Dawna Talks About the Upcoming Olympics in Sulphur Springs on This Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
John Mark sat down, again, with Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. The conversations covers such topics as the fan give-a-way at the Senior Activity Center, the upcoming Senior Olympics in September, the upcoming tailgate event, and much more. Be sure to check it out below!
Dinner Bell for August 21, 2024
Alliance Bank was chartered as “Sulphur Springs State Bank” (the “Bank”) on June 13, 2027. The Bank turned a profit in 1927and has accomplished this every year since that date; ninety-six contin ual years! The bank building at Main and Gilmer was ruined by a fire in 1934 causing the Bank to move to its present location on the North side of the Square.
In 1937 the Carnation Milk Plant opened and began buying Grade A milk. The Bank encouraged cotton farmers to convert land to pasture by making attractive loans on dairy cows to anyone con tracted to sell to Carnation. This started a very strong relationship between the Bank and the Dairy Industry that remains to the present time.
Sulphur Springs State Bank began serving Greenville and Hunt County in July 1990. It expanded to Wolfe City and Commerce in August, 1993. In February, 1996, the Bank purchased Colonial Bank of Greenville. With moving East, West and into the Metroplex, the Bank, in October of 1996, officially changed its name to Alliance Bank as its footprint extended outside of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. Additionally, the Bank owns and operates Galyean Insurance Agency and a brokerage com
pany—Alliance Financial Services. Innovative banking products that meet the varied needs of the communities it serves has kept its customers coming to bank with local people they can trust.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry began its partnership with Alliance Bank on March 1, 2017, which continues today with four appearances each year. The realization of the Bank of food insufficiency in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County and being a Partner four times yearly greatly pleases the Dinner Bell. A Big “Thank You” is extended to Alliance Bank, its officers, staff and clients of its many locations.
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
Mexican Lasagna
Seasoned Pinto Beans
Garden Salad with Guacamole Ranch Dressing
Sopapilla Cheesecake
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 !!!
Texas A&M University-Commerce Secures $2.2 Million Grant to Enhance Student Success Programs
August 15, 2024 – The Department of Education grant aims to improve retention and graduation rates for first-time, full-time students at A&M-Commerce.
COMMERCE, TX, August 15, 2024— Texas A&M University-Commerce is set to boost student success with a transformative $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Known as Title III Part A – Strengthening Institutions Program, the grant aims to help colleges and universities increase their capacity to serve low-income students. A&M-Commerce was one out of only six institutions in Texas, 107 nationwide, chosen to receive the grant in October 2023. Funds will be disbursed to the university over five years.
Dr. Sherece Shavel, director of the Title III program at A&M-Commerce, predicts that Title III funding will significantly impact student success.
“A&M-Commerce now has a new layer of capacity to reach, impact and support the needs of students who may have previously fallen through the cracks,” she said.
Four strategies to bolster student success
A&M-Commerce is using the grant money to implement four student support initiatives aimed at helping first-time, full-time students succeed in college:
1. Centralized Success Center: A success center in the university’s Waters Library will enable students to access several supportive services in one centralized location. They include the Office of Student Career Preparedness, Blue to Gold Money Management Center, Student Transition and Support, Academic Advising, and Undergraduate Tutoring Services.
2. Academic Advising: The university will also enhance its Academic Advising services. Advisors from all academic areas will relocate to Waters Library so students can more easily access support. In addition, the advising model is being refreshed. Advisors will become more proactive in reaching out to students at several points during their college careers to help ensure they are on track for graduation and career success.
3. Student Career Preparedness: The Office of Student Career Preparedness is expanding its ability to deliver a broad menu of career services. Services include helping students:
- write effective resumes
- acquire strong interviewing skills
- understand the career implications of changing majors
- find internships, externships and apprenticeships
- understand what they can do with their chosen major and how it translates into a career
“As soon as students are admitted to the university, the Office of Student Career Preparedness will talk to them and help them perceive their entire academic experience with the value of their careers in mind,” Shavel said.
