Proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir Hits Minor Obstacle
June 29, 2025 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has officially declared an interregional water conflict between Region C (the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area) and Region D (East Texas) regarding the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir.
The proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir is a planned water supply reservoir in the Sulphur River Basin in Titus, Red River, and Franklin counties about 100 miles northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Background & Decision
- In April 2025, Region D formally notified the TWDB that including Marvin Nichols in Region C’s 2026 initial plan could inflict substantial adverse economic, agricultural, and natural-resource impacts on Region D.
- Region C countered in May, asserting the reservoir would not only avoid significant harm to Region D, but could yield local economic gains—estimating $5 billion during construction, $120 million in annual revenue, and $325 million in annual tourism and public usage, while impacting only a small percentage of timber and farmland.
- The TWDB opened a public comment portal (May 8–June 9, 2025) and received over 370 responses—most opposed the reservoir echoing Region D’s concerns.
Marvin Nichols served on statewide water planning commissions and boards at the request of five governors. He was the first chair of the Texas Water Development Board in 1957, a position he held for six years.
Board Action & Mediation
- On June 27, 2025, after hearing testimony from TWDB Executive Administrator Brian McMath—as well as leaders from both regions—the board ruled unanimously that an interregional conflict does exist.
- McMath recommended facilitated mediation with up to four designated representatives from each region, to be selected by July 14, 2025, with mediation to conclude by July 31, 2025.
Next Steps
- If mediation succeeds, both regions will collaboratively resolve the dispute.
- If not, the TWDB will render a binding decision based on public input and organizational recommendations; this will be final and non‑appealable.
The TWDB’s declaration marks the third formal interregional conflict under Texas’ five‑year water‑planning framework—all involving Regions C and D. The mediation process now underway is pivotal in determining whether the Marvin Nichols project can move forward, be redesigned, or ultimately shelved. The board’s decision’s timing—mediation by end of July, final resolution thereafter—will significantly influence the future of water supply strategy for North Texas.
Texas Gun Law Changes Coming September
June 27, 2025 – Over the weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a series of bills aimed at strengthening Second Amendment protections and curbing local efforts to implement stricter gun control policies. The newly enacted legislation, which takes effect on September 1, 2025, makes it easier for Texans to own certain firearms while limiting the power of local governments to enforce gun restrictions.
Among the most significant provisions is a statewide ban on so-called “red flag” laws—court orders that allow authorities to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Abbott and legislative supporters argue that such measures infringe on due process rights and can be abused. Under the new law, no Texas court or locality will be permitted to enact or enforce red flag-style gun confiscation.
Another bill signed by the governor prohibits local governments from using public funds to host or operate gun buyback programs. Proponents of the measure argue that buybacks are ineffective and symbolic at best, often collecting unwanted or non-functional firearms while doing little to curb violent crime. Cities and counties that attempt to initiate such programs after the law takes effect could face legal consequences.
The legislative package also includes new clarifications making it easier for law-abiding citizens to transfer or inherit certain types of firearms, including modern sporting rifles and collectible handguns, without additional red tape.
Governor Abbott stated that the new laws reaffirm Texas’s commitment to gun rights and individual freedoms, saying, “Texans have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and our laws should reflect that. We will continue to stand strong against overreach from any level of government.”
COMMISSIONER MILLER PRAISES TEXAS LEGISLATURE FOR PUTTING A FORK IN LAB-GROWN MEAT
The bill banning lab-grown meat safeguards Texas agriculture and consumers
AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today celebrated that Texas officially became the seventh state in the nation to ban the sale and production of lab-grown meat. The legislation, recently signed by Governor Greg Abbott, is now set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The measure will ban the sale of cell-cultured protein products for human consumption across the Lone Star State for two years.
“This ban is a massive win for Texas ranchers, producers, and consumers,” said Commissioner Miller. Texans have a God-given right to know what’s on their plate, and for millions of Texans, it better come from a pasture, not a lab. It’s plain cowboy logic that we must safeguard our real, authentic meat industry from synthetic alternatives.”
SB 261, authored by Senator Perry and sponsored by Rep. Stan Gerdes, ensures that only beef and other animal proteins raised with natural and traditional methods are sold to consumers. This marks a decisive move in support of real Texas food and real Texas ranchers.
