Trash Talk
April 10, 2025 – By Julien Devereux – AUSTIN — If you’ve driven on Texas roads you may have seen soda bottles, shredded rubber from old tires, or maybe even something large like a mattress or washing machine.
It’s all litter and TxDOT works to clear it from the roadway.
Don’t mess with Texas means don’t litter. But even though the famous TxDOT campaign has helped reduce the amount of litter and debris on Texas roads since it launched in 1985, litter is still an issue.
TxDOT spends approximately $50 million every year clearing state roadways of trash.
What is litter and where does it come from?
Litter is any item that hasn’t been properly disposed of. TxDOT classifies roadside litter into two categories, “large litter” — any piece of trash that’s more than two inches long or wide—and “micro litter,” any piece of trash that’s smaller than that.
Most of the litter on Texas roads is large litter: beverage containers like water bottles and cans. Items discarded by motorists account for nearly half of all litter on the roads TxDOT maintains.
Even if something is compostable or recyclable it’s still litter if you don’t dispose of it properly. Throwing a banana peel or apple core on the side of the road is littering just as much as throwing a plastic bag or soda can. And recyclable containers, which comprise 38% of large litter on the roads, won’t be recycled unless they’re sent to a recycling center.
Everything that comes out of a vehicle, whether on purpose or not, accumulates at the side of our roads and can cause hazards for drivers, pedestrians, law enforcement and emergency workers. It can also cause harm to the environment—food thrown out of a car that lands on the side of the road can attract animals and put them in harm’s way, for instance—in addition to simply being an eyesore.
Although large litter like cans, garbage bags and even mattresses are more noticeable, one of Texas’s biggest sources of litter is “micro”: cigarette filters, which many people mistakenly believe are biodegradable, but aren’t.
Most cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate, a plastic that takes about 15 years to decompose after being thrown to the side of the road. And that’s not even to mention the fire hazard that comes from tossing cigarettes out the window.
It might sound easy to simply not throw things out of your vehicle—and it is— but even people who don’t intend to litter sometimes do. Accidental littering happens when unsecured items fly out of vehicles, whether from the back of a truck bed or out of an open window.
It all adds up to approximately 362 million pieces of litter collecting on Texas roads every year. That’s more than 11 pieces of litter for every Texan, every year.
What can we do about it?
TxDOT road crews collect litter, and between 2013 and 2023 large litter on Texas roads decreased by 63%. But to eliminate litter in our beautiful state, we need you to join our team.
We can all do our part and not contribute to the litter problem. Carry a small bag in your car to put litter in and put it in the nearest trash can when you get to a gas station or your destination. And if you see litter or debris on the road as you’re driving, once you can safely do so you can report it online here: Report an issue.
If you drive a truck, make sure there’s nothing in the bed that could fly out and end up on the roadway. Unsecured items that become airborne can contribute to the litter problem, but they’re also a safety hazard. Plus, you can be fined up to $2,000 for littering if caught by law enforcement.
And if you want to make an even bigger impact in cleaning our roads, consider adopting a stretch of highway and keeping it clean through our Adopt-A-Highway program, or join your local Don’t mess with Texas Trash-off, held in April every year.
We’ve made great progress reducing the amount of litter on our roads, but with Texas’ growing population, the problem won’t go away without all Texans helping out.
To learn more about litter on Texas roadways and how you can help, visit the Don’t mess with Texas website.
Will Texas’s Anti Puppy Mill Bill Pass?
April 10, 2025 – In the 89th Texas Legislative Session, which began on January 14, 2025, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) has prioritized the passage of the Ethical Pet Sales Bill. This proposed legislation aims to prohibit retail pet stores from selling commercially bred puppies and kittens, a measure intended to curb the influx of animals from large-scale, out-of-state breeding facilities commonly known as puppy mills.
The bill seeks to address concerns about the health and welfare of animals sourced from such facilities, as these puppies and kittens often arrive at pet stores with health issues due to inadequate breeding practices and long-distance transportation. By banning the retail sale of these animals, the legislation aims to protect consumers from unknowingly purchasing sick pets and to promote the adoption of animals from shelters and rescue organizations.
This initiative builds upon local ordinances already enacted in 18 Texas cities, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, which have implemented similar bans on the retail sale of puppies and kittens. The proposed statewide legislation seeks to create uniformity across Texas and prevent the opening of new pet stores that source animals from inhumane breeding operations.
Advocates of the bill emphasize its potential to disrupt the “puppy mill pipeline” into Texas, thereby improving animal welfare standards and safeguarding consumers from deceptive sales practices and unforeseen veterinary expenses. The THLN encourages Texans to support this legislation to ensure better protection for both animals and pet owners across the state.
Lake Country CASA Hosts Second Annual Derby Fundraiser on May 3, 2025
April 9, 2025 – Lake Country CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Second Annual Derby Fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This exciting event, inspired by the iconic Kentucky Derby, will be held at The Diamond at Star E Ranch and promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, philanthropy, and community spirit.
