City of Irving Moves Ahead With Casino Plans
March 20, 2025 – The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-4 to fast-track a recommendation for approval of Las Vegas Sands’ casino resort plans to the Irving City Council, which is scheduled to vote on the matter this week. The decision moves the project one step closer to potential approval, setting the stage for a major casino and entertainment development in the city.
The proposal seeks to rezone approximately 1,000 acres of land near Highway 114, including the site of the former Texas Stadium, for a large-scale mixed-use development.
Supporters argue that the casino could bring significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased tourism, and additional tax revenue for Irving. Sands has promoted the project as a world-class resort that would enhance the region’s hospitality and entertainment offerings.
The company has invested heavily in lobbying efforts, contributing substantial sums to state politicians. In August and September 2024, the Texas Sands PAC donated $150,000 to Gov. Greg Abbott and $100,000 to Comptroller Glenn Hegar.
However, opponents have raised concerns about potential social impacts, gambling addiction, and increased traffic congestion. Some commissioners who voted against the fast-track approval expressed reservations about the speed of the process and the need for further public input.
Gambling is forbidden under Texas Penal Code Chapter 47. Changing these laws can only be done by amending Texas’ constitution, which requires two-thirds approval in the Texas House and Senate and the approval of a majority of voters on a statewide ballot.
The Irving City Council’s upcoming vote will be crucial in determining whether the project moves forward. If approved, the casino plan would still require state-level authorization, as Texas has strict gambling laws that currently prohibit most forms of casino gaming. The decision could set a precedent for future gaming-related developments in the state.
UT System Joins Ban on Drag
March 19, 2025 – The University of Texas (UT) and Texas A&M University have both banned drag shows on their campuses, following recent statewide discussions about the role of such performances in higher education settings. This decision aligns with broader legislative efforts in Texas aimed at restricting drag performances in public spaces, particularly in institutions that receive state funding.
“All activities at UT institutions are expected to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and executive orders, including any restrictions on the use of public funds,” said Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents.
At UT, officials cited concerns over “appropriate use of campus facilities” and “alignment with the university’s mission” as reasons for the prohibition. University leaders have emphasized that student organizations must ensure events comply with institutional policies and state regulations. Texas A&M has taken a similar stance, stating that drag performances do not align with the university’s values or mission of education and research.
Critics of the ban argue that it infringes on freedom of expression and limits the ability of student organizations to engage in inclusive programming. Supporters, however, claim that drag performances are inappropriate for university settings and should not be funded by public institutions.
The ban has sparked significant debate among students, faculty, and advocacy groups, with some calling for reconsideration of the policy. As the discussion continues, universities may face legal challenges or further policy changes based on evolving state and national perspectives on free speech and inclusivity.
Governor Abbott Showcases Special Education School Choice Opportunities In Plano
March 18, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Abbott today met with students with special needs, parents, and educators during a tour of St. Timothy Christian Academy (STCA) and promoted the importance of passing school choice for all Texas families during a media availability in Plano.
“The job of the state is to empower parents,” said Governor Abbott. “Schools like St. Timothy provide parents with an alternative education pathway where each individual student’s needs are met, whether they have special needs or just need to be in a different learning environment. Passing school choice in the state of Texas will empower generations of parents to be able to choose the education pathway that truly is best for their child.”
Joined by STCA Board of Directors President Lee Phegley, educators, and students during the media availability, Governor Abbott pledged that Texas will be put on a pathway to become the No. 1 state in the nation for educating students through a universal school choice program. Additionally, Governor Abbott thanked the Texas House of Representatives for standing up for Texas families and for having enough votes to pass their school choice bill, House Bill 3, as the Texas Senate has already passed their version in Senate Bill 2.
Prior to the media availability, Governor Abbott toured St. Timothy Christian Academy and met with students, parents, and educators. The Governor encouraged the St. Timothy students that they can overcome any obstacles, noting that he did not let the accident that left him in a wheelchair stop him from reaching his goals.
St. Timothy Christian Academy supports families by providing education to students with learning differences in grades K-12.
Find out What the Hopkins County Master Gardeners Have Planned for March 20th on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a chat with Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. John Mark and Ronnie talked about weeds on this segment. They talked about the different types of weeds, and what types of weed killer you should use on each different type of weed. Ronnie also discussed what exciting events the Hopkins County Master Gardeners have in store for the community for the next week or two. Be sure to catch this episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee below and see what you learn!
