Texas House Republicans Petition State Fair to Rescind Gun Ban
By Juan Salinas II, The Texas Tribune August. 12, 2024
Texas House Republicans are pressuring State Fair officials to rescind its recent decision to ban all firearms from the fairgrounds.
Fair officials and law enforcement announced the policy change last week, roughly a year after a gunman opened fire at the fair, injuring three people. The fair also announced it will have cameras at entrances for the security process and will not provide lockers or bag checks for larger bags.
The State Fair of Texas starts Sept. 27 in Dallas.
As of noon on Monday, 71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees signed a petition saying the new policy makes the fair “less safe” because, “Gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil.”
“The State Fair of Texas claims to be a ‘celebration of all things Texas,’ yet this new policy is anything but a celebration of Texas,” the petition reads.
The letter also warned that if the gun ban at the State Fair goes into effect, they would consider taking legislative action.
“Your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next session to further protect these rights on lands managed by the public,” the lawmakers wrote.
Texas Gun Rights, a gun advocacy group, also released a statement encouraging the state fair to change its decision. “Gun Free Zones don’t work. This is another feel good attempt that accomplishes absolutely nothing for safety,” said Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, in the statement.
Law enforcement arrested 22-year-old Cameron Turner in connection with the shooting, who they said opened fire at the fair’s food court. He was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/08/12/texas-state-fair-gun-ban-legislature/.
CBP Officers Seize Over $6.5 million in Hard Narcotics at World Trade Bridge
Mon, 08/12/2024 LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge seized hard narcotics that totaled over $6,500,000 in street value.
“CBP prioritizes its border security mission on a daily basis,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP officers work diligently using all tools available to combat these narcotic trends.”
The seizure occurred on Friday, Aug. 9 at the World Trade Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2023 Freightliner hauling a utility refrigerated trailer manifesting a commercial shipment of flowers for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 712.54 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the commodity. The narcotics combined had a street value of $6,551,910. CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.
Governor Abbott Announces $3.3 Million In Grants For Rural Hospital Maternal Care Operations
August 12, 2024 – Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is awarding $3.3 million in grant funding to improve maternal care in rural hospitals currently not providing labor and delivery services. The HHSC Rural Hospital Maternal Care Operations Grant provides qualifying hospitals a one-time payment of $35,000 to purchase neonatal equipment, supplies, and training for emergency labor and delivery services.
“Texas continues working to ensure that new mothers and families have access to quality healthcare services in every corner of our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “Expanding access to rural healthcare remains a top priority. With this $3.3 million in grants, hospitals will receive much needed financial assistance to purchase equipment and train healthcare personnel for emergency labor and delivery services to help Texas mothers. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their tireless efforts to provide quality healthcare through this grant opportunity to rural hospitals across Texas.”
“Having the right equipment and training can potentially save lives, especially in communities with few choices for emergency care,” said HHSC Chief Financial Officer Trey Wood. “These grants give hospitals an opportunity to address a critical gap in rural health care and serve our most vulnerable and newest Texans.”
The grant aims to improve maternal care operations related to neonatal preparation and readiness for emergency labor and deliveries.
Rural hospitals not currently providing inpatient labor and delivery services are encouraged to apply for the grant. Applications must be submitted through the HHSC Rural Hospital Program grants portal by 5 p.m. on September 13.
HHSC provides grant funding and administers programs for rural hospitals in alignment with the HHSC Rural Hospital Services Strategic Plan Progress Report, which sets goals to ensure rural Texans have access to hospital services.
For more information, visit the HHSC Rural Hospital Finance and Coordination webpage.