“I tip my hat to Senator Perry, the Texas Legislature, and Governor Abbott for taking a bold stand for our ranching families,” Miller concluded. “Texans feed the world with real food from real animals raised by real people. Not only that, but Texas raises the best beef and poultry products in the world. Lab-grown meat just doesn’t belong in Texas, and now, it doesn’t have a place on our tables.”
Check out KSST’s Coverage of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Summer of healthy fun Kick-Off
June 27, 2025 – Below is KSST’s coverage of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Summer of healthy fun Kick-Off. The exciting event was held June 23rd, 2025, in the Medical Plaza Conference Room in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Take a look at this interesting event and see what you might learn! Find out what the Health Care Foundation has in store for the near future for Hopkins County!
Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $4 Million for Community Forestry Projects
June 26, 2025 -COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Eighteen Texas municipalities, schools and non-profit organizations were awarded grant funding through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Community Forestry Grants program this month, totaling over $4 million.
Established in 2022, the Community Forestry Grants program provides funding to help Texans address local challenges through urban forestry investments and develop nature-based solutions that support healthier, more resilient and livable communities.
“Texas has 1.2 million acres of urban and community tree canopy, directly impacting the health and wellbeing of Texans,” said Alison Fulton, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Urban Ecologist. “With these grants, communities are able to strategically expand tree canopy coverage to help reduce heat related health risks, improve air and water quality and strengthen local infrastructure.”
Texas urban and community tree canopies generate over $6.1 billion in annual ecosystem services and provide vital support for local economies and residents.
“These projects will also support economic growth by creating jobs, increasing property values and reducing public costs through stormwater management and energy savings,” said Fulton.
The 2025 Community Forestry Grants program awarded grants across six categories. Each category addresses community needs through expanding and maintaining tree canopy.
One of the largest grant categories is the community greening transformation grant, aiding recipients in tree planting and giveaway events to provide at least 5,000 trees for their community to create placemaking through canopy expansion. This grant also provides tree care training to residents to better manage canopy on their properties and raise the collective community knowledge of forest management.
Awarded in the category of community greening transformations was Region One Education Service Center, Edinburg, $1,181,667; City of Pharr Parks and Recreation, $1,181,666; and City of Longview, $1,181,667.
Awarded in the category of community resiliency was Austin Independent School District, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of human health improvement and accessibility was El Centro de Corazon Community Health Center, Houston, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of workforce development was TreeFolks, Del Valle, $50,000; and Partners for Education, Agriculture, & Sustainability, Austin, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of tree planting and maintenance was City of Harlingen, $20,000; Gardopia Gardens, San Antonio, $20,000; Sewa International, Inc., Houston, $20,000; The Trail Conservancy, Austin, $17,968; Greens Bayou, Houston, $20,000; Tarrant Regional Water District, $20,000; El Paso County, $20,000; City of Burleson, $20,000; The Alief Super Neighborhood Council, Houston, $20,000; and City of New Fairview, $9,000.
Grants are reimbursement-based, and recipients will begin their projects in August 2025.
Funding for the grants program is provided in part through the USDA Forest Service Community Forestry Program.
The Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Program helps build local capacity for communities to develop sustainable programs that provide Texans with healthy trees and forests. This program offers training, workshops, online courses and assistance to local governments to help manage urban and community forests.
Learn more about community and urban forestry in Texas here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/forest-land/community-forestry/.
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Dinner Bell for July 2, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Credit Union of Texas
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.
Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) established a branch in Sulphur Springs in 2024. It is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
In 1931, during the Great Depression, a small group of Dallas teachers applied for a Credit Union Charter with assets of $65. That small amount then has grown to over $1.6billion in assets today, serving more than 165,000 members in all 50 states!
Not only does CUTX offer checking and savings accounts, it also provides loans (auto, home, student) and other financial products common to banking institutions. This non-profit credit union focuses on serving its members and communities and their critical needs and not maximizing profits for shareholders. Thank you Credit Union of Texas for helping Dinner Bell alleviate hunger in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
- Open-face hot dogs with chili
- Jalapeno potato salad
- Pickle spears
- Apple Pie
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF!
Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Big Changes Ahead for the Winnsboro Historical Museum
June 26, 2025 – Tucked inside the beautifully restored 1908 Winnsboro Depot, the Winnsboro Historical Museum is a treasured local gem. Operated by the Winnsboro Historical Association, its mission is simple yet vital: to preserve, protect, and promote the history of Winnsboro, passing it on to future generations.
More Room for History
Exciting things are happening behind the scenes. Thanks to recent permission from the City of Winnsboro, the museum now has access to use the entire Depot building. This expansion means more room to showcase the town’s rich history, including items that had previously been in storage or displayed off-site.
New Exhibits
While the museum already features several beloved displays, plans are underway for new exhibits. The museum will be part of an event in August and more information will be announced soon.
A Website for the Future
The museum’s website, winnsborotxmuseum.com, has been rebuilt on a new platform designed for growth. The updated site will now accept online donations and volunteer sign-ups, with even more functionality to come.
“In the next few years,” James Pickering notes, “we hope to have access to a searchable digital database of Winnsboro’s history — including photos, documents, and family stories. That effort is already underway, thanks to the previous work of town historian the late Bill Jones and many dedicated volunteers.”
Become a Donor or Sponsor
As the museum grows, so does its need for community support. A new donation page has been added to the website with expansion into donation levels and packages in the near future. “There will be several giving levels,” says Pickering, “and we plan to add perks along the way. Supporting the museum means helping a community understand its past and its identity.”
Donations can be made in person at the museum Wednesday through Saturday, or online through the donor page using credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and other digital options.
Volunteers: The Heart of the Museum
The museum is also seeking volunteers of all ages (16+) and skill sets. From leading tours to identifying people in old photographs, and from assembling exhibits to office and tech work, there’s a place for everyone.
“You don’t have to be a history expert,” Pickering explains. “Many of our most valuable volunteers bring other skills — photography, data entry, design — that help us grow in ways we couldn’t otherwise.”
Technology Meets Mystery
With new scanning tools and the help of online technology (including AI), the museum is digitizing documents and building a detailed database that will aid in research. This work has already led to a few surprises.
“One mystery we’re still working on involves an event reported in a Texas newspaper a full year before it happened in Winnsboro,” Pickering says with a smile. “We’ll be inviting the community to help solve these mysteries by sharing what they know.”
Future plans include open house days where locals can record their stories, share family photos, and help piece together the town’s untold stories.
Come Visit, Come Connect
The museum is free and open to the public, and Pickering encourages everyone to stop in — whether they have a photo to share or just want to spend an hour exploring.
“If you only have time for one room,” he says, “don’t miss our developing train and depot display. It includes a working train and rich history about the building itself.” To stay updated, visit winnsborotxmuseum.com or follow the museum on Facebook at Winnsboro Historical Museum. Plans are also underway to launch a newsletter for supporters.
Overview of the 89th Regular Texas Legislative Session
June 26, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas legislators allocated approximately $630 million in new funding, above current base funding, for Texas A&M Forest Service over the next two fiscal years.
The 89th Texas Legislative Session ended June 2, 2025, and the governor signed the budget on June 22.
The budget funds more volunteer fire department grants, the purchase and operation of wildfire suppression aircraft, motor vehicle purchases and more.
New funding to Texas A&M Forest Service above the current base funding includes:
- $257,000,000 – For the purchase and operation of wildfire suppression aircraft
- $192,291,000 – Volunteer fire department grants for outstanding unfunded requests
- $124,754,143 – Wildfire and natural disaster expenses incurred during 2023-2025
- $44,000,000 – Additional funding for volunteer fire department grants
- $2,056,918 – Motor vehicle purchases
- $2,044,444 – Volunteer fire department insurance from Fund 5066 increases
- $2,004,148 – Additional funding for group insurance
- $4,000,000 – Certified and insured prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool
- $500,000 – Database of wildland firefighting equipment in the state
Other bills related to Texas A&M Forest Service that passed (bill lookup):
- SB 34 (Sparks) Relating to funding for certain volunteer fire departments, to the preparation for and the prevention, management, and potential effects of wildfires, and to emergency communications in this state.
