Governor Abbott, Governor Ducey Boost School Choice Support In Texas
March 26, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott boosted the growing support for school choice in Texas during a media availability with former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dustin Burrows at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
“School choice is important for parents and essential for students,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is on the cusp of game-changing legislation. No one knows better than a parent about the power and importance of school choice for children. We must prioritize our students. As Governor, we will ensure Texas ranks No. 1 for educating our students. That starts by passing school choice this session.”
“This is a not a partisan issue, this is an American issue,” said Governor Ducey. “No state as big, impactful, and consequential as Texas has passed school choice yet. I am fully supportive of what you and your chambers are trying to do here with universal school choice. When Texas passes this, it will change everything for every child in this state and across the nation.”
“Texas is funding education at one the highest levels ever,” said Lieutenant Governor Patrick. “But every parent deserves a choice. Anyone who says that school choice is undermining education, that is simply a total lie. School choice is only going to make our schools more competitive and better for every child in Texas.”
“We can fully fund public education and do school choice at the same time,” said Speaker Burrows. “This is why the Texas House has been committed to passing House Bill 2 and House Bill 3 in tandem. We are excited to get the opportunity to get the legislation on the Governor’s desk to become law.”
Watch the Governor’s full media availability here.
Joined by members of the Texas Senate Committee on Education and Texas House Committee on Public Education, Governor Abbott indicated that passing school choice will put Texas on the pathway to becoming No. 1 in educating students. The Governor also pointed to the benefits a school choice program can have in Texas, mentioning that school choice can help Texas stay competitive in crucial industries like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and aerospace. Additionally, Governor Abbott thanked Governor Ducey, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, and Speaker Burrows for their leadership in empowering parents across the state and nation with school choice.
2025 PBR World Finals
March 25, 2025 – 2025 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast to Bring Fans Nearly Two Weeks of Western-Themed Entertainment to Fort Worth and Arlington from May 8-18
Diverse lineup of largely free-to-attend programming accompanying the PBR World Finals and Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, to feature the landmark Women’s Rodeo World Championship, $1 Million ABBI Futurity, Stockyards Stampede, Drone Shows, Cowboy Church and more
FORT WORTH, Texas (March 24, 2025) – PBR (Professional Bull Riders) today announced the action- packed lineup of entertainment programming that will accompany the 2025 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast and Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, set to bring the ultimate cowboy sport celebration of American values to Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas from May 8-18.
The largely free-to-attend schedule will bring fans a diverse lineup of programming highlighting the best of Western sports and culture while providing fans from all walks of life an unparalleled menu of offerings to engage with Texas’ biggest party of the year.
The PBR World Finals, returning to Texas for the fifth time and set to pay out a record $3.26 million, will take over the Fort Worth Stockyards and Cowtown Coliseum from May 8-11 with Eliminations, followed by Ride For Redemption on May 14-15, before moving to nearby Arlington and AT&T Stadium for Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo on May 16 and the PBR World Finals – Championship on May 17-18.
Alongside these marquee events, inside the arena, PBR will highlight some of the world’s top Western sports athletes, both human and animal, through the 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship, $1 Million ABBI (American Bucking Bull Inc.) Futurity, Chris Shivers Miniature Bull Riders, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, UBF (Ultimate Bullfighters) Midnight Bullfights and Mexico In Our Blood.
The in-arena competition will be anchored by the 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship, featuring hundreds of top women’s rodeo athletes competing for their share of the landmark $802,000 purse. The richest all-women’s rodeo will launch with the official Titos Welcome Gala and Back Number Ceremony, presented by Cowgirl Magazine, on May 11 at 7pm CT at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall.
In addition to featuring a goat-tying showcase for the first time, joining the disciplines of barrel racing, breakaway roping and team roping, the 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship will debut a new format with 20 athletes advancing through the initial rounds of competition inside Cowtown Coliseum from May 12-14 to compete in the final rounds AT&T Stadium on May 17 during the PBR World Finals – Championship.
PBR will also celebrate accomplished Black Western sports athletes through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on May 17 at 1:30pm CT and 7:30pm CT, and Hispanic rodeo traditions with Mexico In Our Blood on May 18 at 2pm CT, all ticketed events at Cowtown Coliseum.
