National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 24-28, Supports Initiatives to Prevent Harmful, Non-Native Plants and Wildlife
February 21, 2025 – AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) encourages Texans to take steps to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful invasive species that negatively impact the state’s natural resources and economy. National Invasive Species Awareness Week, scheduled for Feb. 24 – 28, is an initiative to raise awareness of the threats of invasive species and provide solutions on how to prevent their spread.
“During National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and throughout the year, we want to encourage all Texans to learn more about invasive species and take time to prevent new introductions and spread of these harmful species to help to protect our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations and prevent economic impacts,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD Senior Scientist for Aquatic Invasive Species.
Invasive species are non-native to an ecosystem and can cause environmental or economic damage and harm to human health and quality of life or agriculture. In addition, invasive species are expensive to control, can be impossible to eradicate once established, and can inflict costly damage to crops, fisheries, forests and more. According to recent estimates, these costs total approximately $219 billion across the United States every year. Many invasive species are spread (inadvertently or intentionally) by humans, who play an important role in preventing their spread to new areas.
A variety of non-native plants, animals, insects and even diseases can become invasive when they enter a new environment, growing or reproducing rapidly and potentially outcompeting native species, preying on them or degrading their habitat. This allows them to become established and problematic across large areas. They can be introduced by humans in a variety of ways, including intentional introduction through aquarium dumping, live bait releases or outdoor plantings, or accidentally as “hitchhikers” carried through recreational activities.
These risky recreational activities can include hauling firewood long distances for a campfire or moving a boat from one reservoir to another without properly cleaning, draining and drying it first. Once introduced, invasive species can harm native species and ecosystems, impact recreational activities, damage infrastructure and require costly, long-term management in cases where control is possible.
Don’t Carry Hitchhikers
You could be carrying invasive species with you when you’re enjoying the outdoors and not even know it. Insects and plants, including plant seeds, can hitch a ride on your clothes, shoes, gear or even your firewood. You can help stop the spread by removing plants, animals and mud from clothes, boots, gear, pets and vehicles (including ATVs), cleaning your gear before entering and leaving recreation sites, using only local firewood and simply staying on designated roads and trails. Learn more on the Play, Clean, Go website.
Clean, Drain and Dry Your Boat and Gear
Boaters can help keep zebra mussels, giant salvinia and other aquatic invasive species from being moved and harming more lakes. We ask all boaters to take a few minutes to properly clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment before they leave a lake every time they go boating. Remove plants, mud and debris from the boat and trailer and drain all the water from the boat and gear. Once you get home, open up compartments and allow everything to dry completely.
For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. If you have stored your boat on the water at a lake with zebra mussels, it is likely infested and at high risk for spreading this invasive species. Before moving it to another lake, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance on required decontamination.
Use Your Bait Where You Catch It / Never Dump Your Bait
Many people don’t realize the potential impact that releasing live bait can have on aquatic life. Bait bucket introductions — anglers dumping live bait into a water body other than the one where it was caught — are an easy way we can unintentionally spread aquatic invasives—both non-native bait fish and microscopic organisms such as zebra mussel larvae in the water.
Just remember this: Don’t dump leftover bait in the water at the end of a fishing trip and don’t take live-caught bait (or any bait that’s touched lake water) to another lake to use. Instead, take your bait home to use on a future fishing trip at that same lake, offer it to another angler to use or place it in the trash.
Alliance Bank Announces Jason Thompson as Hopkins County Market President
February 20, 2025 – Alliance Bank proudly announces that Jason Thompson is the new Hopkins County Market President. Jason Thompson has been a vital part of Alliance Bank for almost 30 years now. Jason is from Sulphur Springs, Texas, and earned a double major in Agricultural Business and Economics Finance from East Texas State University while working at Alliance Bank. Jason Thompson serves on the board of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum and is a member of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs to Hold Ash Wednesday Service March 5th
February 20, 2025 – The season of Lent will be upon us very soon. Mark your calendars and plan to be a part of First United Methodist Church Ash Wednesday service on March 5th in our Sanctuary, 6:00 p.m.
This moving service will include appropriate music, including our handbell choir, a short sermon by Pastor Peter McNabb and imposition of the ashes. Always a touching and introspective service, you won’t want to miss it.
Following the Ash Wednesday service, the Children’s Department will have a “Wheels & Waffles” event in the Gym. Children should bring their favorite wheeled toy and enjoy some waffles! (ages
All are welcome!
Dinner Bell for February 26, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSORS: Discount Wheel & Tire
of Sulphur Springs
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.
Discount Wheel & Tire of Sulphur Springs is a tire shop and auto service center located at 1432 S. Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs, TX. Since they first opened their doors in 1994, they have built a solid base of customers and established the reputation of being an automotive repair facility with service you can count on—even on short notice! Today, drivers in Sulphur Springs, Quitman, Emory, and all across Hopkins County and Northeast Texas consider them their one-stop shop for tires, wheels, and full under-car auto repairs.
