Neighboring Hunt County Receives Portion of $6.8 Million in Grants
May 23, 2025 – AUSTIN— During Thursday’s meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $6.8 million in grants, funding 24 trail construction and maintenance projects across the state.
The National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF) supports recreational trail construction, renovation and acquisition through grants funded from a portion of the federal gas tax generated by fuel purchases for off-highway vehicles. The fund must be used to support a diverse mix of both motorized and non-motorized trail projects.
This year, $5.28 million in NRTF funds were made available for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Recreational Trails Grants Program. In addition to the federal funds, $1.52 million of the state Sporting Goods Sales Tax was allocated for eligible trail projects.
A portion of the grant funds, up to $900,000, will be used to support trail improvement projects in state parks.
Projects awarded funding are listed in alphabetical order by county below:
In Bandera County, the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area received $300,000 for the construction of six additional miles of multi-use natural surface trails at the site.
The city of Beeville in Bee County received $300,000 for trail upgrades in community parks. Improvements include the renovation of 2.6-miles of existing asphalt/gravel trails to 10-foot-wide asphalt trails across five sites, benches, trash cans, bike racks, water fountains, signage and lighting.
Universal City in Bexar County received $220,800 for phase two of the Cibolo Creek Recreational Trail. The project includes constructing a 1.23-mile cement-stabilized base trail with wayfinding signage.
College Station’s Texas Independence Park in Brazos County received $287,997 for the west phase trails project. Improvements include the construction of three miles of natural surface multi-use trail and .73-mile concrete trail connections with benches and trash cans.
The Texas Motorized Trails Coalition (TMTC) received $328,672 to create trails and park improvements to Ozona’s Escondido Draw Recreation Area in Crockett County. The project includes the renovation of 10 miles of trail, equipment repair and rental, surveys, engineering and professional services.
In Ozona, an additional $400,000 was allocated to TMTC’s Escondido Draw Recreation Area in Crockett County to purchase trail equipment, engineering and professional services.
The Paso Del Norte Community Foundation in El Paso County received $292,072 for safety and accessibility renovations to the Paso Del Norte Trail. The project will feature renovations along a 7.5-mile section of existing trail including concrete repair, street crossing, signage, picnic tables, trash receptables, bike racks and pet waste stations.
In Harris County, the TMTC Rio Bravo Adventure Park received $500,000 for improvements to the site. Work will include the renovation of six miles of trail and track, signage, electrical and septic updates, pavilion repairs, access road repairs, equipment repairs and rentals, resource surveys and engineering.
The TMTC Rio Bravo Recreation Area in Harris County received $400,000 for the purchase of a bulldozer/tractor and attachments, equipment maintenance and hand tools.
In Houston, Harris County received $240,000 for improvements to the Terry Hershey Trail. The project includes the renovation of three miles of asphalt hike and bike trail.
In Hays County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s San Marcos Aquatic Research Center received $57,427 for the rehabilitation of interior trails. Improvements include the renovation of a 1.75-mile trail, construction of a .56-mile trail with gravel turnpike, parking improvement and signage.
The city of Farmersville-NETT Section 4 in Hunt County received $75,000 for the construction of 1.9-miles of rail-to-trail surfacing.
In McLennan County, the Waco Motorcycle Club received $337,200 for improvements to the Waco Eagles Motocross Dirt Bike Park. The project includes the renovation of 10-miles of trail, parking, entrance signage, visitor building, lighting and security, fencing, a maintenance building, fuel and equipment rental.
The Castroville Regional Park in Medina County received $300,000 for the construction of 1.3-miles of trail, a pedestrian bridge, parking spaces, 2.4-miles of trail renovation and signage.
Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches County received $285,004 for its Building a Path to the Future at the SFA Gardens project. Improvements include the construction of .24-miles of trail, renovation of 7.7-miles of trail, boardwalks, bridges, the purchase of equipment and the installation of 12 trailhead signs.