Get your tickets by clicking here.
The Derby Fundraiser serves as a crucial initiative to support Lake Country CASA’s mission of advocating for abused and neglected children within the court system. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit CASA’s programs, ensuring that every child in need has a dedicated advocate fighting for their best interests.
Guests will enjoy an evening filled with classic Derby traditions, including live horse racing simulcast with raffles, a best-dressed contest, live music, and signature mint juleps. Attendees are encouraged to don their finest Derby attire—big hats, bow ties, and all—to fully embrace the spirit of the event.
“This fundraiser is more than just a celebration; it’s a chance for our community to come together in support of children who need a voice,” said Amy Glenn, Executive Director of Lake Country CASA. “Every ticket purchased, every raffle ticket purchased, and every donation made directly impacts a child’s future.”
Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available now, with early reservations highly encouraged due to limited seating.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, please visit www.lakecountrycasa.org or contact Lake Country CASA at 903-885-1173.
Join us on May 3, 2025, as we race towards a brighter future for children in need.
About Lake Country CASA: Lake Country CASA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trained volunteer advocates for children in foster care. Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that every child has a safe, permanent, and loving home. Learn more at www.lakecountrycasa.org.
Some International Student VISAs Terminated in Texas
April 9, 2025 – The Trump-aligned White House has begun revoking the visas of international students at Texas universities, escalating a crackdown that has already affected at least 15 students in the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems. Officials cite national security and campus safety as justifications, though critics argue the actions are politically motivated and overly punitive. One student reportedly lost their visa over a minor speeding ticket, raising concerns about selective enforcement and due process.
“Specifically, they are changing their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record from Active to Terminated, which essentially means they no longer have legal status in the U.S.” – Samantha Clement of the Texas A&M International Student & Scholar Services.
Senator Marco Rubio defended the move, stating, “If you apply for a student visa to come to the United States and you say you’re coming not just to study, but to participate in movements that vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings and cause chaos, we’re not giving you that visa.” The decision comes amid rising tensions over pro-Palestinian protests and broader student activism, particularly on elite and state university campuses.
Immigration attorneys and civil rights groups are alarmed, arguing the administration is using immigration policy as a tool to suppress dissent and intimidate student protesters. Universities have so far remained largely silent, but pressure is mounting from faculty and advocacy groups demanding clarity and protection for affected students.
Paxton Announces Candidacy
April 8, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary. Paxton made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” positioning himself as a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and a critic of the Republican establishment.
Paxton has enlisted Axiom Strategies, a prominent Republican consulting firm, to manage his campaign. This move indicates a potentially contentious and costly primary battle ahead.
Senator Cornyn, who has served since 2002, has faced criticism from within his party for his bipartisan efforts, including support for a 2022 gun control bill and reservations about Trump’s 2024 candidacy. Despite this, Cornyn’s campaign has defended his pro-Trump voting record and dismissed Paxton as a “fraud.”
Paxton’s candidacy introduces a significant challenge to Cornyn, highlighting the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party between establishment figures and those aligned with Trump’s agenda. The primary is expected to be fiercely contested and could have substantial implications for the party’s direction in Texas.
SSHS Lady Cats Took on Pittsburg in Softball Action April 7th in Mt. Vernon
April 8, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats competed against the Pittsburg Pirates in a game of softball on April 7, 2025. The two teams met up in Mount Vernon for this exciting game. Below is KSST’s coverage of this thrilling game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, and Tony Flippin called Play by Play and Color Commentary. Check out the fun action below!
Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Investigation into USA Fencing
April 2025 – Austin, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced an official investigation into USA Fencing, citing potential violations of state law. The move comes after the organization disqualified female athlete Stephanie Turner, who protested by kneeling rather than competing against a biological male.
“You’re a man, and I’m a woman, and this is a women’s tournament.” – Stephanie Turner
Paxton has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to obtain documents related to the incident, aiming to determine whether USA Fencing engaged in false, deceptive, or misleading practices under Texas consumer protection laws.
“USA Fencing is on the wrong side of history and potentially the wrong side of the law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Their policies not only may violate state law but also insult young women like Stephanie Turner who have worked tirelessly to compete in sports.”
The investigation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding gender participation in athletics and state-level efforts to uphold laws protecting women’s sports. Paxton reiterated his commitment to defending fairness and integrity in competition, pledging to oppose any policies he sees as unjust or unlawful.
The case could set a precedent for how sports organizations navigate state regulations and gender policies moving forward.
Governor Abbott Sets Special Election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District
April 8, 2025 – Austin, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has announced a special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The election will fill the vacancy left by the late Congressman Sylvester Turner.
In his statement, Governor Abbott emphasized concerns over Harris County’s election procedures. “No county in Texas does a worse job of conducting elections than Harris County,” said Abbott. “They repeatedly fail to conduct elections consistent with state law. Safe and secure elections are critical to the foundation of our state.”