4. Blue to Gold Money Management Center: A team of dedicated money coaches was hired to serve the new Blue to Gold Money Management Center. The coaches help students with various financial issues related to college life and beyond, including:
- understanding the financial implications of switching majors
- deciphering tuition and fees
- managing financial aid money
- ensuring students have sufficient financial resources to persist through graduation
- budgeting and saving money
- establishing healthy relationships with money
Wrap-around services for student success
The four initiatives discussed above are meant to converge in a wrap-around model of student care designed to envelop students in supportive resources even before they request them. Staff will reach out to students earlier and more often to help them acquire the tools they need to succeed.
“We’re creating that structure around helping students, and that’s why they’re called wrap-around services,” Shavel said. “Particularly with first-year, first-time students, there is a need for that extra level of support. Transitioning from high school into the university setting can be challenging,” she said.
The big goal: retention through to graduation
The overarching goal for the university’s Title III program is to boost the four-year retention rate by 9% over the next five years. In higher education, “retention rate” refers to the number of first-time undergraduate students who return to the same institution the following fall.
Student retention is a concern at universities statewide. Based on 2019 data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, only 41.5% of first-time, full-time university students in Texas who remain at the same institution graduate within four years. A&M-Commerce sits slightly below the state average at around 31%.
Drs. Ricky Dobbs, senior vice provost, and Brent Donham, vice president for Research and Academic Development, who were instrumental in helping secure the grant for A&M-Commerce, are confident that the funds will positively affect student retention.
“This grant is aimed at addressing longstanding gaps in student support,” Dobbs said. “These are known areas of challenge where the right types of support could help with retention and, ultimately, graduation.”
“The Title III grant will go a long way in our mission to transform lives,” Donham added.
Chamber Connection – August 14, 2024
By Butch Burney
Wind energy will be the topic for the Chamber’s Lunch and Learn on Sept. 11, featuring Apex Clean Energy. The energy company is anticipating investing in wind turbines in the western part of Hopkins County.
The Lunch and Learn will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at The Grays Building in Pacific Park. Those in attendance will get a meal and information on the project, as well as the opportunity to ask questions.
To RSVP for the free event, message [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
Stew Time!
We are looking forward to a fantastic 55th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest on Oct. 26, and it’s time for stew cooks to start registering.
Registration for last year’s cooks have been sent, and new and returning cooks can also register online at HopkinsChamber.org/stewcooks.
We are keeping the registration fee the same as in past years at $100 per stew site, with the sponsor asked to provide $150 to each cooking team for ingredients.
If you have been a Stew Cook in the past, we look forward to seeing you again and tasting your delicious stew. If you have won the contest in the past, you are eligible to enter the Super Stew competition.
Each returning stew team will have the option of keeping their 2023 site. These sites will be reserved until Monday, September 30, and then on Tuesday, October 1, the “unclaimed” stew sites will be open to “new cooks” and to returning cooks who would like a new site location. After Sept. 30, all sites will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. As in 2023, we will have sites open on both the north and the south side of Connally Street, where we will have a serving tent and market vendors.
New Cooks
We will have a Stewcomers meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 for any new cooks or those who are thinking about entering. You can get all the information you need to start planning for the largest annual single-day event in Hopkins County.
If you need more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
The theme for this year’s stew contest is Stewper Heroes, and we would love for you to participate and be a Stewper Hero!
Cocktails and Conversation
Join us for our main networking monthly event when Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop hosts our Cocktails and Conversation on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the store on Connally Street.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is free to everyone, and a prime time to make friends and contacts.
Please make plans to attend to enjoy some cocktails, snacks and great conversation.
New Team
Sulphur Springs Health and Rehabilitation will host a family-friendly meet and greet to meet their new team and tour the facility, from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.
Enjoy pulled pork sliders, cocktail sausages and fruit while you visit with the staff.
SS Health and Rehab is located at 411 Airport Road. Call 903-885-7668 for more information.
Main Street Theatre
Main Street Theatre presents Hallelujah Girls, a southern comedy about a group of feisty females who decide to shake up their lives.
