Attorney General Ken Paxton Files Appeal to Prevent Unlawful State Fair of Texas Firearms Ban From Taking Effect
As it stands today, you will not be allowed to bring a firearm into the State Fair of Texas. This is subject to change, although experts agree that Paxton’s appeal has only a small chance of overturning the recent decision to ban firearms.
September 24, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an appeal with the 15th Court of Appeals, asking the court to prevent the City of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas from imposing a firearms ban on government-owned property in violation of Texas law.
The City of Dallas owns Fair Park and leases the property to the State Fair of Texas, a nonprofit organization, for the management of the annual event. Earlier this year, the State Fair announced that it would be banning people with license to carry permits from exercising their rights at Fair Park. Such a policy directly violates state law which permits licensed gun owners to carry in places owned or leased by governmental entities unless otherwise prohibited by law.
In August 2024, Attorney General Paxton sent a notice letter to the City of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas warning that the firearms ban was unlawful and then sued to stop the ban from taking effect. A district court denied the Office of the Attorney General’s motion for a temporary injunction against the ban, prompting Attorney General Paxton to file an appeal with the 15th Court of Appeals.
Now, Attorney General Paxton has asked the court to grant emergency temporary relief prohibiting the City of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas from preventing handgun-license holders from lawfully carrying their firearms on fairgrounds.
“The City of Dallas and the Texas State Fair are not above the law, and we are seeking emergency relief to uphold Texans’ Constitutionally-protected Second Amendment rights,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The State Fair’s policy—by which law-abiding citizens could not defend themselves—does not make the environment safer, it merely gives an advantage to criminals looking for victims.”
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” Coming to State Museum
September 23, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Film Commission in conjunction with the Bob Bullock State History Museum today announced the revival of the Texas Focus Film Series, which spotlights films made by, for, and about Texans. The 2024 Texas film series will kick off October 18 with a special 50th anniversary screening of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” filmed in Texas and released in 1974. A panel discussion with the film’s original cast and crew will be held immediately following the screening.
“Texas has a rich and fascinating film history that spans over 100 years, with iconic feature films and TV shows produced in every corner of our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “Celebrating and growing media production industries in Texas helps to spur local job creation. I thank the Texas Film Commission and the Bullock Museum for hosting the Texas Focus Film Series that presents the cinematic exploration of the Texas story through Texas talent and storytelling against the Lone Star State’s expansive backdrop.”
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” was one of the first films the Texas Film Commission helped secure for filming and production in Texas. The special screening is Friday, October 18, in the Texas Spirit Theater at the Bullock State History Museum. Doors open at 6 pm for the 7 pm start. For more information on the Texas Focus Film Series, 50th anniversary screening, and tickets, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/event/texas-focus-the-texas-chain-saw-massacre-50th-anniversary-screening.
For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has helped grow local jobs and economies by promoting Texas as the premier destination for film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects, video game, and extended reality production. The Texas Film Commission in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism has attracted more than $2 billion in local spending and created more than 189,000 production jobs across the state since 2007.
The Finke Finance Labs at TAMUC Invest in Student Success
The Finkes’ $1 million endowment provides invaluable resources for business students.
COMMERCE, TX, Sept. 23, 2024—Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted a special dedication ceremony on Thursday, September 12, to celebrate the renaming of two finance labs in the College of Business. The Nathan and June Finke Finance Labs are located on the university’s main campus and at A&M-Commerce at Dallas.
In 2023, Nathan and June Finke generously committed $1 million to support the finance labs and provide other invaluable resources for business students. The dedication was a heartfelt tribute to the couple’s enduring commitment to higher education and joyful spirit of giving. Faculty, staff, students and guests packed into the finance lab to share in the celebration. Special guests included June Finke, niece Ann Marie Roberts and nephew Craig Roberts, executive vice president of Guaranty Bank & Trust. Several other family members were also in attendance, many of whom are A&M-Commerce alumni.
A collaborative learning space
The Finke Finance Labs offer collaborative spaces where students can engage in hands-on learning as they prepare for their business careers. They enable students to achieve personal financial literacy and learn wealth management and investment strategies using cutting-edge tools.
The lab on the Commerce campus features 24 state-of-the-art computer stations, whiteboard workspaces, and a stock ticker broadcasting the latest stock market information. The Dallas finance lab offers similar amenities, ensuring students at both locations benefit equally from this incredible resource.
