ERCOT to Implement Key Market Design Change: Real-Time Co-optimization (RTC)
(Austin, TX) – Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) today announced a target go-live date of December 5, 2025, which is earlier than the originally contemplated go-live timeframe of mid-2026, for the implementation of Real-Time Co-optimization (RTC) in the ERCOT market.
RTC is the process of dispatching energy and Ancillary Services interchangeably in the Real-Time Market. Under the current market design, ERCOT procures Ancillary Services in the Day-Ahead Market and does not typically move Ancillary Services between resources in the Real-Time Market.
“The implementation of Real-Time Co-optimization is the most significant market enhancement to the Real-Time Nodal market design since its inception in 2010,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “The target go-live date represents an important milestone in ERCOT’s confidence for planning and tracking the completion of the RTC project for a more dynamic and efficient wholesale power market.”
Since the initial RTC market design program, requirements have been enhanced to include functionality changes to account for the expansion of Battery Energy Storage Resources in the ERCOT market, which expanded the project to the Real-Time Co-optimization + Batteries (RTC+B) program.
“Once implemented, these enhancements will provide operational and reliability benefits to the ERCOT system as well as estimated annual wholesale market savings in excess of one billion dollars,” added ERCOT Vice President of Commercial Operations Keith Collins. “We expect significant savings to pass down to Texas electric consumers as a result.”
The RTC+B program has successfully completed each milestone for business requirements and interface specifications and is now positioned to begin system testing in early 2025. Market trials will commence in May and run through November 2025, with the cutover to implementation by the targeted December 5 go-live date.
ERCOT will continue to monitor additional milestones in the coming months involving ERCOT and Market Participants that will allow us to confirm the December 5, 2025, go-live date or adjust if necessary.
The RTC project was initiated in 2019 by directive of the PUCT to ERCOT following a robust assessment of the costs and benefits associated with the implementation of RTC of energy and Ancillary Services in the wholesale electricity market. Read the associated Market Notice for more information.
Laney Bankston Crowned SSHS 2024 Homecoming Queen and Wildcats Take the win at September 13th’s Wildcats Game
September 16, 2024 – Before the SSHS Wildcats Football game in Gerald Prim Stadium in Sulphur Springs, Texas, the Sulphur Springs High School 2024 Homecoming Court was presented at their best with their escorts, anxiously waiting to learn who would be crowned. Then, it was finally announced… Coryn Young and Jaicee Jasmer each earned the title of SSHS 2024 Homecoming Princess…. and then it was announced that Laney Bankston won the title of Sulphur Springs High School 2024 Homecoming Queen! Shortly after that your mighty Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats took the field in a fierce competition against Bullard. Be sure to check out the Homecoming Ceremony and the exciting football game below!
The Jury Duty for September 16, 2024 has been Cancelled
September 15, 2024 – The Jury Duty for Monday, September 16, 2024, at 9:00am, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, has been cancelled. If you are on jury duty for 9:00am Monday, September 16th, 2024, that court session has been cancelled.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and City Council to Recognize 2023 PBR Teams World Champions, Ariat Texas Rattlers on September 17
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and City Council to Recognize 2023 PBR Teams World Champions, Ariat Texas Rattlers, as Fort Worth’s First Professional Sports Team to Win a National Title on Sept. 17
Texas Rattlers Co-Owner Leonard Firestone and General Manager Chad Blankenship to present Mayor Parker with an exclusive Fort Worth City Jersey, symbolizing the city’s competitive spirit and honoring “Panther City’s” proud legacy
WHO: Reigning PBR Teams World Champion, the Ariat Texas Rattlers, Fort Worth’s Professional Bull Riding Team; Visit Fort Wort; Mayor Mattie Parker
WHEN: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 During Fort Worth City Council Meeting | 6:00 pm
WHERE: City Council Chamber in Old City Hall; 100 Fort Worth Trl, Fort Worth, TX 76102
TIMELINE: 6:00 pm – Special Recognition + Jersey Gifting to Take Place at the Top of the Meeting
WHAT: The Ariat Texas Rattlers, reigning PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Teams World Champions, will be honored with a Special Recognition Presentation by Fort Worth City Council and Mayor Mattie Parker as Fort Worth’s first professional sports team to bring home a national title. As the only PBR team undefeated on home soil, the Rattlers have gained national recognition, becoming cultural and civic icons in the city.
