Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Increase Pensions for Medal of Honor Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, filed the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act. The MEDAL Act increase the monthly pension for living Medal of Honor recipients to $100,000 annually. The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration. There are only 61 living recipients.
About the legislation, Sen. Cruz said, “Our Medal of Honor recipients are true heroes whose acts of valor inspire and humble us. Our nation owes an unpayable debt to our Medal of Honor recipients. I am proud to lead the charge in ensuring that our nation supports them in return. The Senate should expeditiously take up and pass this legislation.”
Reps. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-1) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) filed bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Read the legislation here.
BACKGROUND
On April 27, 1916, Congress passed legislation to create the Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll and entitled Medal of Honor recipients to a special pension of $10 per month for life. The current base rate is $1,489.73 per month plus cost of living adjustments. Eligibility for this pension is based solely on receipt of the Medal of Honor. Receipt of this special pension does not reduce any other benefits under U.S. law. The program is significantly smaller than the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension programs, as there are only 61 living Medal of Honor recipients.
Continuation of the Chat About Preparing A Fall Garden Continues on this Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
In this second episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey with guest Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson, John Mark and Ronnie continue their discussion on preparing your Fall gardens. The two discuss fertilizer, taking care of your lawn, planting trees, watering, and more. Check out the episode down below and see what you learn. You may be surprised.
Harvest Moon with Partial Eclipse Tuesday Night
September 16, 2024 – A Harvest Moon with a partial eclipse will be viewable Tuesday night across Texas.
The term Harvest Moon refers to the full moon closest to the start of autumn. It happens annually. The Old Farmer’s Almanac coined the name in the 1930s because the full moon’s bright light helped farmers continue harvesting their crops after dusk.
In a lunar eclipse, the Moon often passes through two regions of Earth’s shadow: an outer penumbra, where direct sunlight is dimmed, and an inner umbra, where indirect and much dimmer sunlight refracted by Earth’s atmosphere shines on the Moon, leaving a reddish color.
For the Hopkins County area, the best time to observer the partial eclipse will be from 9:15 p.m. to 9:44 p.m. After 9:44pm the shadow of the earth on the moon will diminish, and the moon’s appearance will return to normal.
Only a small sliver of the moon could go dark, but the entire moon will be affected by the earth’s shadow. The moon may appear red for several hours Tuesday night.
Clear skies are currently forecast for Tuesday evening so there is a good chance you will be able to see this celestial event.
Are You Registered to Vote? Here’s How to Check
September 16, 2024 – Texas is scrubbing the voter registration rolls, and attempting to make sure only valid voters can cast a ballot. Some citizens are concerned that valid voters will be accidentally removed, and won’t be able to exercise their rights in the upcoming election.
Here’s how you can check your voting status online.
You’ll need one of the following three combinations to log in:
- Your Texas driver’s license number and date of birth.
- Your first and last names, date of birth and county you reside in.
- Your date of birth and Voter Unique Identifier Number, which appears on your voter registration certificate.
Click here to visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
Once your enter and submit your personal information, you will get a report similar to the one above. If your information is not found in the database, there are links and information provided to help get your status updated.
New Shopping Vendors Announced For The 2024 State Fair Of TEXAS
September 16, 2024 – The annual State Fair of Texas is made up of a wide variety of small businesses that sell anything from soup and drink mixes to cowboy boots and earrings. For 24 days each year, eager fairgoers meander the shopping marketplaces that are filled with a little bit of everything at the Most Texan Place on Earth to find either the perfect gift for a loved one or the ideal item for themselves. The State Fair is a great place to increase a business’ product sales and awareness, generate sales leads, drive in-store or online traffic, and interact with millions of potential customers, which is why the State Fair is thrilled to announce that 20 brand-new shopping vendors will be joining the 166 returning vendors for the 2024 State Fair.