The Hopkins County Master Gardeners Have Exciting Events Coming Up
March 18, 2025 – The Hopkins County Master Gardeners have exciting events coming up this month. On Thursday, March 20th, 2025, Daci Rawson will present a program on “Texas Superstars,” at the AgriLife Extension Office, located at 1200 Houston Street, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. This program will begin at 6:30pm.
The Master Gardeners will present a program about water, watering, and fertilizer on March 27, 2025. This educational program will begin at at 6:30pm, in Heritage Park.
Then, on March 29th, 2025, the Hopkins County Master Gardeners will be set up in the Gardening Department at Atwoods in Sulphur Springs, Texas, from 9:00am to Noon, for a general visit. They will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and they will be offering soil testing kits.
You’re not going to want to miss out on any of these thrilling events, especially if you have a “green thumb.” Or even if you don’t have a “green thumb” yet, but want to start getting into gardening, come check them out. Everyone is welcome.
Tips to Prevent Barn Swallow Nests this Spring
March 18, 2025 – Federal law prohibits disturbing barn swallows once they nest, so take preventative action now.
– by Susan Himes
Whether you love watching barn swallows up close or dread the mess they leave behind, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert encourages you to take preventative action before the birds begin nesting.
With the migratory spring season for swallows underway, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert provides property owners with information to limit nest building on structures while adhering to federal law protecting the species. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)
The migratory spring season for swallows is underway, and barn swallows will typically enter the southern U.S. until mid-April.
Of the eight species of swallows in North America, barn and cliff swallows are considered the most problematic for property owners because they build mud nests attached to houses, barns and other structures. Barn swallows tend to nest as single pairs, while cliff swallows can nest in colonies of up to several hundred pairs.
These birds prefer nesting on overhangs, covered ledges or other suitable surfaces, using mud to build their nests. If your property meets these conditions, you may find swallows returning every year unless you take preventative action.
Intervene before nests are built and occupied
If you don’t want barn swallows on your property, you must immediately take action before any nests are built and occupied, said AgriLife Extension’s Liz Tidwell, a small acreage wildlife program specialist in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Uvalde.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it a federal crime to hunt, kill, capture, sell or otherwise hurt migratory birds, which includes destroying nests in use. In other words, once a bird begins spending time in a nest, even if the nest is not yet complete, it is illegal to remove it.
“The main reason people want to remove barn swallow nests is aesthetic,” Tidwell said. “Mud nests on the side of your house or structure, along with the bird droppings underneath, can be unsightly and even pose health concerns due to the droppings.”
Additionally, nests by entryways may also be a nuisance if swallows act territorial and “divebomb” homeowners to protect their nest and young.
“Luckily, swallows are not as aggressive as blue jays or mockingbirds,” she said. “Often, once swallows get used to your presence and know you aren’t going to harm the nest, they will stop swooping down on you.”
How to prevent barn swallow nests
Tidwell shared advice for preventing unwanted swallows.
- Cover nesting areas: Use netting or wire mesh to cover areas where swallows could build nests — typically areas like an eave or where a roof and wall meet.
- Hang vinyl strips: Vinyl plastic hung in overlapping vertical strips may be used for places with an open entryway.
- Add bird spikes and barriers: Bird spike sticks and barriers can be purchased and installed to prevent birds from building nests.
- Remove old nests: Knock down old, empty nests. Birds will reuse nests from previous years if available.
- Interrupt construction: When you see signs of new nest construction, knock down the mud daily until the birds give up on their build. Once a bird starts spending time in the nest — even if it is not yet complete — it is illegal to remove the nest until it is empty again.
Tidwell said trapping or shooting the birds is illegal, and attempting to scare the birds away is usually ineffective.
How to remove a barn swallow nest
Old, empty nests and the mud placed at the beginning of construction can be removed several ways.
- Use a pressure washer or hose.
- Use a pole or scraper but use protective gear like gloves and a respirator mask.
- Use caution if handling an empty nest. Parasites and mites can persist in nests as long as three years after a bird leaves.
Reasons to welcome swallows
Before taking preventative measures, Tidwell also encourages you to learn about the benefits of having barn swallows around:
- Pest control: Swallows eat insects many people consider pests — essentially providing a free ecological service.
- Birdwatching opportunity: The proximity of nests to doorways and windows makes for easy bird watching.
- Educational value: Nests allow viewers to experience a bird’s life cycle.
