Houston Murder Suspect Named October Featured Fugitive
October 14, 2024 – AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Ernest Nathan is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 for the month if the tip is received in October.
Ernest Christopher Nathan, 45, of Houston, has been wanted out of Harris County since Feb. 2024 for murder. Nathan has a criminal history out of Georgia dating back to 2006, receiving convictions for aggravated assault, battery and bail jumping. In Oct. 2022, Nathan was arrested by the Houston Police Department for murder and evading arrest/detention with a vehicle. He was released on bond the following day.
Nathan is 6 feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He has tattoos on both arms and on his back. In addition to Houston, Nathan has ties to Georgia, Ohio and Louisiana. More information about Nathan or updates in the event of his arrest can be found here.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2024, DPS and other agencies have arrested 36 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 13 sex offenders, 10 gang members and 4 criminal illegal immigrants.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
- Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous — regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists — with photos — on the DPS website.
Secretary of State Reverses Guidance Allowing Non-Citizen IDs for Voting
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy reported Thursday evening that, according to DPS, 2,824,613 noncitizens have driver’s licenses or IDs issued by the state.
By Brandon Waltens – October 11, 2024 – In a major reversal from her guidance just days ago, Secretary of State Jane Nelson now says non-citizen driver’s licenses may not be used as a form of voter identification.
The Texas Department of Public Safety issues driver’s licenses and personal identification cards to lawfully present noncitizens, which are clearly marked “Temporary Visitor” or “Limited-Term” and expire after one year or when the individual’s period of lawful presence ends.
An advisory from the Secretary of State issued Tuesday afternoon stated that while citizens should not use these types of IDs to vote, poll workers should nonetheless offer a regular ballot to people on the voter rolls who present a noncitizen ID. This contrasts with previous guidance from the Secretary of State’s office in 2018, which specifically stated that DPS-issued driver’s licenses and personal identification cards “should not be used if ‘Limited Term’ or ‘Temporary Visitor’ appears on the face of the card, as this indicates the person is not a U.S. Citizen.”
Instead, voters with such IDs were urged to show other forms of identification, including naturalization certificates or passports.
After backlash, Nelson has issued “updated guidance” reversing the decision:
When an individual attempts to vote by presenting a temporary or limited-term driver’s license (which federal regulations say must be issued only to non-citizens who are lawfully present in this country) election workers must require that the individual produce a naturalization card or naturalization certificate demonstrating U.S. citizenship to receive a regular ballot.
After issuing the initial advisory, Nelson had asked Attorney General Ken Paxton for further guidance though stated she updated the guidance prior to receiving a response.
“Secretary of State Nelson did the right thing,” said Paxton. “Her amended election advisory closes a potential loophole that could have allowed noncitizens to attempt to vote. Texas must do everything in its power to prevent noncitizens from voting, and this is a critical step toward securing our elections.”
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy reported Thursday evening that, according to DPS, 2,824,613 noncitizens have driver’s licenses or IDs issued by the state.
Grand Opening for Tyler State Park’s New Headquarters
October 13, 2024 – TYLER – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Tyler State Park will host a grand opening event Oct. 18 for the new park headquarters.
The facility, designed to resemble Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) facilities found elsewhere in the park, features an interpretive gallery highlighting the history of the park, improved accessibility for staff and visitors, increased office space, centralized conference room, better parking options to prevent traffic congestion and a new radio tower for improved communications within the park. Natural materials help the building blend into the park environment.
Planning for the new headquarters facility began more than 10 years ago and construction commenced in the winter of 2021. Tyler State Park was built by CCC 2888 between 1935 and 1941 and has a total of 985 acres.
Where: Tyler State Park – 789 Park Road 16, Tyler
When: 10 – 11 a.m. Oct. 18
Media will have a chance to interview Tyler State Parks staff and other TPWD dignitaries along with photo opportunities and a tour of the facility.
RSVP is required for media who want to attend this private grand opening event. If interested, please RSVP to [email protected].
Funding for this project was provided by Proposition 5 through the Sporting Goods Sales Tax.
