First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson Tout Texas’ Robust Economic Ties With United Kingdom In London
First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson yesterday met with business leaders and dignitaries to highlight Texas’ strong economic ties with the United Kingdom while in London. Joined by Texas Economic Development and Tourism Executive Director Adriana Cruz, this is the second stop in the economic development mission led by the First Lady and Secretary Nelson.
The First Lady, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and members of the Texas delegation first met with executives from Drax, the United Kingdom’s largest renewable power company. The company plans to open a location in Houston next month to serve as the North American headquarters for Drax’s Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage projects across the United States and Canada. First Lady Abbott also presented Drax executives with a Texas flag and proclamation in recognition of the company’s expansion in Texas.
First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson, and Executive Director Cruz then joined the rest of the delegation of Texas business and community partners for a meeting with executives of the United Kingdom’s Octopus Energy, which employs 4,000 people across 15 countries and has its U.S. corporate headquarters in Houston. Following a tour of Octopus’ offices and lunch with company leaders, the First Lady presented a Texas flag and proclamation celebrating the company’s significant operations in Texas.
Following the meetings with key economic leaders, the First Lady, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and members of the Texas delegation sat down with Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade Nigel Huddleston MP to discuss the strong economic partnership between Texas and the United Kingdom and ways to further strengthen the relationship. First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and the Texas delegation also met with U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Jane Hartley, who expressed strong support of the delegation’s visit and discussed the vast economic opportunities available in Texas.
In the evening, the First Lady, Secretary Nelson, and Executive Director Cruz attended a reception hosted by the Texas Economic Development Corporation in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in London and the Institute of Directors (IoD) for about 100 leading companies in the United Kingdom. In her remarks before attendees from business, government, and members of the IoD, First Lady Abbott emphasized the strong economic ties between the United Kingdom and Texas. In 2022, Texas trade with the United Kingdom totaled $21.2 billion, and the United Kingdom has more foreign direct investment projects in Texas than any other country.
The trip is sponsored and paid for by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location. Along with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, these two organizations make up the cornerstone of Governor Abbott’s economic development agenda to build the Texas of tomorrow.
Texas Game Wardens Conclude Busy July 4th Weekend of Statewide Enforcement
AUSTIN – While thousands of Texans and out-of-state visitors traveled to Texas lakes, rivers and coastal bays to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Texas Game Wardens were out in force to ensure everyone stayed safe on the water.
“Texas Game Wardens partnered with thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country for Operation Dry Water to focus on impacts of alcohol on boaters during high-traffic weekends like the Fourth of July,” said Cody Jones, Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “These efforts are represented in the work we did during the holiday weekend.”
Texas Game Wardens issued 1,521 citations and 1,891 warnings for various boating safety laws. Wardens also arrested 56 individuals for Boating While Intoxicated and filed four other charges for Driving While Intoxicated. An additional 36 individuals were arrested for a variety of other charges.
Texas Game Wardens also conducted multiple search and rescues over the holiday weekend and assisted with 18 boating accidents at several Texas lakes and rivers.
Statewide, Game Wardens were involved with numerous waterway assists and other incidents.
- Game Wardens patrolling Lake Palestine observed a dock fire started by fireworks and were able to extinguish the blaze before major damage occurred.
- Comal County Game Wardens responded to a missing swimmer after a caller reported that a family member was swimming but could not be located. They located the missing person 125 yards offshore swimming outside of the designated area. The swimmer was exhausted and requested a ride back to shore where they were united with family and friends.
- Game Wardens on Lake Travis helped locate a missing seven-year-old female who was found safely with a friend. TPWD aviation assisted Game Wardens in Zavala, Uvalde and Real counties patrolling the Nueces River for riverbed enforcement activities.
- The TPWD Boater Education program had booths at Canyon Lake and Joe Pool Lake over the weekend to promote boating and water safety.
Texas Game Wardens handled one boating fatality and five open-water fatalities on Texas waterways over the Independence Day weekend. The boating-related fatality occurred on Lake Stillhouse. Open-water fatality locations included Lake Lewisville (2), Lake Travis, Marlin City Lake and Cedar Creek Lake.
Governor Abbott Announces Statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop
Governor Greg Abbott today announced a statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop to be held virtually on Thursday, August 10. The workshop, hosted by the Texas Film Commission, is open to community representatives from across the state interested in learning about the media production industries of Texas and how to become Film Friendly Texas certified to attract new jobs and investments.