Learn more about these new vendors joining the lineup for the 2024 State Fair of Texas:
NEW 2024 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS SHOPPING VENDORS
AJ COLLECTIBLES
Are you looking for a unique, custom keychain or some custom earrings? Make your way to AJ Collectibles! This family-owned business from Florida specializes in custom minifigures that you can build yourself or transform into keychains, earrings, or display pieces. From Elvis Presley and anime to Star Wars and Batman, you’ll find a world of options for every age group. Their newest creations include retractable lightsabers, headset holders, and holiday mystery tins. Explore all their offerings in the Craft Pavilion during the Fair.
BIG BULLY TURF
Big Bully Turf is excited to offer a fresh approach to outdoor spaces in Dallas. With the intense Texas heat, maintaining a green lawn can be a challenge, but their artificial turf makes it easy. Led by founder and president, Carla Arzubiaga, this family-driven and women-owned company prioritizes honesty and customer satisfaction in everything they do. Their mission is to make the turf-buying process simple for all. Big Bully Turf is clean, easy to maintain, and safe for both your kids and pets. Visit Big Bully Turf in Chevy Park Plaza during the Fair.
COWGIRLS & CITY CHICS
Cowgirls & City Chics, based in Temple, TX, is a women-owned business specializing in metal signs, accessories, and clothing. Traveling from Fort Worth, Houston, and Las Vegas, they’re excited to join us here at the State Fair of Texas to fulfill all your retail therapy needs. Visit this boutique in the Craft Pavilion during the Fair.
CRYSTALIZE HOME
Looking for a special gift? Designer Annken Fitzhugh and her husband, Walter, are excited to share their passion for crystals with you! They handcraft each themed ornament using multifunctional magnetic crystals. These versatile ornaments are perfect for any occasion — birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and more. With a variety of designs and themes, you are sure to find the perfect piece to suit your needs. Visit Crystalize Home in the Embarcadero Building during the Fair.
PAWL’S K-9ERY
This vendor is bringing the State Fair of Texas to your fur babies at home! Founded by a mom and son duo, this pet bakery’s story began when they met Daisy, a sassy lab/pit mix, who wandered into their garage one September morning. Pawl’s K-9ery offers a variety of treats, cakes, and even pan dulce for both dogs and cats, providing goodies for every occasion. Make sure to stop by and get your fur baby a State Fair of Texas gift. Find this vendor in the Gateway Pavilion during the Fair.
DESIGNER PALMS
Designer Palms started as a love story and has blossomed into a loving 20-year family tradition. Founder Wendell Turner wanted to create a special anniversary gift for his wife, Helen since palm trees remind her of home. Each Designer Palms trunk is handcrafted, specializing in life-size metal sculptures. With three shapes and a variety of accessories, your custom palm tree is sure to be a showstopper. Don’t miss the chance to grab your piece of paradise. Visit Designer Palms in the Embarcadero Building during the Fair.
FLORIDA’S BEST
Florida’s Best is bringing their award-winning pain relief and skin care products to Texas! James Toler, a Florida naturalist, founded this family-owned and operated business in 1978, crafting each product on his extensive study of the healing and moisturizing properties of essential oils. Their commitment to quality and the development of all-natural products has established them as an industry leader. Proud to know that millions of satisfied customers worldwide use their products, they are excited to welcome you into the family. Visit Florida’s Best in the Embarcadero Building throughout the Fair.
GLASS HOUSE GLASSWARE
Drinking with sharks is a new bucket list item this year at the State Fair of Texas. Glass House Glassware, creators of The Shark Wine Glass, was founded in 2015 after a memorable dive in the Cayman Islands with a nurse shark named Fin. The sparkling, handcrafted, lead-free crystal wine glasses are designed to withstand multiple encounters with enthusiastic drinkers. If sharks aren’t your thing, come visit Glass House Glassware at the Embarcadero during the Fair to dive into all their different crystal wine glass creations.