Hopkins County Records – July/August 2024
Daily Instrument Register For 7/18/24 Thru 7/19/24
- Amber Nicole Thomas and Kevis Scott Thomas to Sophie Alice Gonzales-Mata and Eugene Daniel Mata; Tract in the AC J Procello Survey
- Ramona Iris Fisk to Kevin Matthew Fisk; Tract in the Daniel Holbrook Survey
- LJ Martin Ranch LLC to Brian Joseph Drake and Jennifer Lynn McClintock; Tract in the AC F Marrs Survey
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Puja Giri; Tract in the Lot 73 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big County Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Doug M Marshtalier and Ninie Mashtalier; Tract in the Lot 44 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Maria Narine Torres Cajiao; Tract in the Lot 52 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Amy Christine Dumar; Tract in the Lot 42 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Big Country LOand Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Aaron Jonathan Frazier and Natasha Marie Frazier; Tract in the Lot 25 The Meadows At Deer Crossing Survey
- Janie Elaine Carpenter to Janet Clark and Justin Moon; Tract in the James Lee Survey
- Lo Ann Potter Also Known As Joann Potter to Sable Erdmier and Tristan Fairchild; Tract in the R B Craft Survey
- Jace Garrett Burchfield to Fatmir Cosic and Indira Cosic; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Harold G Dixon Also Known As Harold Glenn Dixon to Fatmir Cosic and Indira Cosic; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Herbert Chung Ng to Hesston Taylor and Keri Taylor; Tract in the AC J Hill Survey
- Juli Price to Caden Clay Price and Emily Nicole Price; Tract in the M C Mahaffey Survey
- Vincent J Knoll to Rachael E Knoll; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Jose Jesus Serrano to Nicole Brumit and Timothy Brumit; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Edith Frost to Billye Marie Lewis; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Jamie Foster Also Known As Jamie S Foster to Jaime S Foster Also Known As Jamie Foster and Jose Luna; Tract in the Jacob Webb Survey
- Jeanie Beth Beaty, Ronald Allen Burris, and Billy Joe Petrea to Tim McQueen; Tract in the AC Juan Palvadore Survey
- Lisa Y Wilson Also Known As Lisa Yvonne Willson to rista Michelle Evans, Amanda Kay Purkey, Stephanie Leanne Tharp, and Brian Douglas Wilson JR; Tract in the AC A B Koontz Survey
- Edgar Sanchez, Heriberto Sanchez, and Mariana Sanchez to Jose Sanchez and Mercedes Sanchez; Tract in the Levi Landers Survey
- Jose Sanchez and Mercedes Sanchez to Edgar Sanchez, Heriberto Sanchez, and Mariana Sanchez; Tract in the AC Levi Landers Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 7/22/24 Thru 7/24/24
- Kelli Geraci and Troy Geraci to Leslie Jo Van Winkle and Ronnie C Van Winkle; Tract in the AC J C Tabor Survey
- Janet Irvin Formely Known As Janet Irvin Higgins McCormack to Bar D Real Estate LLC Series A; Tract in the AC Daniel Fuller Survey
- Mivida Luz Rivera to Diosdado Properties LLC; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Christopher Sean Cross to Nathan Crouch, Liz Dawson, Alan Screws, and Kim Screws; Tract in the Lot 2 Blk 200 Forrester Addition Survey
- Penney Hemby, Scott Hemby, Dale McMahan, and Sherri McMahan to Randall Earl Lloyd; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Glenn Irvin to James McMahan and Karen McMahan; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Martin Munoz Jr to Ana Aguilar and Gerardo Aguilar; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Amy Neal Alsp Known As Amy Danyeill Neal, Shawn Neal Also Known As Shawn Houston Neal to Chelsea Layne Cockrum and Jordan Don Cockrum; Tract in the AC G Procello Survey
- Karen Egan Formely Known As William Egan, and Karen Joanna Gibert to Edgar Mondragon and Lucia Mondragon; Tract in the Helena Nelson Survey
- David Kaufman and Donna Kaufman to Colton Dewayne Lee and Lindsey Rae Lee; Tract in the AC Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Chris Dunlap and Diana S Dunlap to Emily Baker ande Michael Baker; Tract in the AC C Zanco Survey
- Nancy McCord Grantham to Sherri Crittendon and Dovie Wall; Tract in the Eli R Merrill Survey
- Jessica R Saul. and Gerald A Saul R to Osvaldo Pulido; Tract in the Elizabeth Melton Survey
- Jefferson J Paddock and Leona A Paddock to Jamie Bertoletti, Courtney Davee, and John Paddock; Tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell Survey
- Christopher Anthony Utah and Stephanie L Utah to Kaylie Fain and Stephen C Fain; Tract in the AC Josiah Pettyjohn Survey
- Arthur H Hamner and Janet Hamner to Elaine Cumings Mund; Tract in the Santos Coy Survey
- Jeff Orwosky, Tapp Funeral Home Inc to First Baptist Church Sulphur Sprigns; Tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin Survey
- Stanley Foster, Wesley United Methodist Church to Aundrea Loeffler and Morris Frank Loeffler III; Tract in the M A Vowlin Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 8/6/24 Thru 8/12/24
- Grady Shawn Winchester and Kimberly Lunceford Wood
- Kerry Lyn Sanders and Courtney Lynne Hazel
- Aaron David Smith and Megan Marie Meaux
- Hadenn Blane Townsend and Brooklynn Page Williams
- Austin James Henslee and Makayla Dawn Bridges
- Gomez Juan Manuel Jimenez and Maria Fernanda Ramirez
Dinner Bell for August 14, 2024
The City National Bank, the oldest bank in continual service in Sulphur Springs, was chartered in 1889. It also has locations not only in Hopkins County but also in Wood, Rains, Van Zant, Gregg, Upshur, Cass, Morris, and services surrounding counties.
