Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues TikTok for Sharing Minors’ Personal Data In Violation of Texas Parental Consent Law
October 3, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued TikTok, one of the largest social media platforms, for operating its platform in a manner that puts the online safety and privacy of Texas children at risk and violates the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (“SCOPE”) Act.
“I will continue to hold TikTok and other Big Tech companies accountable for exploiting Texas children and failing to prioritize minors’ online safety and privacy,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “Texas law requires social media companies to take steps to protect kids online and requires them to provide parents with tools to do the same. TikTok and other social media companies cannot ignore their duties under Texas law.”
To protect Texas children from harms associated with social media, the SCOPE Act prohibits digital service providers, such as TikTok, from sharing, disclosing, or selling a minor’s personal identifying information without permission from the child’s parent or legal guardian. Further, the SCOPE Act requires companies to provide parents with tools to manage and control the privacy and account settings on their child’s account. TikTok has failed to comply with these requirements.
Attorney General Paxton is seeking civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and injunctive relief to prevent future violations of the SCOPE Act by TikTok.
Chamber Connection – October 3, 2024
By Butch Burney
Don’t stand in line at the 55 th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest, get your tickets online or at
any of the local banks and credit unions.
Tickets are available online at HopkinsChamber.org as well as the Chamber of Commerce office
at 110 Main Street.
Tickets are $8 each for those 13 and older and free for children 12 and under, thanks to
sponsorship from Signature Solar.
Stew Merch
Stew merch is here! Stew merch is here!
Whether you’re in the market for a Stew T-shirt, hoodie, mug, tumbler, sticker, towel or other
merchandise for the 55 th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest, sponsored by Alliance Bank, you
can find it at the Chamber of Commerce.
Stop by the Chamber office and get your gear for the Stew Contest on Saturday, Oct. 26, at
Buford Park.
Ribeye Roundup
The Cattleman’s Classic & Ribeye Roundup returns to Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs on
October 5. The event features a steak cook-off which will include an expected 40-plus cook
teams, educational trade show, live music and more!
What’s new for the public?
•Reduced ticket price of $20
•Bite-sized steak tasting instead of a full steak meal. Now the public has the opportunity to try
multiple cook team steaks vs. picking only one steak.
•Festival style that includes live music throughout the day.
•Public service will begin at 1pm and end at 4pm.
Main Street Uncorked
Main Street Uncorked 2024 is an annual wine and music festival in beautiful downtown Sulphur
Springs. Enjoy wine from some of the best Texas wineries, shop local vendors and enjoy
talented musical artists.
The event starts at 1 pm and runs until 7 pm on Saturday, Oct. 12. They have two great bands
lined up for entertainment throughout the day.
Tickets include participation in the wine tasting event, a souvenir glass and an insulated wine
bag. Advanced tickets purchased online are $10 each (visit their Facebook page). Tickets sold at
the event will be $15 each.
Help a Child
The annual Help a Child Benefit is set for Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Hopkins County Civic Center
to support children in need. All proceeds go to help the children of Northeast Texas.
The big ticket item this year will include a 2024 Kubota RTV-X 4×4 diesel and bumper pull trailer.
Check their Facebook page to find out locations to purchase tickets.
The event includes food, music, and live events.
Market on Main
Join downtown Sulphur Springs for music, food, shopping and fun fall festivities during Autumn
Market on Main on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What to expect:
•A wide array of artisanal crafts
•Delicious food vendors
•Live music to set the mood
•Family-friendly activities
•And so much more!
Ribbon Cuttings
The Pretty Penny Thrift Store will have a ribbon cutting at their location at 115 Industrial Drive
West, at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Everyone is invited.
Clayton Homes Retail will host a ribbon cutting at their location at 2600 Industrial Drive at 10
a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Please join us for their ribbon cutting.
Vino Lounge will host a ribbon cutting at their location, 223 Main Street, at noon on Friday, Oct.
Please join us for this event.
Wes Moorehead Named Texas A&M Forest Service Deputy Director
October 3, 2024 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Wes Moorehead has been named Deputy Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. In this role, Moorehead will report to Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis and will oversee the successful implementation of Davis’ and the agency’s statewide, strategic initiatives.
“It is an honor to take on this new role within the agency,” said Moorehead. “As our agency continues to grow, this new role will play a crucial part in turning our strategic initiatives into reality, ensuring that we effectively meet the growing demand for our services across the state.”
Moorehead most recently served as the Associate Director of Forest Resource Protection and Fire Chief since March 2022 where he oversaw wildfire response operations, including response to the Smokehouse Creek Fire during February and March 2024—the largest wildfire in Texas history.