IRON OAK APPAREL
Welcome Iron Oak Apparel, where refined grit meets rugged elegance. Founded by four visionaries – Keith Kruse, Marc Novick, Beau Daniels, and Tanner Carson, this brand emerged from a shared passion for golf and a love for the rugged country lifestyle. As the creators of the original pearl snap polo, Iron Oak Apparel offers designs that embody bold spirit and sophistication for every occasion. Their polos and curated collections blend innovation with timeless style, perfect for those who seek both performance and elegance. Bringing rustic flair to the country club, shopping with Iron Oak is a journey through the heart of Texas fashion. Saddle up and discover the essence of Western luxury at Iron Oak Apparel in the Embarcadero Building during the Fair.
KOSMIC TEA
Kosmic Tea has all your health needs covered at this year’s Fair! Founded by Krishna Shorty, an ambitious tea aficionado, the brand was created to offer distinctive loose-leaf teas that deliver rich flavors and holistic benefits. After being diagnosed with hypothyroidism, Krishna’s journey with loose-leaf tea helped her thyroid heal. Her unwavering passion for tea and deep knowledge of diverse blends makes her excited to welcome you to the State Fair of Texas. Find this vendor in the Gateway Pavilion during the Fair.
LEABRIG
Leabrig, a standout umbrella brand known for its one-of-a-kind designs, is set to bring its collection of beautiful and functional umbrellas to the 2024 State Fair of Texas! Founded by Mireille Trevare, the company grew from humble beginnings at street fairs in Los Angeles to now taking the stage at one of the biggest fairs in the country. Leabrig’s umbrella collection is unlike any other, featuring stunning, rare, or one-of-a-kind, handcrafted umbrella and parasol designs decorated with crystals, flowers, feathers, and unique shapes. They are also fully functional statement pieces and certainly never fail to put a smile on someone’s face! Leabrig is an anagram of Mireille’s late son, Gabriel, who passed away 15 years ago. Leabrig honors Gabriel’s memory and brings joy to others. Fairgoers will see the full range of Mireille’s umbrellas at the Craft Pavilion.
MY ALOHA PEARL
My Aloha Pearl is excited to bring authentic Japanese Akoya Pearl Oysters and Hawaiian jewelry to all fairgoers. What started as a team that traveled to fairs to share and inspire the love of pearl jewelry has led to a team that focuses on building relationships with customers and delivering promises of high-quality, genuine, and personalized pearl jewelry at every fair they participate in. Customers get to choose their own oyster, then the team will shuck the Japanese Akoya oysters to extract the pearl. The mystery of this small token is what color, what size, and how many pearls you might get. Customers then get to choose from a vast variety of jewelry selections of settings and mountings. Each of these pieces is uniquely made and crafted with perfect detail. On top of their main attraction, they will have a mass selection of Hawaiian jewelry to choose from. Find My Aloha Pearl in the Craft Pavilion during the Fair.
MY LITTLE SWEETIE
My Little Sweetie is here for all your customizable kids’ bag needs, offering one-of-a-kind accessories to make your little one feel special! Ranging from large or small PU leather crossbodies and EVA handbags to fluffy backpacks, each bag is customizable for your specific style! Put your child’s name on the bag and choose from a variety of cute add-ons, such as chains, flowers, bows, crowns, and so much more. This unique bag will perfectly describe your child and will be a keepsake for years to come. Founders Lara and Richard have brought many smiles to kids over the years, and they look forward to continuing these efforts at this year’s State Fair of Texas! Find this vendor at the Gateway Pavilion.
NEW LONDON ENTERPRISES
Looking for a unique companion to take home from the Fair? Enter the world of 3D-printed magic at New London Enterprises, where each creation is more than just a toy—it’s an adventure waiting to unfold! Specializing in intricately articulated figures, including their fan-favorite dragons, every piece is carefully designed to spark imagination and play. With their “Adopt a Dragon” experience, you can give one of these charming creatures a forever home, complete with adoption papers to make it official. Whether you’re a collector, a fantasy lover, or just looking for a memorable keepsake, stop by their booth in the Craft Pavilion and bring home something truly special!
