Temple, Texas -- Three outstanding Texas FFA students rose to the top of a competitive statewide field to claim top honors in the 2025 Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest, held June 6–7 in Stephenville. This year’s theme, “Life Beneath Our Feet,” invited students to dig deep, literally and figuratively, into the critical role that healthy soil plays in sustaining agriculture, biodiversity, and the environment.
The contest is a cornerstone of the partnership between the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD), and the Texas FFA Association. Since 1995, this program has provided a unique opportunity for agricultural science students to develop leadership skills and raise awareness about the importance of soil and water conservation.
Taking home first place and a $4,000 scholarship was Katelyn Krenek, a member of the Bellville FFA Chapter.

In second place, earning a $3,000 scholarship, was Ciara Hays of the Llano FFA Chapter. Rounding out the top three was Madison McClure from the Cleburne FFA Chapter, who received a $2,000 scholarship.

Kent Batman, President of the ATSWCD, applauded the students, saying, “This initiative equips young leaders to speak passionately and knowledgeably about agriculture and conservation. Every participant becomes an ambassador for stewardship across Texas.”
Molly Christensen, Superintendent of the Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest and Staff Member at TSSWCB, added, “This contest reinforces the importance of natural resource education and advocacy. By engaging in this contest, students are gaining real-world awareness of environmental issues and learning how to communicate solutions. Skills that will benefit them and their communities for years to come.”
Since its inception, the Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest has followed an annual theme that reflects the most pressing topics in conservation. The 2025 theme encouraged students to explore the often-overlooked ecosystem within the soil, emphasizing how soil health supports everything from food production to water filtration and climate resilience.
Over the years, ATSWCD has awarded more than $115,000 in scholarships to public speaking winners, a testament to their commitment to cultivating future conservation leaders. Beyond public speaking, this partnership between the TSSWCB and Texas FFA continues to grow through programs like the Wildlife Alliance for Youth, ensuring students are both inspired and empowered to protect Texas’ natural legacy.
For more information about the Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest, visit:
https://www.tsswcb.texas.gov/programs/public-information-and-education/soil-and-water-stewardship-public-speaking-contest
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Results of sale Saturday, July 19, 2025 - 1,760 head
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During the upcoming Bonham Quilt Hop Show, July 25–26, 18 antique quilts made by Gertrude Comstock Gulley (1872 – 1948) will be displayed at the Bonham Visitor Center and offered...
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Visitors in the guest bedroom at the Sam Rayburn House during the 2024 Quilt hop. Tour the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site this Quilt Hop to see historic quilts and learn...
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Come and experience the charm of the historic St. Mark's Episcopal Church! This beautiful building, lovingly relocated and restored after being damaged by hurricane-force winds in May 2022, is a testament to community spirit.
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With the assistance approved today, the Authority will plan, acquire, design, and construct 37,000 linear feet of 42-inch pipeline to deliver treated water from the Tawakoni 42-inch line to the Kaufman 20-inch line near the College Mound SUD delivery point. Additional points will be added for Gastonia Scurry SUD, Becker-Jiba SUD, and North Kaufman WSC.
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Traffic intending to access SB US 75 will be directed to the next intersection to the north, Randell Lake Road.
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At 8 p.m. July 23, until 5 a.m. July 24, the northbound frontage road between Travis Street and Taylor Street will be closed to facilitate the next phase of construction in this area.
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The Denison Development Alliance will meet in a special session beginning on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. in the Conference Room at the Denison Development Alliance, 115 North Rusk Ave., Denison, Texas 75020.
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The contractor anticipates starting work on July 22, 2025. The target completion date is July of 2026, officials said.
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The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials have announced an upcoming full closure of the FM 691 underpass. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on July 21, until 5:00 a.m. on July 22. Detours will be posted for drivers to follow during the closure.
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The Denison Development Alliance will meet in a regular session beginning Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. in the conference room at the Denison Development Alliance, 115 North Rusk Ave., Denison, TX 75020.
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The job fair is scheduled for Thursday, July 17 at AT&T Stadium from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central. Offering free registration to transitioning military personnel, veterans, and their families.
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Vice President – Gregory A. Scott, City of Justin
Treasurer – Allen L. McCracken, City of Pilot Point
Secretary – Kimberly Brawner, City of Celina -
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Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said, "For spin fishing, gold and silver spinners are doing well; D2 jigs and trout cranks can work for chasing the bigger fish. The Trout Crank will get down to the fish and might catch a walleye with the rainbow trout crank."
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Lake Tawakoni continues to fish well as we settle into a late summer pattern.
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Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, "If you’re looking for a place to escape from the heat but where the fishing is hot, the Beaver tailwater is the answer."
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Why advancing from RN to BSN matters more than ever – and how it's faster and cheaper than you think
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These changes affect students who previously qualified for in-state tuition under Texas Education Code § 54.053(a)(3) but are unable to demonstrate lawful presence in the United States.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that due to the lack of quorum, the Regular Board Meeting of the Bonham Independent School District Board of Trustees scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, has been canceled.
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Tuition-free online public school gives families more choices, starting with kindergarten.
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This summer the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum will be hosting Camp Liberty. This year's theme will focus on the American Revolutionary War era. To register your child please call (903) 450-4502.
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The Allen’s Point Cemetery Association will have a meeting on July 20 at 2:00, in the fellowship hall of Allen’s Point Baptist Church.
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Smithsonian highlights the experiences and impact of Japanese war brides in new traveling exhibition
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On July 1, adult education programs across the nation were expecting the release of long-promised, already-allocated federal funds that represent a lifeline for learners striving to change their lives and their communities.
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