John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Headed to Final Resting Place in Texas
January 17, 2025 – The Navy’s Philadelphia Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility has sent another decommissioned vessel on its final voyage, marking the next step in its dismantling process. The John F. Kennedy (CV-67), a hulking remnant of its once-active service life, began its journey shortly before 9 a.m. as tugs carefully maneuvered it down the Delaware River. The operation required precision, ensuring the massive structure remained stable and secure as it approached open water. Once the hulk reached its designated point, it was attached to a tow line connected to the Laney Chouest, a specialized towing vessel. Together, the two ships set off toward the Atlantic Ocean, bound for Brownsville, Texas.
The USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), nicknamed “Big John,” was the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier built for the U.S. Navy. Commissioned on September 7, 1968, she served as a flagship for the Atlantic Fleet and participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm and humanitarian missions. The Kennedy featured an angled flight deck, capable of supporting modern jet aircraft, and symbolized American naval power during the Cold War. After nearly 40 years of service, she was decommissioned on March 23, 2007.
Brownsville has become a leading center for ship recycling in the United States, known for its environmentally responsible practices. The ship will undergo dismantling at one of the region’s specialized facilities, where its components will be salvaged, repurposed, or recycled. This process is a vital part of the Navy’s efforts to manage its inactive fleet sustainably, ensuring retired vessels are disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations.
The journey from Philadelphia to Brownsville represents a final chapter in the ship’s lifecycle, which likely spanned decades of service. While its operational duties are over, the ship’s dismantling will recover valuable materials such as steel and other metals, contributing to industrial supply chains and minimizing waste.
This transition underscores the Navy’s commitment to responsible stewardship of its resources, balancing operational needs with environmental and fiscal responsibility. By sending decommissioned ships to recycling facilities, the Navy not only reduces environmental impact but also supports job creation in communities like Brownsville, which rely on the ship recycling industry.
As the Laney Chouest guides the vessel to its final destination, the operation serves as a reminder of the life cycle of military assets and the importance of sustainable practices in managing the legacy of naval service.
Rocky On The Mends; May Return to Duty
January 17, 2025 – Rocky, a German Shepherd and a valued member of the Houston Police Department’s K-9 unit, is making a strong recovery after being shot in the line of duty. The incident occurred during a high-risk operation where Rocky was assisting officers in apprehending a suspect. Amid the confrontation, Rocky was struck by gunfire, sustaining injuries that required immediate medical attention. His handler and team acted quickly, rushing him to a veterinary hospital specializing in trauma care for police canines.
Rocky underwent surgery to address his injuries and has been recovering steadily. Veterinarians report that his resilience and the prompt response from his team played a critical role in his survival. The courageous canine’s progress has been met with an outpouring of support from the Houston community, with many expressing gratitude for his bravery and service.
Rocky’s handler has stayed by his side throughout the recovery, highlighting the deep bond shared between police officers and their canine partners. Houston Police Department officials have praised Rocky’s dedication, emphasizing the invaluable role K-9 officers play in ensuring public safety. As Rocky continues to heal, he remains a symbol of loyalty and bravery, inspiring both the department and the community he protects.
Say Goodbye to the 60’s
January 17, 2025 – Hopkins County, Texas, is bracing for a prolonged cold spell, with daytime temperatures staying far below the 60s for over seven days. Forecasts indicate highs will hover near freezing, reflecting an unseasonably chilly trend driven by a persistent arctic air mass. Nighttime lows are expected to plunge well below freezing, increasing risks for frost and frozen pipes. Residents should take precautions to protect vulnerable plants, pets, and plumbing.
This extended period of cold may disrupt daily activities and strain heating systems, emphasizing the importance of preparedness during these harsh winter conditions. Weather updates will be crucial for navigating this cold snap.
Tax Appointment Scheduler is Live!
January 16, 2025 – They tell us the only sure things are death and taxes. The local AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program can’t do much for the former; we are here to help with the latter by offering free income tax preparation and filing services during the upcoming tax filing season. Need tax filing help? Tax-Aide has got you covered.
Our trained and Internal Revenue Service-certified Tax-Aide volunteers will provide this assistance from February through April. We focus on serving older adults with low to moderate incomes and helping them secure much-deserved tax refunds. An AARP membership is not required to benefit from the service.
And we do make an impact. For the 2024 tax season, 27,771 volunteers at 36,00 sites nationwide helped 1,680,084 taxpayers receive $1,280,817,176 in refunds. Locally, the volunteers helped over 300 taxpayers. You can be one of them. Our volunteers help ensure you don’t miss out on credits and deductions you are entitled to and need.
However, the number of openings is limited. So, for more information or to make an appointment, contact Sulphur Springs Public Library at 903-885-4926 or online at Make an appointment.
Preparing and filing your tax returns doesn’t have to be scary or costly. Let us help you.