Whether you’re looking to shop for new tires or are interested in customizing your ride with a suspension lift kit, you can rely on Discount Wheel & Tire of Sulphur Springs for accurate, knowledgeable and friendly automotive and tire services. They also offer preventative maintenance and general repairs.
Discount Wheel & Tire is a second generation, family owned business, and Kristin and Jared Richmond consider it an honor to serve you and your community.
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:
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Arkansas Green Beans
- Garden Salad
- Buttered French Bread Slices
- Bread pudding
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 !!!
Dan Patrick Investigates Lottery Ticket Reseller After $83M Jackpot Win
February 20, 2025 – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has launched an investigation into Winners Corner, an Austin-based store, after it sold an $83.5 million winning Lotto Texas ticket. The store is owned by Jackpocket, a lottery courier service that buys tickets on behalf of customers. The investigation stems from concerns over potential conflicts of interest, as Jackpocket operates both as a ticket purchaser and retailer at its own locations.
Patrick expressed worries about maintaining public trust in the state’s lottery system, emphasizing the importance of transparency. “Texans must have confidence in the integrity of our lottery,” Patrick stated. The issue raises ethical questions about whether companies like Jackpocket should be allowed to profit from both ends of the lottery process.
Winners Corner has a notable history of selling winning tickets. In addition to the recent $83.5 million jackpot, the store sold a $2 million winning ticket in December 2024 and another $2 million Texas Two-Step ticket in March 2021. This pattern of high-value wins at the same location has further fueled scrutiny.
In 2023, a proposed bill aimed at banning lottery courier services failed to pass in the Texas House, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding such businesses. Following the recent jackpot controversy, the Texas Lottery Commission has sought guidance from the Attorney General to determine how best to regulate these services moving forward.
The investigation underscores the broader concerns about ensuring fair play in state-sponsored gambling. While Jackpocket maintains that its operations comply with existing laws, Patrick’s inquiry signals that Texas may tighten oversight to prevent any potential exploitation of the lottery system.
As the investigation unfolds, Texans await the outcome, hoping for clearer regulations that balance technological convenience with the integrity of lottery operations.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center is a Happening Place in March
February 18, 2025 – Your Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center is a happening place. Just see what they have planned for just the month of March 2025! Meet new friends, unleash your artistic skills you didn’t even know you had, and get down and party in the month of March 2025 at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center! You’re sure to have a blast!
Paris Junior College wins Community Investment Award in Greenville
February 18, 2025 – Paris Junior College was honored with the 2024 Community Investment Award from the Greenville Board of Development (GBOD) at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce/GBOD’s annual banquet held on Feb. 7, 2025.
PJC President, Dr. Stephen Benson, was joined at the awards dinner by PJC Board of Regents Secretary Berdie Gibson and Regents Josh Bray, Dr. Linda Kapp, Charles Lynch, Ginna Bowman, and Taylor Slagle.
Realtor Holly Gray, Greenville Board of Development Chair, presented the award to PJC.
“This award is given each year to at least one company who has made a huge impact in our community and is worthy of such an award,” Gray said. “I am very honored tonight to introduce your winner and that is Paris Junior College with their new workforce training center.”
“It’s my honor to accept this award for the community investment on behalf of the College,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, president of Paris Junior College. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to Greenville and Hunt County and the surrounding regions. This project became a reality thanks to the foresight of our Board of Regents and the leadership of former President Dr. Pam Anglin who all helped set the vision in motion by making this major investment in Greenville.
“As we celebrate our 100th anniversary this year, this award carries even greater meaning,” Benson said. “It serves as both recognition of our past efforts and inspiration for our future growth. Together, with your support, we will continue to grow and meet the needs of this region. The future is bright in Greenville and Hunt County, and we are proud to be part of the journey.”
The new 23,000 square foot workforce training facility at the PJC-Greenville Center officially opened on September 30, 2024. Workforce programs housed in the new facility include mechatronics (with an industrial maintenance apprenticeship in partnership with the Greenville Board of Development); heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; electrician; and a new airframe maintenance program.
“Paris Junior College is a tremendous asset to the City of Greenville and Hunt County,” said Gray. “The investment in the Workforce Training Center is an investment in the future of our region. Paris Junior college has worked closely with GBOD and local industry to provide the highest quality of education programs and workforce certification classes that industry needs. The new Workforce Training Center is a regional catalyst for our young people to gain the knowledge and industry-based certifications to increase their employability and long-term career earnings in the Hunt County Region.”
Hunt County Judge Bobby Stovall also recognized John Dickson, GBOD Business Development Director, and Craig Driggers, L3Harris Director of Operations Management and member of the North Central Texas Workforce Development Board (and PJC alumnus), for their work on the PJC-Greenville Center project.
Greenville Mayor Jerry Ransom’s annual wrap of city affairs also included PJC’s partnership with the Greenville Fire Department and the new fire training facility located south of the PJC-Greenville Center.
PJC is seeking the public’s input across the service area to help guide the College’s next strategic plan with projects such as this. To take the online survey, go to https://www.parisjc.edu/strategic-plan-survey.html.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
SSISD Delay Start on Wednesday
February 18, 2025 – Due to the threat of severe winter weather, the Sulphur Springs ISD will delay the start of school for all campuses. School will start at 10 AM on Wednesday.