NORWEX
Cleaning your home involves more than just removing dirt and grime, it’s about making sure that harmful chemicals never touch anything your family touches. Instead of relying on chemicals, Norwex harnesses the physical power of their densely woven microfiber and water alone to easily and thoroughly clean any surface! Eliminate all those single-use disposables like paper towels, floor pads, and wipes. Norwex’s cloths contain micro silver, an anti-microbial agent that protects the cloth by inhibiting odor, which means it’s ready to use again and again and will save you hundreds of dollars yearly! While they’re famous for their window cloth, a game changer for cleaning windshields, windows, stainless steel, and mirrors, they also carry dust mitts, towels, car drying cloths, and their Superior Mop for wood and vinyl flooring, bath towels, kitchen cloth, towels, etc. Norwex is the FUTURE of cleaning! Find Norwex at Grand Place during the Fair.
ORIGAMI BY KANNIKA
Kannika Brueske, founder of Origami by Kannika, makes origami earrings, jewelry, art, pendants, and handcrafted items to brighten your day. One of her favorite pieces to create in her wide variety of items is the crane. The crane is significant to many Asian cultures and is referred to as the “bird of happiness.” The crane is thought to represent good fortune and longevity, and its wings are believed to provide protection. Kannika incorporates the crane and many other origami designs into her artwork. Take a few minutes to appreciate the symbolism of Kannika’s art and find her booth in the Craft Pavilion during the Fair.
ROBYN’S BOOK NOOK – PAPERPIE
Robyn’s Book Nook proudly brings PaperPie (formerly Usborne) books, games, toys, and hands-on learning to the 2024 State Fair of Texas! A family-run business, Robyn’s Book Nook partners with local Texas organizations, nonprofits, and schools to bring books and learning resources to the community. They’ll have everything you need to keep those little hands busy and those growing minds learning. Check out books for strollers, on-the-go activities, and even Tiny! kits for miniaturized fun. Love the kids in your life and help them grow a love of learning at any age. Find Robyn’s Book Nook in the Embarcadero during the Fair.
SHOWME NAILS
ShowMe Nails is making their debut this year and stands out by providing trendsetting nail designs that are not only fashionable but also durable and versatile. Their press-on nails are waterproof and can last over a month, perfect for any lifestyle – from rock climbing enthusiasts to spa-goers. By offering a natural, damage-free alternative to traditional nail enhancements, ShowMe caters to those seeking short-term style for special events or long-lasting beauty for a fraction of normal salon pricing. ShowMe Nails embodies their slogan, “Press on beautiful, show me confidence,” empowering customers to express their style and boost their self-assurance. Nail lovers will find their new set with ShowMe Nails, located at Texas Tower Plaza.
SILART NAMES
Have you ever said, “THEY NEVER HAVE MY NAME!” in one of those tourist shops selling license plates, necklaces, or keychains? Come to the Silart Names location at the Texas Tower Plaza and you most likely will! Even though they are a small business founded in 2016 by a husband and wife, they pride themselves as one of the largest NAME shops in the Midwest! With more than 4000 names ready to be “found,” if you can’t find your name at Silart, you won’t find it anywhere else! All bracelets are handwoven to give you a unique and memorable souvenir. Custom orders are available onsite as well.
VENDUNI – LA DUNI BAKING STUDIO
Venduni – La Duni Baking Studio originated in the Dallas area in 2001, and in the past year, founder Dunia Borga has opened her business to the public. As the creator behind it all, Venduni – La Duni Baking Studio offers prepackaged jar cakes, pecan butter cookies, cheesecakes, pastries, and many more tasty treats. Dunia specializes in focusing on everything being made from scratch, and she excels at it. With a Colombian and Slovenian background, she is ready to present her unique food items to the fairgoers! Find Venduni – La Duni Baking Studio in the Embarcadero during the Fair.