In Nueces County, the city of Port Aransas received $241,515 to improve connectivity and accessibility in the Port Aransas Trail System. The project includes the construction of a .18-mile connecting trail, widening a .31-mile trail to six feet for ADA access, and renovations to a .48-mile loop trail.
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in Palo Pinto County received $300,000 for the construction of six additional miles of multi-use natural surface trail at the site.
Arlington Parks and Recreation in Tarrant County received $239,700 for the redevelopment of the River Legacy Park Trail. The project includes the renovation of an existing .49-mile trail to 12-foot-wide concrete.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department in Travis County received $300,000 for the creation of the Onion Creek Greenbelt trailhead and trail expansion. The project includes construction of a .6-mile trail, parking area, utilities and revegetation.
In Travis County, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center received $59,348 for improvements to the canyon and uplands trail. The project includes the renovation of 431-feet of trail, construction of 176-feet of natural surface trail with boardwalk renovation, fencing, interpretive signage and benches.
BikeTexas in Travis County received $75,000 for the Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference (TTAT). The funding will support the TTAT, which focuses on the creation and maintenance of trails in Texas.
In Victoria County, the city of Victoria received $250,056 for improvements to the Ted B. Reed Multi-Use Recreational Trail. The project includes construction of a .17-mile concrete trail and renovation of an existing .32-mile decomposed granite trail to 10-foot-wide concrete.
The city of Vernon in Wilbarger County received $54,051 for the Camp Cheromanche Nature Trail project. Improvements include the construction of a .3-mile improved surface trail with interpretive signage, benches, picnic tables and trash receptacles.
The city of Chico in Wise County received $60,800 for trail improvements at Wise County Park. The project includes construction of trail amenities including an ADA-compliant restroom, wayfinding signage, entrance sign, benches and picnic tables.
*Update* Authorities Searching for Missing Teen
May 23, 2025 – ***Missing Person has been located***Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office released a photo early Friday morning of a missing teen from the Hopkins County area.
The 16-year-old female is identified as Evelyn Vazquez who was last seen at her workplace (McDonald’s) on Thursday evening. Authorities believe she may be with Angel Daniel Garduno Guerrero, age 25, and traveling in a 2010 Chevy Malibu (tan in color).
If anyone has any information about this missing teen, they are urged to call the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4040.
Governor Abbott Announces Record-Breaking $46.3 Million In Grants To Serve Veterans And Their Families
May 22, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) today announced over $46,315,000 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants will be distributed to 175 organizations across the state. Approved by TVC Commissioners at their meeting last week, FVA grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and local government agencies throughout Texas that provide direct services to veterans and their families. The grants are expected to serve more than 40,000 veterans and their families.
“Texas is forever indebted to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation’s military,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is home to over 1.5 million veterans—more than any other state. This has shaped our mission to provide wide-ranging services for veterans and their families. With over $46,315,000 million in state grants, Texas will help thousands of veterans and their families access vital support and resources needed to thrive in our great state. Texas will always support our veterans and honor their sacrifices to our state and our nation.”
“Veterans receive vital services and assistance from these nonprofits and local governments across the state,” said TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner. “From clinical counseling to housing and financial assistance to legal services, these Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants will help thousands of Texas veterans and their family members.”
The FVA grants help fund the following services and support:
• Clinical counseling
• Employment support
• Financial assistance
• Home modification
• Homeless veteran support
• Peer support services
• Pro bono legal services
• Referral services
• Supportive services
• Transportation programs and services
• Veteran Treatment Courts
Texas veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses in need of resources and assistance can find organizations that serve their area by county with the Grant Services Directory at tvc.texas.gov/fund.
Funding for these grants is generated primarily by the Texas Lottery Commission’s games designated for veteran support. Other sources of funding for the grants come from individual donation options on drivers’ licenses, licenses to carry a handgun, outdoor recreation licenses for hunting and fishing, and vehicle registrations.