Moorehead began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2001 as a Forest Inventory and Analysis Forester in Kirbyville before transitioning to a District Forester position. He then served as one of three Regional Foresters for the agency based in Nacogdoches.
From 2012 to 2020, he served as the Department Head of East Texas Operations where he was responsible for overseeing the agency’s forestry and firefighting efforts on 12 million acres of forested lands.
Moorehead earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.
In 2020, Moorehead was the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in the Field of Forestry Award from the Society of American Foresters and has previously been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Texas Forestry Association.
“Wes has more than proven his leadership during his time in the agency and as an Associate Director,” said Davis. “My admiration for him continues to grow as I witness his impact on our operations throughout the state. I am confident that he will continue to create success for the Texas A&M Forest Service mission in this new role.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service Deputy Director role was established this year to increase the capacity of executive leadership within the agency and expand the agency’s incident preparedness and response efforts across the state.
Moorehead shared that 2022 emerged as one of the most significant fire years the state has faced since 2011. The worst summer fire season in the agency’s history occurred in 2023 and the largest wildfire in Texas history burned during spring 2024.
“In recent years, the magnitude and intensity of wildfires have increased across Texas,” said Moorehead. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we are efficient and effective in meeting the needs of all Texans. We are also ensuring that our first responders and personnel have the resources to maximize their potential in whatever capacity they serve.”
As Moorehead looks ahead to the future of the agency, he is committed to unifying the emergency response and natural resource programs, building strong relationships with stakeholders and enhancing personnel development to ensure the efficient delivery of the agency’s programs and services.
“I am optimistic about the direction of the agency and hope to help usher in a new era,” said Moorehead. “While we will undoubtedly face future challenges, I believe we are well-positioned to confront them head-on and make meaningful progress.”
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Paris Junior College-Greenville Center Opens new Workforce Training Facility
October 3, 2024 – With the cut of a ribbon, the new workforce training facility at the Paris Junior College – Greenville Center officially opened Monday, September 30, 2024. The ribbon cutting was part of the official dedication and Open House held for the public.
“Welcome to our celebration of our 100th Anniversary and grand opening of this new workforce center,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, PJC President. “This investment in the Greenville Center represents Paris Junior College’s commitment to the community and the business community. This state of the art training facility will help us meet the demands of local business and industry. We have great partners here in Hunt County and Greenville.”
The new training facility matches the original building’s exterior and is slightly over 23,000 square feet. Large bays house four programs, and the facility has been designed to match industry needs as those change over the years.
Initial workforce programs housed in the new facility are mechatronics (including an industrial maintenance apprenticeship in partnership with the Greenville Board of Development); heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; electrician; and a new airframe maintenance program.
“I’m standing here to thank some people,” said Craig Driggers, L3Harris Director of Operations Management and a proud PJC alumnus. “I’m from Greenville. I went to high school here and took my college classes here and today I get to be part of something unique from the last 24 months with a group of people with a vision to bring aircraft mechanics back to Greenville. We’ve started two programs: a pre-apprentice program touching all ten of our ISDs and most importantly, we have this fantastic facility that’s going to execute the aviation program. The only thing missing for me is a couple of hundred students in there, learning aviation, so thank you.”
The PJC-Greenville Center is located at 6500 Monty Stratton Parkway. The new facility is to the west of the original building.
“This is just the start of helping fuel the local economy and improve the quality of life here in Greenville and Hunt County,” said Benson.
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.
SAFE-T Candlelight Vigil Set for October 10, 2024
October 3, 2024 – The annual SAFE-T Candlelight Vigil will take place Thursday October 10, 2024.
This promises to be a heartfelt event. Local leaders will speak, the SSISD High School Choir will sing, and a survivor of abuse will speak.
If you wish to participate and show support, gather around Celebration Plaza at 5:30PM. Those with mobility concerns will be able to see and hear the ceremony from various parking spots around the Plaza.
Through advocacy and education, SAFE-T strives to create an environment where violence, abuse, and oppression are not tolerated; and provide the services needed to assist survivors in the healing process.
The event will go on rain or shine. The alternate location in case of inclement weather is the Civic Center.
2025 Texas Fish Art Contest Opens for Entries
October 3, 2024 – ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) has opened the Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s 2025 Fish Art Contest for entries.
The Fish Art Contest, accepting entries until Feb. 28, is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fish, fisheries and fishing.