“In promoting Texas as a premier moving image production destination, the Texas Film Commission has attracted $1.95 billion in local spending and created more than 183,000 production jobs across the state from 2007 to 2022,” said Governor Abbott. “By completing the Film Friendly Texas training and certification process, certified communities are prepared to help match local businesses with production-related needs, stimulating the local economy by creating jobs for Texas-based crew members and local residents, as well as creating on-site spending at local businesses.”
The statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop is being held virtually and in partnership with the City of Marfa, a Film Friendly Texas certified community, along with Visit Big Bend.
Marfa and the Big Bend Region have long been featured in films, including Giant in 1956, No Country For Old Men in 2007, and Abilene in 2022. As noted in a recent Variety feature about the burgeoning film industry in Texas, cooperation between Texas communities is one secret to the success and growth of the Film Friendly Texas program: “A production bolstering the local economy by filming in a particular town disseminates those spending dollars into the next, paying for lumber, food, and lodging in the surrounding areas. The economic boost links the communities together.”
The target audience for this workshop is community representatives who will serve as the community’s point-of-contact for facilitating media production requests. Most communities choose a member of their city or county government, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, or Economic Development Corporation.
This workshop includes presentations from Texas Film Commission staff and discussions with media industry professionals in the region addressing topics such as:
- Media production as an economic development opportunity for your community
- What to expect when working with different types of media productions
- How to create filming guidelines and permit systems for your community
- How to facilitate and expedite production requests
- How filming locations are chosen
- How to take and submit photos of potential filming locations in your community
- Understanding location agreements, production insurance, and other documents
- Film tourism opportunities for your community
Statewide Film Friendly Texas Workshop ─ Virtual, Co-Hosted by the City of Marfa and Visit Big Bend
Thursday, August 10, 2023 9:30AM – 12:30PM
For registration and admission information, please visit: gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_workshops
For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has helped communities across Texas grow local jobs and economies by promoting the Lone Star State as the premier destination for film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects, video game, and extended reality (XR) production. For more information about the Film Friendly Texas program, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_overview
8U State Champions – Heading to the World Series to represent Texas
July 11, 2023 – Did you know that the 8u Pottsboro Cardinals took the title of State Champs in Dixie League Baseball this past weekend? They’re an exceptional group of young athletes who have achieved an outstanding feat in the world of baseball. The 8u Dixie Youth Baseball Texas State Champions have displayed unparalleled skill, dedication, and teamwork throughout their journey, and we believe their remarkable achievements deserve a shout out and congratulations.
Composed of 11 talented individuals, this team has emerged victorious in all 16 post-games they have played, maintaining an undefeated record. Their relentless spirit and unwavering determination have allowed them to secure their place as the Texas State Champions. Moreover, their on-field performance speaks volumes, with a remarkable total score of 177 points, while allowing a mere 30 points throughout the entire postseason.
The next milestone for this exceptional team is the upcoming World Series Trip, scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 3 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is an honor for them to represent Texas in this prestigious event! We would love your sponsorship and/or a shout out if possible.
We are hosting a “Field of Dreams” fundraiser July 21, 2023 at Thompson Park in Pottsboro, Texas from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. There will be a HomeRun Derby, Hit-a-thon, food, fun, and all the things!
Together, we can celebrate their success and rally support for their upcoming endeavors.