Since 2009 through the current 2025-2026 grant cycle, over $359 million in grant funding has been awarded through 1,600 FVA grants.
The Texas Veterans Commission advocates for and provides superior services that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The TVC assists veterans with receiving their benefits, provides funding to agencies which provide direct services to veterans and administers the Hazlewood Act education benefits.
Learn more at tvc.texas.gov.
Flag Football Set for 2028 Olympics
May 21, 2025 – NFL owners have officially approved the participation of NFL players in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a historic milestone for both the sport and the league. The decision, announced this week, paves the way for top professional football talent to represent the United States and potentially other countries in the Olympic Games as flag football makes its debut on the international stage.
This move signals a growing collaboration between the NFL and international sports bodies to expand football’s global footprint. While traditional tackle football has long been viewed as a uniquely American sport with limited global adoption, flag football offers a faster-paced, low-contact version that is more accessible and widely played worldwide.
With the league’s blessing, the NFL and Olympic organizers will now begin coordinating on player eligibility rules, team selection procedures, and scheduling to ensure that NFL stars can participate without disrupting the professional season. The NFL has also expressed support for using this opportunity to showcase the athleticism and skill of its players to a global audience.
The inclusion of NFL athletes is expected to raise the profile of flag football significantly, potentially drawing in millions of new fans. It also aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy to promote youth participation and international engagement through non-contact formats of the game.
TPWD Highlights Importance for Boaters to “Clean, Drain, and Dry”
May 21, 2025
May 20, 2025 – AUSTIN – With Memorial Day and the launch of summer on the horizon, Texans across the state will spend time on the water for fun and recreation. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers who enjoy the waterways to do their part to protect the Texas lakes we love from aquatic invasive species.
“Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to boating season in Texas, and while we want everyone to have a great time, we also want them to avoid giving free rides to invasive species and helping them travel to new lakes,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director. “The best way to prevent the spread of many harmful aquatic invasive species is to clean, drain and dry your watercraft and equipment – every time.”
In addition to helping prevent harm to aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure and the recreational experience at lakes, when boaters clean, drain, and dry their boat because it’s also the law. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal. Boaters must drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water. They must also remove all invasive plants from the boat and trailer before leaving a lake.
Two of the biggest threats to Texas lakes, zebra mussels and giant salvinia, continue to spread to new areas in Texas. In addition, other highly invasive species can also be spread or be introduced by boaters, including water hyacinth, crested and yellow floating heart and quagga mussels—or other invasive species not yet found in Texas.
Zebra mussels, a non-native shellfish that attaches to hard surfaces, pose a significant threat to our lakes. These invasive mussels damage boats and infrastructure for water supply and control, alter lake ecosystems and cause harm to native species. They also litter shorelines with hazardous, sharp shells that impact lakefront recreation.
Zebra mussels are now found in 38 Texas lakes across seven river basins, as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes. TPWD and partners monitor numerous at-risk lakes around the state for early detection of zebra and closely related quagga mussels. But, once they’ve been introduced and become established in a lake nothing can be done to control or eradicate them.
“Zebra mussels and quagga mussels can be attached to boats or even carried by anchors or plants clinging to boats,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species. “Microscopic zebra mussel larvae can also be transported in residual water in the boat. Taking just a few minutes to clean, drain and dry boats can make a huge difference in our efforts to prevent further spread of this highly damaging species and harm to Texas lakes.”
Giant salvinia, a highly invasive, free-floating aquatic fern that can double its coverage area in a week, is another major threat to our lakes. This invasive plant can produce thick surface mats that make fishing, boating, swimming and other water recreation nearly impossible.
Giant salvinia is currently present on 27 East Texas lakes and numerous rivers, creeks and marshes between Houston and Beaumont. While TPWD efforts have kept giant salvinia from currently limiting angling or boating access in Texas public waters, they could still hitchhike from one lake to another on a boat, trailer or other equipment.