Enhanced education for business students
The Finkes’ gift will significantly enhance the educational experience for business students. It will support student scholarships as well as operations, programming and staffing in the finance labs.
FactSet data platform
A major highlight of the Finke’s gift is a subscription to FactSet, a powerful financial data platform. This resource allows students to access real-time global market data, research historical market data and manage investment portfolios.
Scott Wheeler, interim dean of the College of Business at A&M-Commerce, emphasized that students may access FactSet from their computers wherever they are, not just in the finance labs.
“It’s a very deep tool that is used by professional analysts in the real world,” he said.
Student-managed fund
Notably, the Finkes’ gift will also establish a student-managed investment fund. The fund will allow business students to make real investment decisions using FactSet data under faculty guidance.
“The student-managed fund will help differentiate our university and put us in a league with some of the biggest and best business schools where students actually manage real money so that they can grow it and turn it into something bigger and more beneficial for future students,” Wheeler said.
LinkedIn and social media labs
Other unique offerings in the finance labs will include LinkedIn labs where students can build their professional online presence, and social media labs to support student organizations. The labs will also host business classes and tutoring for business math.
A spirit of joyful giving
The Finke’s gift is not their first to A&M-Commerce. Over the years, they have established numerous endowments and scholarship programs, as well as The Lion Food Pantry. Through prudent long-term investing, they have assisted students with their financial needs and provided transformational educational opportunities.
At the dedication, Devin Girod, vice president for Philanthropy and Engagement at A&M-Commerce, emphasized that the Finkes’ joyful spirit of generosity has impacted thousands of students over the years.
“I rarely see people that embody the spirit of joyful and generous giving [as much] as June and Nathan,” Girod said.
Investing in others
Beyond philanthropy, the Finkes hope to inspire the next generation of leaders and givers. Wheeler emphasized that the skills students gain in the finance labs will empower them to follow in the Finkes’ footsteps of financial success and generosity.
“Nathan Finke’s favorite quote was ‘You work to make a living; you invest to make money,’ Wheeler said. “The Finke Finance Labs will further Nathan and June’s goals of teaching people how to make money so they can do good things with it. And that’s where I think their gift is going to have the greatest impact.”
Honoring the Finkes
Nathan, a 1970 Texas A&M University graduate, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance on a tennis scholarship and went on to build a successful career in institutional investment management. His career took him to prominent institutions such as First National Bank, Bank One, and U.S. Trust Company in Dallas. Sadly, Nathan passed away on November 29, 2023, just a day after his 76th birthday.
June graduated from East Texas State University (now A&M-Commerce) in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in English and History/Secondary Education. She later became a government bond trader at First National Bank in Dallas, where she met Nathan. They married in 1971 and shared a large extended family, including nine nieces and nephews and 20 great-nieces and nephews.
Nathan was an avid fisherman who enjoyed trips to Alaska and Canada. June loves spending time with family, traveling, reading and playing bridge. Nathan’s passing was a great loss, but his and June’s enduring legacy of supporting education will make a difference for future generations.
A lasting legacy
The Nathan and June Finke Finance Labs are more than just physical spaces. They represent the Finkes’ deep commitment to empowering students and making financial education more accessible. The Finkes’ transformative gift will enrich the lives of countless students, preparing them to invest in their futures with knowledge and confidence.
Native Grasslands by Mario Villarino
September 23, 2024 – Native pastures are vital ecosystems for livestock, wildlife, and land conservation, and the **Texas A&M AgriLife Extension** provides extensive resources for their effective management. Native pastures consist of indigenous grasses, forbs, and shrubs that naturally thrive in local climates and soils, without the need for human intervention. These lands are key to sustaining livestock, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing soil and water health. AgriLife Extension offers guidance in several critical areas to help landowners maximize the value of native pastures.
Native Grass Identification and Preservation: AgriLife Extension offers detailed information on identifying native grasses like little bluestem and switchgrass. These native species are resilient, drought-tolerant, and well-suited to Texas’s environmental conditions. Maintaining these pastures through proper grazing practices—such as rotational grazing—ensures that native grasses remain productive and healthy. By resting pastures and allowing grasses to recover, landowners can prevent overgrazing and extend the lifespan of native plants.
Grazing and Stocking Rates
AgriLife recommends strategies for grazing management, focusing on appropriate stocking rates and rotational systems to prevent pasture degradation. By carefully managing livestock movements, ranchers can avoid overgrazing, which leads to soil erosion and the spread of invasive species. AgriLife helps ranchers assess their pastures’ carrying capacity, ensuring that livestock density matches the forage available, protecting the longevity of the ecosystem.
