Motorcyclists Don’t Just “Come out of Nowhere”
May 1, 2025 – TxDOT is sharing driver safety tips during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
PARIS – Motorcyclist Brendan Johnson donated his black leather jacket to TxDOT for use in motorcycle safety messages. Tragically, he never saw the campaign because he was killed in a motorcycle crash.
To help prevent tragedies like this, TxDOT is sharing Johnson’s story and driver safety tips during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month through the Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign.
“We often hear drivers say they simply ‘didn’t see’ the motorcyclist,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We want every driver to check and double check for motorcycles and learn how to safely share the road across the streets and highways of Texas.”
Brendan’s story
Months before he was killed, Johnson lent his beloved motorcycle jacket for a TxDOT campaign billboard photo shoot, and he was thrilled to be involved in the safety message. But before he got to see the signs go up, a van turned in front of him on his way home from work and sent him into a ditch.
His coworkers were among the first on the scene. They attempted CPR and heard repeated questions from the driver of the van who said, “Where did he come from? I didn’t see him.”
The data
In the more than 9,000 motorcycle crashes in Texas last year, 585 motorcyclists were killed. These crashes can be prevented if drivers learn to share the road and watch out for motorcycles.
- In 2024, the number of motorcycle traffic crashes in the Paris District totaled 161. These crashes resulted in 13 motorcyclist (operators and passengers) fatalities and 70 motorcyclists being seriously injured.
Safety tips
- Train yourself to notice motorcycles. They’re smaller and lower to the ground than cars. By reminding yourself to keep an eye out for motorcycles, you’ll train your eyes and brain to notice them more easily.
- Look twice. Always use your turn signals and check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Use caution when turning. Drivers have trouble judging the speed and distance of motorcycles. Never try to rush a turn ahead of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe following distance. Motorcycles can slow down by downshifting, which doesn’t activate their brake lights.
- Don’t crowd. If you need to pass a motorcycle, treat it like a car and give it a full lane of space. Never crowd into the same lane.
- Slow down. Speeding makes every type of crash more deadly. Obey posted speed limits and drive according to conditions.
To spread these messages, TxDOT’s campaign will use advertisements and an interactive traveling exhibit that demonstrates how easy it is to lose sight of a motorcycle if you’re not paying attention. The exhibit uses virtual reality so participants can experience the perspectives of both driving a car and riding a motorcycle in dangerous situations.
Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
CHRISTUS Health Earns Highest Rating for Hospital, Patient Safety in East Texas
May 1, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – Four CHRISTUS Health hospitals in East Texas have earned the top rating for health care safety from the Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization that assigns grades to U.S. hospitals based on their ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler, Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, Good Shepherd Medical Center – Longview and Good Shepherd Medical Center – Marshall all earned A grades in Leapfrog’s spring 2025 hospital safety survey released today.
“Our A rating belongs to every nurse, physician, technician and staff member who brings their best to work — and to our patients — every day.” said Chris Glenney, senior vice president for group operations for CHRISTUS Northeast Texas and North Louisiana.
The A rating comes during a time of significant growth across the region for CHRISTUS Health, with an announced emergency department and multi-specialty clinic expansion in Mount Pleasant, a freestanding emergency room in Henderson to open this summer, an emergency hospital in Palestine and multi-specialty clinic in Sulphur Springs.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade surveys and grades nearly 3,000 participating U.S. acute care hospitals. Results are updated each fall and spring and are based on more than 30 national performance measures, including maternity care, critical care, elective outpatient surgery for adults and children, medication safety and complex adult and pediatric surgery.
According to Leapfrog, of the nearly 3,000 hospitals graded, less than one third received an A rating.
“An A rating is more than a letter — it’s a reflection of our relentless commitment to safety, compassion, and excellence in patient care.” Glenney said. “This recognition is not our destination, it’s our standard, and we strive to exceed it every day.”
CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Texarkana, St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta, and CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier also received A ratings.
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Sulphur Springs LadyCats Golf Team Placed Fourth in State
May 1, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs LadyCats Golf Team has placed fourth in the state tournament.
Members of the team are seniors Alyson Thomas, Kenzie Posey and McKenna Meskimen, junior Evelyn Birdsong and freshman Ramsey Ragan.
The Ladycats had great success and showed steady improvement over the past three seasons. They finished in 10th place two years ago and in ninth place last year before this year’s fourth-place finish.
They were district champions and regional champions.
In the UIL Region 2-4A Academic Meet, Sulphur Springs High School Placed Second
May 1, 2025 – In the UIL Region 2-4A academic meet, Sulphur Springs High School placed second to the Dallas School of Science and Engineering, a magnet school. Wildcat academicians tallied 282 points behind the Dallas school’s 342.