Show times are Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 18 at 2 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at onthestage.tickets.
Quilt Show
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20-21 at the ROC on Putman Street. Numerous projects will be on display, and one special quilt will be up for raffle during the event.
If you’re interested in entering your own quilt project, those arrangements must be made by July 31. To request entry, email [email protected].
Ribbon Cuttings
Fastenal will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Monday, Aug. 26, at their facility at 1180 Highway 19 South. Everyone is invited to this event.
Designated Emergency Infant Care Provider – Baby Moses Law
What is the “Baby Moses Law?”
The “Baby Moses Law” is the common name of a law authorizing a designated emergency infant care provider to take possession of a child appearing to be 60-days-old or younger from the child’s parent, if the parent does not express intent to return for the child. You can find this law in the Texas Family Code, Chapter 262, Subchapter D. Emergency Possession of Certain Abandoned Children.
This law encourages parents who abandon their children to do so with a designated emergency infant care provider rather than at a dangerous location. The law also protects parents from criminal prosecution when they deliver an unharmed child to a designated emergency infant care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the law work?
Any parent may voluntarily deliver a child 60 days old or younger to a designated emergency infant care provider when the parent does not express intent to return for the child.
What is a designated emergency infant care provider?
A child-placing agency licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission can be a designated emergency infant care provider if the CPA:
- Agrees to act as a designated emergency infant care provider; and
- Has on staff a person who is licensed as a registered nurse under Chapter 301, Occupations Code, or who provides emergency medical services under Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, and who will examine and provide emergency medical services to a child taken into possession by the agency.
What are the responsibilities of a designated CPA emergency infant care provider?
A designated CPA emergency infant care provider must:
- Post a notice in a prominent location that:
- The CPA is a designated emergency infant care provider; and
- It will accept children 60-days-old or younger who are voluntarily delivered by the child’s parent, if the parent does not express an intent to return for the child.
- Use prudent judgment to protect the physical health and safety of the child until DFPS takes possession of the child.
- Assess the child for injury or illness.
- Immediately contact your registered nurse or person who provides emergency medical services to evaluate the medical needs of the child.
- Follow through with recommendations for medical treatment.
- Notify DFPS of the possession of the child no later than the close of the first business day after the date the provider takes possession of the child.
- Provide the child’s medical history or any other pertinent information to DFPS.
What do the responsibilities of a designated CPA emergency infant care provider not include?
A designated CPA emergency infant care provider has no legal duty to:
- Detain or pursue the parent and may not do so unless the child appears to have been abused or neglected.
- Determine the parent’s identity. However, the provider may give the parent a form for voluntary disclosure of the child’s medical facts and history.
As the School Year Starts, CBP Intercepts More Fake IDs
August 15,2024 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have discovered counterfeit driver’s licenses inside inbound packages moving through the International Mail Facility at O’Hare International Airport. During routine examinations of packages, officers focused enforcement efforts on counterfeit documents produced outside the United States that were potentially going to be used to fake an identity of young adults that have not yet reached the age of 21.
Counterfeit documents are fake documents that have the appearance of legal documentation but are not issued by a legitimate organization or government agency and are not recognized in the United States as official travel or identification instruments. Counterfeit documents, such as these driver’s licenses, can be used as a means for college students who have not yet turned the age of 21, to enter a bar or business that sells and serves alcohol. Unfortunately, these students put themselves at great risk when purchasing these fake documents.
“Counterfeit driver’s licenses are used by young adults who have not yet reached the legal drinking age,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations, Chicago Field Office. “Not to mention the criminal consequences, CBP’s interception of these IDs significantly reduces the chances for alcohol to be purchased by underage individuals and hopefully reduces the consequences of their actions, including deadly accidents.”
Since the beginning of August, Chicago CBP officers have seized 40 shipments containing 1,020 counterfeit United States driver’s licenses from all over the U.S. Only two companies have authorization by the U.S. Department of State to print international driver’s licenses in the United States: The American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The IDs were deemed counterfeit based upon the lack of fine line detail, and exhibit features that are not consistent with the document type.
