Grief Resigns From Texas Lottery
February 24, 2025 – The Texas Lottery is facing significant controversy following an $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot win. The winning ticket was purchased through Jackpocket, a lottery courier service that also owns the retail store, Winner’s Corner in North Austin, where the ticket was sold. This dual role raised concerns about the integrity and transparency of lottery operations.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick expressed apprehension regarding the fairness of such arrangements, emphasizing potential conflicts of interest when a courier service owns the retail outlet selling the tickets. He highlighted the need for stricter regulations to prevent possible exploitation of the system.
Amid these concerns, the Texas Lottery Commission sought guidance from the Attorney General’s office to determine their regulatory authority over courier services. This move aimed to address the growing unease among lawmakers and the public about the role of third-party entities in lottery operations.
In the wake of the controversy, Gary Grief, the executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, abruptly resigned. His departure came just before a comprehensive review of the commission’s practices, intensifying scrutiny over decisions made during his tenure. Reports indicated that under Grief’s leadership, the commission had enabled certain companies to exploit the lottery system, including facilitating a $95 million jackpot win through bulk ticket purchases by a specific investor.
Mayor Nash Presented Two Proclamations February 17th in Honor of Black History Month
February 23, 2025 – KSST’s Chief Engineer, and the Mayor of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Reverend Harold Nash, Sr., presented, on behalf of Sulphur Springs, Texas, City Council, a Proclamation to East End Allegiance: Our Youth, and a Proclamation to Navy Veteran Benjamin C. Rape, Jr., in honor of Black History Month. The presentations were held at City Hall, downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST’s coverage of these important events.
Paris District Road Report for Week of February 24, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting February 24, 2025. 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:
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Grayson County is underway. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: Spur 316 from SH 289 to FM 120, FM 120 in Denison from Houston Avenue to FM 1753, US 69 in Denison from Houston Avenue SH 56, FM 1417 from FM 691 to US 82, US 82 from FM 901 to FM 1417, US 82 frontage roads from FM 1417 to FM 1417, SH 56 from US 82 to SH 289, Spur 129 from US 377 to SH 56, FM 1417 from SH 56 to SH 11, SH 289 in Gunter from Kerfoot Road to Elm Street, FS 121 from FM 121 to the Denton County line, SH 5 in Van Alstyne from Redden Road to the Collin County line, SH 56 from SH 11 to FM 1417, SH 11 from SH 56 to FM 697, FM 902 in Tom Bean from SH 11 to King Street. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The northbound and southbound main lanes will be reduced to one lane each direction between Lamberth Street and Washington Street each night the week of February 24th in order for the contractor to place concrete traffic barriers. The lane closures will begin at 8:00 pm each night and the lanes will be reopened to traffic the following morning by 5:00 am.
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.
There will be alternating lane closures on the northbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at FM 691. The closures are scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on February 23, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on February 24, 2025, and again from 9:00 p.m. on February 24, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on February 25, 2025, to facilitate the hanging of concrete deck panels on the new Spur 503 bridge. Drivers should be prepared for traffic backups in this area and should be ready to slow as they approach the lane closures.
There will be a left lane closure on the southbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at North Loy Lake Road and going to Fallon Drive. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on February 24, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on February 25, 2025, to perform paving operations.
There will be a left lane closure on the northbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at South Loy Lake Road and going to Fallon Drive. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on February 24, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on February 25, 2025, to perform paving operations.
There will be a freeway closure on the northbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at Fallon Drive at going to North Loy Lake Road the night of February 26th. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on February 26, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on February 27, 2025, to remove an overhead sign bridge. Northbound traffic will take the FM 691 exit (65). The traffic signals at the FM 691 intersection will be in flash mode and police officers will be present, within the intersection, to manage traffic.
There will be a left lane closure on the southbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at FM 691 and going to Iron Ore Creek. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on February 27, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on February 28, 2025, to perform paving operations.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the overpass to southbound US 75 has been removed to allow for construction of the new overpass. During this closure traffic on westbound Spur 503 will be required to detour onto the frontage road at the temporary exit ramp west of Theresa Drive and continue along the frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection where traffic can make the U-turn to continue south on the US 75 frontage road to the entrance ramp before the FM 691 intersection.
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 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 occasional 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.
