Irving Community Voices Concern; Casino Plans Pulled
March 21, 2025 – The Las Vegas Sands Corp. has withdrawn its casino plans in Irving following strong community backlash from residents. The company formally requested that Irving officials remove its proposal for a destination resort and casino, citing overwhelming public opposition during a heated city council meeting on Thursday. Despite the casino’s removal from the project, Sands still intends to develop the site,...
Larry Gene Rowell
Graveside services for Larry Gene Rowell, age 67, of Garland, Texas, will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Emblem Cemetery in Emblem, Texas with Bro. Jimmy Rogers officiating. Larry passed away on March 18, 2025, in Garland, Texas. He was born to Floyd Rowell and Joyce Lorene (Morrison) Rowell on May 16, 1957, in Dallas, Texas. As a younger guy, he loved fishing, especially at his grandparent’s pond in Emblem, Texas....
Robb Roy Richmond
October 2, 1935 — March 18, 2025 Dike Funeral service for Robb Richmond, age 89, of Dike, Texas will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at The Church of Latter Day Saints in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Mr. Richmond passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. With our condolences.
Grace Evelyn Teel
July 9, 1939 — March 19, 2025 Sulphur Springs Graveside service for Grace Evelyn Teel, age 85 of Sulphur Springs, Texas will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Ms. Teel passed away on March 19, 2025 at Carriage House Manor. Grace Evelyn...
Northeast Texas Counties Enacting Burn Bans
March 20, 2025 – Several counties in Northeast Texas have implemented burn bans due to dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires. Fannin County enacted a burn ban effective March 14, 2025. Morris and Upshur Counties banned outdoor burning this week. Officials cite low humidity, high winds, and a lack of recent rainfall as key reasons for the precautionary measure. Despite similar weather conditions, Hopkins County has...
Ag Commissioner Miller Ready to Replace Texas Parks and Wildlife
March 20, 2025 – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed confidence that his department could take on the responsibilities of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) if it were ever dissolved. Miller believes the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has the resources, experience, and statewide reach to manage the duties currently overseen by TPWD, which include wildlife conservation, state parks...
City of Irving Moves Ahead With Casino Plans
March 20, 2025 – The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-4 to fast-track a recommendation for approval of Las Vegas Sands’ casino resort plans to the Irving City Council, which is scheduled to vote on the matter this week. The decision moves the project one step closer to potential approval, setting the stage for a major casino and entertainment development in the city. The proposal seeks to rezone approximately 1,000...
Kendrick “Daddy” Polk
Kendrick “Daddy” Polk, born August 22, 1965, in Sulphur Springs. He is the son of Elizabeth Polk and Michael Don Lewis. He is the grandson of Audrey and Gladys Johnson and George and Bethona Lewis, the latter of whom have passed away. Kendrick graduated from Sulphur Springs High School as part of the Class of 1983. Kendrick was a remarkable individual whose joyful spirit, honesty, and selflessness shone through in every...
Tim Heddens
Tim Heddens, age 68, of Sulphur Springs, Texas passed away at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Timothy Scott Heddens was born on December 15, 1956 in Laport, Indiana to Dale Edgar and Fay Marie (Hicks) Heddens. He married Mary Kizer in Sulphur Springs, Texas on August 16, 1978. Tim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was deployed during wartime. He worked in general construction for Wayne...
UT System Joins Ban on Drag
March 19, 2025 – The University of Texas (UT) and Texas A&M University have both banned drag shows on their campuses, following recent statewide discussions about the role of such performances in higher education settings. This decision aligns with broader legislative efforts in Texas aimed at restricting drag performances in public spaces, particularly in institutions that receive state funding. “All activities at UT...