- SB 767 (Sparks) Relating to creating a database of firefighting equipment in the state available for use in responding to wildfires.
- SB 868 (Sparks) Relating to the allocation of money appropriated to the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
- HB 2563 (Ashby) Relating to the establishment of the temporary prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool; authorizing a fee.
- HB 4464 (Gonzalez) Relating to removing the requirement of provision of workers’ compensation insurance coverage for Texas Task Force 1, TIFMAS, and regional IMT members.
- HB 4945 (Ashby) Relating to a study conducted by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas on the feasibility of offering alternative service retirement benefits to Texas A&M Forest Service wildland firefighters who are members of the retirement system.
Read more about how the legislative session impacted members across The Texas A&M University System.
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CHRISTUS Health Patient Shares Story of Wound Recovery Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
June 26, 2025 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – After seeking a remedy for an open wound on his foot for more than a year, a Sulphur Springs man is now walking unaided and back to work, thanks to treatment received at the wound care clinic at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
In recognition of Wound Healing Awareness Month, CHRISTUS Health is highlighting the recovery of Johnnie Stone, 56, who visited multiple specialists in East Texas and Louisiana in search of a treatment plan for an open wound on his foot.
“I had a callous on my foot that would just not go away. Even after a specialist removed the callous, the wound itself would not heal,” Stone said. “I saw several specialists, even some that were talking major surgery, and eventually I realized that I wasn’t getting the options I needed.”
Stone had a condition called “diabetic foot,” in which high blood sugar levels can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, pain and a loss of feeling. This can make it difficult to feel minor injuries, like blisters or cuts, which can then become infected and make healing much more difficult.
After more than a year of seeking answers, Stone booked an appointment with the wound clinic at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
He would receive weekly and even daily treatment from the wound care team, which included cleaning of the wound and dressing changes.
During this time, Stone also underwent Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a medical
treatment where a patient breathes 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and tissues. This enhanced oxygen delivery can help wounds heal faster, fight infection, and reduce swelling.
“The oxygen increase in the blood creates new capillaries which supplies more blood to the wound and stimulates faster healing,” said Leta Jolley, a registered nurse who worked on Stone’s case. “We start every patient on a 30-session plan and then re-evaluate.”
Stone completed his first 30 sessions and was recommended for 30 more.
But after an additional 20 sessions, Stone’s wound healed.
“I was just so excited to be wearing shoes again,” Stone said. “I was so impressed by what the therapy did for my foot, how the staff treated me and how everything played out. The only thing I regret is that I did not come here sooner.”
Jolley said that she hopes more people will inquire about advanced wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and that Stone’s recovery can serve as motivation to do so.
“Watching him get better, knowing all he had been through, was so exciting,” she said. “We have a full range of wound care treatments here in Sulphur Springs and we want people to know it’s available and it really does work.”
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Abbott Signs HB4211; Takes on Developments like ‘EPIC City’
June 26, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 4211, a new property law aimed at limiting the legal framework of the proposed EPIC City development, taking effect immediately.
EPIC City is a proposed 402-acre Islamic-centered master-planned community initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center, located about 40 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin and Hunt counties.
The 402-acre project, initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center, plans a mix of homes, a mosque, faith-based school, community college, retail spaces, and sports and senior facilities across Collin and Hunt counties.
EPIC City is Still in the planning stage: No construction has commenced, and permit applications are pending. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed no applications have been filed.
Under the new law, developers must clearly disclose that buyers are investing in a business entity—not purchasing real property—and cannot impose resale fees or profit from secondary sales. Additionally, EPIC City and similar developments cannot claim religious exemptions, meaning they cannot sell or rent land exclusively based on religious affiliation, especially on parcels over 25 acres.
Abbott’s office emphasized that the law is designed to “crack down” on developments seeking to impose Sharia law or establish “no-go zones”.
EPIC City has faced multiple investigations—including state probes led by Abbott and a federal civil rights investigation by the DOJ, which was recently closed after developers affirmed inclusivity.
Despite controversy, EPIC City organizers maintain the project is inclusive, lawful under housing regulations, and unaffected by the new law
