently conducted undercover operations to identify potential voter registration of noncitizens in Texas. The investigation has already confirmed that various nonprofit organizations have been located outside Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License offices, operating booths offering to assist in voter registration for persons doing business at the driver’s license offices. But all citizens have already been presented an opportunity to register to vote as part of the process of renewing or being issued an identification card or driver’s license, so there is no obvious need to assist citizens to register to vote outside DPS offices—calling into question the motives of the nonprofit groups.
“Texans are deeply troubled by the possibility that organizations purporting to assist with voter registration are illegally registering noncitizens to vote in our elections. If eligible citizens can legally register to vote when conducting their business at a DPS office, why would they need a second opportunity to register with a booth outside? My office is investigating every credible report we receive regarding potential criminal activity that could compromise the integrity of our elections. The Biden-Harris Administration has intentionally flooded our country with illegal aliens, and without proper safeguards, foreign nationals can illegally influence elections at the local, state, and national level. It is a crime to vote—or to register to vote—if you are not a United States Citizen. Any wrongdoing will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Paxton.
It is a crime in Texas to lie about your citizenship when you register to vote—or to help someone else do so. You can be sentenced up to two years in a state jail and pay up to a $10,000 fine. It is a crime to vote in Texas if you are not a United States Citizen and a Texas Resident, or to help someone vote who is not. You can be sentenced up to 20 years in prison and pay up to a $10,000 fine.
The undercover operations have been conducted throughout major metropolitan areas of Texas and are ongoing.
Nominations Now Open For The 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards
August 22, 2024 – Nominations are now being accepted for the 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Administered by the OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards are an opportunity for the State of Texas to honor exemplary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving their communities through outstanding service and volunteering.
“Texans recognize that the heart of our communities lies in the selfless acts of service rendered by countless volunteers,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Greg and I are inspired by the unwavering dedication and profound impact of organizations and individuals across the state who keep making a difference in the lives of so many Texans, and we are honored to recognize them through the Governor’s Volunteer Awards. The work of all Texas volunteers inspires us all to build a better, brighter future through one act of kindness at a time.”
“As we embark on the 41st Governor’s Volunteer Awards in partnership with the Governor and First Lady of Texas, we will continue shining a spotlight on individuals and organizations whose commitment to service illuminates the resilience and compassion that is the essence of Texas,” said OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee.
Nominations are open in nine categories:
- Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
- First Lady’s Rising Star Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Volunteer Family of the Year Award
- Community Champion Award
- Education Champion Award
- Corporate Champion Award
- Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award
- AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award
To submit a nomination and view detailed descriptions and criteria for each award category, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
Nominations will close on Monday, September 30, 2024. Awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April 2025 at the Governor’s Mansion during an awards ceremony hosted by First Lady Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
Summer Burn Bans Continue to Spread Across NE Texas
August 21, 2024 – Conditions favoring wildfires continue to increase Wednesday. Additional counties North, East, South and West of Hopkins County have issued burn bans already.
Based on the current weather forecast, it’s only a matter of time before the yearly summer ban will be in effect.
In 2023, a county wide ban was put into place on August 28.
In August of 2020, almost every county in Texas was under a burn ban.
Counties along the Red River north of Hopkins County enacted a burn bans Tuesday.
No word yet on when a burn ban will be placed on Hopkins County this summer.
World Series Trophy Stops in Sulphur Springs on Thursday
August 21, 2024 – The Texas Rangers won the World Series in 2023, not that you didn’t know that. But what you may not have known is that the trophy is stopping in Sulphur Springs.
Stop by the HW Grays Building on Thursday. Doors open at 12:30PM. KSST, your station for Texas Ranger Baseball in Hopkins County, will be on hand with Texas Ranger swag to giveaway.
Find out more by clicking here.
Governor Abbott Deploys Additional State Firefighting Resources As Wildfire Threat Increases
August 20, 2024 – Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has deployed additional state firefighting resources as wildfire threats continue to increase across Texas.
“As the state continues to endure triple-digit temperatures and dry vegetation, Texas is deploying additional firefighting resources to assist communities that have increased wildfire activity,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans are strongly urged to take all necessary precautions and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep their families and their loved ones safe from wildfires. I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management personnel for their work as they prepare for potential wildfires across the state.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, wildfire activity is expected to continue to increase in the north and northwest regions of the state, with an expanding risk towards east Texas, the eastern hill country, and central Texas, due to dry vegetation subjected to multiple days of triple digit temperatures. The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3 due to increased firefighting resource commitment, as well as an increase in current and expected wildfire activity across the state. Over the past week, more than 60 wildfires have burned more than 10,000 acres across Texas.