Abbott explained that a rushed special election would jeopardize voter access and confidence. By selecting the November date, the Governor said, Harris County will have adequate time to ensure proper election administration.
Prospective candidates must submit their applications to the Secretary of State by 5:00 PM on September 3, 2025. Early voting is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 20, 2025.
This election is expected to draw significant attention, given the importance of the 18th District and the legacy of Congressman Turner’s decades-long service.
CHRISTUS Health Provides Tips to Find Relief During Allergy Season
April 7, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – Spring has officially begun, bringing warmer weather — and allergy season. CHRISTUS Health is providing tips for relieving pesky allergy symptoms as flowers bloom and trees release pollen.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25% of Americans, or about 80 million people, suffer from seasonal allergies, which range from mild discomfort to severe reactions.
“Allergy symptoms can persist year-round depending on where you live,” said Dr. Rita Alumanah, a family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “The key is to take a proactive approach to managing symptoms before they worsen.”
Alumanah recommends starting with an antihistamine such as Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec early in allergy season and rotating between different antihistamines every three months to prevent the immune system from building a tolerance.
She also advises that people know their “triggers,” meaning what specific pollens or molds they may be susceptible to. Following the daily forecast and monitoring air quality can help reduce your chances of experiencing an allergy attack.
“Try to take as many precautions as possible by using medications, wearing a mask, and even changing your clothes to avoid those particles that stick to fabrics,” she said. “Be very mindful of the conditions before you go outside, especially for children or individuals with any immune deficiencies.”
For milder symptoms, Alumanah said over-the-counter treatments such as nasal corticosteroids, saline rinses, local honey and decongestants can provide relief.
Severe symptoms include not being able to breathe or catch your breath, lips and fingers turning blue, and normal medication not being effective. In the event of any of these scenarios, please call 911 or, if possible, visit the closest emergency room.
“Everyone has a different tolerance to the changing seasons and what is in the air,” Alumanah said. “They key is to identify what steps you can take that best fit you and your needs.”
Paris Junior College Receives Grant to Expand Student Success
April 7, 2025 – Paris Junior College has received a $125,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to expand a program boosting success for developmental students. The grant was co-authored by Carey Gable, Program Coordinator of English and Developmental Writing, and Dr. Jennifer Collar, Division Director of Communications and Fine Arts, and they are co-directors of the project.
PJC is already well known at the state and national level for innovative work pairing developmental courses with first-year English or math courses. These co-requisite courses allow students who are less prepared academically to quickly catch up to their peers.
PJC’s co-requisite course structure is called College Connect in high schools, and Clarksville High School was the first to partner with PJC in the program. The grant will allow the College to expand supplemental instruction on campus as well as with College Connect in high schools.
Gable and Collar have participated for years in the Pathways Institute held by the Texas Success Center to encourage and share knowledge for ways to increase student success and degree completion. At last November’s Pathways Institute, Gable presented results of the College Connect partnership with Clarksville High School, and Collar was recognized with a Cynthia Ferrell Pathway Star of Excellence Award, which recognizes a change agent who has had a positive impact on removing barriers to student success and elevating the student experience at the college.
“The root of Pathways is student success, and this supplemental instructor initiative is about improving student success,” said Collar. “We’ve done great work with the co-requisite and had great success using supplemental instruction and we’re excited to expand it.”
PJC initially partnered with Adult Basic Education teachers on a limited basis in co-requisite courses at PJC, and this individualized attention aided students. Their participation can now be expanded.
“The grant pays for us to track everything and to pay for more supplemental instructors,” Gable said. “Where we’ve had one teacher with 20 students, we now had two. We’ve also partnered with the Writing Center and writing tutors. So, we may have as many as five teachers and tutors to help with a class. We’re meeting them exactly where they are and giving them exactly what they need to be successful.”
Gable sees great improvement but has more ambitious goals.
“I want us to have the leading developmental writing co-requisite program in the State of Texas,” Gable said. “The state completion average is 47 percent and we’re closing in on 77 percent. I want us to get further, to redevelop the entire thing. The way you do that is to increase one-on-one interaction with students who are behind.”
Supplemental instructors are taught a four-step teaching process by Gable so they may help students figure out what crucial knowledge they missed out on and get the students to ask how to fill those gaps. Then the instructors help them do just that. When students leave the class, they take with them a list of 10 steps for turning in a good paper in their next class.
“It’s not just English 1301, it’s now in 1302,” Gable said. “We started tracking our developmental writing students in English 1302 and they’re catching up to our students who were automatically college ready. So, a student can come in at the lowest level and be caught up by the time they graduate.”
The next stage is bringing supplemental instructors to developmental math. Tracking math results began with the second 8-week terms this spring.
“We also want to expand using supplemental instructors with our College Connect program in our high schools,” said Collar. “It means additional support for the schools.”
Any schools in PJC’s five-county service area interested in participating in College Connect may contact Collar at [email protected] or Gable at [email protected].
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.