According to Sutton-Burke, the reasoning for buying fake IDs has evolved from teenagers trying to get into bars to more nefarious activity. “Some of the major concerns as they relate to fraudulent identity documents include identity theft, worksite enforcement, critical infrastructure protection, fraud linked to immigration-related crimes such as human smuggling and human trafficking, and these documents can be used by those individuals associated with terrorism to minimize their scrutiny undergoing travel screening measures.”
CBP officers coordinate identification findings with CBP’s Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and other federal partners to combat any illicit activity. Visit CBP’s YouTube channel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.
CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agriculture products, counterfeit goods, and other illicit items at our nation’s 328 international ports of entry.
Stewcomers Meeting This Thursday
August 14, 2024 – Fear not, Stewcomers! If this is your first year to sign up as a cook for the Hopkins County Stew Festival, we will have a meeting just for you this Thursday, August 15th, here at the Chamber at 5:30pm.
We will go over everything you need to know as a first time cook to ensure your experience is wonderful!
As for all you excited Stew Fest attendees, we’re pleased to announce ticket sales begin the same day!
See you soon, stew lovers…
Chamber address: 110 Main Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
The annual World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest will take place Saturday October 26, 2024 here in Sulphur Springs.
Texas Leads the Way Against Noncitizen Voting
August 14, 2024 – AUSTIN — Ahead of the November 2024 Election, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reminds Texans of measures the state takes to stop noncitizen voting.
“The State of Texas uses safeguards and checks against noncitizen voting, which is illegal under state law” said Secretary Nelson.
State and federal laws prohibit noncitizens from registering and voting in any Texas election. When registering to vote, Texans must attest to being a U.S. citizen. Providing false information on a voter registration form subjects applicants to criminal penalties, including jail time and a fine. It is a second-degree felony for a noncitizen to vote in Texas, under House Bill 1243 which Governor Greg Abbott signed into law last year.
In 2021, Governor Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which created additional election integrity measures including ongoing citizenship checks of Texas voter rolls and ID requirements for mail-in ballots. The law also increased penalties for false statements on a voter registration application.
The Secretary of State’s Office regularly obtains data from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) on noncitizens and compares it to the statewide voter registration database. The Secretary’s Office also receives information from Texas courts about people who have been excused or disqualified from jury duty because of noncitizenship. The Secretary of State uses this data to identify potential noncitizens and sends these records to county voter registrars to investigate the voter’s eligibility. Those who are determined to be ineligible or who fail to respond within the allotted time are removed from the voter roll. In the last three years since SB 1 was signed into law, thousands of noncitizens have been removed from the voter roll.
County voter registrars are also required to review their voter registration records and send notices to any voter who the registrar reasonably believes is not eligible for registration, including due to noncitizenship. Any Texan can challenge a voter’s registration due to lack of U.S. citizenship by filing a sworn statement with the county registrar. A challenge results in a hearing and cancellation of the voter’s registration if the voter cannot produce adequate proof of citizenship. If a registrar determines that a person on the voter rolls, including a noncitizen, is ineligible to vote, they must report it to the Attorney General and the Secretary of State within 72 hours.
Governor Abbott also signed Senate Bill 1113 into law in 2021, which allows the Secretary to withhold funds from counties that fail to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls. Secretary Nelson said that her office “monitors each voter registrar’s list maintenance activity on an ongoing basis for compliance with their voter registration cancellation duties.”
In June, Secretary Nelson sent two advisories reminding county election officials about their obligation to update voter registration rolls, including acting on information related to noncitizen registration. “Voting is a sacred right that must be preserved for citizens who qualify under our elections laws,” said Secretary Nelson. “My responsibility is to ensure free and fair elections and that only qualified voters participate.”
