Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Forestry Association Received Blue Legacy Award
January 29, 2025
Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Forestry Association received Blue Legacy Award
COLLEGE STATION, Texas Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Forestry Association received the 2024 Blue Legacy Award – Legacy of Commitment at the Water for Texas Conference today. Given by the Water Conservation Advisory Council, the award recognized the Texas Forestry Best Management Practices program which the two organizations jointly administer.
The Blue Legacy Awards were created to identify and showcase responsible stewardship of water resources and honor those whose practices enhance the conservation of water. The Legacy of Commitment Award acknowledges individuals or organizations who have sustained and maintained documentation of the reduction of water consumption.
“Texas is a big state and protecting our resources – especially one as precious as water – is everyone’s responsibility,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “Sustainable water management is especially important in Texas, where decisions about managing property can impact water quality and health of downstream ecosystems, communities, and environments. We are proud to accept this award alongside our oldest partner in conservation, the Texas Forestry Association with dedication to continued efforts in water conservation and protection.”
The Texas Forestry Best Management Practices program was established in 1989. It is a five-star model approach to addressing nonpoint source pollution in Texas. The program relies on a proactive, non-regulatory, market-based approach to protect water resources while promoting sustainable production of forest products.
“It is a tremendous honor for the Texas Forestry Association members to receive the Blue Legacy Award, recognizing decades of commitment to sustainable forestry practices,” said Rob Hughes, Texas Forestry Association Executive Director. “The Texas Forestry Best Management Practices program is vital in protecting our state’s natural resources by providing practical guidelines that ensure clean water, healthy forests, and thriving wildlife habitats. This program has empowered private landowners and loggers across Texas to manage their forests responsibly, creating lasting ecosystem and economic benefits for generations to come.”
East Texas has 13.7 million acres of forestland. The forest sector contributes over $41.6 billion to the state’s economy and is a key provider of jobs and economic activity for rural areas.
The Texas Forestry Best Management Practices program has resulted in the establishment of over 1.4 million acres in forested streamside management zones, areas near water that are managed to protect water quality. Annually, the program prevents 9,685 tons of sediment from reaching streams, lakes and rivers.
The program provides education and training for loggers, foresters, landowners and the public. Since its start, 3,700 logging contractors have been trained and 7,250 landowners have attended workshops on best management practices. To demonstrate these practices, commonly implemented best management practices have also been established in State Forests.
To monitor the program, Texas A&M Forest Service foresters randomly select normal forest operations to evaluate the level of BMP implementation in Texas. Approximately 150 sites, across all ownership groups, are monitored, analyzed and reported every three years. These reports have shown that overall best management practices implementation has increased by over 15% since the development of the program.
Read more about Texas Forestry Best Management Practices at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/BestManagementPractices/.
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Stops Austin Business from Operating International Human Trafficking Scheme
January 30, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $250,000 settlement of the State’s labor trafficking lawsuit against Austin Eco Bilingual School, a Spanish immersion preschool, and its owners and operators, Adriana and Enrique Rodriguez. The settlement amount is equal to the maximum fine for a violation of Texas’s civil anti-trafficking law.
In 2021, Attorney General Paxton brought a civil racketeering action against Austin Eco Bilingual School and Adriana Rodriguez for trafficking at least seven employees. The suit also accused Enrique Rodriguez of unlawfully benefiting from the trafficking enterprise. The owners of Austin Eco Bilingual School allegedly lured foreign-born employees to Texas with promises of lawful status, a decent salary, and a rewarding career, who were then trafficked for their labor.
The lawsuit accused Adriana Rodriguez, once named the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businesswoman of the Year, of sabotaging and controlling her employees’ ability to work legally in the U.S. and threatening to have employees deported, arrested, or separated from their children if they did not continue to work – often for far less pay than promised or no pay at all. According to court records, Rodriguez threatened trafficked employees by highlighting her connections to high-ranking law enforcement and other government officials, one of the identified victims quoting Rodriguez as allegedly saying, “I am a very important person, and I can destroy you whenever I choose.”
“This settlement will ensure that no one is subjected to the horrors of human trafficking or unlawful labor practices,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The actions alleged in the lawsuit were despicable and I am pleased to have secured justice for the victims. I will use every tool at my disposal to prevent companies from operating unlawful labor trafficking schemes using imported foreign workers.”
This outcome was made possible only through the bravery and perseverance of the victims, and the cooperation of dozens of witnesses. If you or someone you know may have been a victim of labor trafficking at Austin Eco Bilingual School or elsewhere, please contact the Office of the Attorney General, Human Trafficking and Transnational/Organized Crime Section at (512) 463-1646 or [email protected].
Flu Cases Force Some North East Texas Schools to Close
January 29, 2025 – In Northeast Texas, flu cases have surged, significantly impacting schools and communities. Many school districts have reported widespread illness among students and staff, leading to closures and disruptions. While some districts have shut down to curb the spread, others, like Caddo Mills ISD, remain open despite extremely low attendance rates.