“The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students across Texas to the wonders of fish and fisheries resources through the nexus of art,” said Tom Lang, TFFC director. “We always look forward to this time of year when we are once again amazed by the outstanding work and artistic interpretations of these young Texans.”
Participants must submit a completed entry form and an original illustration of a wild fish found in Texas. Applicants in grades 4-12 are also required to submit a one-page creative writing piece. Once the entrance form is submitted, applicants must mail their artwork to TFFC, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX, 75752. The physical artwork must have a landscape orientation between 8X10 inches and 9X12 inches and be postmarked no later than Feb. 28.
The Texas Fish Art Contest’s new category this year is the Special Species Award, which will showcase a focused species or set of species each year. One winner will be chosen from all entries and spotlighted at the TFFC. Students must correctly label their artwork and be identifiable as the correct focus species, but do not need to submit additional paperwork for consideration.
For the 2024-2025 contest year, the focus species is the Guadalupe Bass, the state fish of Texas.
This year’s award honors Shirley Watson and her third-grade class at Decatur Elementary School, which, in 1989, realized Texas had no official state fish. They traveled to Austin and testified in front of lawmakers about why a fish found “only in Texas” was the right fish for the job and their efforts paid off. Find out more about the state fish and how the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is working to restore this Texas icon to its native range.
Texas winners are recognized in the Texas Fish Art calendar, win scholarships, are featured in TPWD’s Fish Art Contest Flickr album and invited to a family fishing celebration to recognize their achievements.
Additionally, winners will earn automatic entry to Wildlife Forever’s national contest. Texas students may choose to enter national specialty awards with fish not found in Texas, however, they will not be eligible for Texas state awards due to the one entry per student limit.
“We have a unique opportunity to celebrate the talents of our Texas students, and the beauty of our diverse fish found in Texas,” said Kate Barkalow, Education and Interpretation Coordinator at TFFC. “In doing so, we also recognize the amazing efforts of our teachers and biologists who support them. To complete their piece of art, students research their fish, its habitat and conservation efforts being made to protect the species, forging a connection between the student and fish.”
Educators who wish to have their students enter the 2025 contest can find entry forms, rules, guidelines and more online. A lesson plan offers interdisciplinary curriculum including lessons and activities, a species identification section profiling each state fish, a glossary and student worksheets.
The Fish Art Contest is sponsored by Wildlife Forever, Bass Pro Shops, Rapala, U.S. Forest Service, Wonders of Wildlife, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, National Fish Habitat Partnership, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Adventure Keen, International Game and Fish Association, REPYOURWATER and Western Native Trout Initiative.
Located in White Bear Lake, Minn., Wildlife Forever is a nonprofit multispecies conservation organization dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on-the-ground” efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research and management of fish and wildlife populations.
Commissioner Miller Celebrates the Launch of the GO TEXAS WHISKEY TRAIL PODCAST
The podcast highlights grain-to-glass distilleries across Texas, now streaming on all platforms.
October 3, 2024 – AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller—alongside the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas Whiskey Association—proudly launched the GO TEXAN Explores: Texas Whiskey Trail podcast at a special State Fair of Texas preview event Thursday, September 26, in TDA’s GO TEXAN Pavilion. The gathering celebrated Texas’s vibrant whiskey culture, uniting whiskey enthusiasts, local distilleries, and supporters of Texas agriculture in a showcase of the state’s rich distilling heritage.
“This podcast is a great extension of our Texas Whiskey Hour at the GO TEXAN Pavilion, giving folks an inside look at the heart and soul of our Texas distillers,” Commissioner Sid Miller said. “Each episode is a chance for listeners to discover how deeply these distillers are rooted in Texas agriculture and how they carry on our state’s proud traditions.”
The GO TEXAN Explores: Texas Whiskey Trail podcast is your ticket to discovering the world-class whiskey and bourbon crafted in the Lone Star State. Each episode takes you on a journey through Texas distilleries like Andalusia Whiskey, Garrison Brothers, Ranger Creek, Iron Root, Tahwahkaro, and 1845 Distillery—each with its unique story. Hosted by Mando Rayo, renowned taco journalist, cultural ambassador, and host of United Tacos of America, the podcast dives deep into the tales of the people and passion behind these exceptional Texas spirits.”
The podcast will consist of six episodes, released every Thursday starting September 26 on Apple, Spotify, and wherever listeners get their podcasts. Interviews will also be available on TDA’s GO TEXAN YouTube channel.
“Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about the craft and the stories behind these local distillers, we invite you to tune in,” said Rayo. “Each episode will offer a unique glimpse into the passion, tradition, and innovation that make Texas whiskey truly special.”