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Offers Resources and Guidance on Tree Care During Drought by Mario Villarino
August 13, 2024 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers extensive resources and guidance on tree care during drought, recognizing the vital role trees play in both urban and rural environments. Drought conditions can severely stress trees, making them more susceptible to disease, pests, and long-term damage. AgriLife Extension’s approach to tree care during drought is designed to help homeowners, landowners, and municipalities maintain the health of their trees through proper management and informed practices.
One of the foundational aspects of AgriLife Extension’s tree care recommendations is the selection of drought-tolerant species. For new plantings, they advise choosing native or well-adapted trees that require less water and are better suited to withstand Texas’s often harsh, dry conditions. These species include varieties like live oak, Texas red oak, and cedar elm, which are known for their resilience in low-water environments.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension emphasizes efficient and effective watering techniques as crucial for tree survival during drought. They recommend deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth, which helps trees access moisture in the soil over longer periods. This method contrasts with shallow, frequent watering, which can lead to weak, surface-level roots that are more vulnerable to drought stress.
AgriLife Extension advises applying water slowly and directly to the root zone, which is typically located under the tree’s canopy and extending just beyond the drip line. They also recommend watering early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation, ensuring that more water reaches the roots.
Mulching is another key strategy promoted by AgriLife Extension to conserve soil moisture and protect tree roots during drought. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, spread around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk) can significantly reduce water loss from the soil, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulching also helps improve soil structure over time as it breaks down, enhancing the soil’s ability to retain moisture. During drought, it’s essential to monitor trees closely for signs of stress. AgriLife Extension provides guidance on what to look for, including symptoms such as leaf wilting, browning, or premature leaf drop. They also advise checking for signs of pests or diseases, which trees are more prone to when under stress from drought. Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing further damage and ensuring tree survival.
AgriLife Extension recommends minimal pruning during drought, as pruning can increase stress on trees by removing foliage, which is essential for photosynthesis and energy production. However, removing dead or diseased branches can help reduce the risk of pest infestations and other issues. Proper pruning techniques, as taught by AgriLife Extension, are essential to avoid further weakening the tree. AgriLife Extension provides a wealth of educational materials, including workshops, fact sheets, and online resources, to help the public care for their trees during drought. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from basic tree care to advanced management practices for large properties and urban landscapes. The Extension also offers personalized support through local offices, where experts can provide specific advice based on regional conditions.
In summary, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s tree care strategies during drought focus on selecting the right species, implementing efficient watering and mulching practices, and monitoring tree health closely. By following these research-based guidelines, Texans can help their trees survive and thrive, even in the challenging conditions posed by drought. Through education, outreach, and practical advice, AgriLife Extension continues to support the preservation of Texas’s vital tree resources. For more information on this or any other agricultural or natural resources topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected]
Texas House Republicans Petition State Fair to Rescind Gun Ban
By Juan Salinas II, The Texas Tribune August. 12, 2024
Texas House Republicans are pressuring State Fair officials to rescind its recent decision to ban all firearms from the fairgrounds.
Fair officials and law enforcement announced the policy change last week, roughly a year after a gunman opened fire at the fair, injuring three people. The fair also announced it will have cameras at entrances for the security process and will not provide lockers or bag checks for larger bags.
The State Fair of Texas starts Sept. 27 in Dallas.
As of noon on Monday, 71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees signed a petition saying the new policy makes the fair “less safe” because, “Gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil.”
“The State Fair of Texas claims to be a ‘celebration of all things Texas,’ yet this new policy is anything but a celebration of Texas,” the petition reads.
The letter also warned that if the gun ban at the State Fair goes into effect, they would consider taking legislative action.
“Your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next session to further protect these rights on lands managed by the public,” the lawmakers wrote.
Texas Gun Rights, a gun advocacy group, also released a statement encouraging the state fair to change its decision. “Gun Free Zones don’t work. This is another feel good attempt that accomplishes absolutely nothing for safety,” said Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, in the statement.
Law enforcement arrested 22-year-old Cameron Turner in connection with the shooting, who they said opened fire at the fair’s food court. He was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/08/12/texas-state-fair-gun-ban-legislature/.
