Dinner Bell for April 23, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: City National Bank, Sulphur Springs
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
The City National Bank of Sulphur Springs was chartered in 1889 making it the oldest banking institution in Hopkins County. As of June 2024 it has grown to 241 employees at 17 locations. It is the 75th largest bank in the State of Texas.
In March of 1889 the lot on the square and Connally Street was purchased for $3,350.00, and the two-story building, which housed the bank until 1968, was opened for business in June 1889. The original vault door is still in use today and is in perfect working order.
1993 saw growth in the bank outside Hopkins County with the opening of a branch in Winnsboro. The South Town Branch was opened in 1998 by acquiring First National Bank; and, a separate Mortgage Branch was opened in 2000. With acquisitions and openings the bank has a strong presence in the Northeast Texas Counties of Hopkins, Franklin, Rains, Van Zandt and Wood.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry has been blessed with a Partnership with City National Bank since June 8, 2016. For a number of years the bank has supplied financial support and personnel to serve meals on a quarterly basis.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Salads—Salads—and MORE—Salads
- Our famous Chicken, Tuna and Pimento Salads
- Green Beans Sauced with Citrus Infused Sour Cream
- Bread Stix
- Texas Sheet Cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
School Vouchers Huge Step Closer to Realty for Texas Families
April 17, 2025 – In a historic shift, the Texas House passed a major school choice bill on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first time such legislation has cleared the chamber. After years of resistance, House lawmakers voted 85–63, mostly along party lines, to advance a school choice program championed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and the Texas GOP. The vote followed hours of contentious debate that stretched past 2 a.m., with Democrats introducing numerous amendments aimed at weakening the bill—none of which passed.
The legislation would create Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), allowing families to access up to $10,000 in public funds for private school tuition, homeschooling costs, and other educational expenses. The bill now heads back to the Senate, which can either approve the House’s changes or send it to a conference committee for further negotiation.
Gov. Abbott has made school choice a key priority, especially after last year’s Republican primaries, where he helped unseat GOP incumbents who opposed similar efforts. Prior to the vote, House Republicans met privately and received a phone call from former President Donald Trump, who encouraged unity behind the measure.
Only two Republicans—Rep. Gary Vandeaver and former Speaker Dade Phelan—broke ranks to vote against the bill. Abbott has vowed to sign it into law.
Texas House Passes Year Round Daylight Saving Time Bill
April 16, 2025 – This month, Texas House Bill 1393 (HB 1393), which proposes observing daylight saving time year-round, has passed the Texas House of Representatives. The bill was placed on the General State Calendar on April 15, 2025, and subsequently passed the House on April 16, 2025.
However, HB 1393 has not yet become law. For it to take effect, the bill must pass the Texas Senate and be signed by the Governor. Additionally, its implementation is contingent upon federal legislation. Under current federal law, states may opt to observe standard time year-round but cannot adopt daylight saving time year-round without congressional approval. Therefore, even if HB 1393 is enacted at the state level, it would only take effect if the U.S. Congress passes legislation permitting states to observe daylight saving time year-round.
The debate over permanent daylight saving time continues both in Texas and at the federal level. While some lawmakers advocate for year-round daylight saving time, others support maintaining standard time throughout the year. Public opinion remains divided on the issue, and any change would require both state and federal action.
Texas School Voucher Bill Set for Vote Today
April 16, 2025 – As of Wednesday morning, the Texas House is set to vote on a significant school voucher proposal, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s education policy debate. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 2, seeks to establish a $1 billion Education Savings Account (ESA) program. This initiative would allow families to use public funds for private school tuition and related educational expenses, providing participants with approximately $10,000 annually. The bill prioritizes low-income families and students with disabilities, capping the program’s spending for its first two years.
Governor Greg Abbott has championed this initiative, making school vouchers a top legislative priority. Following the 2023 session, where a similar proposal failed in the House, Abbott actively supported pro-voucher candidates, leading to a shift in the House’s composition. Currently, 76 Republican members back the bill, just enough to pass it in the 150-member chamber.
Despite the momentum, House Democrats are employing strategic measures to influence the legislative process. Over 50 Democrats have pledged to block all constitutional amendments unless the voucher proposal is put to a statewide vote in November. This tactic could stall other legislative priorities, as constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass.
The outcome of today’s vote will determine whether the voucher program advances to a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. The decision holds significant implications for the future of public education funding and school choice in Texas.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities
April 16, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities
Attorney General Ken Paxton is expanding his investigation into EPIC City, which is affiliated with East Plano Islamic Center (“EPIC”), by demanding documents from local city officials potentially tied to the real estate development.
Records requests have been sent to city leaders in Plano, Richardson, and Wylie following Yasir Qadhi, an individual involved with EPIC City, claiming to have support from local officials. The development is being investigated due to potential violations of Texas state law. Additionally, a records request was sent to Josephine, Texas city officials.
The public records requests aim to acquire communications between city leaders and officials for EPIC, EPIC City, and Community Capital Partners, LP, as well as additional information related to the development. Attorney General Paxton previously issued a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) as part of the ongoing investigation.
“If any local official is supporting or communicating with a real estate development that is under investigation for potential violations of state law, then it’s imperative that we are made aware of exactly what’s being communicated,” said Attorney General Paxton. “We will thoroughly review these documents as part of our ongoing investigation into EPIC City and work to hold accountable anyone who breaks Texas law.”