Suunnyvale was third with 122 points.
The Wildcats earned21 Medals,10 first-place finishes andeight second-place finishes.
First place winners included the journalism team, with Nathan Bilyeu taking first in feature writing, Abigail Bautista first in editorial writing, and James McCoy first in headline writing. The spelling and vocabulary team placed first, with Karla Brooks Burgin the overall first-place finisher. Anthony Small took first in literary criticism.
Twenty students have qualified for the UIL State competition, and five more qualitied as alternates.
East Texas A&M News Release: Building Real-World Skills in AI: A New Path for College Students
With rapid changes to every industry being brought on by artificial intelligence, East Texas A&M is offering a program to prepare students for the future workforce.
COMMERCE, TX, April 30, 2025—Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s already changing how people live and work. From chatbots that help answer customer questions to algorithms that assist doctors in diagnosing illness, AI is shaping decisions, streamlining workflows and powering innovation across the globe. As its influence continues to grow, understanding how to work with AI is becoming essential—not just for tech experts, but for professionals in nearly every field.
In response to this shift, East Texas A&M University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (M.S. in AI), a graduate program focused on the practical application of AI tools and systems. Designed to equip students with real-world, hands-on experience, the program prepares future professionals to confidently navigate and lead in an increasingly tech-driven world.
How is AI impacting industry?
Search Enterprise AI, a resource for news and studies on artificial intelligence, predicts that the industries most impacted by AI will be education, healthcare, finance, law and transportation, illustrating that careers across the spectrum will be impacted.
“It’s going to be relevant in almost every job, especially jobs that require communication,” said Dr. Christian Hempelmann, professor of computational linguistics and director of the Semantic Artificial Intelligence and Creativity Laboratory at East Texas A&M. “For professionals in almost any field, AI will be able to enhance their communication.”
What does this mean for the job market?
Contrary to common misconceptions, AI won’t necessarily eradicate certain careers. And careers in which AI is used won’t necessarily require workers to complete complex coding algorithms from scratch. However, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can apply existing AI tools and systems to solve real-world problems across a wide range of sectors.
“AI is not going to take your job,” Hempelmann said. “But a person who knows AI along with other skills necessary for a job may take that job.”
As AI advances, its implementation will become more accessible and integrated into daily business operations. For instance, businesses may use AI to better understand their customers, make smarter decisions with data, and improve the way people and computers communicate, Organizations will rely on professionals who understand AI’s capabilities and limitations and who can bridge the gap between technical solutions and practical applications.
What does this mean for the modern college student?
For college students, the rise of AI means now is the time to build skills in AI and large language models (LLM) to prepare for their future careers. AI is changing how we solve problems, make decisions and interact with technology in nearly every field. Understanding how to apply AI tools—not just how they’re built—can set students apart and open doors across various industries.
Dr. Omar El Ariss, associate professor of Computer Science and Information Systems at East Texas A&M, said students will need to adapt as they prepare for the workforce. Students who include AI as a discipline in their studies will have an advantage entering the workforce.
What does East Texas A&M offer students interested in AI?
For students who understand the importance of AI in industry, East Texas A&M offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. The program aims to explore the intersection of language and linguistics, computer science, and human ingenuity through hands-on experience in machine learning and AI applications. It is designed to help students learn and develop new ways people process information, make decisions, and interact with the world through AI.
With four emphasis areas—computer science, computational linguistics, mathematics and psychology—students can focus on the area of artificial intelligence research that meets their professional goals. Given the broad scope of career opportunities an M.S. in AI provides, students with an undergraduate degree in any area are encouraged to apply.
“You are welcome to join the program from any degree,” El Ariss said. “We are not assuming you should be technical or a programmer or anything. This is the theme of our program—AI is applicable to all fields. Even in such careers as farming, AI will soon be relevant.”
With online and in-person class options, the M.S. in AI program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals and full-time students alike. For more information, please visit the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence webpage.
Honey Bees are Important Pollinators in Agriculture and Natural Ecosystems by Mario Villarino
May 1, 2025 – Honey bees are important pollinators in agriculture and natural ecosystems, but they can become a nuisance or even a hazard when they establish colonies inside buildings. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides guidance on safely managing and removing honey bee colonies from structures while preserving their ecological value whenever possible.
Honey bees typically enter buildings through small openings in walls, roofs, soffits, or chimneys. They are attracted to sheltered spaces such as wall voids, attics, or hollow areas where they can build comb and raise their young. Once established, these colonies can be difficult to detect at first, but over time, signs such as increased bee activity near an entry point, buzzing noises inside walls, or honey seeping through surfaces may become apparent.