Attendees from across Texas were treated to an exclusive first listen to the podcast, followed by a lively Q&A session with its creators and distillers. The distillers also offered samples of their whiskeys—each with an authentic taste of the Lone Star State.
Guests also got a sneak peek at the Texas Whiskey Hour, set to take center stage at the GO TEXAN Pavilion throughout the State Fair. This showcase will highlight the Texas Whiskey Trail and distilleries from all over the state, allowing visitors to taste, learn, and connect with the passionate distillers behind these fine Texas spirits.
“We are proud to partner with the Texas Department of Agriculture to showcase these distillers’ journeys,” said Brandon Choate, president of the Texas Whiskey Association. “We hope listeners will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the dedication that goes into every bottle.”
TDA’s GO TEXAN Pavilion on Nimitz Drive is open to the public during the State Fair. It is a must-stop for sampling and shopping Texas-made products, learning about Texas agriculture, and enjoying family-friendly activities.
More information about the Texas Whiskey Association can be found here.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Requests Voter Registration Data from Secretary of State
Paxton is Prepared to Force Federal Government to Verify if Noncitizens Are Illegally Registered
October 3, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson formally requesting the records of every registered voter without a State of Texas-issued driver’s license or identification card number in order to facilitate efforts to stop noncitizen voting and investigate potential voter fraud.
On September 18, Attorney General Paxton urged Secretary Nelson to request data from the federal government that would enable Texas to determine the citizenship status of certain registered voters for whom the state cannot verify eligibility to vote. The Secretary of State’s Office ultimately sent a request to the federal government that allows for excessive delays, potentially preventing Texas from receiving this critical information before the election. Crucially, the request sent by SOS did not provide any information to the federal government about the individuals whose citizenship status needs to be verified, which defeats the purpose of the letter.
Now, two weeks later and just one month from the election, the Texas Secretary of State still has not sent the list of Texas’s potential noncitizen voters to the federal government for verification. Today, Attorney General Paxton has requested the Secretary of State voluntarily share the list of potential noncitizen voters with the OAG through intergovernmental information sharing and has made a Public Information Act request to the Secretary of State’s office for the registration data to alternatively send it himself.
The letter to the Secretary of State reads: “As our offices continue our cooperative efforts on the critical issue of election integrity, my office has identified information maintained by the Secretary of State that will facilitate our efforts to prevent non-U.S. Citizens from casting illegal votes in Texas elections and to investigate potential voter fraud. To that end, I formally request that you provide to my office each record in the statewide voter registration database (TEAM) for which the Secretary of State does not have a State of Texas issued driver’s license or identification card number for that individual.”
“There is no time for delay. Texans cannot afford to lose another second waiting for their vote and their voice to be protected from illegal ballots,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Every election official in the State must join me in prioritizing this. Our State and our Country are counting on you to do everything possible to expedite transparency and accountability to secure our elections and make sure noncitizens do not illegally vote.”
Residents Plead With City Council for Traffic Signal at Dangerous Intersection
October 2, 2024 – Several people spoke at the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday night, pleading with city officials about the intersection of Highway 19 & Airport Road. Although not an agenda item for the council, residents spoke during public forum on the issue explaining how their families have been affected by the tragedies occuring at the “blinking light” intersection. Currently, the intersection is controlled by cross traffic on Airport Road having to stop to yield to traffic traveling on Highway 19. Southbound traffic traveling on State Highway 19 have a speed limit decrease from 65mph to 60mph just before the intersection, but those that travel that road daily observe large trucks and other vehicles consistently exceeding those limits. The fast moving cross traffic allows for very little time for drivers to act and react. Limited sight lines for those crossing the highway complicate the issue as those continuing on Airport Road must cross five lanes of traffic to traverse the roadway.
Ultimately, TxDOT, whose local office is less than one-half mile from the intersection, would be the decision maker of the intersection receiving a proper traffic light (four-way controlled). Also, TxDOT would install, operate, and maintain a new traffic signal, as they currently maintain the two-way system that is in place now.
As the intersection sits inside the city limits of Sulphur Springs, local police could step up patrols on the roadway in an attempt to slow the traffic flow down to it’s intended speed limit. Also, the city works hand-in-hand with TxDOT as many state highways disect through the city limits as well as cross city streets which have traffic lights. Hopefully, a resolution between the city of Sulphur Springs and TxDOT can be reached. Those residents in attendance at the October City Council meeting expect to be at future meetings.
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested October 2
October 2, 2024 – Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Office.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornadoes, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test.