Join us in historic Fair Park for the 2024 State Fair of Texas beginning Friday, September 27 running through Sunday, October 20, 2024, to support small businesses – along with enjoying everything else the Fair has to offer!
ERCOT to Implement Key Market Design Change: Real-Time Co-optimization (RTC)
(Austin, TX) – Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) today announced a target go-live date of December 5, 2025, which is earlier than the originally contemplated go-live timeframe of mid-2026, for the implementation of Real-Time Co-optimization (RTC) in the ERCOT market.
RTC is the process of dispatching energy and Ancillary Services interchangeably in the Real-Time Market. Under the current market design, ERCOT procures Ancillary Services in the Day-Ahead Market and does not typically move Ancillary Services between resources in the Real-Time Market.
“The implementation of Real-Time Co-optimization is the most significant market enhancement to the Real-Time Nodal market design since its inception in 2010,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “The target go-live date represents an important milestone in ERCOT’s confidence for planning and tracking the completion of the RTC project for a more dynamic and efficient wholesale power market.”
Since the initial RTC market design program, requirements have been enhanced to include functionality changes to account for the expansion of Battery Energy Storage Resources in the ERCOT market, which expanded the project to the Real-Time Co-optimization + Batteries (RTC+B) program.
“Once implemented, these enhancements will provide operational and reliability benefits to the ERCOT system as well as estimated annual wholesale market savings in excess of one billion dollars,” added ERCOT Vice President of Commercial Operations Keith Collins. “We expect significant savings to pass down to Texas electric consumers as a result.”
The RTC+B program has successfully completed each milestone for business requirements and interface specifications and is now positioned to begin system testing in early 2025. Market trials will commence in May and run through November 2025, with the cutover to implementation by the targeted December 5 go-live date.
ERCOT will continue to monitor additional milestones in the coming months involving ERCOT and Market Participants that will allow us to confirm the December 5, 2025, go-live date or adjust if necessary.
The RTC project was initiated in 2019 by directive of the PUCT to ERCOT following a robust assessment of the costs and benefits associated with the implementation of RTC of energy and Ancillary Services in the wholesale electricity market. Read the associated Market Notice for more information.
Laney Bankston Crowned SSHS 2024 Homecoming Queen and Wildcats Take the win at September 13th’s Wildcats Game
September 16, 2024 – Before the SSHS Wildcats Football game in Gerald Prim Stadium in Sulphur Springs, Texas, the Sulphur Springs High School 2024 Homecoming Court was presented at their best with their escorts, anxiously waiting to learn who would be crowned. Then, it was finally announced… Coryn Young and Jaicee Jasmer each earned the title of SSHS 2024 Homecoming Princess…. and then it was announced that Laney Bankston won the title of Sulphur Springs High School 2024 Homecoming Queen! Shortly after that your mighty Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats took the field in a fierce competition against Bullard. Be sure to check out the Homecoming Ceremony and the exciting football game below!