AgriLife Extension recommends several steps for managing bee colonies in buildings. First, it is important to confirm whether the insects are indeed honey bees and not wasps or other species. Honey bees are generally non-aggressive unless provoked, but their presence inside a home or business still poses risks, especially to people with allergies.
If removal is necessary, AgriLife strongly encourages contacting a professional beekeeper or pest control expert with experience in bee removals. In many cases, local beekeepers are willing to relocate the colony without killing the bees, helping preserve local pollinator populations. This process often involves opening the structure to remove both the bees and the honeycomb. Leaving behind comb and honey can lead to future infestations, bad odors, and damage from melting wax or fermenting honey.
After removal, sealing all potential entry points is critical to prevent re-infestation. Structural repairs may be necessary, especially if the colony has been in place for a long time. Bee-proofing techniques include screening vents, sealing gaps with caulk, and maintaining buildings to limit access to voids and cavities.
In Texas, wild honey bees are protected under certain conditions, and local regulations may apply when handling or relocating colonies. For residents unsure how to proceed, the Texas Apiary Inspection Service offers lists of registered beekeepers and hive removal specialists by county.
Overall, AgriLife Extension emphasizes a balanced approach to managing honey bees in buildings: protecting public safety while preserving these vital pollinators whenever feasible.
For more information on this or any other agricultural related topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected]
Dinner Bell for May 7, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Texas Farm Credit and
First UMC Sojourners Sunday School Class
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.
If you are a farmer, a rancher or “country living is just for you”, Texas Farm Credit is able to help!!! Farm Credit Bank of Texas is part of the Farm Credit System (FCS) established by Congress in 1916 to support rural agricultural communities. It consists of cooperative banks and associations who provide credit to individuals and busi nesses throughout the United States.
The FCS assist the rural community and organizations of all types and sizes, ranging from small family farms to corpora tions with global operations and is a crucial source of funding for the agribusiness industry which is seen as “high risk” by traditional lenders.
The Federal Government initially funded the FCS to ensure American agriculture had a dependable source of credit. It is now self-funded and owned by its member-borrowers.
Texas Farm Credit of Sulphur Springs is community minded and sends a team to the World Championship Stew Contest. They partner with Dinner Bell to provide a nourishing meal to those who need a meal and we are grateful for their support.
Our second community partner comes from within First United Methodist Church, our Sojourners Sunday School Class. The class is composed of couples and singles who vary in age from 60-80. The Class is facilitated by Pam Sellers. Pam chooses Christian literature from notable writers and creates a lesson that invoke lively discussions. This class provides leaders and workers in many areas of the First United Methodist Church, including Dinner Bell kitchen helpers and in leadership positions throughout our community.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
- Mashed Potatoes
- Squash and Sauteed Onions
- Buttered French Bread Slices
- Gooey Butter Cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Texas SB 1065 Clears Senate, Heads to House
May 1, 2025 – On April 30, 2025, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill 1065 with a 20–11 vote, aiming to prohibit contractors leasing government-owned property from enforcing firearm bans, such as the one implemented by the State Fair of Texas. The bill now advances to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration.
The State Fair of Texas banned firearms in response to a shooting in the fair’s food court in 2023 that injured three people. The fair’s governing board implemented a policy change in August 2023, prohibiting firearms, even for those with valid handgun licenses, with the exception of current or retired law enforcement officers. This policy change was intended to enhance security and protect fairgoers.
The State Fair instituted its firearm ban in 2024 following a 2023 incident where a gunman injured three attendees. Under the current policy, only licensed peace officers are permitted to carry firearms on the fairgrounds. Senator Bob Hall (R–Rockwall), the bill’s author, contends that this policy infringes upon Texans’ rights to self-defense, stating that temporary control of government property should not be used to circumvent lawful firearm possession.
If enacted, SB 1065 would prevent lessees of public property from establishing gun-free zones unless explicitly authorized by state law. It also empowers residents and licensed gun holders to file complaints with the attorney general if they believe a contractor is unlawfully restricting firearm rights. Violations could result in civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,500.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has previously challenged the State Fair’s firearm restrictions, arguing they unlawfully infringe upon Second Amendment rights. Although the Texas Supreme Court upheld the Fair’s policy, Paxton has continued to pursue legal action against similar restrictions on other city-owned properties.
Opponents of the bill, including groups like Moms Demand Action, argue that it removes the flexibility needed by event organizers to ensure public safety, imposing a uniform mandate that may not suit all venues.
The bill’s progression reflects ongoing debates in Texas over the balance between gun rights and public safety at events held on government-owned properties.
