Attorney General Ken Paxton Makes Good on Promise, Sues Bexar County
September 4, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Bexar County Commissioners Court after it voted to enact an unlawful program that would mass-mail voter registration applications to residents regardless of whether those residents have requested such an application or are even eligible to vote.
On September 3, the Bexar County Commissioners Court voted in favor of a new program that would hire a third-party vendor with taxpayer funds to print and distribute voter registration forms to unregistered individuals in the county. The distribution of forms to unverified recipients could induce ineligible people—such as felons and noncitizens—to commit a crime by attempting to register to vote. Further, Texas counties have no statutory authority to print and mail state voter registration forms, making the proposal fundamentally illegal.
Attorney General Paxton previously sent a letter to the Bexar County Commissioners Court warning that he would sue if the county attempted to institute the unlawful program. Now that the commissioners have approved the illegal program, Attorney General Paxton filed a lawsuit asking for an injunction to prevent the program from taking effect.
“Despite being warned against adopting this blatantly illegal program that would spend taxpayer dollars to mail registration applications to potentially ineligible voters, Bexar County has irresponsibly chosen to violate the law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This program is completely unlawful and potentially invites election fraud. It is a crime to register to vote if you are ineligible.”
KSST was Present at the SSHS 2024 Homecoming Court Media Day
September 3, 2024 – Sulphur Springs High School held their Media Day for the 2024 Homecoming Court, and KSST was there. The SSHS Homecoming Queen Contestants were on hand to take pictures and video and answer questions. Catch a glimpse of the SSHS 2024 Homecoming Queen Contestants in the video below.
Hopkins County Holds off on Burn ban, Hopes for Rain
September 3, 2024 – Hopkins County Fire Marshal’s office has been monitoring fire weather, fire activity, and drought conditions in determining the need for a Burn Ban. At this time, fire weather has been favorable for grassfires and there has been a slight uptick of activity. However, none of this is uncommon for this time of year as well as no reports of fires resistant to control or reports of active to extreme fire behavior with high rates of spread with favorable growth potential in the county.
Currently the Fire Marshal’s office is monitoring the fire weather, KBDI, Energy Release Component, Burning Index, Fire Danger Rating, as well as live and dead fuel moisture. The numbers observed and forecasted do not warrant a Burn Ban at this time.
Most of these indices are trending near or below seasonal averages with the increase of surface moisture that does not support high drying of surface fuels. This indicates little to no potential to wildfires with high resistance to control in the near forecast.
As fire activity will continue, key Size-Up descriptions will help in determining future Burn Bans with any uptick in activity. The Hopkins County Fire Marshal’s office is continually monitoring for changes in fire conditions.
The Fire Marshal’s office is asking citizens to self-monitor burning in the un-incorporated areas of the county. They would like to remind citizens that if property damage to neighboring properties occurs, the property owner of fire origin is liable for all damages. It is better to call 911 earlier rather than later.
“Trich” is a Significant Reproductive Disease in Cattle by Mario Villarino
September 3, 2024 – Bovine trichomoniasis, often shortened to “trich,” is a significant reproductive disease in cattle caused by the protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus. This disease primarily affects the reproductive systems of cattle, leading to substantial economic losses, particularly in beef herds. The parasite is transmitted during natural breeding when an infected bull passes the organism to cows during mating.
In bulls, trichomoniasis is usually asymptomatic, meaning that infected bulls do not show visible signs of the disease. However, they become chronic carriers, harboring the parasite in their reproductive tract, specifically in the prepuce and penis, where it can persist for life. This makes bulls the primary source of infection within a herd. Older bulls (over four years old) are more likely to become persistent carriers due to deeper epithelial folds in their reproductive organs, which provide an environment where the parasite can thrive.
In cows and heifers, trichomoniasis can cause early embryonic death, abortions, and pyometra (a pus-filled uterus). These reproductive failures often go unnoticed until a pregnancy check reveals a high number of open (non-pregnant) cows or when cows return to estrus irregularly. The disease can result in extended calving intervals, reduced calf crops, and overall lower productivity, severely impacting the profitability of a cattle operation.
Preventing and managing trichomoniasis involves several key strategies:
1. Testing and Culling: Regular testing of bulls for Tritrichomonas foetus before the breeding season is crucial. Positive bulls should be culled immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Testing should be conducted using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, which are more sensitive than traditional culture methods.
2. Biosecurity Measures: Implementing strict biosecurity protocols is essential. This includes purchasing bulls from certified trich-free herds, maintaining separate herds for infected and non-infected animals, and avoiding communal grazing, which can increase the risk of disease spread.
3. Artificial Insemination (AI): Utilizing AI instead of natural breeding can significantly reduce the risk of trichomoniasis, as it eliminates the direct contact between bulls and cows during mating. AI allows for the use of semen from trich-free bulls, ensuring safer breeding practices.
4. Vaccination: While there is no vaccine that provides complete protection against trichomoniasis, vaccination of cows can reduce the severity of reproductive losses and help manage the disease within a herd.
Education and awareness are critical components of controlling bovine trichomoniasis. Producers should work closely with veterinarians and extension services, like Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, to develop comprehensive herd health programs that include regular testing, proper biosecurity, and informed breeding decisions. By proactively managing this disease, cattle producers can protect their herds from the devastating effects of trichomoniasis and maintain the productivity and profitability of their operations. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office by calling 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Live Oak Environmental Services Change Trash Pickup Day
September 3, 2024 – Trash pickup day has changed for Hopkins County Residents.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our service efficiency and ensure timely and reliable service for all our valued customers, we are going through a reroute process. Thursday will be your service day beginning the week of September 1, 2024. If this is not a change to your current service day, please disregard this message.