Sincerely,
The Families of the Amazing Boys
SSISD 18 Resignations, 15 New Personnel and 6 Personnel Changes
Resignations
- Abron, Vanessa was Asst. Principal at SSHS
- Aguilar, Esme was Grade 3 ELAR/SS at Bowie
- Carrell, Tammy was Athletic Trainer at Middle/Highschool
- Hicks, Brittany was Grade 1 Teacher at Bowie
- Huffman, Rebecca was Asst. Girls Soccer Coach at Highschool
- Massenburge, Jerrick was Asst. Boys BB/World Geography at Highschool
- McDowell, Leslie was HS 4 Teacher at SSHS
- McKeever, Jacob was English Teacher at SSHS
- Morton, Teri was Paraprofessional at SSHS
- Perez, Brenda was SPED Teacher at SSHS
- Ramirez, Carlos was Teacher/Coach at SSHS
- Ramirez, Jairo was DLE/LPAC Facilitator at Admin
- Reyes, Liliana was Aide at Travis
- Sifuentes, Lydia was SPED Aide at Douglass
- Smith, Presley was Grade 1 at Bush
- Spencer, Melissa was HS Teacher at Douglas
- Stone, Dani was SPED Aide at Johnson
- Voss, Pam was Principal at Bowe
New Personnel
- Berry, Rachandra will be SPED Aide at SSES replacing Denise Luna
- Brice, Don will be Inst. Aide at Austin replacing Barbara Bloodgood
- Davidson, Mistie will be Grade 1 at Johnson replacing Skyler Shumate
- Fagan, Micki will be SPED Aide at Bowie replacing Laura Geeslin
- Froneberger, Caitlyn will be Grade 5 Science at SSES replacing Miranda Coleman
- Greer, Carla will be Head Start at Douglass replacing Nancy Potts
- Hawk, April will be SPED teacher at SSES replacing Schai Schaefer
- Martinez, Marlene will be Emerg. BIL Aide at Middle School replacing Nancy Gutierrez
- Mitchell, Kate will be Inst. Aide at SSES replacing Victorino Perez
- Neal, David will be World Geog/Coach at SSHS replacing Jerrick Messenburge
- Ortega, Jamie will be SPED Aide at Douglass replacing Lydia Sifuentes
- Preciado, Yadira will be Grade 6 Math at Middle School replacing Kayla Gentry
- Spaulding, Karsyn will be SPED Aide at Bush replacing Nina Robinson
- Thrash, Natalie will be SPED Aide at Bowie replacing Cinthia Salas
- Williams, Jerrod will be Sped Aide at Bowie replacing Yesenia Mata
Personnel Changes
- Buck, Carla current SPED Self-Contained/SSHS will be moving over to SPED Teacher/SSHS replacing Jennifer Virgel
- Campos, Martha current Grade 4 SLAR/Science will be moving over to Grade 5 SLAR/Science changing due to numbers
- Gentry, Kayla current Grade 6 Math/SSMS will be moving over to Grade 7 Math/SSMS replacing Patricia Miller
- Grimes, Angela current 504 Coord/SSHS will be moving over to Communication Coor, new position
- Plumlee, Christina current SPED Aide/RJP will be moving over to SPED Aide/SSMS replacing Emily Carnes
- Shumate, Skylar current Grade 1/RJP will be moving over to Grade 8 ELAR/SSMS replacing Lisa Webb
It’s Official: Second Lieutenant David Murrell Lewis Coming Home This Weekend
July 12, 2023 – The remains of 2nd Lt. David Murrell Lewis, age 20, are coming home to Texas.
Lewis gave his life for his country during World War II. His bomber, a B-24 Liberator named ‘Aire Lobo’, was shot down over Romania in August of 1943. Lewis was serving as a co-pilot.
His body has been in Europe since his death during Operation Tidal Wave. Romanian citizens collected the American dead and buried them in several cemeteries marked at the Unknown. Second Lieutenant Lewis is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery in Impruneta, Italy.
Lewis was identified via DNA in May of 2022. Once identified, the process of repatriation began. That process has many factors and was finally confirmed this week.
Here is the Plan
- Friday, July 14, 2023
- Members of the EAST TEXAS PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS will transport Lewis from DFW to Greenville TX
- They will meet NT-PGR escort at the Quick Trip, 1400 South Joe Ramsey Blvd., Greenville, Texas for a dignified transfer to the ET-PGR for final escort to West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 South Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Staging: 1:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. at Quick Trip Service Station, 1400 South Joe Ramsey Blvd., Greenville, Texas.
- Map link staging area: https://goo.gl/maps/gAKDRGb84mkF2LBD7
- Saturday, July 15, 2023
- Flag line only at West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 South Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Come and Go Reception will be held at the funeral home from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The family has requested that the PGR participate in a short program starting at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
- Set Flags: 1:30 P.M.
- Riders Meeting: 2:30 P.M.
- Program: 3:00 P.M.
- Map link staging area: https://goo.gl/maps/Qmy2qqJy1RA4RTFx7
- Sunday, July 16, 2023
- Stage at West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 South Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs, Texas, from 8:00 A.M. to 8:15 A.M. with riders meeting at 8:15 A.M. for a 9:00 A.M. escort to Old Saltillo Church & Cemetery (approximately 20 miles).
- 2nd Lieutenant Lewis will lie in State from 9:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M.