In partnership with Visit Fort Worth, team co-owner Leonard Firestone, co-founder of Firestone & Robertson Distilling Company, and General Manager Chad Blankenship will present Mayor Parker with an exclusive Fort Worth City Jersey. The gifting of a city jersey—a major trend among professional sports franchises like the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks—marks the Texas Rattlers’ rising status within Fort Worth’s major sports landscape. The jersey’s Panther City design honors Fort Worth’s resilience, a city once mocked as “sleepy” by a Dallas columnist in the 1870s. Today, the Rattlers stand as a symbol of the city’s transformation into a thriving, dynamic metropolis with a competitive spirit.
This special recognition comes just ahead of Rattler Days, a three-day bull riding competition on September 26 at Cowtown Coliseum and September 27-28 at Dickies Arena, where the Rattlers will compete against nine other teams from across the country. The event also features the Stockyards Alley Rally, presented by Community Coffee, a free fan festival at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards offering live music, parades, autograph signings, and more, celebrating the hometown champions.
Photo + B-Roll Opportunities:
- Mayor Mattie Parker presenting the Special Recognition
- Official reveal of the city jersey and presentation to the Mayor
- Rattlers ownership and staff members onsite and receiving recognition/presenting the city jersey
- “Fang,” the team’s beloved rattlesnake mascot interaction with Mayor, City Council, team staff
- Notable City Council members interacting with Fang and Rattlers representatives
Interview Opportunities:
- ● Leonard Firestone – Co-Owner of the Ariat Texas Rattlers (Limited Availability)
- ● Chad Blankenship – General Manager of the Ariat Texas Rattlers
- ● Additional interviewees can be arranged upon request
What is Rattler Days?
Rattler Days is the Texas Rattlers’ annual three-day homestand as part of the 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series. From September 26-28, the Rattlers will return to Cowtown Coliseum and Dickies Arena for the first time since their 2023 world championship win, facing off against the other PBR teams on their home turf. The weekend includes a vibrant fan festival featuring rallies, food competitions, and parades, making it a thrilling and family-friendly event.
The Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held September 19th
September 13, 2024 – Thursday, Sep 19, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– Gwen Takes Horse
Join us on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for Mississippi Choctaws: Journey To The Dawes Roll. Gwen Takes Horse, Choctaw and Chickasaw, has been a Genealogist with the Choctaw Nation Membership Department for the past 11 years and a Choctaw Nation employee for 25 years. A graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Masters of Behavioral Science in counseling Psychology, she has worked as a counselor in Indian boarding schools, public schools, and prior to working in Genealogy, she was a Counselor for the Choctaw Nation Upward Bound program. A member of the Oklahoma Genealogical Society and National Genealogical society, Gwen is the current Vice-Chairperson of the Johnson-O’Malley Program and on the Indian Education Board at Colbert Oklahoma Public Schools.
Register in advance for this meeting: Sep 19, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrf-GuqjIvHdbN-gSHEoyip6MoH0UngSvR
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We are frequently asked about researching Native American ancestors here in the library, so we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to hear from an expert!
Paris Junior College Officially Installs Ninth President
September 13, 2024 – Music and testimonials from two college presidents highlighted the official inauguration of Paris Junior College’s ninth president, Dr. Stephen Benson, at the Love Civic Center in Paris, Texas on September 10. The ceremony blended old and new as part of PJC’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Hundreds watched the inauguration ceremony featuring an invocation from Christopher Withrow, president of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society, and performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” by Dr. Michael Holderer, PJC music faculty. Dr. Lisa Elliott, Vice President of Student Services, was the master of ceremonies.
