Plan to Buy ‘Armored Teslas’ Vanishes From State Department Wish List
February 14, 2025 – A $400 million plan to purchase armored Tesla vehicles for diplomatic use has quietly disappeared from the U.S. State Department’s procurement list. The initiative, which aimed to enhance security for diplomats while leveraging Tesla’s electric vehicle (EV) technology, was initially proposed as part of a broader effort to modernize the government’s fleet with sustainable, high-tech solutions. However, the decision to scrap the plan has raised questions about the reasons behind the reversal.
The proposal reportedly involved retrofitting Tesla’s premium models—such as the Model S and Model X—with bulletproof armor and other security enhancements. These upgrades would have ensured protection against threats while maintaining the vehicles’ cutting-edge EV capabilities. The idea gained traction as governments worldwide are increasingly adopting EVs to reduce carbon emissions. However, concerns over feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and Tesla’s ability to meet stringent security standards may have contributed to the project’s cancellation.
Additionally, logistical challenges such as the availability of charging infrastructure in remote or high-risk areas may have played a role in the decision. Armoring an EV also presents unique engineering challenges, as the added weight of bulletproof materials can impact battery performance and overall vehicle efficiency.
While neither the State Department nor Tesla has publicly commented on the cancellation, the removal of the project from procurement lists suggests a shift in priorities. The government may explore other options for securing armored electric vehicles or return to conventional armored SUVs already in use. The move underscores the complexities of integrating EV technology into security-sensitive operations, highlighting the balance between innovation and practicality in government procurement.
Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark to Discuss Happenings at the Senior Center
On this exciting episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor sat down with John Mark to chat about the exciting future activities planned at the Senior Center. Dawna and John Mark chatted about Valentine’s Day, the Single Seniors Soiree planned for singles, the 90 plus Bridges Banquet, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative segment and find out what the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center had instore for 2025!
Dinner Bell for February 19, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSORS: Alliance Bank
Wayne Cooper Construction, Inc.
The doors to the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church will reopen at 11:00 a.m., for
meal service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Doors will close at 12:45 p.m.
We are blessed to have two sponsors this week for the Dinner Bell Ministry. First-time sponsor Wayne Cooper Construction, Inc. (WCC) and Alliance Bank.
Wayne Cooper Construction is proud to build homes and businesses that shape our small-town community for the better. As a family-owned and operated company, they bring 45 years of experience and a personal touch to every project. Led by Wayne Cooper alongside his two sons, Connor Cooper and Cole Cooper, they specialize in residential and commercial con struction, combining craftsmanship with a passion for creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Whether it’s a custom home or a commercial project, their mission is to enhance the quality and appearance of our community, one build at a time.
Alliance Bank was chartered as Sulphur Springs State Bank on June 13, 1927, by the two largest shareholders of First State Bank which had failed. Located at the Southwest corner of Main and Gilmer Streets, the bank was profitable that first year and has remained profitable ever since. A fire at the original location in 1934 facilitated the move to the North side of the Sulphur Springs square where the bank has maintained a permanent presence.
Cotton Farmers became dairymen as attractive loans by the bank enabled them to change agricultural careers.
Sulphur Springs State Bank came to Hunt county in July 1990 and from there began moving east , west and into the metroplex. Those movements necessitated a name change to Alliance Bank in October 1996.
The bank purchased Galyean Insurance Agency and opened a brokerage company—Alliance Financial Services—to meet the business and personal needs of its customers at home or with their businesses.
“The best is ALL we do” is the motto that undergirds the decisions and actions of a banking institution that will soon celebrate one hundred years of service in Sulphur Springs and its vicinity.
We plan to continue fellowship and dining inside every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Parking is available at the church parking lots.
MENU:
- Ham Slices
- Cheese Grits Casserole
- Brown Sugar Tarragon Carrots
- Buttered French Bread Slices
- Apple Crisp
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 !!!
*We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday …”
The Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held February 20th
February 13, 2025 – Join us in-person, if you can, by Zoom, if you can’t make it!