Building Real-World Skills in AI: A New Path for College Students
With rapid changes to every industry being brought on by artificial intelligence, East Texas A&M is offering a program to prepare students for the future workforce.
COMMERCE, TX, April 30, 2025—Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s already changing how people live and work. From chatbots that help answer customer questions to algorithms that assist doctors in diagnosing illness, AI is shaping decisions, streamlining workflows and powering innovation across the globe. As its influence continues to grow, understanding how to work with AI is becoming essential—not just for tech experts, but for professionals in nearly every field.
In response to this shift, East Texas A&M University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (M.S. in AI), a graduate program focused on the practical application of AI tools and systems. Designed to equip students with real-world, hands-on experience, the program prepares future professionals to confidently navigate and lead in an increasingly tech-driven world.
How is AI impacting industry?
Search Enterprise AI, a resource for news and studies on artificial intelligence, predicts that the industries most impacted by AI will be education, healthcare, finance, law and transportation, illustrating that careers across the spectrum will be impacted.
“It’s going to be relevant in almost every job, especially jobs that require communication,” said Dr. Christian Hempelmann, professor of computational linguistics and director of the Semantic Artificial Intelligence and Creativity Laboratory at East Texas A&M. “For professionals in almost any field, AI will be able to enhance their communication.”
What does this mean for the job market?
Contrary to common misconceptions, AI won’t necessarily eradicate certain careers. And careers in which AI is used won’t necessarily require workers to complete complex coding algorithms from scratch. However, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can apply existing AI tools and systems to solve real-world problems across a wide range of sectors.
“AI is not going to take your job,” Hempelmann said. “But a person who knows AI along with other skills necessary for a job may take that job.”
As AI advances, its implementation will become more accessible and integrated into daily business operations. For instance, businesses may use AI to better understand their customers, make smarter decisions with data, and improve the way people and computers communicate, Organizations will rely on professionals who understand AI’s capabilities and limitations and who can bridge the gap between technical solutions and practical applications.
What does this mean for the modern college student?
For college students, the rise of AI means now is the time to build skills in AI and large language models (LLM) to prepare for their future careers. AI is changing how we solve problems, make decisions and interact with technology in nearly every field. Understanding how to apply AI tools—not just how they’re built—can set students apart and open doors across various industries.
Dr. Omar El Ariss, associate professor of Computer Science and Information Systems at East Texas A&M, said students will need to adapt as they prepare for the workforce. Students who include AI as a discipline in their studies will have an advantage entering the workforce.
What does East Texas A&M offer students interested in AI?
For students who understand the importance of AI in industry, East Texas A&M offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. The program aims to explore the intersection of language and linguistics, computer science, and human ingenuity through hands-on experience in machine learning and AI applications. It is designed to help students learn and develop new ways people process information, make decisions, and interact with the world through AI.
With four emphasis areas—computer science, computational linguistics, mathematics and psychology—students can focus on the area of artificial intelligence research that meets their professional goals. Given the broad scope of career opportunities an M.S. in AI provides, students with an undergraduate degree in any area are encouraged to apply.
“You are welcome to join the program from any degree,” El Ariss said. “We are not assuming you should be technical or a programmer or anything. This is the theme of our program—AI is applicable to all fields. Even in such careers as farming, AI will soon be relevant.”
With online and in-person class options, the M.S. in AI program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals and full-time students alike. For more information, please visit the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence webpage.
Representative Lujan Files Bill to Combat Rental Car Theft and Cross-Border Crime
April 30, 2025 – AUSTIN, Texas — For years, a troubling trend has been unfolding across major Texas cities. Stolen vehicles, once considered a localized issue, have become key assets in organized criminal operations, particularly along the southern border. Representative John Lujan (R–San Antonio) has filed legislation to combat this growing threat by addressing a loophole in state law that criminals have exploited to traffic stolen rental vehicles across the border.
The proposed bill targets a pattern law enforcement officials have observed: rental cars are fraudulently obtained, reported stolen, and swiftly transported to Mexico, where recovery becomes nearly impossible. These vehicles are often used in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other transnational crimes.
“This is not just a property crime issue — it’s a public safety issue that fuels dangerous criminal networks,” said Rep. Lujan. “Our current laws have not kept pace with how organized crime exploits the rental car system. My bill will give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to act swiftly and stop these vehicles from vanishing across the border.”
The legislation will strengthen penalties for fraudulent vehicle rentals, require faster reporting standards from rental companies, and create a cross-agency task force to track and recover stolen rentals.
“Texans deserve to know their communities and borders are being protected,” Lujan added. “This bill is a step toward closing gaps in our law and keeping our state safe.”
The bill will be heard in committee later this session.