- Memorial Service: 11:15 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
- Interment will follow memorial service in the Old Saltillo Cemetery across the road from the church. We will stand a flag line at the cemetery.
- Map Link staging area: https://goo.gl/maps/Qmy2qqJy1RA4RTFx7
Blount Violates Parole; Back in Hopkins County Jail
July 12, 2023 – JAKE ADAM BLOUNT was arrested at the Rusk County Jail this week and returned to Hopkins County to face parole violation charges. His bond has not been set.
Blount was arrested in 2022 after allegedly stabbing a family member multiple times. See that story here.
Blount was arrested in 2021 after a disturbance at a local hospital. See that story here.
Blount was indicted by a Hopkins County Grand Jury for Theft Property more than $2,500 but less than $30,000 in 2018. See that story here.
Blount was arrested in 2016 after using methamphetamine and stealing a car. See that story here.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Texas State Parks Recognized Among the Nation’s Best
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) along with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration have selected Texas State Parks as a finalist for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
“I’m proud to have the hard work of our Texas State Park staff recognized for building one of the best state park systems in the country,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “It is an honor for Texas State Parks to be nationally recognized for our efforts to welcome all Texans and preserve the gems of Texas for all generations.”
Texas State Parks is competing against three other state park systems for the top award: Missouri State Parks, Ohio State Parks and Watercraft; and Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails. The winner will be announced in October at the NRPA conference in Dallas.
Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are separated into seven classes, with five classes based on population, one class for armed forces recreation and one class, awarded on odd numbered years, for state park systems.
Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year. For more information concerning the Gold Medal Award program, visit https://aapra.org/National-Gold-Medal-Award.
“We are especially thrilled to receive this recognition during our Centennial year,” Franklin said. “The fact that we were named a finalist among peer institutions across the country really highlights the progress we have made over the past century to fulfill then-Gov. Pat Neff’s vision of a Texas dotted with state parks ‘to be held in sacred trust by the State for the public good, now and forever.’”
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is partnering with TPWD and H-E-B to celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks. H-E-B, the presenting sponsor of the celebration, has donated $1 million to help Texas State Parks engage all Texans in discovering and enjoying their state parks throughout the yearlong celebration.
For more information on the Centennial Celebration, including community events, the history of Texas State Parks and how to make a day visit or overnight reservation, visit the Texas State Parks 100 Years website at TexasStateParks.org/100years.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Searching For Suspects Involved In Fraud
July 12, 2023 – We are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect involved in a recent Fraud case. Attached is a photo of the suspect captured on surveillance during the crime.
If you have any information that can lead to the identification of this individual, please contact Detective Joe Scott at 903-885-7602.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Madison Back in Jail; Third Time in Three Weeks
July 11, 2023 – MICHAEL VAN MADISON is back in Hopkins County Jail with new charges. This marks the third time he has been arrested in roughly three weeks.
On June 25, Madison booked a room at a local hotel. He invited his special lady friend to the room, even though he knew she had a protective order against him. She visited him and was confirmed to be in the room with him. Hopkins County Sheriff deputies received an anonymous tip that a wanted person (Delta County Warrant) was staying at the hotel in the exact room Madison had booked.
Deputies arrived and had the receptionist call the room and ask Madison to come to the front desk. He did so and was arrested without incident. He was jailed and charged with:
1 22.01(B)(2)(A) ASSAULT FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD MEMBER PREV CONV IAT (Warrant Delta County)
1 25.07(G) VIOL BOND/PROTECTIVE ORDER
He was incarcerated for six days.
On July 6, Madison was attempting to hide in the shower during a CPS investigation at the same hotel, same room. He was sharing the room with the same woman who still had a protective order against him. He was incarcerated for two days. See that story here.
Madison was arrested July 11. Sulphur Springs Police were made know about several Delta County warrants for Madison. They knew he was living at the same hotel and went to find him. The check with the front desk and leanred he had rented a new room.
Police knocked on the door of his new room, and Madison answered the door. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. His special lady friend, with the protective order against him, was inside his room at the time of his arrest. His bond is set at $5,000 and he faces these charges:
1 25.072(E) VIOL BOND/PROTECTIVE ORDER 2+ TIMES W/I 12 MO
7963 1 22.01(B)(2)(A) ASSAULT FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD MEMBER PREV CONV IAT
7964 1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