SH 289, in Dorchester at the FM 902 intersection. This project will widen SH 289 on each side of the roadway to allow for the addition of a center left-turn lane. This project will also install traffic signals at this intersection. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound SH 289 main lanes as well as on FM 902. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 69, in Whitewright at the SH 11 and SH 160 intersection. This project will install traffic signals at this intersection. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on US 69 and SH 11 as crews work to install the signal. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers 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 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to install rumble strips, backfill the pavement and seed the front slopes. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
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 the Union Pacific Railroad overpass. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures while workers perform bridge repairs.
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.
SH 56, from SH 11 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1417, from FM 691 to FM 120. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1417 Proposed (East side of Sherman), from SH 56 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Fannin County is underway. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: FM 2029 from FM 273 to FM 1396, FM 100 from FM 273 to FM 2216, FM 2216 from FM 100 to the Lamar County line, FM 1752 from US 82 to FM 898, SH 78 from US 82 to SH 56, Loop 205 from 9th Street to SH 56, SH 34 from SH 56 to FM 64, SH 11 from US 69 to the Hunt County line, FM 896 from Business SH 121 to US 69, FM 815 from Business US 69 to SH 78, US 69 from FM 896 to FM 272, and FM 1553 from SH 78 to SH 78. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge is closed to through traffic as crews work on and replacing the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 34, SH 11, and SH 78 as the detour route.
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 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has an onsite detour in place to allow for replacement of the bridge. Traffic is asked to approach the detour shift slowly and drive an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews replace the bridge structure.
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 1550, from SH 34 to CR 3610. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2815, from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a sweeping operation to remove loose material from the roadway. Motorists should expect delays from the mobile operation in 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.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing drainage structure work. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: IH 30, from Franklin County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for crews performing bridge maintenance. Expect slower moving traffic.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for crews performing joint sealing at bridge and guardrail locations. Watch for flaggers and slower moving traffic.
Franklin County: IH 30 Truck Parking. Watch for crews performing paving operations for the entrance and exits of the newly constructed Eastbound truck parking area. Expect slower moving traffic.
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.
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
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.
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
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. The roadway is now reopened. Watch for temporary lane closures 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.
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
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 lane closures 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 work. Ongoing items weather permitting are driveway pipes and culvert work, excavation and embankment, moving barrier and striping.
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. Contractor is currently finishing cement treatment work on the second mile of the project and will begin prime coat and ride test soon. New guard rail placement is completed and work on mow strip is ongoing. Back fill and slope completed near bridge structure 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. Contractor is forming rebar and working block outs for driveways near Peppergrass. Inlet prep work and installation are ongoing. Railroad coordination is underway near FM 2642 and SH 66, work will begin soon in this area. Traffic switch coordination is ongoing, and signs will be placed soon alerting the traveling public. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, From SH 34 to FM 118. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun repair work on base and subgrade failures. The contractor has completed the 2nd section of reclaiming and placing a second lift of flex base down station. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area. Temp seeding, flex base and geogrid are upcoming in a few weeks.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has been working on placing embankment for wire walls at FM 1903 and FM 1570 and poured the cap abutment at FM 1570. and poured the back wall at FM 1570. The contractor is also placing embankment & Wire walls east of 1570.along with form work for Bent #3 Cap at FM 1570.After the setting of beams, this week the contractor plans to place decking and prepare for slab pour. 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 will be moving barrier during nighttime lane closures and milling shoulders. Contractor has ongoing box culvert work near FM 1565 plans to restore the frontage road pavement during this time. Grading work on the eastbound main lanes and westbound frontage roads will be ongoing. Temporary walls are being installed and dirt work with detours are ongoing throughout the project. Contractor will be pumping water and drying material throughout project.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole and sign repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt and Rains County maintenance sections will be working at FM 35 near FM 2642 on fixing pavement and base issue in area near construction. This work will include blading, ditch work base repair and overlay. This work will be to aid travelers in this area at the intersection during peak travel times.
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The Rescheduled Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held February 27th
February 22, 2025 – Join us in-person, if you can, by Zoom, if you can’t make it!
Thursday, February 27, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– Patty Williams
Have you ever wondered what life was like in the 1800s? Well, it often began with a shiver! Rich or poor, in a city dwelling or farm laborer’s cabin in the western frontier of Texas, the first step out of bed was likely to leave you cold. The wealthier class would have coal or wood burning fireplaces in their bedrooms, but these were rarely lit. Come and explore with Patty Massy Williams, as Eliza Bullard Butler, the practicalities of living in East Texas during the Victorian Era. Patty Massey Williams is a sixth generation American. She has ancestors that have fought in every war since the American Revolution. She earned a Master of Education degree from Stephen F Austin State University and taught school for 37 years.