The following schools and districts have announced closures:
Comanche ISD – Closed until Jan. 30
Godley ISD – Closed until Feb. 3
Treetops School International – Closed until Feb. 3
The flu season has hit particularly hard this year, with a rise in cases of both influenza A and B, as well as other respiratory illnesses. Schools have struggled to maintain operations as absences climb, with some reporting attendance rates dropping well below normal levels. Health officials continue to urge preventive measures, including vaccinations, frequent handwashing, and staying home when sick.
Districts that remain open, such as Caddo Mills ISD, face challenges balancing educational needs with public health concerns. Some parents and educators worry that keeping schools open amid high infection rates could contribute to further spread. Meanwhile, school officials monitor the situation closely, making decisions based on attendance data and health department recommendations.
As flu cases continue to rise, Northeast Texas communities remain vigilant, hoping for a decline in infections soon. In the meantime, schools, parents, and healthcare providers work together to minimize the impact on students and families.
Two New Commissioners Ready for New Terms
January 29, 2025 – Hopkins County elected two new commissioners last year and those new terms started January 1st for Wesley Miller (Precinct 1) and Travis Thompson (Precinct 3). Both newly elected commissioners have already been to training in their first month of service and have hit the ground running with several regularly scheduled commissioner meetings and work sessions.
During the regular meeting of the Hopkins County Commissoner’s Court on Tuesday January 28th, Precinct 1 Commissioner Welsey Miller moved some money around paying off one piece of equipment (backhoe) and agreeing to purchase a new excavator in another transaction. Precinct 1 will soon take possession of a new Kubota KX080-5R3A excavator from Farm Country after the court agreed to finance the new equipment through City National Bank.
All four Hopkins County Precincts got a boost to their budgets as Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook reported the county had finally recieved some FEMA monies from an earlier disaster submission and those funds were distributed to each precinct in the following amounts. Precinct 1: 45,892.97, Precinct 2: 128,236.79 Precinct 3: 55,338.24 and Precinct 4: 45,504.38.
In addition to the FEMA funds, Precinct 3 settled an insurance claim receiving approximately $85,000 in settlement funds that will reduce the precinct’s debt load, and Precinct 4 received $168,969.49 from Delek U.S. Holdings presumably as a remainder of the settlement agreed to in December 2021 although the terms of that settlement were undisclosed. Delek owns a pipeline in Hopkins County that suffered a rupture and enormous diesel spill in October 2019.
In other county business, Civic Center director Alina Sanders honored outgoing Civic Center Board Members Kevin Gibson and Danny Evans thanking them for their valuable service to the board.
TPWD Finalizes Purchase of 2,020 Acres Near Colorado Bend State Park
January 28, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) laid the groundwork for a new state park in Central Texas with the purchase of 2,020 acres in Burnet County.
The property includes two miles along the Colorado River and is located across the river from Colorado Bend State Park. Its purchase solidifies phase one of a potential two-phase property purchase to create a new state park comprising more than 3,000 acres.
TPWD is exploring an additional 1,100-acre property in Lampasas and Burnet counties which was presented at the Jan. 22-23 Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting. The commission authorized TPWD’s executive director to take all necessary steps to acquire the approximately 1,100 acres from a willing seller.
TPWD purchased the 2,020-acre property utilizing a combination of a one-time funding appropriation and funds from sporting goods sales tax. The new state park will be developed through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion fund overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023 to create a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing new state parks.
This land acquisition is one of many made by the TPWD in recent months, with the goal of expanding public access to Texas’ natural spaces in more corners of the state. This achievement joins the previous two acquisitions totaling 3,703 acres at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area along with the purchase of the 500-acre Lake Colorado City State Park, amongst others.
“It’s great to see these acquisitions which will provide public access and conserve their beautiful landscapes for years to come,” said Jeff Hildebrand, Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. “This property near the current Colorado Bend State Park is the cornerstone for what will be a brand-new park.”
When notified of available properties, TPWD conducts a due diligence review to determine the property’s feasibility as a state park. In this case, TPWD determined the property’s outstanding natural and historic features made this property an excellent candidate as a new state park.
“It is exciting to add another incredible property that will eventually become a new Texas State Park,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “This acquisition will give visitors access to enjoy the beautiful Colorado River and the diverse landscapes that are featured across the property. It is fun to imagine generations of Texans enjoying the scenic views and outdoor adventures awaiting on this property. It is also great to see our team and families work together to leave this legacy for Texas.”
The property features rugged hills, diverse native habitats and the aforementioned two miles of river front on the Colorado River. It is approximately ten miles upstream from Lake Buchanan and will create additional recreational opportunities and habitat protection.
Now that the sale is complete, TPWD will develop a plan with input from the public to determine recreational opportunities for the property. This plan may take many months to complete, but TPWD will communicate upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date.
New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries Plans Two Exciting Events in February
January 27, 2025 – New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries will host their monthly “The Lord’s Supper” free community wide meal February 1, 2025, from 11am to 2pm. The February Menu includes meat loaf, green beans, and more. The event will be held at 717 East Jefferson St., in Sulphur Springs, Texas. For more information, please call 903-335-7689.