The original lot on the corner of the Sulphur Springs square and Connally Street was purchased for $3,350.00. The two story building, home of the bank until 1968, was built at a cost of $5,399.00. The original vault door is still in use today and is in perfect working order.
The South Town Branch was acquired through purchasing First National in 1998. A Mortgage Branch was opened on S. Broadway in 2000. Expansion continued with operations going to Wood County (Yantis and Quitman), Mineola, Mt. Vernon, Emory, Wills Point, Grand Saline, Canton, Naples, Queen City and Pittsburgh.
Having over $1Billion in assets as of March 31, 2021 enables this banking institution to offer many different financial products to and for its customers.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry has been blessed with a Partnership with City National Bank since June 8, 2016. For a number of years it has occured four times yearly with bank associates helping in the serving of the meals (both when inside the church and also when distributed outside). For this dedication and the realization of “helping feed those who need a meal,” The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry is extremely grateful.
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
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Rice
Oven Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Garden Salad
White Texas Sheet 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!!!
East End Allegiance: Our Youth 7th Annual Cool Down
It’s our 7th Annual BACK 2 SCHOOL READY “COOL DOWN”
18ft Water Slide! Music! Face Painting, Slim Making, Games, Corny Dogs, Grilled Hotdogs, Nachos, Brisket Sandwich, Kool-Aid, Aqua Fresca, and more
Time: 3pm-6pm
Date: AUGUST 18, 2024
Location: H.W. GREYS BUILDING
413 Beckham St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Event Sponsors:
- Saputo
- PopStyle Popcorn
- 360 Barber College
- WOODCHOPPER S.W.A.G.
- Ocean Spray
- Style Me Kocky
- The Candle Company
- Ikonic Auto Sales
- Infinniety & Beyond Elegant Moments
- Sulphur Springs True Gospel Ministries
- Illusionz Barber Shop
- To God Be the Glory Clothing Ministry
- Joe’s Exxon
- GROWTH Mentoring Program
- The Juneteenth Committee
- East End Gurus
- Cori Jones Face Painting Cori Jones
- Professional Barbers & Stylist of Sulphur Springs
- Lakes Regional MHMR Center-Wellness
- On the Corner Barbecue
Local Businesses provided Giveaways/Raffles Growth Mentoring Program raised over a value of $500
- Chick-fil-a
- Buff City Soap
- Everything Unique
- Circle E
- Marlene Sass & Class
- Jay Hodge
- McAlister’s
- Burger & Fries
- Corner Grub House
- Miss Behavin
- Plain & Fancy
- White Oaks Restaurant
- Bad & Beauty
- Kyri Ivery
Donations and supplies can be picked up. Call Bridgette 972-802-8705.
Donation items needed: waters, juice, hotdogs, school supplies.
Donations can be made at Alliance Bank -EEA OUR YOUTH
Cash App $360barbercollege (EEA)
Volunteers Still Needed
This is a community action. Many have made an impactful affect on the youth of this community! Our efforts show the youth that they are cared for and that they matter.
#community #BackToSchool #nonprofitorganization #haircuts #fun #wellness #clothingminstry #SHARE
1 Million Samsung Ovens Recalled
August 12, 2024 – Samsung has received over 300 reports of unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs by humans or pets since 2013. These ranges have been involved in approximately 250 fires. At least 18 fires caused extensive property damage. Approximately 40 injuries have been reported, eight of which required medical attention, and there have been reports of seven fires involving pet deaths.