Restoration of Degraded Lands For landowners dealing with overgrazed or invasive species-infested pastures, AgriLife provides guidance on pasture rehabilitation. This can include the re-seeding of native grasses, controlling invasive species through prescribed burns, and implementing mechanical or chemical removal methods. These strategies help restore the natural balance of the ecosystem, ensuring long-term pasture viability.
Soil and Water Conservation: Healthy native pastures improve soil structure and reduce erosion. AgriLife promotes practices like minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining plant cover to enhance soil health and water retention. Native grasses, with deep root systems, are particularly effective at retaining moisture, promoting groundwater recharge, and preventing runoff.
Wildlife Habitat Management: AgriLife also highlights the importance of native pastures for wildlife conservation. Properly managed native grasslands support a variety of wildlife species, including pollinators, birds, and large game. By balancing livestock production with wildlife-friendly practices, landowners can foster a more diverse and sustainable ecosystem.
AgriLife Extension offers educational programs, workshops, and expert resources to guide landowners in sustainably managing their native pastures. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Dinner Bell for September 25, 2024
i Focus Vision celebrated its fourth birthday in business on September 1 under the helm of two qualified and personable optometrists: Dr. Andrew Yoder and Dr. Daniel Ewing. Their services include bifocals, cataract care, contact lenses, diabetic eye services, emergency ophthalmology care, eye exams, eyeglasses and much more. Plus, they have an eye glass store. In the month of September, their large inventory of eye catching sunglasses is on sale at a discount of 25%. This summer the business ran a special for children before the start of school at $175 for an eye exam and single vision glasses.
Dr. Daniel Ewing is a recent addition to the practice. He specializes in fitting contact lenses for corneal disease and abnormal reflective errors.
Although this practice has recently celebrated its fourth anniversary, its history runs deep to Drs. James and John Crawford who relinquished their practice, dating from 1934, to Dr. William Bryant and Dr. Keith Allison. From them, the mantle in ophthalmology excellence in Sulphur Springs was passed onto Dr. Yoder and Dr. Wilemon.
Grab and Go with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (Porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU:
5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
Seasoned Mixed Vegetables
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Do Nothing Cake
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 !!!
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 !!!
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Biden Administration Over Attempt to Undermine Texas Oil and Gas Industries by Weaponizing Environmental Law
September 23, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Biden Administration officials for unlawfully classifying the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species in violation of the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”).
The Wildlife Service failed to rely on the best scientific and commercial data available when making its designation as required by law and therefore made inaccurate and arbitrary assumptions about the current and future status of the species. Further, the regulation classifying the dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered did not take into consideration the ongoing voluntary conservation efforts already in place at a local and state level. Because of this, the federal government’s action would unduly undermine vital economic development in the Permian Basin, subjecting Texas industries and private landowners to regulatory uncertainty and ambiguity about what they can do with their own land.
On July 25, Attorney General Paxton notified the Biden Administration that the listing violated the ESA and that he would sue if the error was not reversed. As the improper classification has not been retracted, the Office of the Attorney General filed suit, asking the court to find that the agencies acted arbitrarily and capriciously in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and the ESA.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s unlawful misuse of environmental law is a backdoor attempt to undermine Texas’s oil and gas industries which help keep the lights on for America,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I warned that we would sue over this illegal move, and now we will see them in court.”
North Texas Food Bank and State Fair of Texas Announce “Feed the Need” Food Drive with Special Discounts
Fairgoers can receive discounts on opening day and each Wednesday of the Fair while giving back to the community.
DALLAS, TX, September 23, 2024 –As the State Fair of Texas prepares to open its gates on Friday, September 27, it is teaming up once again with the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) for the annual “Feed the Need” food drive, presented by Kroger. This collaboration aims to support those facing hunger across North Texas.
Since 2010, the State Fair of Texas has partnered with NTFB to collect over 3.5 million pounds of canned food through this initiative. “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, which last year resulted in approximately 218,000 pounds of canned goods – equivalent to 181,000 meals,” said Jennifer Schuder, Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement for the State Fair of Texas. “We’re excited to offer fairgoers an opportunity to contribute to a great cause while enjoying the Fair’s many attractions.”