“There’s no doubt that Texans love their lakes, but we also need everyone to take action to help protect them,” said John Findeisen, TPWD aquatic habitat enhancement team lead. “It only takes a tiny fragment of an invasive plant to create a problem in a new lake and preventing aquatic invasive species introductions avoids costly, long-term efforts to manage these species once they become established in a lake. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — it only takes a small amount of our time as responsible boaters to clean, drain and dry our boats and equipment to prevent new introductions of aquatic invasive species.”
TPWD urges boaters to follow these three simple but crucial steps to clean, drain and dry boats and gear before traveling from lake to lake: remove plants, mud and debris; drain all water from the boat and gear; once back home, open compartments and allow everything to dry completely for at least a week, if possible.
If a boat or other equipment has been stored in the water at a lake with invasive mussels, it is likely infested and poses an extremely high risk for transporting these invasive species to a new lake. Before moving the boat, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance.
For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. To learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas, visit tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.
TPWD and partners monitor for invasive species in Texas lakes, but anyone who spots them on boats, trailers or equipment that is being moved can help prevent new introductions by reporting the sighting to TPWD at (512) 389-4848. Anyone who finds invasive species such as zebra mussels in lakes where they haven’t been found before can help identify new introductions by emailing photos and location information to [email protected].
“Project Homecoming” Underway With $1000 Bonus
May 21, 2025 – This week marked the launch of a controversial new immigration program as the first charter flight under the Department of Homeland Security’s “Project Homecoming” initiative departed from Houston, Texas. Aboard were 64 illegal aliens from Colombia and Honduras who had voluntarily agreed to return to their home countries, making them the first participants in the program aimed at promoting self-deportation.
Project Homecoming offers incentives to undocumented immigrants who choose to leave the United States voluntarily. Through the CBP Home App, individuals can apply to participate in the program, which provides free chartered flight assistance, a $1,000 reintegration stipend upon arrival in their country of origin, and potential eligibility to apply for legal U.S. entry in the future.
Supporters argue that this approach helps reduce the financial and logistical burden of forced deportations. According to Department of Homeland Security estimates, involuntary deportations can cost upwards of $17,000 per person, compared to a significantly lower cost for voluntary returns. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed programs like Project Homecoming, arguing that they promote humane enforcement while saving taxpayer money.
Critics, however, have questioned whether offering financial incentives might encourage abuse or send mixed messages about immigration enforcement. Immigration advocates also warn that some participants may feel coerced into leaving due to fear of legal action, rather than making a truly voluntary decision.
Nonetheless, DHS officials say early interest in the program is strong, and additional flights are expected in the coming weeks. With immigration remaining a central issue in national politics, Project Homecoming may offer a new model—or spark further debate—on how the U.S. handles the millions of undocumented immigrants already living within its borders.
Homeowners May Get Larger Tax Break
May 21, 2025 – Texas homeowners are one step closer to a bigger tax break after the state House gave unanimous preliminary approval to a set of legislative proposals Tuesday.
House members advanced bills aimed at giving homeowners relief on the property taxes they pay toward school districts, the biggest chunk of a property owner’s tax bill. Senate Bill 4 by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, would change the state’s homestead exemption, which reduces how much of a home’s value can be taxed to pay for public schools, from $100,000 to $140,000.
Senate Bill 23, another Bettencourt proposal, would raise a separate homestead exemption for homeowners who are older or have disabilities from $10,000 to $60,000.
Both bills — key priorities for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Texas Senate — must come back before the House on Wednesday for a final vote. The Senate will have to sign off on changes the House made to the bills before they head to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
Providing bigger tax breaks to homeowners is a key component of a deal brokered by Republicans in the Texas Legislature to lower tax bills for Texans, who pay among the highest property taxes in the country. The other major piece is giving business owners greater exemptions on their inventory. Texas is one of the few states that taxes businesses’ inventory.
House Bill 9 by state Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from being taxed by school districts, cities, counties or any other taxing entity. Under current law, businesses don’t have to pay taxes on that property if it’s worth $2,500 or less.