Patty is currently presenting historical interpretations and presentations for local school districts, Genealogical and Historical societies, and historical figure portrayals for Spirits of Oakwood Cemetery in Tyler and Voices of Longview 150th Celebration.
Patty
grew up in the small town of Hawkins, northeast of Tyler. She has a passion to teach others the true facts about our ancestors and our heritage. She says, “I am continuing this legacy for my own children and grandchildren.”You are invited to a Zoom meeting.When: Feb 27, 2025, 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)Register in Advance for this Meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/X7Bh5v0sQruu78AvvRt3MgAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We hope to see you virtually or in person!
Beef Tallow Ready to Make a Huge Comeback
Seed oils may be going on the naughty list.
February 21, 2025 – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services is poised to influence dietary guidelines and food industry practices, particularly concerning the use of beef tallow. Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for incorporating beef tallow, or rendered beef fat, into cooking, asserting its health benefits over seed oils. In a November 2024 social media post, he demonstrated deep-frying a turkey in beef tallow, promoting his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative.
In a February 2025 interview, Kennedy suggested incentivizing major fast-food chains, such as McDonald’s, to revert to using beef tallow in their food preparation.
This proposal harks back to the 1980s, when McDonald’s and other chains transitioned from beef tallow to vegetable oils in response to health concerns.
Kennedy’s stance has sparked debate among nutritionists and public health experts. Some argue that beef tallow, being high in saturated fats, could elevate cholesterol levels and increase heart disease risk. Others contend that certain seed oils, when heated, may produce harmful trans fats, suggesting that natural fats like beef tallow could be a preferable alternative.
Industry analysts predict that Kennedy’s advocacy may lead to a resurgence in beef tallow’s popularity, potentially boosting demand within the food sector. Sarah Sorscher, director of regulatory affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, noted that Kennedy’s influence could prompt companies to reformulate products, replacing seed oils with beef tallow to align with the new health directives.
However, this potential shift raises concerns about the environmental impact of increased beef production, including higher greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. As the situation develops, stakeholders across health, environmental, and industry sectors will need to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of promoting beef tallow in the American diet.
Turkish Eggs May Help Meet US Demand
February 21, 2025 – In response to a severe avian influenza outbreak that has significantly disrupted egg production in the United States, Turkey has agreed to export 15,000 tons (approximately 33 million pounds) of eggs to the U.S. by July 2025. This initiative, coordinated by Turkey’s Egg Producers Central Union, aims to alleviate the egg shortage and stabilize soaring prices affecting American consumers.
The U.S. has been grappling with an avian influenza outbreak since 2022, leading to the culling of approximately 162 million birds across 17 states. This has severely impacted domestic egg supplies, necessitating increased imports to meet consumer demand.
The importation of Turkish eggs is expected to generate around $26 million in revenue for Turkish producers. The shipments will consist primarily of pre-packaged, medium-sized eggs, which are preferred for long-distance transport. Turkish officials have assured that this export agreement will not affect domestic egg prices.
In parallel, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to rebuild its bird flu vaccine stockpiles and has recently granted a conditional license for a poultry vaccine, though its usage has yet to be approved.
This collaboration between Turkey and the United States underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing food supply challenges and ensuring market stability amid unforeseen agricultural crises.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 24-28, Supports Initiatives to Prevent Harmful, Non-Native Plants and Wildlife
February 21, 2025 – AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) encourages Texans to take steps to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful invasive species that negatively impact the state’s natural resources and economy. National Invasive Species Awareness Week, scheduled for Feb. 24 – 28, is an initiative to raise awareness of the threats of invasive species and provide solutions on how to prevent their spread.
“During National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and throughout the year, we want to encourage all Texans to learn more about invasive species and take time to prevent new introductions and spread of these harmful species to help to protect our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations and prevent economic impacts,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD Senior Scientist for Aquatic Invasive Species.
Invasive species are non-native to an ecosystem and can cause environmental or economic damage and harm to human health and quality of life or agriculture. In addition, invasive species are expensive to control, can be impossible to eradicate once established, and can inflict costly damage to crops, fisheries, forests and more. According to recent estimates, these costs total approximately $219 billion across the United States every year. Many invasive species are spread (inadvertently or intentionally) by humans, who play an important role in preventing their spread to new areas.