Watch Two Top 10 Teams Compete in this SSHS Wildcats Football Game Versus Celina from October 11, 2024
October 13, 2024 – Below is KSST’s coverage of the SSHS Wildcats game against the Celina Bobcats from Friday, October 11, 2024. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey calls Play by Play while Tony Flippin does Color Commentary. Our new Intern Erin Groom helps out on cam and James Terry runs the board back at the KSST studios. This game was played at Gerald Prim Stadium in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Paris District Road Report for Week of October 14, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Oct. 14, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Impaired driving and penalties – DUI & DWI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can risk your life and the lives of others, and it can send you to jail. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
When am I legally intoxicated?
You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent, but you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI?
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
- Loss of driver license up to a year.
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
Third offense
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.
Impaired driving with a child passenger
- You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving impaired with children under 15.
- You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
- You could be put in jail for up to two years.
- You will lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
Driving with an open container
Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not impaired, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on completing the remaining work at the intersection. Watch for lane closures on the US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and SH 91 as crews complete the median barrier work.
Loy Lake Road, in Sherman at the US 82 frontage road intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures on Loy Lake Road as crews work to perform sidewalk repairs. Motorists should expect delays on Loy Lake Road during this construction and are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
FM 697, at Choctaw Slough Creek. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to backfill the overlay and place striping and rumble strips on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at Elba Creek, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at Deaver Creek.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 91, in Sherman from US 75 to Fallon Drive. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling and patching on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane in the work zone.
Spur 503 main lanes, from SH 91 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures on the Spur 503 main lanes as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane in the work zone.
Fannin County:
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 is closed to thru traffic while crews perform bridge repairs. All traffic will be required to take the exit for US 69 and then will be able to take the next entrance ramp back onto SH 121. A temporary signal is in place to control traffic on SH 121 and US 69 during this closure. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 897, from SH 56 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, from SH 78 to FM 1396. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: IH 30, Truck Parking Area. Crews will be paving entrance and exit ramps on the new eastbound truck parking area.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: I-30, at FM 269. Crews will be performing tree trimming and tree removal operations on the westbound and eastbound side.
Hopkins County: FM 1870, at IH 30. Crews will begin resurfacing the bridge deck. Traffic will be detoured during resurfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
FM 38 at West Fork of Sanders Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J at East Langford Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews perform bridge maintenance operations.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and is currently widening shoulders and performing ditch grading in the area. Temporary seeding operations have begun on segments of the project. Culvert and Safety End treatments are being installed along the project and excavation and road widening is in progress. Shoulder embankment work will be ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has completed cross culverts and culvert extensions and will be placing riprap soon. The contractor has sealed and shouldered up the first mile of the project and has placed flex base and placing geogrid at various locations. Contractor is currently performing reclamation work and subgrade widening along with placing GEOGRID. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor currently has paving operations and sidewalk operations ongoing. The contractor is placing sidewalk and backfilling curb in the area. Site Grading work is ongoing. Paving operations are in progress in areas north of FM 35 Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed placing GR4 seal course on the final section of roadway. The contractor is also backfilling turnouts, driveways and roadway edges. Roadway strip and permanent seeding will be placed today and through the weekend. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has begun excavation at FM 1903 (West side) and working on placing wire wall at FM 1903 (East side) and soil nail walls at FM 1903.The contractor is also placing embankment & Wire walls east of 1570.along with form work for Bent #3 Cap at FM 1570. Columns are being constructed at FM 1903 and FM 1570 along with the placing of backfill for retaining walls at FM 1570.Pipe/Inlets work for drainage FM 1570 is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36: The contractor is currently grading and placing embankment between the frontage roads and mainlanes. Continuing grading EB between 1565 and FM36.The contractor will be placing hot mix for shoulder rehab at night and Milling at night along WB and EB for shoulder rehab. Grading at FM 1565 intersection and embanking along WBML 2511 area. Underpass at FM 1565 and IH30 will be closed for a few weeks to install Culvert G from north frontage to south frontage.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County MNT will be performing sealcoat prep on FM 2874.
Rains County MNT will continue to address pavement issues SH 19 south and north.
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The Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held October 17th
October 11, 2024 – Join us in-person, if you can, by Zoom, if you can’t make it!