The Jury Duty for September 16, 2024 has been Cancelled
September 15, 2024 – The Jury Duty for Monday, September 16, 2024, at 9:00am, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, has been cancelled. If you are on jury duty for 9:00am Monday, September 16th, 2024, that court session has been cancelled.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and City Council to Recognize 2023 PBR Teams World Champions, Ariat Texas Rattlers on September 17
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and City Council to Recognize 2023 PBR Teams World Champions, Ariat Texas Rattlers, as Fort Worth’s First Professional Sports Team to Win a National Title on Sept. 17
Texas Rattlers Co-Owner Leonard Firestone and General Manager Chad Blankenship to present Mayor Parker with an exclusive Fort Worth City Jersey, symbolizing the city’s competitive spirit and honoring “Panther City’s” proud legacy
WHO: Reigning PBR Teams World Champion, the Ariat Texas Rattlers, Fort Worth’s Professional Bull Riding Team; Visit Fort Wort; Mayor Mattie Parker
WHEN: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 During Fort Worth City Council Meeting | 6:00 pm
WHERE: City Council Chamber in Old City Hall; 100 Fort Worth Trl, Fort Worth, TX 76102
TIMELINE: 6:00 pm – Special Recognition + Jersey Gifting to Take Place at the Top of the Meeting
WHAT: The Ariat Texas Rattlers, reigning PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Teams World Champions, will be honored with a Special Recognition Presentation by Fort Worth City Council and Mayor Mattie Parker as Fort Worth’s first professional sports team to bring home a national title. As the only PBR team undefeated on home soil, the Rattlers have gained national recognition, becoming cultural and civic icons in the city.
In partnership with Visit Fort Worth, team co-owner Leonard Firestone, co-founder of Firestone & Robertson Distilling Company, and General Manager Chad Blankenship will present Mayor Parker with an exclusive Fort Worth City Jersey. The gifting of a city jersey—a major trend among professional sports franchises like the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks—marks the Texas Rattlers’ rising status within Fort Worth’s major sports landscape. The jersey’s Panther City design honors Fort Worth’s resilience, a city once mocked as “sleepy” by a Dallas columnist in the 1870s. Today, the Rattlers stand as a symbol of the city’s transformation into a thriving, dynamic metropolis with a competitive spirit.
This special recognition comes just ahead of Rattler Days, a three-day bull riding competition on September 26 at Cowtown Coliseum and September 27-28 at Dickies Arena, where the Rattlers will compete against nine other teams from across the country. The event also features the Stockyards Alley Rally, presented by Community Coffee, a free fan festival at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards offering live music, parades, autograph signings, and more, celebrating the hometown champions.
Photo + B-Roll Opportunities:
- Mayor Mattie Parker presenting the Special Recognition
- Official reveal of the city jersey and presentation to the Mayor
- Rattlers ownership and staff members onsite and receiving recognition/presenting the city jersey
- “Fang,” the team’s beloved rattlesnake mascot interaction with Mayor, City Council, team staff
- Notable City Council members interacting with Fang and Rattlers representatives
Interview Opportunities:
- ● Leonard Firestone – Co-Owner of the Ariat Texas Rattlers (Limited Availability)
- ● Chad Blankenship – General Manager of the Ariat Texas Rattlers
- ● Additional interviewees can be arranged upon request
What is Rattler Days?
Rattler Days is the Texas Rattlers’ annual three-day homestand as part of the 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series. From September 26-28, the Rattlers will return to Cowtown Coliseum and Dickies Arena for the first time since their 2023 world championship win, facing off against the other PBR teams on their home turf. The weekend includes a vibrant fan festival featuring rallies, food competitions, and parades, making it a thrilling and family-friendly event.
The Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held September 19th
September 13, 2024 – Thursday, Sep 19, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– Gwen Takes Horse
Join us on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for Mississippi Choctaws: Journey To The Dawes Roll. Gwen Takes Horse, Choctaw and Chickasaw, has been a Genealogist with the Choctaw Nation Membership Department for the past 11 years and a Choctaw Nation employee for 25 years. A graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Masters of Behavioral Science in counseling Psychology, she has worked as a counselor in Indian boarding schools, public schools, and prior to working in Genealogy, she was a Counselor for the Choctaw Nation Upward Bound program. A member of the Oklahoma Genealogical Society and National Genealogical society, Gwen is the current Vice-Chairperson of the Johnson-O’Malley Program and on the Indian Education Board at Colbert Oklahoma Public Schools.
Register in advance for this meeting: Sep 19, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrf-GuqjIvHdbN-gSHEoyip6MoH0UngSvR
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We are frequently asked about researching Native American ancestors here in the library, so we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to hear from an expert!