Dawna Pryor From the Senior Citizens Center Dropped by for This Second Cup Of Coffee
Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor dropped by to have a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. John Mark and Dawna chatted about various topics such as the Senior Center being open during the last cold spell, the Senior Citizens Center’s need for heaters and blankets for their Silver Santa Drive still under way, because it’s still cold outside after Christmas… and Dawna and John Mark also talked about what the Senior Citizens Activity Center did during the Holidays, and much more. Be sure to check this one out!
CHRISTUS Health Opens new ENT Clinic in Sulphur Springs
January 16, 2025 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health announced today the addition of ear, nose and throat (ENT) services and opened a new ENT clinic with a ribbon cutting and blessing.
Located at 101 Medical Plaza, adjacent to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, the nearly 2,000 square-foot clinic features multiple exam rooms, procedure room and audiology testing booth.
The clinic began seeing patients on Monday with Dr. Jay Yates, who joins CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Sulphur Springs after more than 20 years in practice in upstate New York.
Yates’ arrival in Sulphur Springs will allow patients to stay in Hopkins County for specialized care.
“The community has been unbelievably welcoming,” Yates said. “ENT is a service that can serve multiple generations of family, and I am looking forward to building those relationships and serving the needs of the community.”
Yates graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1993 and completed his residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Penn State Geisinger Health System in 1998.
He specializes in diseases of the head and neck with experience in pediatric and adult patients, sinus surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, head and neck oncology, snoring and sleep disorders and facial plastic surgery.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Yates join our team and offer a service that we have not had in this area in recent years,” said Dr. Brent Wadle, chief medical officer of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “Our ability to offer these specialized services in a more rural setting is vital to our growth as a health care system and to the overall health of the community.”
The clinic and service addition are the latest expansion and investment of CHRISTUS Health in Sulphur Springs.
Last year, the CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute was formed, and announcements of a renovated hospital surgical wing and new multi-specialty clinic building were made.
“Our goal is to keep patients as close to care and as close to home as possible,” Wadle said. “This service allows us to bring a higher level of care to the community.”
Patients can call (903) 689-7967 or visit www.christushealth.org to schedule an appointment.
Chamber Connection – January 16, 2025
By Butch Burney
Be a star at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s 98th Annual Banquet and Community Awards, because the theme for the Feb. 13 event is Vintage Hollywood.
At the banquet, we will recognize Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Community Pride Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Growth and Renewal, Outstanding Professional Educator, Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator, Outstanding Auxiliary Educator Large Business of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.
We like to celebrate the great things about Hopkins County, and the best time to do it is at this annual event.
To reserve your spot, tables of 10 are $500 each and individual tickets are $30. To get reservations or tickets, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email at [email protected]. A sponsorship table includes advertisement of your business at the banquet and reserved seating.
Come and help us celebrate Hopkins County!
Lunch and Learn
Save your spot for our next Lunch and Learn! Join State Rep. Jill Dutton as she recaps her 11 months as State Representative of House District 2. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast on Oak Avenue.
Lunch is complementary, but space is limited. If you are interested in hearing what Jill Dutton has to report, please RSVP by calling the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or emailing [email protected]
She looks forward to sharing with you and answering any questions she can.
Ribbon Cuttings
Credit Union of Texas will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, Jan. 17, at their location on the downtown square, at the corner of Main and Gilmer streets.
Deep Routes and Shop the Springs will have a ribbon cutting for their two-year anniversary at noon on Friday, Jan. 24.
Suspect Arrested on Charge of Timber Theft in Liberty County
January 15, 2025
Suspect arrested on charge of timber theft in Liberty County
LIBERTY, Texas – Gabriel Burress, 37, of Rye, Texas, was arrested Wednesday, Jan.15, 2025, in Liberty County for Unauthorized Harvesting of Timber valued between $500 – $20,000, a state jail felony.
Burress was arrested by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit and Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department after a warrant was issued by Judge Cody Parrish, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, on Jan. 14, 2025.
The victims in this case are the landowners of approximately 1/2 acre, among a series of 1/2- acre tracts, in Liberty County who do not permanently reside on this property. The landowners’ property, along with adjoining properties, was harvested while they were not present. A timber theft tip was submitted to the Texas A&M Forest Service Timber Theft Hotline by several concerned neighboring landowners.
A formal investigation into the suspicious timber harvesting began Dec. 17, 2024, by the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department. This investigation revealed that Burress had no authorization from the landowners to harvest timber.
“Through the diligent work by Investigator Marshall Odom and with the help of Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to locate and arrest Burress without incident,” said Josh Mizrany, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer. “Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department works to protect Texas timberland owners and their natural resource assets.”
While Burress was arrested for Unauthorized Harvesting of Timber, additional charges will be filed against him due to new implications of HB1772 (Timber Asset Protection Act) that took effect Sept. 1, 2023.
“Marshall Odom, Texas A&M Forest Service’s investigator, did an excellent job of finding the suspect that hauled the logs, interviewing him and providing me with probable cause to sign this warrant,” said Judge Parrish. “Timber theft in the north end of Liberty County needs to be decreased.”