Thursday, February 20, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– Patty Williams
Have you ever wondered what life was like in the 1800s? Well, it often began with a shiver! Rich or poor, in a city dwelling or farm laborer’s cabin in the western frontier of Texas, the first step out of bed was likely to leave you cold. The wealthier class would have coal or wood burning fireplaces in their bedrooms, but these were rarely lit. Come and explore with Patty Massy Williams, as Eliza Bullard Butler, the practicalities of living in East Texas during the Victorian Era. Patty Massey Williams is a sixth generation American. She has ancestors that have fought in every war since the American Revolution. She earned a Master of Education degree from Stephen F Austin State University and taught school for 37 years.
Patty is currently presenting historical interpretations and presentations for local school districts, Genealogical and Historical societies, and historical figure portrayals for Spirits of Oakwood Cemetery in Tyler and Voices of Longview 150th Celebration.
Patty
grew up in the small town of Hawkins, northeast of Tyler. She has a passion to teach others the true facts about our ancestors and our heritage. She says, “I am continuing this legacy for my own children and grandchildren.”You are invited to a Zoom meeting.When: Feb 20, 2025, 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)Register in Advance for this Meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/hQQqJECiT8WtFCmbFRdKHwAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We hope to see you virtually or in person!
19th Annual Gala Makes a Splash for Local Healthcare
February 13, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas — The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation hosted the 19th Annual Gala on January 25th, 2025. This year’s volunteer chairs were Linda and Joe Bob, Julie and Brad, and Teffany and Corey Burgin who selected the theme Serendipity by the Sea.
The evening of dinner and dancing started off with a steel drum band and finished with guests celebrating good times for a good cause. The Foundation’s Board of Directors had set a goal to earn and donate $260,000 to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs to assist with upgrading the MRI machine. The goal was surpassed, and the donation has been fulfilled. This upgrade means faster, clearer scans for a quicker path to diagnosis and healing, increased energy efficiency, and an overall more pleasant experience for patients. In addition to fulfilling the goal for the MRI funding, the Foundation was also able to donate $16,000 due to the annual Snowflake Campaign for the purchase of 2 cooling tents. These tents will be used at both sporting and community events during the summer to quickly cool people down in extreme heat.
Gala Chair Joe Bob Burgin shared how the experience of heading up the Gala was especially dear to him and his family. “Our family has been involved in healthcare for many years, and we know the importance of having a strong hospital in Hopkins County. Therefore, it was an honor and privilege to chair this year’s Gala as a family. God, family, and healthcare are so important to us, and we truly enjoyed getting to know some of the sponsors and underwriters better and working with the many volunteers. We have such a great and giving community.”
The Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to all who contributed through attending, donating, bidding, and volunteering. Great thanks to the committed Gala committee members, and to the Gala chairs, the Burgin family, for their steadfast dedication to the event.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Gifts may be tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS. All funds raised are used to improve healthcare in Hopkins County.
For additional information, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected]
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Foundation Board Members pictured from left to right are Charles Helm, Secretary Bob Weaver, Treasurer Sally Toliver, Chair-Elect Steve Rutherford, Heather Johnson, Dr. Martin Fielder, Chair Pam Black, CMF-SS President & CEO Paul Harvey, Kenny Rogers, Mickey McKenzie, Garrett Glass, and Don Sapaugh. Not pictured: Brad Johnson and Dr. Andrew Yoder.
Pictured from left to right are 2025 Gala Chairs Brad Burgin, Julie Burgin, Joe Bob Burgin, Linda Burgin, and Teffany Burgin. Not pictured: Gala Chair Corey Burgin.
Breast Cancer Support Group Gathers for February Meeting
February 13, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The February meeting of the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group was held on Monday, February 10. The gathering featured guest speaker and breast cancer survivor, Jalayne Minter, sharing her story of faith, courage, and humility.
All breast cancer patients and survivors are welcome to participate. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the Medical Plaza Conference Room, 113 Airport Rd, on the campus of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. However, the March meeting has been moved to the third Monday, due to Spring Break. The time and location have not changed. Each meeting features a speaker, light refreshments, and an opportunity for participants to share and ask questions.
Activities of the group include sending notes and making calls to encourage newly diagnosed patients and those who are homebound. The group discussed other ways they could assist patients.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation sponsors this four-month-old organization that is part of its In My Closet offerings. Other aspects of In My Closet include an annual free mammography clinic held in October and free supplies for breast cancer patients and survivors such as wigs, mastectomy bras, and breast prosthetics.