High Speed Rail Project Plows Ahead
April 16, 2025 – Despite the federal government’s recent withdrawal of a $64 million planning grant for the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, North Texas transportation leaders remain committed to advancing the project. Michael Morris, transportation director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, emphasized that regional leaders are continuing with the environmental study for the proposed Fort Worth-to-Dallas segment and are eager to collaborate with Texas Central’s new leadership on the Dallas-to-Houston line .
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, terminated the grant, asserting that the project, initially proposed as a private venture, should not rely on taxpayer funds for planning . In response, Kleinheinz Capital Partners, a Fort Worth-based investment firm, has taken the lead in backing the project, signaling continued private sector interest .
The proposed 240-mile high-speed rail line aims to connect Dallas and Houston in approximately 90 minutes, utilizing technology based on Japan’s N700S Series Shinkansen . While the project faces challenges, including land acquisition and funding, North Texas leaders’ determination to proceed underscores their belief in the potential benefits of high-speed rail for the region.
Easter Weekend Weather Outlook
April 16, 2025 – The Easter weekend forecast for Hopkins County, Texas, including Sulphur Springs, indicates a mix of weather conditions.
Saturday, April 19: Expect a breezy and humid day with clouds giving way to some sunshine. High temperatures are anticipated to reach around 83°F (28°C), with a low of 68°F (20°C) .
Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday): The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80°F (27°C). There is a significant chance of strong afternoon thunderstorms, which could bring damaging winds, large hail, and even the possibility of a tornado .
Monday, April 21: Conditions are expected to improve, with less humidity and increasing sunshine. Highs will be around 80°F (27°C), and lows near 58°F (14°C) .
Everyone should stay informed about the latest weather updates, especially on Sunday, and be prepared for potential severe weather conditions.
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Track Team won Honors at Regional Track Meet
April 15, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs Wildcats Track team won numerous honors at the regional track meet. The Wildcats set two new school records.
The 4x100M Relay team of Kyshawn John, Deuce Timmons, Jio Ibarra, Creed Whisenhunt won the area championship and set a new school record w/at time of 41.8 seconds.
The 4x200M Relay team of Creed Whisenhunt, Jaxson Haire, Deuce Timmons, Grayson Hardy also are area champs and broke the school record with a time of one minute, 26 seconds.
Other Wildcat winners include:
Ty Bybee, the 110M Hurdle Champion with a time of 14.6 sec and the Pole Vault Champion with a height of 14.6 ft.
Creed Whisenhunt, the 100M Dash Champion with a time of 10.6 sec.
Vincent Johnson is the regional Shot Put Area Runner-Up.
Qualifying in their events for the state track meet May 1st thru 3rd are::
Deuce Timmons – 4×100, 4×200, 200M Dash
Kyshawn John – 4×100
Jio Ibarra – 4×100
Creed Whisenhunt – 4×100, 4×200, 100M Dash
Ty Bybee – 110M Hurdles, Pole Vault
Jaxson Haire – 4×200
Grayson Hardy – 4×200
Vincent Johnson – Shot Put
School Choice Debate on Wednesday
April 15, 2025 – A major school choice proposal backed by Governor Greg Abbott is set for debate on the floor of the Texas House this Wednesday, April 16. Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which advanced out of the House Public Education Committee on a 9–6 vote earlier this month, aims to establish Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) of up to $10,000 per student to help families cover private school tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Students with disabilities would be eligible for $11,500 annually, and homeschool families would receive $2,000 per child.
Lawmakers have set aside $1 billion for the 2026–27 school year, enough to fund up to 100,000 students out of the more than five million enrolled in Texas public schools. The debate on the House floor is expected to be lengthy and contentious, with some Capitol sources speculating that Democrats could stage a walkout to break quorum in a bid to block the measure.
The proposal has drawn criticism from public education advocates who argue that it would divert essential resources from public schools. Opponents also express concern that the program could exacerbate educational inequality.
As the House prepares for the upcoming debate, all eyes are on Wednesday, when a long day—and possibly night—of deliberation awaits.
Dallas Houston High Speed Rail Loses Ally and Federal Grants
April 15, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Transportation has rescinded a $63.9 million federal grant initially awarded for the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston. This decision, announced on April 14, 2025, follows an agreement between the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak to terminate the funding designated for the Amtrak Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor, previously known as the Texas Central Railway project.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy labeled the project a “waste of taxpayer funds” and emphasized that it was originally proposed as a private venture. He stated, “If the private sector believes this project is feasible, they should carry the pre-construction work forward, rather than relying on Amtrak and the American taxpayer to bail them out.”
The high-speed rail initiative aimed to connect Dallas and Houston with a 240-mile line utilizing Japanese Shinkansen bullet train technology, promising travel times under 90 minutes. However, escalating capital cost estimates—now exceeding $40 billion—have raised concerns about the project’s financial viability.
Texas Central, the company behind the project, has not issued a statement regarding the withdrawal of federal support. Notably, Kleinheinz Capital Partners, the lead investor, expressed agreement with the decision, asserting that the project should proceed under private sector leadership.
The project’s future remains uncertain amid ongoing challenges, including land acquisition issues and legislative efforts to restrict public funding for related infrastructure modifications. Texas Central has secured only about 25% of the necessary land for the rail line and faces opposition from landowners and state lawmakers.