Burress’ hearing will be held in district court at a later date. If convicted, Burress could face up to two years in a state jail facility and/or a $10,000 fine.
Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers are asking that any landowners in the Big Thicket Lake Estates area to visit their property to inspect for any unauthorized timber removal.
To prevent timber theft, landowners should:
- Visit their property frequently.
- Have someone they know and trust report any cutting on their land immediately.
- Never sign a contract without checking several references of the buyer.
- Insist on getting bids for their timber.
- Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on theirs.
- Utilize trail/deer cameras on their property that can record suspicious activity or individuals.
- Always hold their timber contractor to the agreed upon term.
Landowners who are unfamiliar with selling their timber are urged to contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service office. Texas A&M Forest Service field staff assists landowners with the process of securing the services of a professional resources manager to help select trees for harvest, estimate values and find potential buyers.
To report suspected timber theft or suspicious activity, call the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Timber Theft Hotline at 1-800-364-3470. The Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department works with local officials to help bring those responsible for timber theft and other violations of the natural resources code to justice.
To contact a Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigator your area, please visit https://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/Home/LE_Map.pdf.
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Texas Water Development Board Deems Marvin Nichols Reservoir Feasible
January 15, 2025 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently declared the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project feasible, marking a significant step forward for the controversial water supply initiative in Northeast Texas. This decision brings the proposed reservoir closer to reality, with the aim of addressing long-term water needs for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex and other regions. However, the ruling has reignited debates among stakeholders over environmental, economic, and social impacts.
In its feasibility assessment, the TWDB determined that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir meets the technical, economic, and environmental criteria necessary for large-scale infrastructure projects. The reservoir is projected to provide approximately 1.7 million acre-feet of water annually, ensuring a reliable supply for the rapidly growing North Texas region. With the DFW area’s population expected to double by 2070, securing additional water resources is deemed critical for sustaining residential, industrial, and agricultural demands.
The board also highlighted the reservoir’s potential for economic benefits, including job creation during construction and increased recreational opportunities. Additionally, the project aligns with the Texas State Water Plan’s objectives, which emphasize proactive measures to mitigate future water shortages.
The feasibility ruling has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists, local residents, and East Texas officials. Opponents argue that the project’s benefits for urban areas come at a significant cost to rural communities and ecosystems. Constructing the reservoir would flood approximately 70,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and farmland, displacing wildlife and altering the region’s ecological balance.
Landowners in the area are particularly concerned about the use of eminent domain, which could force them to sell their properties. This has fueled fears of losing cultural heritage and the rural character of the region. Environmental groups also question the TWDB’s consideration of alternative solutions, such as enhanced conservation, wastewater reuse, and more efficient water infrastructure.
While the TWDB’s ruling clears a significant hurdle, the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project still faces numerous challenges, including securing funding, navigating federal and state permitting processes, and addressing legal battles from opposition groups.
The decision underscores the growing tension between urban expansion and environmental preservation in Texas. As the state prepares to meet future water demands, the Marvin Nichols Reservoir will likely serve as a pivotal case study in balancing development with sustainability. Whether the project ultimately moves forward will shape Texas’ water management strategies for decades to come.
The proposed reservoir would be about a one hour drive from Sulphur Springs, TX.
City of Sulphur Springs Prepares For Next City Council Election
January 15, 2025 – Sulphur Springs City Secretary, Natalie Burling, has already received two applications for the upcoming May 3, 2025 election for Place 4 and Place 5 on the Sulphur Springs City Council. January 15th was the first day to file for a place in the upcoming election and the two incumbents were quick to file their paperwork to be on the ballot for reelection. Tommy Harrison, incumbent Place 4, and Gary Spraggins incumbent Place 5 made their intentions official to seek another term after filing the necessary forms Wednesday morning. Prospective candidates meeting the requirements listed below are allowed to choose either Place 4 or Place 5 to seek a place on the council.
The city of Sulphur Springs released the following information about the election and the candidate requiements.
The election to select Council Members for Places 4 and 5 will be conducted May 3, 2025 at 201 North Davis Street Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482. All places are elected at large. A prospective candidate shall be a qualified voter of the State of Texas, resided continuously in the State of Texas and the City of Sulphur Springs for 12 months immediately preceding the deadline for filing an application for a place on the ballot. Other qualifications include 1) must be a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution and laws of this state; 2) must not be mentally incompetent as determined by a court; 3) Must not be convicted of a felony for which he/she has not been pardoned or had full rights of citizenship restored by other official action; 4) must be 18 years of age or older on the commencement of the term to be filled; 5) must not hold any other public office in which he/she was elected for and/or be a member of a board directly appointed by the City Council on the commencement of the term to be filled; 9) city taxes must be paid to current; 10) and have knowledge of the nepotism law summary.
First day to file is January 15, 2025 8am-5pm
Last day to file is 02/14/2025 by 5pm.