Thursday, October 17, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– John A. Sellers
We are excited to have our society president, John A. Sellers, as our speaker this month. John will do a PowerPoint presentation about the “FamilySearch Experiment.” He will show us how to maneuver through this new test site for researching deeds on FamilySearch, what it consists of and what is included. You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Oct 17, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
If you choose to join us via Zoom, you will need to register in advance for the meeting at:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsc-qgrj0tH9DFqMbVAZdoYX2qBAQolJxW
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
You all know what a great speaker John is so we hope you will come and bring some other folks with you!
State Fair of Texas Distances Itself From $5.7M Maintenance Dispute with City of Dallas and OVG360
Fair Park First oversees Fair Park and contracts with Oak View Group to run its day-to-day operations.
In the spring of 2024, Fair Park First accused OVG of misusing funds and called for an audit. They claim OVG used funds that were designated for certain improvements for daily operations instead.
Wednesday, the findings of that audit were presented to the board in a closed session. After that session, Fair Park First board voted to approve and accept what they call an “agreed upon procedures report.” They said $5.7M was misallocated. They’re planning to work with an attorney to recover the funds that were mismanaged by OVG.
OVG responded to the claims in a statement Wednesday:
“Oak View Group is not responsible for any deficiency in the fundraising cash account balance at Fair Park. More importantly, the audit report confirms there has been no fraud or misuse of funds. OVG executed its responsibilities according to our contract. All fundraising cash was spent on Fair Park and Fair Park First exclusively, and all uses of donated funds were directed or approved by Fair Park First in writing. We have not received a demand from Fair Park First for payment of any amounts, but if received we will respond accordingly.”
Here is their press release.
By STATE FAIR OF TEXAS |
We are saddened by the recent news regarding our home, Fair Park. We want to reiterate to the public that the State Fair of Texas is in no way involved in the dispute between Fair Park First, OVG360, and the City of Dallas. This dispute is related to the year-round management of Fair Park. The State Fair of Texas is a private not-for-profit organization that is a tenant in Fair Park. The State Fair operates under a lease agreement with the City of Dallas. Our hope is that this dispute will be resolved quickly in the best interest of the future of Fair Park and our surrounding community.
We have been a proud partner of the City of Dallas and Fair Park for 138 years. The State Fair generates millions of dollars in funding from the annual fair exposition and provides a large portion of these funds to the City of Dallas for the historic preservation of Fair Park – more than $41 million directed to City for Fair Park over past 10 years. The remaining proceeds fund other important initiatives of our nonprofit mission – Big Tex Urban Farms, Big Tex Scholarship Program, Big Tex Business Masterclass, Big Tex Community Giving Program, Big Tex Community Engagement Day, Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, etc. – or are reinvested back into the fair event to continue hosting fairgoers at the most Texan place on Earth. In addition, the State Fair is estimated to bring in up to $680 million to the North Texas economy annually.
The State Fair of Texas is unwavering in its commitment to Fair Park and is dedicated to operating in a fiscally responsible manner to ensure that the Fair will continue to thrive for future generations. The State Fair’s financials are annually audited by Ernst & Young and posted to BigTex.com, in addition to the Fair’s Annual Report, to ensure transparency.
We hope fairgoers will continue to come out to the State Fair of Texas before we close on Sunday, October 20. When you have fun at the State Fair for 24 days each fall, it allows the State Fair to reinvest back into the community 365 days per year. In 2023, the State Fair’s philanthropic and Fair Park giving totaled nearly $15.8 million.
Cruz, Warren, Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Women Volunteers in WWII
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) joined Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and several of their colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES) resolution to recognize the women who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “We must never forget the unwavering dedication and immense sacrifices made by the courageous women who volunteered to serve our country during World War II. Their contributions to the war effort were pivotal and our nation owes them a debt of gratitude. I am honored to stand with Senators Warren and Blackburn in introducing this bipartisan resolution to give them the full recognition they deserve.”
Sens. Cruz, Warren, and Blackburn were joined by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in introducing the resolution.
Read the full text of the resolution here.
BACKGROUND:
After World War I, laws limited women to the role of nurses during war. The Navy Women’s Reserve Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in July 1942, reversed this law and established WAVES, allowing women to volunteer in support of war efforts. Women were then recruited to perform military assignments, including training thousands of aspiring male naval aviators, gunners, and navigators.
More than 400,000 women served our country in military capacities in World War II. In fact, women accounted for about 2.5% of the Navy, including almost 80,000 officers and enlisted personnel during the program’s peak.