Ultimately, Tidwell said it’s important to remember that these birds are part of the seasonal changes of our dynamic natural world.
“They’re just temporary guests passing through and will leave when the weather cools,” she said.
-30-
Texas A&M AgriLife Family Cultivates Agricultural Excellence Through Personal and Professional Passion
March 18, 2025 – Texas A&M AgriLife family cultivates agricultural excellence through personal and professional passion.
by Maci Guay
Semira Mancill and Ronnie Schnell are more than just dedicated professionals — they are passionate agriculturalists who live their love for agriculture beyond their nine-to-five jobs.
Samira Mancill, DVM, spends her days as a Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory veterinarian diagnostician and her weekends as a corn farmer. (Ronnie Schnell/Texas A&M AgriLife)
During the week, Mancill, DVM and a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, works as a veterinary diagnostician at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL. In this role, she interprets diagnostic results, communicates with clients and coordinates cases that impact Texas’ agricultural and veterinary communities.
Schnell, Ph.D., serves as the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state cropping systems specialist and a professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Soil and Crop Sciences. His days are spent teaching classes and helping agricultural producers determine best practices for growing various crops across Texas.
But after working hours, Mancill and Schnell contribute to the agricultural community in a different way as they own and operate their own corn farm in Winchester.
“It’s a joyful place,” Mancill said. “We are blessed to be working on this land. We nurture the land, knowing our hard work today will feed tomorrow. We must have patience and resilience but are rewarded with the deep satisfaction of working in harmony with nature.”
Small field making a large impact
Farming takes hard work, long hours and plenty of perseverance — Mancill and Schnell are up for the challenge. They are dedicated to serving the agricultural community while watching their dreams sprout and grow, one stalk at a time.
They are dedicated to preserving the agricultural heritage of the region. Four years ago, when Schnell heard that his parents’ neighbors were hoping to sell their land to someone who would maintain its agricultural roots, the couple saw an opportunity.
The couple began by planting 35 acres of corn, which is ranked second among America’s leading farm commodities and grown for human and livestock consumption, as a biofuel, and as a raw material in various industries.
Mancill and Schnell’s production primarily goes to a local feed mill, where it becomes grain for livestock feed. Corn represents more than 95% of the total livestock grain produced in the U.S.
Lessons learned the hard way
Since beginning their corn farming journey, Mancill and Schnell have realized that a farming lifestyle is full of unexpected hurdles. Early on, they faced a major setback when wild hogs destroyed about a third of their crop overnight.
In response, Schnell spent three months building an electric fence to keep them out. For a while, the fence served as an excellent barrier protecting their corn, but the weather had other plans in mind. Following a windstorm, a tree fell onto the fence, allowing 16 hogs to enter the field within hours. Despite the curveballs farming throws, Mancill remains optimistic.
“Farming is fun,” Mancill said. “It’s always something, but if we got upset about every single thing that happens, we wouldn’t truly have a farm. We try to have a sense of humor because that helps us keep moving.”
Farming fueling family connection
Ronnie Schnell, Ph.D., spends time on the family corn farm with his son, Rhys. Schnell is the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state cropping systems specialist and a professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences. (Samira Mancill/Texas A&M AgriLife)
The corn farm has become woven into the fabric of their family, binding them together while teaching valuable lessons.
Mancill and Schnell often bring their son, Rhys, 11, and daughter, Reata, 7, to the farm on the weekends. Every visit to the cornfield is a lesson in the making, where the children absorb hands-on experience and discover the importance of sustainable farming.
“Being at the farm really does bring our family closer to the earth and closer to nature,” Mancill said. “We love getting our children involved and showing them how a stalk grows from a seed into an 8-foot-tall plant in such a short amount of time.”
Schnell said his kids get to see the process of corn growth and hopefully make some connections about where food comes from.
“These crops show up in our lives in many ways, and many people may not recognize it,” he said.
Planting seeds for the future
Looking ahead, Mancill and Schnell plan to eventually grow corn varieties for flour, which can be made into tortillas, chips and several other food products. This year, Mancill and Schnell plan to experiment with three types of food-grade seeds and observe which one grows best in their soil.
The couple also plans to expand their crops beyond corn. They planted a small assortment of fruit-bearing trees on their property, including peach, pomegranate and orange trees.
“We have big dreams for this plot of land,” Mancill said.
Dedication to agricultural excellence
Whether working at Texas A&M AgriLife or on the family farm, their commitment to agriculture runs deep. It is more than a job — it is a way of life.