If you experience any issues with the new schedule, we are prepared to arrange courtesy pickups to ensure your needs are met. Your satisfaction is our priority. Thank you for your patience and gracious understanding as we strive to better service you in the future.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (903) 839-1800 and speak to one of our Customer Service Specialist.
Texas Senate Bill 1841 Now in Effect; Grants Rights to Victims of ‘Dating Violence’
September 3, 2024 – This month, Senate Bill 1841 went into full effect for the State of Texas. The bill gives survivors of dating violence access to family violence centers. It also clearly defines dating violence as someone in a dating relationship who causes physical harm, makes someone fear for their safety, or suffers emotional abuse.
Senate Bill 1841 amends the Human Resources Code to update provisions relating to contracts between the Health and Human Services Commission and family violence centers. Among other provisions, the bill does the following:
- requires a center to demonstrate that it is using a voluntary and trauma‑informed advocacy service model as a condition of eligibility for a contract;
- revises the list of services a contracted center is required to provide;
- requires the contracts to specify that participation in services by a victim of family violence is voluntary and to prohibit center operators from requiring a victim of family violence to participate in other services as a condition of receiving shelter.
See the full text of the Bill by clicking here.
Liberty Trailers Plans to Build $10 Million Facility in Sulphur Springs
September 3, 2024 – The latest Building Permit Report from the City of Sulphur Springs shows more than $17 million in building permits were issued for remodels, new construction, and other projects. The largest valued permit was issued to Liberty Trailers for a new commercial construction at 100 Assurance Dr. in Sulphur Springs. The new area off of old Highway 67 (Main St.) is being developed by the local Economic Development Corp. to entice businesses to move to Sulphur Springs. The closest dealer locations for Liberty Trailers includes a Keller, Texas location and another in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Liberty Trailers a Fillmore, Indiana company has been in business since 1998 and looks to expand their reach into the highly competitive trailer market in Texas. Their commercial grade trailers include dump trailers, equipment haulers, car haulers, flatbeds, pipe, and utility trailers although no word yet on what trailers will be manufactured in Sulphur Springs.
Other projects included on the latest City of Sulphur Springs Building Permit Report include a $2 million project at Pilot Travel Center to replace underground fuel tanks, several new single family residences on various streets, and a church interior remodel valued at $900,000.
Dinner Bell for September 4, 2024
Grab and Go with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU:
Baked Chicken Thighs
Seasoned Rice
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
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 !!!
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 !!!
Proliferation of “cat eyes” Delaying Passengers at Checkpoints in Airports
September 3, 2024 – Transportation Security Administration officers are seeing a proliferation of “cat eyes” weapons being carried to checkpoints, items that are slowing checkpoint security lines.
Cat eyes weapons. (TSA photo)
“Cat eyes,” which perhaps are better known for their dangerous ears than their eyes, fall along the lines of brass knuckles. A user places their fingers through the cat’s eyes and the ears become dangerous weapons, much like a set of brass knuckles, only sharp and pointy.
When these items are detected at the security checkpoint, the passengers and their carry-on items are pulled off to the side and their bags opened and searched to remove the weapons. At that point, the TSA officers give the traveler their choices to either return the item to their vehicle; hand them off to a non-traveling companion; return to the airline counter to place them in a checked bag; or voluntarily surrender them to TSA for disposal.
Some of the “cat eyes” are metal, others are manufactured in hard plastic. Some look more like dogs than cats, but either way, they are intended to do harm. Many are detected attached to keychains.
“The frequency in which we are seeing these items among carry-on items is disappointing,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for 13 airports in Upstate New York. “Our officers are diligent in their duties and are good at spotting these weapons using the technologies at our checkpoints. I commend them for their continued vigilance and ask travelers to be equally diligent themselves and leave these items at home when packing for a flight. We come across these items daily and it slows down passengers who must stop and wait for our officers to remove the offending item and it backs up the line for the other travelers.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton Warns Bexar and Harris Counties Against Unlawful Attempts to Send Voter Registration Applications to Unverified Recipients
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to the Bexar and Harris counties commissioners courts warning that their proposed plans to mail voter registration forms to individuals regardless of the eligibility of the recipients would violate the law.
On September 3, 2024, the Bexar County Commissioners Court will consider using taxpayer funds to pay a third-party vendor to print and distribute voter registration forms to unregistered individuals residing in the county. A similar plan has been under consideration by the Harris County Commissioners Court. The distribution of forms to unverified recipients could induce ineligible people—such as felons and noncitizens—to commit a crime by attempting to register to vote. Further, Texas counties have no statutory authority to print and mail state voter registration forms, making the proposal fundamentally illegal.
If the Bexar County Commissioners Court votes to adopt the measure at its meeting tomorrow, Attorney General Paxton will sue to enforce Texas law. Attorney General Paxton will take similar action against Harris County should it choose to follow suit.
“It is unlawful and reckless for counties to use taxpayer dollars to indiscriminately send voter registration forms with no consideration of the recipients’ eligibility and without any statutory authority to do so,” said Attorney General Paxton. “These counties’ attempts to do so after the Biden-Harris Administration has allowed millions of illegal aliens to enter the country are especially troubling.”
The letters further warned: “It is more important than ever that we maintain the integrity of our voter rolls and ensure only eligible voters decide our elections. Your proposal does the opposite by indiscriminately inviting county residents to register to vote regardless of their eligibility. I urge you to abandon this proposal. If you do not, I will see you in court.”
