Mt. Vernon Set to Become Nation’s Lithium Capitol
April 6, 2025 – GeoFrame, a Houston-based energy and mining company, has announced bold plans to turn Mount Vernon, Texas — a small town with a population of just 2,500 — into the nation’s largest single-source lithium producer. The company’s ambitious initiative promises to inject new economic life into the rural community, bringing over 100 new jobs and positioning the area at the forefront of the U.S. energy transition.
The project centers on a newly discovered lithium-rich brine deposit just outside Mount Vernon. GeoFrame intends to use advanced direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to produce the mineral more efficiently and sustainably than traditional methods. Once operational, the facility is expected to triple current domestic lithium output, reducing America’s reliance on foreign imports and supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy storage systems.
Local officials have expressed optimism about the project’s potential, emphasizing not just job creation, but also improvements in infrastructure, tax revenue, and long-term economic diversification. Critics, however, have raised concerns about environmental impact and water use — issues GeoFrame says it will address through strict oversight and innovative, low-impact extraction techniques.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2028. If successful, the Mount Vernon site could significantly reshape both the local economy and the U.S. lithium supply chain. For a small East Texas town, the promise of becoming a critical player in a global energy market marks a dramatic and potentially transformative shift. As GeoFrame moves forward, all eyes will be on whether it can deliver on its promises — and turn Mount Vernon into a new symbol of American clean energy independence.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting for May
May 5, 2025 – Hello everyone! We have all enjoyed Kenny Sivard’s previous presentations and we are looking forward to another one on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the HCGS Library, 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Kenny is coming from Oklahoma to bring us the story of the “Battle of Honey Springs,” a Civil War battle fought in Indian Territory. He may even augment his talk by dressing in period costume!
Kenny Sivard, is a 7th generation resident of McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Currently he is the president of the McCurtain County Historical Society and serves on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society where he sits on the organization’s Research and Publications Committees. He also serves on the executive board of the Friends of Fort Towson Historic Site and the board of directors of the Friends of Honey Springs Historic Battlefield. Kenny was formerly a history writer for the Oklahoma Edge Magazine and has written history articles for the McCurtain Gazette newspaper for over ten years.
If you are unable to attend this meeting in person you are invited to attend via Zoom:When: May 15, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/jo18Ihm0QJOxbL9wlmpsMg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Watch for Safety Lighting Improvements in Lamar and Hopkins Counties
May 5, 2025 – PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that Safety Lighting work will be underway beginning May 12.
The contractor, Vaca Underground Utilities, Inc, plans to begin installation of Safety Lighting on US 271 North at the intersection of FM 3298 in Lamar County and will move to various locations as the work progresses. The contractor will be installing this safety lighting in Lamar and Hopkins Counties. Work will be performing at the following locations:
- Lamar County
- US 271 at FM 3298 Intersection
- US 271 at FM 2648 Intersection
- South LP 286 at FM 905
- Hopkins County
- FM 69 at FM 269 Intersection
This work will involve the installation of safety lighting to improve visibility at night. The majority of this work will be performed on the shoulder and off of the roadway surface, but occasional lane closures with flaggers will be utilized. The roadway will be opened to normal traffic flow at the end of each day.
Motorists who travel frequently in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through these intersections. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
CHRISTUS Health Recognizes Stroke Month: Know the Signs of a Stroke
May 5, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is encouraging people to know the signs of a stroke, which affects nearly 800,000 Americans each year and nearly 15 million worldwide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and there are more than 450 deaths from stroke each day.
“Stroke recovery and survival can be a matter of minutes and, quite frankly, seconds,” said Kala Anders, stroke program manager at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “Being able to recognize the signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference in having a strong recovery, a long-term disability or even death.”
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Anders said that, generally, if a stroke patient receives treatment within three or four hours of the first symptoms, major long-term disabilities can be reduced or eliminated.
“The quicker the better,” she says.
The easiest way to recognize symptoms is the acronym BEFAST.
B: Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E: Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision?
F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A: Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? T: Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important.
If you are a stroke survivor, you are at a higher risk of having another stroke as nearly 200,000 strokes occur in people who have had a previous stroke, Anders said.
According to the American Stroke Association, eight key factors can increase your risk of stroke: smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity, poor sleep routines, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
People with atrial fibrillation are prone to suffer more serious strokes than those with other underlying factors.
“Life after a stroke can be broken down into thirds,” Anders said. “A third of people will live with a disability after a stroke, a third will live a normal life and a third, unfortunately, die from a stroke. This is why it is so imperative to follow preventative measures, to hopefully reduce your risk of a stroke.”
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Student Taken into Custody Following What’s Called a “Spoofing” Incident
May 5, 2025 – The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office says a student has been taken into custody following what’s called a “spoofing” incident which targeted a teacher.
The Como-Pickton Consolidated ISD says a person called a teacher Friday from a spoofed number and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t change the caller’s grade.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower says: “The student suspect has been identified and caught by law enforcement. Let me reiterate that we have zero tolerance for this type of behavior. We want to thank the effort, work, and support of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Tatum.”