Special Discounts for Food Donations
Opening Day – Friday, September 27
Visitors who bring two 16-ounce plastic jars of peanut butter to donate will receive a $10 admission voucher. Donations will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are part of NTFB’s Peanut Butter Drive.
Feed the Need Every Wednesday
On Wednesdays throughout the Fair, attendees who donate five full-size canned food items will receive a $5 admission voucher. Donations will be collected from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities
NTFB is seeking volunteers for these events. Those interested can sign up at www.ntfb.org/statefair. Volunteers will receive a special “Feed the Need” shirt and a State Fair voucher for future use.
“The ‘Feed the Need’ drive is our largest canned food event, and we are grateful to the State Fair of Texas and Kroger for their support,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of NTFB. “With 1 in 5 children in our service area facing hunger, this event plays a crucial role in providing meals to those in need.”
Kroger has been a dedicated partner of NTFB for over 40 years, contributing significantly through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste program. Last year, Kroger provided 4.6 million nutritious meals to the food bank.
“Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste program is focused on creating a hunger-free community,” said John Votava, Director of Corporate Affairs at Kroger. “We are proud to support the State Fair of Texas and North Texas Food Bank in this important effort.”
For more information on how to get involved or to volunteer, visit www.ntfb.org/statefair.
The SSHS Wildcats took on the Mt. Pleasant Tigers in Football Action on September 20th at Mt. Pleasant
Below is KSST/Channel 18’s video of the SSHS Wildcats Football game against the Mt. Pleasant Tigers. The game was played in Mt. Pleasant on September 20th. Check out the exciting game below. Game action is called by KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin.
Protect Your Tomato Plants from Nematodes From Master Gardener David Wall
September 22, 2024 – As we move into this year’s fall season, it’s time to consider root knot nematode (RKN) protection for next year. RKNs are tiny roundworms living in the soil and common in your area. They penetrate tomato plant roots and feed on the nutrients. The results are knots ranging from tiny up to one-inch-thick, all of which interfere with nutrient transfers.
RKNs can only travel about one meter a year, so they stay in the same area, and they overwinter very well. Tomato plants attract them the first year, although damage is extremely difficult to see. Planting in the same spot the following year may result in some visible plant damage, with plant deaths likely the third year. While tomatoes are a prime target, RKNs can also attack peppers, okra, carrots and perhaps other vegetable plants. With the problem occurring beneath the soil, it’s difficult to spot damage early on, as leaf yellowing and perhaps stunted growth can be attributed to several causes.
Thankfully, there are a few ways you can handle an infestation, as well as a few more steps you can take to prevent root knot nematodes from ruining future crops. First, to control/reduce RKN populations, rotate your crops, hopefully on a 3–4 year scale. This can also help control other soil borne pests. This is extremely important if you have raised bed gardens. Tilling, by the way, spreads RKN populations.
Marigolds are a great RKN defensive plant, as their roots are toxic to, so plant a LOT of marigolds (NGT 12” apart), particularly French marigolds. They also provide protection from a host of other pests. Using non-leguminous cover crops in winter helps eliminating the food supply and prevents bare soil.
Finally, when purchasing tomato seeds check for VFN resistance on the label. The N stands for RKN.
A&M-Commerce Unveils Student Services Building and Welcome Center: The New Front Door to Campus
The 29,115 square-foot facility is designed to welcome prospective students and their families to A&M-Commerce.
COMMERCE, TX, Sept. 19, 2024—Texas A&M University-Commerce celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday, September 18, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Student Services Building and Welcome Center. Dubbed the university’s “front door,” the 29,115 square-foot facility is designed to welcome prospective students and their families to A&M-Commerce while highlighting the university’s many resources and opportunities.
The building is located at the university’s main entrance on Highway 24. Construction began in January 2023 and was completed in August 2024 by contractors Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company.
The ceremony
Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony featured special guest speakers Sarah Butler, regional director representing U.S. Senator John Cornyn; Natalie Steinsholt, deputy district director representing U.S. Congressman Keith Self; Roxanne Turner, district liaison representing Texas House Representative Jill Dutton; and Estefania Olivas, president of the Student Government Association for A&M-Commerce.
Kicking off the event, University President Mark Rudin expressed pride in the newly completed facility. “I can’t tell you how proud I am, not only of this building but for everything it stands for. It enables us to really showcase our university in the best and most positive way possible,” he said.