Consumers using the recalled ranges without knob locks or covers are cautioned to keep children and pets away from the knobs, to check the range knobs to ensure they are off before leaving the home or going to bed, and to not leave objects on the range when the range is not in use.
Consumers should contact Samsung to receive a free set of knob locks or covers compatible with their model of electric slide-in range to install.
Consumers with Wi-Fi enabled ranges can enable the “Cooktop On” notification on the Samsung SmartThings app to receive alerts on their smartphone when a cooktop burner is turned on.
The defective units were sold at Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and other appliance stores nationwide, and online at Samsung.com. Depending upon the model, the ranges were sold from May 2013 through August 2024 for between $1,250 and $3,050.
Samsung Electronics America Inc., of Ridgefield Park, N.J.
Important Message from CPSC:
CPSC urges consumers to follow the following safety advice to avoid the risk of fire:
Never place, leave, or store anything on the top of your range. Such items can ignite if the range is accidentally activated or left on. Fires can occur when items are left on the top surface of any range that is accidentally activated or left on.
Click here to start your replacement knob request.
SSI Beneficiaries will get Two Payments in August 2024.
August 12, 2024 – This month, people who receive SSI benefits will get a second check before the calendar rolls into September. Here’s what you need to know about that second payment.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually issues SSI payments on the first day of each month. But if that date is on a weekend or holiday, the agency pays you ahead of schedule — on the last business day of the preceding month.
This schedule ensures those dependent on SSI have the money they need by the first day of the month.
The second SSI payment is not an extra payment. It’s the next month’s payment hitting your account a few days early.
It’s likely you’ll also receive an SSI payment early when the first of the month is a federal holiday. The payment will be made on the last business day of the previous month.
Your SSI payment for August 2024 will be available on Aug. 1, and a second payment will hit your account on Aug. 30. Because the second payment is for the month of September, the next SSI payment after that won’t be until October 1.
SSI payments are issued one of two ways. For beneficiaries with bank accounts, the payments come as direct deposits. For those without bank accounts or those who prefer a more tangible method, payments are added to beneficiaries’ accounts with Direct Express cards. The second payment in August will be paid with whichever method you’ve signed up for.
Dawna Pryor Chatted with John Mark About Upcoming Activities at the Senior Center on This Second Cup of Coffee
Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen’s Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor stopped by and visited with John Mark on this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey. The two talk about activities being held at the Senior Citizen’s Activity Center including a cook out, movie watching, “What Helps Me” discussion about preparing for the future such as a will, another discussion with a professional about Medicare, and so much more. Be sure to check it out below.
Bees for Bananas? From Master Gardener David Wall
August 11, 2024 – The weather this year has played havoc with honeybees. First, way too much rain and lower than normal temperatures. Now, not enough rain and too much heat. Both conditions deter honeybees from foraging. Pollen is solidifying on flowers, making it very difficult to obtain. It’s just not a good time to be a honeybee, but they keep trying. So, what can we do to help?
Something most of us have never even considered is to feed honeybees banana slices. Honeybees will chew them, peel and all, and use them as a pollen substitute. The substitute is used to make bee bread for young honeybees. An added benefit for this short time substitute is the nutrition provided by the bananas – potassium, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and several micronutrients that aid bee growth and development. You can also use non-brand generic marshmallows, but the literature appears to favor bananas.
Historically, bananas have been kept from hives for an excellent reason. They contain Isoamyl acetate which gives them that well known banana smell. Unfortunately, when honeybees are threatened, they put out an alarm “pheromone” that has an odor of bananas. Isoamyl acetate sends honeybees into a an all-out attack mode! In other words, bananas are an open invitation to getting yourself stung right and left, as several beekeepers have learned the hard way!
Again, it must be emphasized that providing banana slices is a temporary way to support the hive. While it is a great way to get some nutritious food into the hive, honeybees cannot survive on bananas over an extended time period. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent tactic for short periods in the early spring, the hot summer and fall when nectar gets into short supply.
Place the banana slices close, but not too close to the hive, preferably in a covered area.