For more information on this and other programs, follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook or Instagram, or call 903-438-4799.
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TWDB Accepting Agricultural Water Conservation Grant Applications
February 13, 2025 – AUSTIN – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is accepting applications through March 19 for Fiscal Year 2025 Agricultural Water Conservation Grants. Up to $1,500,000 in grant funding is available to eligible political subdivisions and state agencies for agricultural water conservation projects that improve irrigation efficiency, enhance resilience to weather extremes and climate variability, and promote innovation in agriculture.
Selected projects will further water conservation in the state and serve the public interest by supporting the implementation of water conservation strategies identified in the state and regional water plans. Previously funded projects include irrigation efficiency improvements, demonstrations of conservation practices, educational outreach, and installation of water use monitoring equipment.
Created by the 69th Texas Legislature in 1985, the Agricultural Water Conservation Program promotes agricultural water conservation across the state by providing financial assistance in the form of grants and loans, predominantly in rural areas of Texas where agriculture is an important sector of the local economy. Since its inception, the Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program has funded hundreds of projects that have saved thousands of acre-feet of water.
More information about the program, previously funded projects, and the application process is available on the TWDB website. The TWDB will host a webinar on February 19 to provide additional information about the program and the application process.
The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state water and flood plans. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood mitigation, and agricultural water conservation projects.
More Plastic Bottles Headed Our Way
February 13, 2025 – In February 2025, President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on all aluminum imports, intensifying his administration’s protectionist trade policies. This move has significant implications for industries reliant on aluminum, notably beverage companies that utilize aluminum cans. In response to the increased costs associated with aluminum packaging, Coca-Cola is considering a shift towards more plastic bottles. CEO James Quincey indicated that the company may place greater emphasis on plastic packaging to mitigate the financial impact of the tariffs.
This potential transition raises environmental concerns, as plastic bottles contribute to pollution and environmental degradation. The situation underscores the complex interplay between trade policies and environmental considerations, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address both economic and ecological impacts.
Recycling Will Help
Of course these plastic soda bottles can be recycled and processed into new products. Many bottles are made from PET plastic, which can be transformed into new bottles, clothing, or packaging. Recycling, where available, helps reduce waste and environmental impact, promoting a circular economy.
United States Postal Service Closed On Monday
February 13, 2025 – On Monday, February 17, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will observe Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday honoring the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. As a result, all USPS branches will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery or retail services on this day.
Despite the USPS closure, other delivery services such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS typically operate on Presidents’ Day. Therefore, packages shipped through these carriers are expected to arrive as scheduled.
It’s important to note that while USPS services will be paused for the holiday, operations will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. To avoid any inconvenience, customers are advised to plan their mailing activities accordingly, ensuring that any time-sensitive mail is sent before the holiday or using alternative carriers if necessary.
In addition to USPS closures, other institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and most schools will also be closed on Presidents’ Day. However, many grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies are expected to remain open.
Presidents’ Day is one of several federal holidays observed by USPS each year. Other holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On these days, USPS services are typically suspended, and normal operations resume the following business day.
For the most up-to-date information on USPS holiday schedules and services, customers can visit the official USPS website or contact their local post office.
One Dozen Per Visit For Some Stores
February 12, 2025 – The ongoing avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak has significantly impacted egg supplies in Texas, leading several grocery chains to implement purchase limits to manage shortages and curb panic buying. Retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Sprouts Farmers Market have restricted customers to purchasing a limited number of egg cartons per visit.
The H5N1 bird flu strain has led to the culling of millions of poultry nationwide, severely disrupting egg production. Consequently, egg prices have surged, with the average cost of a dozen large, grade-A eggs reaching $4.15 in December 2024, up from $3.65 in November.
In Texas, the average price for a dozen eggs has risen to $5.43, reflecting the strain on supply chains.
To ensure broader access and prevent stockpiling, stores have instituted purchase limits, typically allowing customers to buy only one to three cartons per visit.
These measures aim to stabilize the market and ensure that more customers can access eggs during this period of limited supply. Consumers are advised to check with local stores for specific purchase policies and to consider alternative protein sources as the industry works to manage the outbreak and restore normal supply levels.