Stay tuned for additional information on the artic blast headed our way.
East Texas A&M Earns Coveted R2 Research Institution Status in Carnegie Classification
The R2 designation reinforces East Texas A&M’s growing reputation as a leading research university.
COMMERCE, TX, Feb. 17, 2025—
East Texas A&M University is proud to announce its designation as a Research 2 (R2) institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to research and innovation, placing it among an elite group of leading research institutions within The Texas A&M University System and nationwide. The R2: High Spending and Doctorate Production designation took effect on February 13.
“This prestigious designation for East Texas A&M University shows that investing in faculty and facilities really pays off,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This is the return on investments made by the Texas Legislature and the Texas A&M System’s Board of Regents. This success reflects a focus on growing research budgets at all 11 universities in the Texas A&M System.”
Strengthening Research and Academics
Dr. Brent Donham, vice president for Research and Economic Development at East Texas A&M, said the R2 designation is highly beneficial to the university. It signals to the higher education community that East Texas A&M is committed to scholarly research and provides valuable research-oriented opportunities, support and funding. In this way, the designation can help East Texas A&M attract and retain expert faculty and enhance students’ classroom experiences through access to cutting-edge knowledge and opportunities.
Dr. Mark Rudin, East Texas A&M president, added that the university is committed to elevating research for many reasons, but enhanced student learning is at the forefront. He said hands-on research provides valuable opportunities for students in the classroom and beyond.
“There are incredible opportunities for student learning in the studio, in the field, in the lab…all part of a student’s academic career. And so, student learning is at the forefront of why we want to increase research at our university,” Rudin said.
Qualifying as an R2 Institution
To qualify as an R2 institution, East Texas A&M met several requirements, including:
- Awarding at least 20 research doctoral degrees annually as reported to the National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS). East Texas A&M awarded an average of 64 research doctoral degrees from 2020 to 2023.
- Demonstrating at least $5 million in total annual research and development expenditures as reported through the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research & Development (HERD) survey. East Texas A&M marked over $7 million in total research expenditures in 2023, the highest amount in the school’s history.
Donham, along with faculty, staff and administrators, spent several years positioning East Texas A&M for the R2 designation. Their efforts included educating faculty and staff to identify research and grant opportunities, strengthening the university’s research infrastructure to better track projects and expenditures, and increasing support for faculty engaged in research.
In 2025, there are only 139 R2 institutions, with 16 in Texas. East Texas A&M joins Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as an R2 institution in the Texas A&M System.
Understanding the Carnegie Classification System
The Carnegie Classification system was created in 1973 to support its research and policy analysis program. The system categorizes colleges, universities and other higher education institutions in the U.S. according to the types of degrees they offer and their research focuses.
It identifies groups of comparable institutions among the thousands of colleges and universities in the U.S. The categorization is primarily used for scholarly purposes, enabling researchers to conduct focused higher-education research using Carnegie’s classification system.
Carnegie evaluates institutions every three years for the following research activity designations:
- Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production
- Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production
Donham said East Texas A&M’s Research 2 designation reflects the quality and commitment of the university community.
“Receiving the R2 designation demonstrates a commitment from the university to elevate research, but just as important, it speaks to the quality of our faculty and research support staff,” he said.
Celebrating Research Excellence
President Rudin and the university hosted a special ceremony at the Rayburn Student Center on Friday, February 14, to celebrate this milestone.
Several special guests attended the event, including:
- Dr. James Hallmark, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs | Texas A&M University System
- Dr. David Staack, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research | Texas A&M University System
- Dr. Stacy Pritt, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Research Compliance Officer | Texas A&M University System
- Dr. Sharmila Pathikonda, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Director for Research Development | Texas A&M University System
- Meredith Noto, Director of System Research Compliance | Texas A&M University System
- Kathryn Cavanaugh, Associate Director of System Research Compliance Training & Development | Texas A&M University System
- Ms. Natalie Steinsholt, Deputy District Director, Congressman Keith Self (TX-03)
- Dr. Keith McFarland, Former President | East Texas A&M University
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor James Hallmark said, “East Texas A&M University will continue to grow, innovate and engage in meaningful research that changes the world…”
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Man Bingo Returns April 10
February 18, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas — After exceeding all expectations in its first year, Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Man Bingo is back for round two of raising money for men’s healthcare in Hopkins County. The event will take place Thursday, April 10 in the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
Last year, the first Man Bingo, affectionately referred to as Mingo, significantly surpassed its goal and funds were used to provide free heart calcium exams for 60 men in Hopkins County. Bingo prizes come in a variety of categories such as sporting goods, grilling accessories, and the latest tech to ensure there’s something for everyone. There are several ways to become a part of the action, starting with sponsorships. Sponsorship opportunities are currently on sale, with the opportunity to purchase tables of eight soon to follow starting March 10, and individual ticket sales starting March 21.
Tickets include ten rounds of bingo, a Slaughter’s BBQ sandwich, chips, water, and a drink ticket for an old fashioned, beer, wine, or soda.
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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