At the Governor’s direction, the following state firefighting resources have been activated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to support statewide wildfire response operations:
- Texas A&M Forest Service: State and local firefighters through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System totaling more than 350 firefighters and support personnel, as well as more than 100 pieces of equipment such as fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; 11 federally-contracted firefighting aircraft, including two large airtankers, a single engine air tanker for retardant drops, two fire bosses for water drops, four air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting, and two firefighting helicopters.
- Texas National Guard: Four Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capability.
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildland Fire Support Packages including paramedics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
Texas continues to request additional aircraft assistance from the federal government but recent requests have not been filled due to lack of aircraft availability.
At the direction of Governor Abbott, the Texas State Emergency Operations Center continues statewide wildfire coordination calls to provide local and state partners with situational awareness and ensure coordination between responders. Additionally, based on current conditions and the fire weather forecast, the Texas A&M Forest Service continues to operate the Abilene Air Tanker Base at Abilene Regional Airport to assist state and local responders in wildfire suppression efforts across Texas.
Texans are urged to prepare for wildfire danger by limiting activities that cause sparks, following instructions from local officials, making an emergency plan, and keeping emergency supplies readily available. Texans can visit TexasReady.gov and tfsweb.tamu.edu for wildfire tips and safety information.
Earlier this month, Governor Abbott deployed state firefighting resources across the state to fight increased wildfire threats, including more than 200 personnel and tactical resources like fire engines, all-terrain vehicles, and bulldozers.
Summer Burn Bans Creep Toward Hopkins County
August 20, 2024 – With sustained texas heat and no rain for the past week, and none in the forecast, burn bans have been steadily creeping east toward Hopkins County.
Based on the current weather forecast, it’s only a matter of time before the yearly summer ban will be in effect.
In 2023, a county wide ban was put into place on August 28.
In August of 2020, almost every county in Texas was under a burn ban.
A close neighbor to Hopkins County, Fannin County enacted a burn ban six days ago.
No word yet on when a burn ban will be placed on Hopkins County this summer.
Texas Wine Industry Joins ‘Come Over October’
Celebrate Texas Wine Month with community, conversation, and Texas wine
AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) invite everyone to raise a glass in honor of Texas Wine Month this October and participate in the global Come Over October campaign. With around 500 wineries spread across the Lone Star State, there’s no better time to enjoy and share Texas wine with family and friends. Whether visiting your favorite local winery or hosting a gathering at home, join us in celebrating the rich flavors, friendships, and sense of community that Texas wine brings to the table.
“The Texas wine industry is woven into our state’s culture, mixing our proud agricultural roots with the bold, lively spirit of our local winemakers,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “With the wine industry contributing more than $20 billion to our state’s economy, it’s clear that wine and grapes create a powerful connection between rural and urban communities. From the Hill Country to the High Plains, our wineries serve up big flavors and even bigger welcomes, making every visit a chance to build friendships and create memories that last a lifetime.”
Spearheaded by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, the Texas “Come On Over Y’all” initiative is supported by the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, Texas Hill Country Wineries, Texas Wine Growers, and Texas Fine Wine. The collective group and its wineries and vineyards will promote the Come Over October campaign as part of Texas Wine Month and celebrate the role of wine in community, culture, and lifestyle.
“We all know that good company, good conversation, laughter, and conviviality contribute to an enhanced lifestyle,” says Karen MacNeil, wine authority, author of The Wine Bible, and Come Over October organizer.
Texans are encouraged to pick up a bottle of their favorite Texas wine and invite friends to ‘come on over y’all’ to their homes. They can share photos of their gatherings on social media with the hashtags #ComeOverOctober and #ComeOnOverYall. They can also plan visits to Texas wineries and share photos of their gatherings with hashtags on social media. Winners will be selected randomly to win prizes throughout October.
More details about special winery tastings and promotions throughout October will be available soon.
About Come Over October
Come Over October is an international campaign during the month of October encouraging wine drinkers to invite friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family to “come over” to a home, a restaurant, a winery, or wherever people gather to share some wine, friendship, and goodwill. The campaign’s message leans fully into moderation, and some may choose to participate in non-alcoholic wine. Come Over October honors wine’s 9,000-year history as a communal beverage that brings people together. As an agricultural product consumed within the company of others and most often with food, wine has played a positive role in society and culture.
The first international Come Over October campaign will take place in October 2024. The campaign will be annual. The idea for Come Over October was conceived in the Spring of 2024 by journalist Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible. MacNeil shared the idea with two friends—Kimberly Noelle Charles and Gino Colangelo—who are marketing and public relations specialists who own their own communications companies. Together, the three formed the mission-driven company COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine. COME TOGETHER’S first campaign is Come Over October.