Texas’ “One Pill Kills” Multimedia Campaign Garners Over 1.5 Billion Impressions
October 10, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas’ “One Pill Kills” multimedia awareness campaign garnered over 1.5 billion impressions since September 2023—nearly double the projected amount—through advertising on social media, podcasts, digital displays, billboards, and other media. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will continue this successful campaign through August 2025.
“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug crisis our state—and our nation—has ever encountered,” said Governor Abbott. “As part of our ‘One Pill Kills’ campaign, I announced last year a statewide multimedia initiative to educate Texans on the dangers of fentanyl and raise awareness to help save lives. Through HHSC’s ongoing efforts, we have been able to reach millions of Texans through social media, billboards, TV and radio, and other media to remind people that just one pill laced with fentanyl can take a life. Texas will continue this initiative throughout next year to ensure more Texans aren’t ripped away from their families. Working together, we will protect more innocent lives from being lost to the scourge of fentanyl.”
“We can save lives by educating people about the risks of fentanyl and the fact that even one pill can kill,” said Trina Ita, HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner of Behavioral Health Services. “Our goal is to prevent fentanyl poisonings and keep families from losing loved ones.”
In April 2023 at his One Pill Kills Summit, Governor Abbott unveiled the new multimedia awareness initiative to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisonings as part of the statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign.
With an additional $2.5 million to continue the campaign into FY 2025, HHSC is using digital and print media, posters, flyers, and digital signs to educate Texans, including vulnerable populations such as high school and college students, about the dangers of fentanyl. Billboards and social media are reaching a broader audience across the state, aided by public service announcements on broadcast radio and TV.
While campaign messaging will have a statewide reach, an emphasis will be placed on targeting the 19 counties with the highest reported number of fentanyl deaths. The counties are Bexar, Brazoria, Cameron, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson.
HHSC contracts with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to manage Naloxone Texas, a statewide program that provides education on preventing fentanyl poisonings. People and organizations can order naloxone and access response training here.
Learn more about how to keep loved ones safe at OnePillKillsTX.com.
Texas A&M Forest Service Kicks off Fifth Annual Leadership Institute
October 10, 2024 – WACO, Texas – The Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute hosted the kick-off session for its fifth cohort Oct. 8-10 in Waco, Texas. The institute is a leadership program that offers a transformative experience for participants, hoping to leave a deep and lasting effect on their ability to lead in daily environments.
The leadership institute offers a constructive and inspiring learning environment, enabling opportunities for personal growth by giving participants access to tools and speakers to strengthen their leadership skills.
“Our agency mission is to provide statewide leadership,” said Leighton Gibson, Texas A&M Forest Service Marketing and Communications Manager and Institute coordinator. “By building the capacity of our partners through leadership training, we can help strengthen their organizations and help further the overall reach and mission of Texas A&M Forest Service.”
This year’s class boasts a diverse group of 23 members from differing natural resource organizations across the state including fire chiefs, foresters and organization executive directors.
“The Institute is a remarkable and interactive program,” said Daniel Oppenheimer of Hill Country Alliance and participant. “It’s providing tools, relationships and opportunities for me to become a better leader at work and in my community.”
The vision of the institute is to establish a program that will rally existing and emerging leaders within the fields of natural resources and increase their capacities and abilities to enact meaningful change throughout the state of Texas.
One key to success for the institute is dynamic and engaging speakers. In this session, participants heard from Frank Keck about building a united team and foundations of leadership, Codie Wright de Secaira about strengths and Dr. Richard Grant about personality types.
“I find the best leaders are the most self-aware – they know who they are and where they’re going,” said Frank Keck, Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute speaker and facilitator. “Our goal is to really help leaders in different natural resource capacities to develop themselves, to invest in these leaders to make a better Texas.”
Through the leadership institute, Texas A&M Forest Service hopes to continue to grow and support local leaders while increasing the network of natural resource professionals across the state with each class.
Over the next several months, the class will participate in monthly lunch and learns, networking opportunities and course activities. The class will graduate from the institute in April, after the second three-day session, which will have a new host of speakers and leadership trainings.
To learn more about the Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute, the speakers and how to participate, visit https://tfsleadershipinstitute.org.
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