The Texas Senate approved that bill last week, and House members gave a thumbs-up Monday to changes that chamber made.
House lawmakers shot down a push by the chamber’s more conservative members to boost the homestead exemption to $160,000. Supporters of the failed amendment argued that legislators could further tap the state’s $24 billion surplus to pay for greater relief. But other lawmakers stressed that state budget writers have only set aside enough money to pay to raise the exemption to $140,000.
Sponsorships for HCHC Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo On Sale Now
May 20, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Sponsorships are officially on sale for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo. The event will be Thursday, August 7 and approximately 590 are expected to be in attendance.
There are 4 tiers of sponsorships available. The Luxury Bag Sponsorship is $2,500 and includes a table on the front row with bingo packets for 8 players. Sponsors’ logos will appear in the printed program, in the PowerPoint during the event, and will be displayed next to the designer bags. Sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
The Tote Sponsorship is $1,500 and includes a reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ logos will appear in the printed program, in the PowerPoint during the event, and will be displayed next to the designer bags. Sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
A Satchel Sponsorship is $500 and only sponsors a bag, no table or tickets are included. Sponsors’ names will be displayed next to the bags, printed in the program, and acknowledged from the podium.
Clutch sponsorships are $250, do not include tickets, and include the same marketing benefits as a Satchel Sponsorship.
Chosen sponsorship level determines the value of the bag associated with the sponsorship. Handbags in the past have come from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Tori Burch, YSL, Hobo, Brighton, and Kate Spade.
Proceeds of the event will fund a free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women over the age of 40. Clinic signups and information will be released in September.
To sponsor visit handbagbingo25.GiveSmart.com, or for more information, email [email protected] or call the Foundation at 903-348-4799.
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Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn May 28th
May 19, 2025 – Lunch & Learn will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites anyone who wants to learn more about doing genealogical research to join us. For this month’s session you are encouraged to bring your sack lunch, salad or drive-through meal or we have snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Rhonda Bechhold is going to lead the group in a deep-dive of the HCGS website. Many members and even some volunteers are not completely comfortable with navigating the website and may be missing out on some of the research tools it has to offer.
Please join us for Rhonda’s presentation and bring along a friend. We’re sure you will find something new and enlightening to improve your genealogical research.
Texas Ag Commissioner Miller Promotes Summer Meals Served by TDA Partners
AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced that summer meal sites will soon open across Texas. Starting around June 2, after school cafeterias close for summer, he and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will partner with schools, churches, city governments, and other nonprofits to administer the Summer Meal Programs in Texas. These programs serve no-cost meals to children 18 and younger and enrolled students over 18 with disabilities in low-income areas.
“Our Summer Meal Program partners work hard to ensure children have the nutrition they need to return to school in the fall ready to succeed,” Commissioner Miller said. “Children should look forward to enjoying their summers, not fearing food insecurity because they don’t have school meals for almost three months. I’m asking everyone to help me raise awareness of how families can find these meals and support our partners.”
Commissioner Miller encourages Texas families to use one of the following two ways to find a nearby meal site:
- Visit www.summerfood.org to access an interactive meal site map.
- Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator in English or Spanish.
In addition to locating a site, it’s important to frequently use these tools to confirm dates and times and gather more information about meal services. Some locations in rural areas will distribute multi-day meal bundles for families who have trouble attending a site daily. Utilizing these site-finding tools will provide families in remote and underserved areas with information about nearby sites that offer these accommodations.
Summer sites target low-income areas, such as areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. While meals are primarily intended for children 18 years old or younger, no-cost meals may be provided to persons 19 years of age and over who are determined by a state or local educational agency to have a mental or physical disability and are enrolled in a public or private school program established for people with mental or physical disabilities.
For more information about TDA’s Summer Meal Programs, visit www.SummerFood.org or call TDA’s Food and Nutrition Division at (877) TEX-MEAL or (877) 839-6325.