On the opposite side of the out gate, the organization will bring eventgoers a diverse array of lifestyle offerings including drone shows, charity golf tournament, Cowboy Church, the Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K, live musical performances and more.
As a new addition to the 2025 lineup of programming, PBR alongside Outlaw Partners will host the inaugural PBR World Finals Golf Tournament at Waterchase Golf Club on Tuesday, May 13 at 9am CT benefitting the Western Sports Foundation. Players will compete in teams of four, and can register here.
PBR will also offer eventgoers two editions of Cowboy Church, led by LeAnn Hart on May 11 at 10am CT in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and by Compass Church on May 18 at 11:15am CT on AT&T Plaza at AT&T Stadium.
- In addition to her work as a minister, Hart is a proud wife to former bull rider turned Kansas City Outlaws Head Coach J.W. Hart and mom, along with being a bucking bull stock contractor alongside her husband at Hart Cattle Company.
- Compass Church is a dynamic and growing church that offers practical, Bible-based teachings that apply to everyday life by helping everyone to find their way to a deeper relationship with God, grow their faith, and engage in meaningful relationships with others.
Serving as the official fan hub for the 2025 PBR World Finals from May 8-11, the Stockyards Stampede will launch the lifestyle programming for bull riding’s crown jewel.
In addition to being the home for official PBR merchandise shops and special activations from the organization’s partners, the Stockyards Stampede will feature daily musical and DJ performances on the Cowtown Coliseum lawn. These performers include:
- Neon Prophets (May 8): The Fort Worth-based group known as America’s premier 90’s country band takes dancing and denim very seriously and encourages everyone at their concerts to join them in singing hit after hit with their wild bunch.
- Summer Dean (May 9): Fronting a hot five-piece band behind her, Dean’s live show takes the concert goer on a ride of original songs blending bravado, vulnerability, and a novelist’s eye for detail. Recently named Texas Country Music Awards Female Artist of the Year, Summer has performed with an array of country aces, including Colter Wall, Marty Stuart, Asleep at the Wheel, Hayes Carll, Silverada (Mike and the Moonpies) and Charley Crockett.
- Jack Blocker (May 10): An Americana artist whose vivid, honest storytelling is inspired by his Texan roots and the miles he’s traveled, Blocker gained national attention as a finalist on the most recent season of American Idol, where he placed third. Years of performing for small crowds and church congregations prepared him to thrive on a national stage. Now in Nashville, Blocker is writing and recording his debut LP, set to release in 2025.
The Stockyards Stampede will also host specially curated nightly drone shows on May 8-10 following the conclusion of Eliminations. At the end of the drone shows on May 9-10, eventgoers will also be able to attend the Monster Energy After Party on the Cowtown Coliseum Lawn, featuring musical guests Conner Smith (May 9) and Andy Velo (May 10).
Other programming of note during the Stockyards Stampede includes:
- On Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 9:30am CT inside Cowtown Coliseum, fans will be able to watch the sport’s next generation, riders ages 8-14, compete during the Chris Shivers Miniature Bull Riders event. Past competitors of Chris Shivers Miniature Bull Riders events include 2018 PBR Rookie of the Year Keyshawn Whitehorse, 2024 PBR Teams MVP John Crimber and aspiring female bull rider Najiah Knight.
- On Saturday, May 10 at 8am CT, PBR will hold the third annual PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K in the Fort Worth Stockyards. In addition to the traditional 5K, runners can also sign-up for a 3K that must be completed in cowboy boots to win. Registration for the PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K is now open at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/90412/pbr-ariat-boot-trot-5k3k.
- Later that evening, on May 10 at 4pm CT inside Legacy Hall at Hotel Drover, the BS Cattle Company’s Bang for Your Buck Bull Sale, featuring half and full interest partnership opportunities in yearling bull prospects, will debut at the World Finals. Bulls sold during previous iterations of the sale have won more than $1.2 million in competition and have included the lines of 2023 ABBI Futurity World Champion Buck Biden, alongside the likes of Yo Mamma and Short Fire, who are currently bucking in PBR Unleash The Beast competition.
- Following the Eliminations round on May 10, Cowtown Coliseum will welcome the return of UBF’s Midnight Bullfights. Featuring the high-adrenaline sport of freestyle bullfighting, the competing athletes will also participate in unique games, keeping those in attendance on the edge of their seats all night long.