Then, on February 15th, New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries will host their Women’s Conference, “Her Testimony Helped Me.” This event will be held from 9am to 2pm. The host will be Pastor Deborah Sharper. Guests include Carla Strogen, Juanita Gardner, Leah Walker, and more. This event will be held at 717 East Jefferson Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. For more details, please call 903-335-7689.
Paris Junior College Seeking Playwrights for 10th Annual Pyro Playfest
January 27, 2025 – Paris Junior College is gearing up for the 10th Annual Pyro Playfest and is asking playwrights to submit their unpublished works for performance. The theme is, “Where There is a Will, There is a Way.”
“This year we are inspired by the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, so we are looking for unpublished 15-to-20-minute plays that can be performed by two to eight actors using minimal sets,” said PJC Drama faculty William Walker. “You may interpret the ‘Where There is a Will, There is a Way,’ theme however you’d like.”
“We welcome works from local to global playwrights,” Walker said. “This year we are introducing the Pyro Playfest Audience Choice Awards to reward the play most beloved by our audiences.”
Plays may have been produced or workshopped before but must be unpublished. Playwrights of all experience levels are encouraged to submit. The deadline is Friday, February 7 at 11:59 p.m. Please email [email protected] for the submission form and write “PYRO PLAYFEST SUBMISSION” in the title of the email.
The 10th Annual Pyro PlayFest will be performed on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater April 24-27, 2025.
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.
Thank You Hopkins County for Helping the United Way Exceed Their Goal for 2024-2025
January 27, 2025 – Hopkins County United Way Executive Security Susan Berning contacted KSST with the following exciting news…
” It is with great excitement that I share with you our 2024-2025 Campaign year-end pledge total was $177,269.34. The 2024-2025 Campaign pledge total at our last report meeting on Nov. 6, 2024, was $160,121.77. We look forward to fully funding, as budgeted, the eighteen organizations this Campaign helps support.
We appreciate all you do to help spread the word about Hopkins County United Way!”
KSST would like to thank the hard working and dedicated individuals with the Hopkins County United Way for making this great accomplishment… and thank you to this great community of ours that proved, once again, that Hopkins County comes through every time!
Dinner Bell for January 29, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
Money Law and Title recently moved its Sulphur Springs headquarters to the spacious red brick building on the South east Corner of Sulphur Springs downtown and Oak Avenue with the purchase of Professional Land & Title.
Streamlining real estate transactions and closings requires legal expertise. Money Law Firm opened in 2013. A title fee office became a reality in 2016. In 2022 the law and title company transitioned into an independent agency to create Money Law and Title.
Offices are located in Greenville, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, Emory, Prosper and Sherman to serve the needs of the people of the North and Eastern areas of Texas.
Our 2nd sponsor for the week of January 29th is Bell Concrete, Inc. We are so pleased to have them as a new sponsor for the Dinner Bell Ministry. For over 70 years Bell Concrete has been delivering the best ready mixed concrete, sand, and aggregate. Their friendly staff ensures your project is completed with care and a smile! They are located in Green ville, Sulphur Springs, Dike, Arbala, Brashear, Birthright, Como, Seymour and Miller Grove, Texas.
Bell Concrete has the knowledge, skills, and expertise to handle projects of all sizes and complexities. Their team of pro fessionals is dedicated to meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations; and, they ensure the job is done right the first time. They are fully licensed and insured, and take great pride in their workmanship. We greatly appreciate their sponsorship in this New Year.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Mexican Lasagna
- Brown Sugar Tarragon Carrots
- Tortillas
- Garden Salad with Guacamole Ranch Dressing
- Sopapilla Cheesecake
HAPPY 2025!!!!
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 !!!
*We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday …”
Buc-ee’s Takes on Competitor’s Logo
January 27, 2025 – Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee’s is suing Super Fuels, alleging that the latter’s dog logo is too similar to Buc-ee’s iconic beaver logo, constituting copyright infringement. The lawsuit claims that Super Fuels’ logo, which features a smiling cartoon dog wearing a red cap, creates confusion among customers and dilutes Buc-ee’s brand identity. Buc-ee’s is widely recognized for its beaver mascot, which has become a symbol of the company’s expansive travel centers and merchandise.
Super Fuels operates three locations in North Texas, and Buc-ee’s alleges that the competing logo is intentionally designed to imitate their well-known branding. The lawsuit argues that Buc-ee’s has invested heavily in developing its distinctive image, which has become synonymous with quality service and products.
Buc-ee’s has a history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property, having filed similar lawsuits in the past against other companies that it claims mimic its logo or marketing strategies. The company asserts that its beaver logo is a key element of its success and is closely tied to its reputation.
Super Fuels has not yet issued a public response to the allegations. The case, filed in federal court, seeks to prevent Super Fuels from using the dog logo and may include demands for financial damages.
This legal action underscores the importance Buc-ee’s places on safeguarding its brand identity, especially as it continues expanding across the United States. With a loyal customer base and a strong regional presence, Buc-ee’s is determined to maintain its competitive edge in the convenience store market. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future disputes over brand and logo similarities in the retail industry.