Bower posted a statement on Facebook saying in part: ”We will pursue every legal option available against such behavior including maximum school discipline or other maximum legal actions at our discretion. Please take the time to speak with your child, regardless of grade level, to remind them of the seriousness of making any threatening statement or remarks, at school or outside of school, directed at any person within our school community.”
He continued: “We do not find there to be any danger, but to set minds at ease, we are going to double our law enforcement presence at school for the meanwhile. “
Sun Savvy Women: Taking Control of Skin Health and Ageing
April 5, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Ladies, the sun is officially out for spring and will only heat up
more during summer. Make sure your skin is ready to take the heat with these sun exposure tips from the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
Sun exposure is the biggest threat to skin health. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, otherwise known as UV, is the primary cause of skin cancer and is responsible for almost 90% of skin aging.
About 95% of solar radiation is UVA, which damages elastin and collagen deep within the skin layers, making skin thinner, weaker, and more prone to dark spots and wrinkles.
UVA is the most common UV used in tanning beds. Women have approximately 20% thinner skin than men, meaning there is less elastin and collagen to lose. Women’s bodies also naturally start to lose elastin and collagen at more dramatic rates after menopause, pronouncing the signs of aging more rapidly.
UVB, the other type of harmful UV, burns and blisters the top layers of skin, directly causing mutations to DNA in skin cells. Think of the “A” in UVA to mean ageing, and the “B’ in UVB to mean burning. Both UVA and UVB cause skin cancer.
Although most UV rays are UVA, regular sunscreens only protect from UVB because it is the type that visibly burns the skin. Broad spectrum sunscreen is preferable as it protects from both UVA and UVB. For babies or those with sensitive skin, sunscreens with the active ingredients of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are gentlest.
Mineral and chemical sunscreens are two categories of sunscreens to choose from. Mineral sunscreens are effective immediately, coating the surface of the skin and reflecting UV off. They are more sensitive on skin and are generally reef safe for ocean swimming.
Chemical sunscreens take roughly 20 minutes to activate, but they allow the absorption of UV rays and deactivate them within the skin cells. This reaction converts UV into heat that is then released from the body. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens have pros and cons, so it is best for individuals to read up and decide which will work for them. UV rays can pass through clouds and glass, so it is important to wear sunscreen even on overcast days or for car rides. Daily wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology to prevent skin cancer. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen for swim days and reapply every 2 to 3 hours for full protection.
Reapplying can sound daunting when a full face of makeup is at risk of being ruined by pasty white sunscreen, but there are products and methods that can save face in more ways than one. Sunscreen sticks, spray sunscreens, and even mineral powder sunscreens apply well over makeup to freshen up skin protection every few hours.
The SPF in makeup is not enough on its own to protect the skin. While foundations may include SPF, the amount is too small of a percentage of the total mixture to provide true protection on its own.
Wondering how much is enough? For the face, a nickel size amount of sunscreen or the amount that fits on two fingers tips should cover it. For the rest of the body, roughly 6 to 8 teaspoons or a one ounce shot glass full of sunscreen provides adequate coverage.
SPF does not add up if layered. For example, if foundation has a SPF of 20 and a sunscreen powder is layered on top with a SPF of 30, the skin is protected at a rating of 30 SPF, not a cumulative 50.
While layering different forms of SPF does not increase the overall SPF, it does help to cover any missed spots. If the base SPF didn’t cover one area of skin, perhaps the powder will. Think of layering and reapplying as gap insurance against skin cancer.
1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer during their lifetime, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be prevented. While skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, it is also the most preventable. By committing to protect and monitor the skin, skin stays stronger, healthier, and more youthful.
Texas Bill Would Remove Protection For School Librarians
April 5, 2025 – Texas House Bill 412, authored by Representative Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), has successfully passed the House with bipartisan support (99-31), signaling a significant shift in the legal landscape concerning the distribution of potentially harmful material to minors. The bill seeks to eliminate broad exemptions in current Texas law that have shielded school officials, librarians, and other individuals from prosecution when distributing such content, provided it was for an “educational purpose.”
This legislative effort is rooted in concerns voiced by parents and Republican lawmakers regarding the presence of sexually explicit books within Texas public and school libraries. Proponents of the bill argue that these exemptions have allowed inappropriate material to be accessible to children, necessitating a change to ensure greater accountability. The passage of HB 412 is viewed as a victory for GOP lawmakers who have made the removal of such content a priority in their broader child protection agenda.
However, the legislation faced opposition from House Democrats during the debate. They argued that the bill represents an attack on school librarians and could have a chilling effect on the availability of diverse and relevant educational resources. Despite these concerns, the bipartisan vote in favor of the bill indicates a widespread desire among lawmakers to address the issue of harmful content accessible to minors in educational settings. State Representative Mitch Little (R-Frisco) emphasized the intent behind the bill, stating that educators who intentionally or recklessly expose children to harmful material “should be in fear in the State of Texas.” The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
‘Gulf of America’ Bill Heads to the Texas House
April 5, 2025 – The Texas Senate has passed a bill that would officially rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in state law. Authored by Republican State Senator Mayes Middleton of Galveston, the legislation aims to replace all instances of “Gulf of Mexico” within the state’s legal code. This initiative follows an executive order issued on January 20th titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness.”