- For the second consecutive season, the PBR World Finals will welcome the ABBI’s $1 Million Futurity. Free-to-attend, on Sunday, May 11 at 9am CT this event will feature the Top 30 2-year-old future bovine athlete superstars, vying for the richest prize purse in ABBI history, with the winner poised to take away $250,000.
- On Sunday, May 11 at 10am CT, the Stockyards Stampede will also host the first edition of PBR World Finals Cowboy Church, led by LeAnn Hart, on Sunday, May 11 at 10am CT.
PBR will also bring fans an ultimate tailgate experience on May 16-18 at AT&T Stadium on AT&T Plaza. More information will be released on the can’t miss fan fests in the coming weeks. To attend this experience, fans must have tickets to Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, and the PBR World Finals – Championship.
The complete schedule, including previously announced events, is:
Thursday, May 8:
- 3-8pm: Stockyards Stampede – Fort Worth Stockyards
- 5:45-7:15pm: LIVE Music with Neon Prophets – Cowtown Coliseum Lawn
- 7:45pm: PBR World Finals – Eliminations Round 1 – Cowtown Coliseum*
- 10:15pm: PBR World Finals Drone Show – Fort Worth Stockyards
Friday, May 9:
- 9:30-10:30am: Chris Shivers’ MBR (Miniature Bull Riders) – Cowtown Coliseum
- 3-8pm: Stockyards Stampede – Fort Worth Stockyards
- 5:45-7:15pm: LIVE Music with Summer Dean – Cowtown Coliseum Lawn
- 7:45pm: PBR World Finals – Eliminations Round 2 – Cowtown Coliseum*
- 10:15pm: PBR World Finals Drone Show – Fort Worth Stockyards
- 10:30pm: PBR World Finals Monster Energy After Party with Musical Guest Conner Smith – Cowtown Coliseum Lawn
Saturday, May 10:
- 8am: PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K – Fort Worth Stockyards*
- 9:30-10:30am: Chris Shivers’ MBR (Miniature Bull Riders) – Cowtown Coliseum
- 10am-8pm: Stockyards Stampede – Fort Worth Stockyards
- 11:45am-12:15pm: PBR World Finals Parade – Fort Worth Stockyards
- 4-6pm: 4th Annual BS Cattle Company’s Bang for Your Buck Bull Sale – Hotel Drover (Legacy Hall)
- 5:45-7:15pm: LIVE Music with Jack Blocker – Cowtown Coliseum Lawn
- 7:45pm: PBR World Finals – Eliminations Round 3 – Cowtown Coliseum*
- 10:15pm: PBR World Finals Drone Show – Fort Worth Stockyards
- 10:30pm: PBR World Finals Monster Energy After Party with Musical Guest Andy Velo – Cowtown Coliseum Lawn
- 11:30pm: UBF (Ultimate Bullfighters) Midnight Bullfights*
Sunday. May 11:
- 9am: ABBI (American Bucking Bull Inc.) $1 Million Futurity – Cowtown Coliseum
- 10am-2pm: Stockyards Stampede – Fort Worth Stockyards
- 10am: PBR World Finals Cowboy Church with LeAnn Hart – Fort Worth Stockyards Exchange Lawn
- 1:45pm: PBR World Finals -Eliminations Round 4 – Cowtown Coliseum*
- 7pm: Women’s Rodeo World Championship Titos Welcome Gala and Back Number Ceremony, presented by Cowgirl Magazine – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall*
Monday. May 12:
- 9:30am: Women’s Rodeo World Championship Round 1 & Limited Barrel Racing – Cowtown Coliseum
Tuesday. May 13:
- 9am: PBR World Finals Golf Tournament, presented by Outlaw Partners and PBR – Waterchase Golf Club*
- 9:30am: Women’s Rodeo World Championship Round 2, Goat Tying Showcase and Limited Breakaway Roping – Cowtown Coliseum
Wednesday. May 14:
- 9am: Women’s Rodeo World Championship Semi-Finals – Cowtown Coliseum
- 4:15-8pm: TBA Musical Performance – Cowtown Coliseum Lawn
- 7:45pm: PBR World Finals – Ride for Redemption Round 1 – Cowtown Coliseum*
Thursday. May 15:
- 4:15-8pm: TBA Musical Performance – Cowtown Coliseum Lawn
- 7:45pm: PBR World Finals – Ride for Redemption Round 2 – Cowtown Coliseum*
Friday. May 16:
- 4-7pm: Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Ultimate Tailgate Party – AT&T Stadium’s AT&T Plaza*
- 7pm: Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo – AT&T Stadium*
Saturday. May 17:
- 1:30pm: Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo – Cowtown Coliseum*
- 5-8pm: PBR World Finals Ultimate Tailgate Party – AT&T Stadium’s AT&T Plaza*
- 7:30pm: Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo – Cowtown Coliseum*
- 7:45pm: PBR World Finals – Championship Rounds 1-2* (Note: Will also feature the final round of the 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship.)