“It’s a personal satisfaction of starting something from scratch and watching it come to fruition,” Mancill said. “At the final harvest, we look at our work and say, ‘Look at this, we did this.’”
For Mancill and Schnell, agriculture isn’t just a career. It’s a calling, driven by a love for the land and a passion for feeding the future.
-30-
East Texas A&M School of Music to Host Guest Artist Masterclass & Lecture Open to the Public
March 18, 2025 – Dr. Nicholas Perna is a recent finalist for the American Prize for Men in Opera.
COMMERCE, TX, March 18, 2025— The East Texas A&M University School of Music is thrilled to announce an exclusive vocal masterclass and pedagogy lecture with renowned vocal pedagogue and tenor, Dr. Nicholas Perna.
The free event will take place Wednesday, April 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Jack and Lou Finney Concert Hall on the East Texas A&M Campus, offering a rare opportunity for singers, voice teachers and music enthusiasts alike to gain invaluable insights from one of the most respected voices in the field.
Tenor Nicholas Perna’s voice has been hailed by the Houston Chronicle as “an impressive sound,” and the South Florida Sun Sentinel has praised his “emotionally driven performances.” Perna has appeared multiple times in recent seasons with Opera Mississippi and was a recent finalist for the American Prize for Men in Opera. Perna was twice selected as a Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Artist singer. Equally adept on Operatic and Musical Theater stages, roles to his credit include Don José in Carmen and Rodolfo in La Bohème, as well as Ravenal in Show Boat and Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden. Symphonic appearances include Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde and Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9.
Perna is an associate professor and director of vocal pedagogy at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is also the creator and co-host of the VocalFri Podcast, and holds graduate degrees from the University of Miami and the University of Houston. Perna is currently vice president for outreach for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (2022-2026).
The evening will begin with a dynamic vocal masterclass, during which Perna will work with pre-selected student singers to address vocal technique and performance interpretation. Following the masterclass, Perna will deliver a lecture on vocal pedagogy, exploring the challenges of navigating the middle voice. The lecture will provide actionable insights for both aspiring and seasoned vocal educators looking to deepen their understanding of the voice and enhance their teaching methods.
“We are honored to host Dr. Nicholas Perna for this exciting event,” said Dr. Matthew Schloneger, ETAMU Assistant Professor of Voice. “His expertise and passion for vocal artistry make him a truly inspiring educator. This event is an invaluable opportunity for anyone passionate about singing or vocal teaching to learn from one of the best in the field.”
The event is free and open to the general public.
GM Recalls 90k Vehicles
March 18, 2025 – General Motors (GM) has issued a recall affecting certain models equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission due to a potential defect. The recall covers the 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 Cadillac CT4 and CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The issue stems from a faulty transmission component that may cause unintended movement of the vehicle when shifted into park. This poses a serious safety risk, increasing the likelihood of rollaway incidents and potential crashes.
The problem is linked to the internal reaction carrier, a key transmission component that may have been improperly manufactured. Over time, this defect can lead to gear disengagement or vehicle movement, even when the driver believes the car is securely in park. GM has advised affected owners to use the parking brake as a precaution until repairs are completed.
To address the issue, GM will provide free repairs, including replacing or updating the transmission component as needed. Owners of impacted vehicles will receive notifications regarding scheduling their service at authorized dealerships. If you own one of the recalled models, it’s recommended to check with GM or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for further details on how to proceed with the repair.
Atmos Energy to Perform Routine Natural Gas Maintenance in Sulphur Springs
SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas – March 17, 2025 – Atmos Energy will perform routine maintenance resulting in the safe removal of natural gas on Wednesday, March 19 through Friday, March 21, from approximately 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 154 County Road 2319 in Sulphur Springs. Atmos Energy remains focused on its vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, and this system modernization work demonstrates a continued investment in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability, and our communities.
Atmos Energy is committed to protecting and preserving the environment, and this procedure is a necessary, safe, and standard industry practice used to extract natural gas from an isolated section of pipeline by burning it rather than allowing it to escape directly into the atmosphere. This routine practice reduces fugitive greenhouse gases and diminishes the mercaptan odorant to lessen the smell of natural gas in the air.
This process will result in a controlled flame and moderate noise, and Atmos Energy has advised city staff, public officials, 911 operators, and emergency responders.
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, a natural gas-only distributor, is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas. We safely deliver reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find us online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
#