Following Rudin’s remarks, Steinsholt delivered a letter on behalf of Congressman Self, who praised the new center. “The addition of this facility will undoubtedly foster a welcoming environment for prospective students and further enrich the campus community. I commend your vision and leadership in making this project a reality as it reflects the forward-thinking spirit of Texas A&M-Commerce,” he wrote.
Next, Turner added a special touch to the event by presenting Dr. Rudin with a Texas flag that had previously flown over the Texas Capitol building in Austin—a meaningful symbol of pride and connection to the state.
To bring the ceremony to a close, Vice-President of Enrollment Management Nechell Bonds reflected on the exciting possibilities the Welcome Center will create. “We are most excited about the opportunity to connect with our future Lions in a modern new way,” she said. “Representing the best of who we are as an institution that transforms lives, we can’t wait to hear the roar of our visiting future Lions and their families as we welcome them into the Pride.”
Extending the metaphor of the Welcome Center as the university’s “front door,” Bonds ended by distributing key replicas to each guest. “We are presenting each of you with your very own key, but there is one condition…,” she added. “You will share your key by inviting more guests to visit, to stay awhile, and to make themselves at home.”
Special guests
In addition to the guest speakers, special visitors at the ribbon cutting included:
- Isaiah Vance, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advising, The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS)
- Don Montgomery, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Brett Cumpton, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Jeffery Herring, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Brett McCully, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Michael Campbell, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Reese DeWoody, District Director for Texas Senator Brian Hughes
- Mayor Teddy Reel, City of Commerce
- Former A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland and Nancy McFarland
Designed to engage
Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility and experienced the Welcome Center’s ability to bring the Lion spirit to life. Every detail throughout the first-floor gallery area is designed to engage, inspire, and inform, immersing potential students and their families in the spirit and pride of A&M-Commerce. The space offers hands-on experiences that showcase what it means to be a Lion.
One of the gallery’s standout features is a collection of six Engagement Pillars. Each pillar represents one of the university’s colleges. Digital displays on the front of the pillars showcase videos highlighting each college, and hidden lockers behind the pillars contain hands-on activities and artifacts. For instance, the College of Science and Engineering pillar houses a 3D printer that creates miniature lion heads.
Next to the pillars, the Social Tower features a ring of display screens that highlight student life at A&M-Commerce. The videos showcase everything from campus events to student organizations, giving prospective students a glimpse into the vibrant community they could soon join.
Another key feature is the interactive Fernandes Family Scholars’ Wall, which honors alumni Sandra and Gary Fernandes, who generously committed more than $2 million to A&M-Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes’ gifts include the establishment of the first $1 million scholarship fund for first-generation students, along with an additional $200,000 to create and produce engaging content for the Fernandes Family Scholars’ Wall. The wall includes a dynamic screen where students can scroll through donor-funded scholarships available to them. Next to the screen, the “Lion Inside” display spotlights current students whose lives have been transformed by donor-funded scholarships. Each profile includes a QR code leading to videos of students sharing their educational journeys, which will help prospective students envision their path as future Lions.
The gallery also features a button station where visitors can create custom flair to commemorate events like Mane Event and Admitted Student Day. It’s a fun, interactive way to introduce new Lions to the A&M-Commerce spirit. Surrounding the gallery, several glass-walled huddle rooms offer comfortable meeting spaces where prospective students and families can sit, relax, and discuss their futures at A&M-Commerce.
On the gallery’s south side, the Presentation Theater is where prospective students can learn about A&M-Commerce. Dynamic presentations will showcase A&M-Commerce’s academic programs, student life, facilities and more. The room can be opened to the gallery for larger events, creating a seamless space for receptions and other gatherings.
Supporting student success
Beyond the Welcome Center gallery, the building will also house several student support services to ensure success at every stage of the student journey:
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions recruits and admits prospective students, hosting events and promoting the university across the region.
- The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students fund their future. The team helps future Lions access quality education at A&M-Commerce, which offers some of the most competitive tuition rates in Texas.
- New Student and Family Programming helps new students smoothly transition to the university, fostering connections and introducing campus resources.
- The Office of the Registrar manages academic records, registration and graduation services.
- For military-affiliated students, the Office of Veterans and Military Services builds and maintains a community with individuals who have served in the U.S. military to support a seamless transition from military to civilian college life.
Inspiring future lions
With its modern amenities and student-centered focus, the new Student Services Building and Welcome Center will inspire future Lions and create a positive first impression of the university. Whether through interactive exhibits or personalized guidance, this facility will ensure that every visitor walks away with a sense of what it means to be part of the Lion family.