Sunday. May 18:
- 11am-2pm: PBR World Finals Ultimate Tailgate Party – AT&T Stadium’s AT&T Plaza*
- 11:15am: PBR World Finals Cowboy Church, presented by Compass Church – AT&T Stadium’s AT&T Plaza*
- 1:45pm: PBR World Finals – Championship Rounds 3-4*
- 2pm: Mexico In Our Blood – Cowtown Coliseum*
* Denotes an event that requires a ticket or special registration.
The PBR World Finals will again feature a three-stage format, Eliminations, Ride For Redemption and Championship, making the battle for the World Championship more dramatic and competitive than ever.
Eliminations (May 8-11) and Ride For Redemption (May 14-15) are the crucial initial phases in any rider’s quest to be crowned a World Champion. Together they determine the 25-rider field that will compete at the PBR World Finals – Championship, scheduled for May 17-18 at AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington, which will ultimately determine the season’s World Champion.
Action for Eliminations gets underway at 7:45 p.m. CT nightly from May 8-10 and at 1:45 p.m. CT on May 12. Ride For Redemption will begin at 7:45 p.m. CT on both May 14-15 inside Cowtown Coliseum. Tickets for both events held at the birthplace of PBR, can be purchased at the Cowtown Coliseum Box Office, online at PBRWorldFinals.com and AXS.com or by phone at (800) 732-1727.
Before the PBR World Finals – Championship, the landmark, team-formatted, Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo featuring rock n’ roll icon Kid Rock LIVE in concert, along with a special surprise guest, will be held on May 16, inside AT&T Stadium.
Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo is a reimagined rodeo produced by PBR in partnership with Kid Rock. During the music-infused event, six teams, each led by a legendary rodeo head coach, compete head-to-head in bracket-style competition across barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping.
Following the team formatted rodeo, the PBR World Finals concludes with the Championship when the 2025 PBR World Champion will be crowned and presented the coveted gold buckle and $1 million bonus.
Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. CT on May 16, while the PBR World Finals – Championship will get underway at 7:45 p.m. CT on May 17 and 1: 45 p.m. CT on May 18. Tickets for both events at AT&T Stadium are on sale now and can be purchased online at PBRWorldFinals.com and SeatGeek.com, or by calling (800) 732-1727.
Stay tuned to PBR.com for the latest news and results and be sure to follow the sport on all social media platforms at @PBR.
Paris Junior College Adult Ed Offering Free GED Fast-Track Classes and Much More
March 25, 2025 – Free, fast-track GED classes are being offered by Paris Junior College’s Adult Education and Family Literacy Department to help students get their GED in as little as 10 weeks. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 3 for classes that will run Monday, April 14 through June 18, 2025. The classes are just part of the services offered by Adult Education that can lead to better jobs and higher pay.
Those services are free thanks to grant funding from the Texas Workforce Commission.
“We were awarded $702,381 in the fall to continue providing educational classes within our service area,” said PJC Adult Education Director Susan Sanchez. “We can help you with improving literacy, learning English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship classes, computer literacy, employability skills, workforce development support classes and tuition, and case management services for internationally trained professionals and re-entry students.”
PJC also receives support from the Lamar County Literacy Council (LCLC), a United Way organization, which pays for GED vouchers, the spring GED graduation, and provides a scholarship. Sanchez also serves as the LCLC director. Last fall, the program received a vote of confidence with a donation from the Lamar County Junior Chamber of Commerce.
The Lamar County Junior Chamber donated to adult education in the fall. Shown from left are Avery Spencer, Rosalyn Spencer, William Flood, and Ethan Schmidt with Susan Sanchez.
“All the United Way agencies gave presentations and then the junior chamber members voted on who they would donate to,” Sanchez said. “We were very pleased that they thought adult literacy was an important cause to support.”
