Statement by Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller on Proposed Listing of a Butterfly a Threatened Species
December 12, 2024 – “The Biden Administration’s recent proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly as a threatened species is just the latest example of federal government overreach which cripples agriculture and rural development. Don’t be misled. This proposal isn’t about protecting butterflies. It’s about out-of-touch and out-of-control Washington bureaucrats forcing a radical agenda that punishes rural America and the people who call it home.
This designation would slap widespread restrictions on anything that might ‘disturb’ monarch habitat, making it nearly impossible to build or expand in rural areas. We’re not just talking about farmland. This will impact dairies, wind and solar farms, football stadiums, roads, airports, railways, feedlots, rural hospitals, parking lots, logging, and mining — you name it. These restrictions will hit Texas farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and consumers where it hurts, threatening the very industries that drive our state’s and nation’s economies.
This is nothing more than a parting shot from the Biden Administration, a desperate move to impose its heavy-handed, radical climate agenda on hard-working Americans before they leave office and sanity returns to our nation’s capital on January 20th. This is not a balanced approach to conservation; it’s a roadblock to growth, jobs, and prosperity, all in the name of feel-good policies. We deserve better.”
You can read more about Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller by going to this website.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Manufacturers of Toxic PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
Paxton Claims False Advertising About Household Products as Safe for Families
December 12, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a groundbreaking new lawsuit against the largest manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) chemical products, 3M and DuPont, for misrepresentations and key omissions they made in advertising the safety of brand names such as Teflon, Stainmaster, and Scotchgard.
On May 16, 2000, 3M voluntarily agreed to phase out production of Scotchgard within three years. The organic fluorine in Scotchgard is one of approximately 75,000 chemicals registered with the EPA.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Exposure in humans may be associated with diseases such as cancer and thyroid disease, and PFAS contamination accumulates in animals, plants, drinking water, and human blood over time. For decades, 3M and DuPont knew about the dangers of these chemicals but continued to market their beneficial use in ordinary household products. According to the filing, “Defendants marketed products containing harmful PFAS chemicals for over 70 years and were aware of the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals for over 50 years. Despite this knowledge, Defendants continued to market PFAS products and chemicals in Texas and elsewhere as safe for consumer use, misrepresent their environmental and biological risks, and conceal risks of harm from the public.”
“These companies knew for decades that PFAS chemicals could cause serious harm to human health yet continued to advertise them as safe for household use around families and children,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Texas is taking action to penalize these companies and hold them accountable for deceiving Texans into buying consumer products without vital information.”
Attorney General Paxton has been at the forefront of holding companies responsible for exposing people to dangerous “forever chemicals.” Texas previously sued the manufacturers of a product containing PFAS called Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for its harmful effect on Texas lands and waters. Today’s lawsuit marks a new stage in PFAS litigation.
The Lanier Law Firm and Kelley Drye & Warren LLP are serving as outside counsel.
Legislation Filed Mandating Schools Inform Parents of Employee Misconduct
If passed, it would go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
December 11, 2024 – Emily Medeiros – A new measure has been filed in the Texas House that would require public schools to inform students’ parents and guardians when a district employee has been charged with certain criminal offenses.
Incoming State Rep. Hillary Hickland (R-Belton) filed House Bill 1551, which requires that public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools notify parents or guardians of enrolled students when an employee at their children’s specific school is charged with certain criminal offenses. These offenses include those that would require the individual to register as a sex offender; the sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor; as well as murder and child endangerment charges.
According to the measure, the district must include in the notice the employee’s name and position, whether the employee continues to be employed by the school or district, the length of the employee’s employment, the offense they are being charged with, and a statement that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The notice may not reveal the victim’s identity but allows the school to release relevant facts regarding the case.
Hickland told Texas Scorecard that “Parents have a right to know what is happening in their children’s schools especially when it comes to safety and transparency.”
Texas Family Project President Brady Gray told Texas Scorecard that Hickland’s proposal is common sense and should be a regular practice in schools.
“The measure by Representative Hickland would bring transparency to public schools and empower parents to make the best decisions for their children,” said Gray. “This is a common sense measure that should be the practice of every public school and should not require legislative action. However, in the absence of virtuous leadership, Texas Family Project applauds any and all efforts to defend Texas kids.”
This article originally appeared here.