The bill garnered significant support in the Senate, passing with a vote of 20 to 11. All opposing votes came from the Democratic members of the chamber. The legislation now moves to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration and potential further action. If passed by the House and signed into law, the “Gulf of America” would become the legally recognized name for the body of water within the state of Texas.
Texas Democrats Plan to Block School Voucher Law Implementation
April 4, 2025 – Texas Democrats are preparing to take legal action in an attempt to block a controversial school choice law recently signed into law. The law, which centers on a voucher system, would allow public funds to be used for private school tuition. Republicans argue the measure prioritizes disabled students and those from low-income families, offering them greater educational freedom. However, Democrats warn it could devastate public education by siphoning critical funding from already under-resourced public schools.
As the minority party in the Texas legislature, Democrats face an uphill battle. Representative Gene Wu emphasized that if stopping the law’s passage proves impossible, Democrats will negotiate for the best possible terms to minimize harm to public schools. “Communities are going to suffer greatly if the school system goes over the cliff, so rise up and demand change,” Wu urged, calling on public resistance to the bill.
Democrats argue that the voucher program disproportionately benefits wealthier families who can already afford private education, while undermining the public schools that serve the majority of Texas students. Legal challenges will likely focus on the Texas Constitution’s guarantee of a free public education and whether public funds can be lawfully redirected to private institutions.
Republican leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, have made school choice a legislative priority, framing it as a solution to educational inequality. Yet critics note that private schools are not held to the same standards of accountability and inclusiveness as public schools, which could leave vulnerable students behind.
With legislative approval appearing increasingly likely, Democrats are gearing up for a legal and public relations battle. The outcome will shape the future of education in Texas and could set a national precedent as other states consider similar school choice legislation. The fight over this law is quickly becoming one of the state’s most contentious political battles.
Wildfire Awareness Month Highlights Proactive Safety Strategies
May 4, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – In 2024, 5,187 wildfires burned over 1.3 million acres in Texas, and since wildfires have no boundaries, Texans should always be prepared for wildfires.
During Wildfire Awareness Month, Texas A&M Forest Service is highlighting the ways that Texans can not only prevent wildfires but how they can prepare for when they occur.
“Preparation for wildfires is key to protecting both lives and property,” said Erin O’Connor, Texas A&M Forest Service Public Information Officer. “During an emergency, you may only have minutes to act or evacuate. Having a plan and a go-kit can make all the difference. The better prepared Texans are, the safer they will be.”
Prepare a go-kit
A critical component to ensuring safety and preparedness for wildfires is the preparation of a go-kit that can be easily carried and include supplies for several days. A go-kit should include:
- Supplies for both people and pets.
- Prescription medications or other necessary medical equipment.
- Papers and important documents such as phone numbers and insurance and identification documents.
- Personal needs including food, water, clothes, money, chargers and a first aid kit.
- Priceless items such as photos, family heirlooms and any other irreplaceable or valuable items.
Evacuation plans
“It is important to have at least two evacuation routes planned out of your neighborhood in case the first route is blocked by heavy smoke or traffic,” said O’Connor.
Evacuation routes and shelter locations will be influenced by wildfire activity. It is critical to know how and where local emergency officials will communicate information, such as updates and instructions, to the public.
Preparing homes and land
“There are many practical steps that residents and landowners can take to reduce their risk from wildfire,” said O’Connor.
Residents can prepare around their homes using fire resistant landscaping and ensuring defensible spaces are maintained. Embers—small pieces of burning material easily carried by the wind—are the leading cause of home loss during wildfires. They can collect in small crevices around a home and enter through vents.
Simple, low-cost actions like cleaning out gutters, clearing leaves from garden beds and around wooden structures, removing leaf piles, and relocating firewood stacks at least 30 feet away from buildings can significantly reduce the risk of ember ignition.
Farm and ranch owners can prepare for wildfires by assessing the property for potential hazards, establishing contingency plans for feeding and relocating livestock if a fire is imminent and informing fire departments about access roads, water sources, fence lines and preferred wildfire suppression tactics.
Preparing communities
“The wildland urban interface is where humans and their structures meet or mix with undeveloped wildland,” said O’Connor. “Communities in the WUI are at the greatest risk for wildfire damage or loss. As Texas’ population grows and urban areas expand into more rural landscapes, the number of people that may be impacted by wildfires will increase.”
Communities and municipalities can create community wildfire protection plans to identify high-risk areas of the wildland urban interface and target potential fuels reduction projects, training needs and prevention strategies.
Texas A&M Forest Service works with communities to create community wildfire protection plans, assists neighborhoods with the management of the Firewise USA® program and provides risk assessment tools to ensure communities have the resources to be prepared for wildfire.
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