Former student Gretel Waite took advantage of the adult education programs at PJC and was pleased with the results.
Gretel Waite, a former Adult Education student who was very pleased with the services.
“The employability class is the course I never knew I needed,” said Waite. “They provided guidance and support from writing resumes to mock job interviews, to building self-confidence to prepare myself for employment. It truly is a career navigator.”
“Each year more than 70,000 Texans enroll in adult education programs to help increase their earning potential in the Texas workforce,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “These AEL programs are helping adult learners gain the skills they need for success.”
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those without a high school diploma average $708 weekly and have a 5.6 percent unemployment rate. This rises to $899 with 3.9 percent unemployment for a high school degree or GED. An associate’s degree brings the weekly average to $1,058 with an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent. Earnings rise and unemployment rates drop the higher the education attainment.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools to achieve career success and prosperity,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission’s commitment to the education of all Texans not only strengthens our workforce system, but also Texas’ reputation as the best state for doing business.”
The fast-track courses will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Bobby R. Walters Workforce Training Center in Paris, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the PJC-Greenville Center.
To qualify, students must be at least 17 or older, bring a current driver’s license or state ID when registering, and they must attend all classes. The classes will cover GED core exam components of language arts, science, social studies, and math. Students will also have help setting up their online GED account and get free GED practice and test vouchers.
Registration may be done in person, emailing [email protected], or calling 903-782-0467 in Paris or 903-454-8703 in Greenville. PJC serves Lamar, Delta, Hopkins, Red River, and Hunt counties. Learn more at www.parisjc.edu/adult-ed.
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.
New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries Announces Two Events in April
March 25, 2025 – New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries is spreading the word on two exciting events coming up in April 2025…
Pastor Deborah Sharper, and New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries, will host the “Glory Invasion” event April 11, 2025, beginning at 7:00pm, and April 12, 2025, beginning at 6:00pm. Guest speaker will be Apostle Brandon Cornelius, from Glory Revival Center in Madison, MS. This event is free tot he public.
Also taking place in April 2025, the Ancient Rivers In One Accord Ministries will be held at 1200 Houston Street, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. This event will be held April 13, 2025, beginning at 4:00pm. Special presenter will be Apostle Brandon Cornelius Sr.
Jennings Gets Closer to Finding Out Fate
March 25, 2025 – Embattled local real estate investor, Everett Jennings, continues his path toward justice with Pre-Trial hearings scheduled for 9:00am Wednesday, March 26th. Jennings has six charges listed on the 8th Judicial District court docket that will have Pre-Trial discussions. Those charges listed for pre-trial range from evading arrest to theft over $300,000 as well as engaging in organized criminal activity, and a tampering with a witness charge. Jennings attorney listed on the court’s docket is Brian Corrigan, a Rockwall based attorney specializing in criminal defense.
Jennings has been detained in the Hopkins County Jail for almost one year after being arrested upon returning to Galveston from a pleasure cruise. At that time, Jennings is believed to have tampered with a monitoring device as that device’s last known location reported to be a cruise ship passenger parking area.
Everett Jennings has three additional items listed on the March 26th docket but those cases are at a different point in the court cycle resulting from more recent charges. These three are listed as “arraignment” on charges of:
Capital Murder while Remunerations
Online Impersonation -Name/Persona Create Page
Fraud Poss/Use Credit or Debit Card <5
Jennings’ bond amount listed through the Hopkins County Inmate website totals 2,025,000.
Ag Commission Sid Miller Reports Unsolicited Live Plants Now Being Delivered
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller reported that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has collected 311 unsolicited seed packages across 64 locations, including the first instance of a live plant being mailed unsolicited to a Texas resident. Texans are urged not to panic if an unexpected package arrives at their door but to proceed cautiously if the contents are unfamiliar.
Commissioner Miller asks Texans to remain vigilant and report unknown seed, liquid, and plant deliveries
“Texans need to be aware of the dangers of opening unsolicited packages left at their doorstep,” Commissioner Miller stated. “We must stay vigilant and not assume that every package contains harmless plant material. Although many of these seeds are not listed as noxious plants by the federal government, they still pose a significant national biosecurity threat that should not be overlooked.”