Demonstrating his love of music, Dr. Benson directed a volunteer choir in two songs, “Joy in the Morning,” and “For Good.” The first was written by Natalie Sleeth for the inauguration of her husband, Dr. Ronald Sleeth, as president of West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1976. The second was “For Good” (from the musical, “Wicked”), arranged by Mac Huff with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Both selections were accompanied by retired PJC music faculty Patricia Fowzer on piano and the first by Randy Bunch on trumpet. The choir was made up of community volunteers from Paris and Sulphur Springs, PJC alumni, staff and faculty, and the North Lamar High School choir.
Curtis Fendley, PJC Board of Regents president, presented the President’s Medal to Dr. Benson, formally installing him as the ninth president of PJC.
“This medal is considered a cornerstone of presidential regalia, proudly worn by the President at commencement and ceremonial occasions,” said Fendley, explaining that it was designed by President Emeritus Bobby R. Walters and retired jewelry faculty Ulla Raus.
Dr. Ted Spring, former president of New River Community & Technical College in West Virginia.
“Being here this morning is very, very special to me,” said Dr. Spring. “It’s honoring the legacy of those who served here at Paris. This is a moment for all of you to look back with pride at your history and look forward to building an even stronger institution.”
Spring relayed how he first met Dr. Benson when he was building New River Community College from scratch. He wanted someone with drive and vision and he was drawn to Benson’s background in music.
“Leading a choir requires bringing people together, diverse voices and talents, to create harmony, much like leading a college requires uniting the governing board, the administration, the faculty, the staff and the students to achieve common goals. His leadership was instrumental to the success of our institution and I have no doubt he has brought that same dedication and passion to Paris Junior College.”
Next to speak was Dr. Johnette McKown, president of McLennan Community College in Waco where Dr. Benson previously worked. She also worked for 14 years at PJC and she and her husband have fond memories of their time in the Paris community 35 years ago.
“When Dr. Benson told me he was considering being the president of PJC, I was sad and when he left our campus was in mourning,” said McKown, “but I was so excited for you [Benson] because I knew it was a great place to work.”
“He [Benson] was a change-maker and an innovator for us,” said McKown. “In his quiet way he proposed ideas that just made us better. I was seeking a real leader, not a manager or accountant, and in Stephen I found an individual with incredible leadership skills and compassion for students and employees.”
McKown shared laudatory messages from MCC staff, faculty and students, and Waco community artists. She also warned the audience they were all about to become University of West Virginia fans.
In his comments concluding the ceremony, Benson said, “we will always celebrate and honor the past because our mission has not changed over time. We have always been and will continue to be a place that transforms lives, nurtures our students, and supports our communities. In a changing world, I am however reminded of a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ The path of the last 100 years has been paved by faculty members who inspired countless students, staff who have supported our students through the trials of life and the struggles of going to college, administrators and board of regents who shaped the vision and plans for the College, alumni, friends, and communities who saw the value in our work and supported us in many ways, and most important… the many students who entrusted us to help them grow. Together, they all forged a legacy that I am committed to upholding and advancing. I see a bold and exciting future for PJC, one that may not always have a clear path, but with confidence, we will as Emerson said, go where there is no path and we will leave a trail.
“I am excited for the future of Paris Junior College, for what we can do for our communities, for the impact we can make on the lives of our students, and for the ways that we as a college can become even stronger.”
He also singled out audience-member Ouida Edmiaston Black, a 1943 PJC graduate.
“Mrs. Black was inducted in the PJC Hall of Honor for her long-standing support in 1999,” said Benson. “Just as PJC is now 100 years old, so is Mrs. Black and we are honored that today, Mrs. Ouida Black is here in this place with us. These stories are all part of what makes this place special to many people.”