A variety of non-native plants, animals, insects and even diseases can become invasive when they enter a new environment, growing or reproducing rapidly and potentially outcompeting native species, preying on them or degrading their habitat. This allows them to become established and problematic across large areas. They can be introduced by humans in a variety of ways, including intentional introduction through aquarium dumping, live bait releases or outdoor plantings, or accidentally as “hitchhikers” carried through recreational activities.
These risky recreational activities can include hauling firewood long distances for a campfire or moving a boat from one reservoir to another without properly cleaning, draining and drying it first. Once introduced, invasive species can harm native species and ecosystems, impact recreational activities, damage infrastructure and require costly, long-term management in cases where control is possible.
Don’t Carry Hitchhikers
You could be carrying invasive species with you when you’re enjoying the outdoors and not even know it. Insects and plants, including plant seeds, can hitch a ride on your clothes, shoes, gear or even your firewood. You can help stop the spread by removing plants, animals and mud from clothes, boots, gear, pets and vehicles (including ATVs), cleaning your gear before entering and leaving recreation sites, using only local firewood and simply staying on designated roads and trails. Learn more on the Play, Clean, Go website.
Clean, Drain and Dry Your Boat and Gear
Boaters can help keep zebra mussels, giant salvinia and other aquatic invasive species from being moved and harming more lakes. We ask all boaters to take a few minutes to properly clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment before they leave a lake every time they go boating. Remove plants, mud and debris from the boat and trailer and drain all the water from the boat and gear. Once you get home, open up compartments and allow everything to dry completely.
For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. If you have stored your boat on the water at a lake with zebra mussels, it is likely infested and at high risk for spreading this invasive species. Before moving it to another lake, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance on required decontamination.
Use Your Bait Where You Catch It / Never Dump Your Bait
Many people don’t realize the potential impact that releasing live bait can have on aquatic life. Bait bucket introductions — anglers dumping live bait into a water body other than the one where it was caught — are an easy way we can unintentionally spread aquatic invasives—both non-native bait fish and microscopic organisms such as zebra mussel larvae in the water.
Just remember this: Don’t dump leftover bait in the water at the end of a fishing trip and don’t take live-caught bait (or any bait that’s touched lake water) to another lake to use. Instead, take your bait home to use on a future fishing trip at that same lake, offer it to another angler to use or place it in the trash.
Alliance Bank Announces Jason Thompson as Hopkins County Market President
February 20, 2025 – Alliance Bank proudly announces that Jason Thompson is the new Hopkins County Market President. Jason Thompson has been a vital part of Alliance Bank for almost 30 years now. Jason is from Sulphur Springs, Texas, and earned a double major in Agricultural Business and Economics Finance from East Texas State University while working at Alliance Bank. Jason Thompson serves on the board of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum and is a member of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs to Hold Ash Wednesday Service March 5th
February 20, 2025 – The season of Lent will be upon us very soon. Mark your calendars and plan to be a part of First United Methodist Church Ash Wednesday service on March 5th in our Sanctuary, 6:00 p.m.
This moving service will include appropriate music, including our handbell choir, a short sermon by Pastor Peter McNabb and imposition of the ashes. Always a touching and introspective service, you won’t want to miss it.
Following the Ash Wednesday service, the Children’s Department will have a “Wheels & Waffles” event in the Gym. Children should bring their favorite wheeled toy and enjoy some waffles! (ages
All are welcome!
Dinner Bell for February 26, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSORS: Discount Wheel & Tire
of Sulphur Springs
The doors to the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church will reopen at 11:00 a.m., for meal service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Doors will close at 12:45 p.m.
Discount Wheel & Tire of Sulphur Springs is a tire shop and auto service center located at 1432 S. Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs, TX. Since they first opened their doors in 1994, they have built a solid base of customers and established the reputation of being an automotive repair facility with service you can count on—even on short notice! Today, drivers in Sulphur Springs, Quitman, Emory, and all across Hopkins County and Northeast Texas consider them their one-stop shop for tires, wheels, and full under-car auto repairs.
Whether you’re looking to shop for new tires or are interested in customizing your ride with a suspension lift kit, you can rely on Discount Wheel & Tire of Sulphur Springs for accurate, knowledgeable and friendly automotive and tire services. They also offer preventative maintenance and general repairs.
Discount Wheel & Tire is a second generation, family owned business, and Kristin and Jared Richmond consider it an honor to serve you and your community.
We plan to continue fellowship and dining inside every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Parking is available at the church parking lots.
MENU:
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Arkansas Green Beans
- Garden Salad
- Buttered French Bread Slices
- Bread pudding
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
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 !!!