Cooper Lake Supervisor Aron Maib Chatted About Christmas in the Park on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Cooper Lake State Park Supervisor Aron Maib visited with John Mark. The two chatted about Christmas in the Park coming up December 13th and 14th. The two also discuss the kid’s fishing day at Cooper Lake coming up on December 21st, a traditional hike held on New Year’s Day, and a lot more. Check out this exciting episode to learn what’s coming up at Cooper Lake State Park.
The 2024 Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade Marched Through Sulphur Springs December 6th
December 11, 2024 – The 2024 Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade marched through downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas, on Friday, December 6, 2024. The event went off without any problems and was a big hit. Below is KSST’s coverage of the Christmas Parade. KSST’s James Terry offers commentary throughout the exciting parade. Be sure to check it out! Merry Christmas!
Wildcats Played Liberty-Eylau in Basketball December 3rd at Wildcat Gym
December 10, 2024 – Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats played Liberty-Eylau in basketball competition December 3rd, 2024, in Wildcat Gym in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST’s coverage of this exciting game. Sports Director John Mark Dempsey called Play by Play and Tony Flippin returned to provide Color Commentary. Be sure to check out the exciting action below. Lady Cats take on Hooks December 13th, 2024 in Sulphur Springs, Texas, beginning around 6:15pm. KSST will bring you the game live on 1230AM, and streaming on our YouTube channel. Video playback of the game will air on Cable Channel 18 and will be available on YouTube at a later date and time.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library to be Open December 14th
December 10, 2024 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society announces that their library will be open Saturday, December 14th, 2024, from 9:30am to 1:00pm. The library will be open for “all your research needs.” The Hopkins County Genealogical Society hopes “you will join us!” The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library is located at 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Some Recent Photo Ops With Gala Sponsors
This year’s Gala proceeds will help purchase an MRI upgrade for CMF-SS which will benefit the entire community.
For sponsorships and tickets visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com
Guaranty Bank & Trust is once again supporting the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala slated for January 25, 2025. They know that great local healthcare is good for the entire community.
Gathered with the Gala chairs, the Burgin family are representatives of the bank. From left to right are Joe Bob Burgin, Linda Burgin, Brad Thomas, Brandon Williams, and Teffany Burgin.
The fundraising goal for the 2025 Gala is $260,000.
Jay Hodge Chevrolet was squalling its tires to quickly support the Foundation’s 19th annual Gala! Not only is the dealership sponsoring the event, but it also donated a luxury designer bag for the Silent Auction. Representatives of the dealership gathered with the Gala chairs for a big check photo. Pictured left to right are Bill Owens, Teffany Burgin, Jay Hodge, Linda Burgin, and Joe Bob Burgin.
The Gala theme this year is Serendipity by the Sea.
A big shout out to The Sulphur Springs News-Telegram for helping the Foundation get the word out about the Serendipity by the Sea Gala. The Gala chairs meet with the newspaper leadership in appreciation of their gift-in-kind. Photographed are (l-r) representing the News-Telegram, Faith Huffman and Stephanie Page along with Gala Chairs Linda and Joe Bob Burgin.
The Gala will be held on January 25, 2025 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
First Graduates of East Texas A&M University to be Honored at Fall Graduation
Fall commencement ceremonies at East Texas A&M are set for December 13 and 14.
COMMERCE, TX, Dec. 10, 2024—
East Texas A&M University will celebrate the first graduating class under its new name at commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. The Fall 2024 graduation is an exciting milestone for the university, which changed its name from Texas A&M University-Commerce to East Texas A&M on November 7. The ceremonies will take place at the University Field House located at 1804 Lee Street on the campus of East Texas A&M. Doors will open one hour before each ceremony.
Degree candidates
The 1,289 degree candidates for East Texas A&M’s fall graduation include more than 500 graduate students and more than 700 undergraduate students. From these candidates, 354 will graduate with academic distinction, including 106 cum laude, 123 magna cum laude and 125 summa cum laude.
Graduate highlights
- Age of youngest graduate: 19
- Age of oldest graduate: 81
- U.S. states represented: 30
- Countries represented: 9
- First-generation graduates: 435
- International graduates: 146
Graduation ceremony schedule
East Texas A&M will conduct five separate ceremonies as follows:
Graduate School – Master’s
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. | Livestream
College of Business
College of Science and Engineering
Graduate School – Doctoral and Master’s
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at 4 p.m. | Livestream
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Education and Human Services
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. | Livestream
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Business
College of Science and Engineering
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. | Livestream
College of Education and Human Services
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. | Livestream
College of Innovation and Design
Guest information
Tickets:
- Each graduate received an allotted number of tickets to share with family and friends. A ticket must be presented for each guest, including infants and toddlers.