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
TxDOT Warning Drivers of Spike in Texting Scams Targeting TxTag Customers
AUSTIN – Texting scams are targeting toll customers in Texas saying they’re from TxTag, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is warning everyone to be on the lookout.
There have been multiple reports of TxTag customers receiving text messages claiming to have a balance due or past due. These SMS text phishing scams, also known as smishing, have been occurring since April, but appear to have increased recently. TxDOT is working to have fraudulent websites taken down in hopes of preventing customers from becoming victims.
TxTag takes customer account security and verification very seriously. While TxTag currently communicates with customers via email, text and outbound phone calls, it will not send text messages regarding final payment reminders or past due balances. Any text messages sent to TxTag customers will be sent from 22498.
TxDOT asks TxTag customers to be vigilant of these ongoing scams and contact TxTag Customer Service directly at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824, should customers receive an unsolicited text, email or message purporting to be from TxTag or another toll agency. They should also not click on or open any links.
Emails and texts are sent to the email address and/or the phone number that customers provide in their account. Customers are required to opt into email and/or text notifications in order to receive emails and/or texts from TxTag. If customers are unsure if they are opted into email and/or text notifications, they can log into their TxTag online account or contact TxTag customer service to confirm.
TxTag requires all customers to confirm their account information and verify their identity before providing any information to ensure they are speaking with the correct person on the account.
If a customer receives a phone call, email or text message they believe may be a scam, they should contact TxTag customer service directly at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824.
Anyone who believes they have received a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
Tips on Preparing Your Garden for Fall in this Episode of Second Cup Of Coffee
With this one of two chats with Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Ronnie and John Mark discuss tips on preparing your gardens for Fall. The two also talk about what flowers to plant in your Fall Garden, what vegetables to plant in your Fall Vegetable garden, dates to make note of, and much more. Be sure to check out the episode below and see what you need to do to prepare your Fall Gardens.
Free Mammography Clinic Still Has Openings
September 12, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s free mammography clinic still has openings for uninsured Hopkins County women over the age of 40. The Foundation is offering 60 appointments and hopes that each appointment is filled.
The mammograms are conducted by the staff of the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center, a part of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, on the 3D mammography equipment.
The October clinic is being offered this year on Friday, October 4, Monday, October 7, and Wednesday, October 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 903-438-4325 to find out the full schedule of available appointments, as other days and times may be added.
Early detection of breast cancer is key to survival. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Mammograms continue to be important throughout a woman’s life since the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
If you are eligible for a free mammogram, please call 903-438-4325 to schedule an appointment.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation was founded in 1997 to promote Hopkins County healthcare opportunities. The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Funds raised by the Foundation are used for the benefit of Hopkins County citizens.
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Sulphur Springs ISD Police Department Addresses Concerns Over Social Media Threats
September 12, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs ISD Police Department, in coordination with the Sulphur Springs Police Department and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department, is aware of growing concerns regarding alarming social media posts about potential threats of school violence. These posts have been circulating not only in Northeast Texas but also across neighboring states, impacting school district operations and causing anxiety within our communities. We want to remind everyone that making threats against a school, whether real or a hoax, is a serious crime. Our law enforcement agencies take these threats extremely seriously, especially when the safety of our school-aged children is involved. We will take swift action, including arresting anyone found responsible for creating or spreading these types of posts.
At this time there is no credible evidence suggesting that the recent social media posts represent an actual threat. It is believed that these posts are part of a hoax intended to cause unnecessary alarm in our communities. SSISD Police Chief Pat Leber, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson, and Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum are working closely together to address the situation. This collaboration includes an increased law enforcement presence on our campuses as we continue to monitor and respond to any potential concerns. We appreciate the community’s vigilance and encourage anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
Sulphur Springs ISD Police Department
Pat Leber
Chief of Police/Emergency Management Coordinator Office SSHS: 903-885-2158 ext 2225
See a story about Leber’s swearing in by clicking here.