TDA will continue to gather and deliver all seed packages, unidentified liquids, and plant materials to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) or the Texas Tech horticulture department for identification, testing, and disposal at no cost to the recipients. TDA’s partners at APHIS will share detections with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify and stop similar packages.
This represents a continuation of the recent wave of mystery seed deliveries across the nation that began in 2020. The unsolicited shipments were found by the USDA and other officials to be part of a “brushing scam,” in which a retailer sends inexpensive items to unsuspecting recipients, posts reviews on their behalf, and fraudulently inflates product ratings and sales. Brushing scams are illegal in the U.S. While it remains unclear whether this applies to these deliveries, the circumstances are similar.
“We are still trying to understand how these seeds are passing through customs,” Commissioner Miller added. “We have consistently reported and delivered these packages to APHIS, which has worked to communicate with customs officials. While this may seem harmless, it raises a security concern in our nation’s delivery system that must be addressed.”
If you receive any unsolicited package containing seeds, liquids, or live plants, do not open it. Keep the contents sealed in their original packaging and immediately contact the TDA toll-free at (800) TELL-TDA.
Contact your state’s plant regulatory agency or APHIS if you are outside of Texas.
Dinner Bell for March 26, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Money Law and Title Catocon, Inc.
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.
Money Law and Title relocated its Sulphur Springs office to the spacious red brick building on the Southeast corner of the downtown square and Oak Avenue.
Real estate transactions and closings require legal expertise and Money Law opened in 2013 with the title fee office open ing in 2016; and, in 2022 the law and title companies became one agency known as Money Law and Title.
They also have offices located in Greenville, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, Emory, Prosper and Sherman, Texas to serve the needs of the people of the North and Eastern areas of the state.
We Welcome Back the second partner for March 26th: Catocon, Inc., owned by Jarred and Amanda Pickett. They were a partner several years ago. Catocon is a highway maintenance contractor for the state of Texas. The company started in July 1998 and provides maintenance for over 30 counties across the state.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- King Ranch Chicken
- Seasoned Pinto Beans
- Salad
- Sopapilla Cheesecake
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 !!!
Vietnam Veterans Day March 29
March 24, 2025 – On Saturday March 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Sulphur Springs, Texas, will host a Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony at Celebration Plaza. This event honors the service and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans.
Community members are encouraged to attend to show appreciation for these veterans.
Celebration Plaza, located in downtown Sulphur Springs, has previously hosted events honoring veterans, such as Veterans Day observances. This ceremony is part of the nationwide commemoration marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with similar events occurring across Texas and the United States.
The Military Coalition will have their rifles ready for a three-volley salute. The event is hosted by the Hopkins County Marine Corp League.
“Draggieland” is Back
March 24, 2025 – A federal judge ruled in favor of the First Amendment rights of a Texas A&M student group, blocking the university’s attempt to prohibit an upcoming drag show, Draggieland, on the College Station campus. The ruling, issued today, affirms that the university’s decision to cancel the event likely violated constitutional protections of free speech and expression.
“We’re overjoyed with today’s decision,” said the Queer Empowerment Council. “This is another display of the resilience of queer joy, as that is an unstoppable force despite those that wish to see it destroyed. While this fight isn’t over, we are going to appreciate the joy we get to bring by putting on the best show that we can do.”
The student group organizing Draggieland argued that the university’s actions amounted to censorship and discrimination based on content and viewpoint. Texas A&M officials had attempted to justify the cancellation by citing concerns about the event’s nature, but the court found these reasons insufficient to override constitutional rights.
The judge’s decision reinforces legal precedent that public universities cannot suppress student expression simply because it is controversial or unpopular. The ruling aligns with previous cases affirming that drag performances are a form of protected artistic and political expression.
This case reflects ongoing legal battles over free speech and LGBTQ+ rights on college campuses, particularly in states like Texas, where political and cultural debates surrounding drag performances have intensified. With the court’s decision, Draggieland is set to proceed as planned, marking a significant victory for student organizers and First Amendment advocates alike.
The SSHS Lady Cats and the North Lamar Lady Panthers Challenged Each Other in an Exciting Game of Softball March 21st
March 23, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats played against the North Lamar High School Lady Panthers in an exciting game of softball March 21, 2025. Below is KSST’s coverage of this thrilling game that was played at Lady Cat Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin wonderfully provided Play by Play and Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this action packed game below!