- Guests should make sure they have their tickets BEFORE they arrive to the ceremony and have them ready to be scanned BEFORE entering the building.
- Guests without tickets may view a live stream of the ceremony, either on the second floor of the Rayburn Student Center or via the links above.
Parking:
- The closest parking lots are 1, 2, 3, and 5.
- Guests with disabilities (with proper vehicle identification) may park in Lot 4. The entrance to Lot 4 is on Bois D’Arc St.
- Shuttle buses are free of charge and will be rotating throughout the parking areas approximately every 15 minutes.
Bags:
- A clear bag policy is in place.
Accessibility:
- The bottom two rows of bleachers are reserved for guests with disabilities. Representatives from the Student Disability Services office will be available to assist. For accessibility concerns, please email [email protected].
For additional guest information, please visit tamuc.edu/Graduation.
Cedar Fever Season Begins in Texas
December 10, 2024 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – It’s time for Texans to brace for cedar fever season once again. Cedar fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by mountain cedar trees, and unfortunately, you don’t have to be allergic to the pollen for it to affect you.
In Texas, the predominant species of mountain cedar is Ashe juniper, making cedar fever especially irritating in the Hill Country west of I-35 where there are primarily juniper trees mixed in with oaks and a few other species.
“Cedar fever is irritating to many due to the quantity and density of Ashe junipers in Central Texas that all produce pollen at the same time, which leads to a high concentration of pollen in the air,” said Robert Edmonson, Texas A&M Forest Service Biologist and ISA Certified Arborist.
The pollen from Ashe junipers isn’t particularly allergenic or harmful, but its concentration is what irritates most because your body perceives it as a threat and begins to fight it.
Since the pollen is spread by wind, cedar fever can even affect individuals who are not near a high concentration of juniper trees. And the source isn’t limited to Ashe junipers. In more eastern parts of the state there are also eastern redcedars that pollinate around the same time and can induce a similar response from people’s auto-immune systems.
Besides the massive quantity of pollen released, cedar fever is also problematic because of the timing of the pollen release. Most trees pollinate in the spring when many are expecting to have allergies. Ragweed pollen and mold spores can contribute to allergies in the fall, but very few plants pollinate during the winter. Juniper trees are the exception.
These trees typically begin producing pollen in mid-December, often triggered by colder weather or the passage of a cold front. Pollen production reaches its peak in mid-January, before slowly tapering off toward the beginning of March.
“Cold fronts are marked by very dry and windy conditions with rapid pressure changes which trigger pollen cones to open and release pollen grains,” said Edmonson. “In certain conditions, you can even see the pollen blowing off trees.”
For people new to the Central Texas region, or unfamiliar with cedar fever as a whole, it can also lead to confusion since the pollination period of mountain cedar trees occurs during the peak of cold and flu season. It’s not uncommon for people experiencing cedar fever to mistake their symptoms for a cold or the seasonal flu, especially given the variety of symptoms triggered by cedar fever. These include fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, partial loss of smell and some people run a slight fever. However, if your fever is higher than 101.5°F, then pollen likely isn’t the cause.
You can treat cedar fever by taking allergy medications and antihistamines, but you should consult with your physician or health care professional before taking new medications. You can also try and anticipate the pollen by tuning in to your local news station, many of which will give you the pollen count and can predict when it’s going to be a particularly pollen-heavy day. On those days, it’s smart to keep windows and doors closed, and to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors. It can also be helpful to install higher MERV-rated air filters in home and auto HVAC systems and invest in home air purifiers.
Removing juniper trees from your property isn’t recommended primarily because the pollen is airborne and—since they often wait to release their pollen until it’s cold, dry and windy—that pollen can blow for miles. It’s also important to note that only male juniper trees release pollen.
“The male trees have larger pollen cones, while the female trees have much smaller reproductive cones, which are very inconspicuous, but that’s what is pollinated from the male trees,” said Edmonson.
While cedar fever might sound and seem particularly hostile, Ashe junipers are really just a species like any other, feeling out the conditions and waiting for the perfect moment to release their pollen in order to set their offspring up for success come springtime.
For more information about how to identify Ashe junipers and/or eastern redcedars in your own backyard, check out the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Texas Tree ID webpage or the My Tree ID mobile app. You can also see the distribution of junipers, as well as a variety of other tree species across the state, via our Forest Distribution App.
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