Kicker Country

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

Burn Ban goes into effect this afternoon at 5:00 PM.

School Zones, Buses and Children- slow down, avoid distractions and watch for students return to school this month.

(SPORTS) UIL New Texas heat rules could delay or cancel football, band practices this school year. Beginning August 1, every Texas school must use a new heat safety standard that could shorten, delay or cancel outdoor football and marching band practices.

The new Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) heat rules make Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring mandatory, require frequent checks, and enforce strict practice limits or cancellations for outdoor athletics and marching bands.
Monitoring Requirements
Timing: Schools must measure WBGT within 15 minutes before outdoor activities start.
Updates: Readings must be repeated every 30 minutes while practice or band work continues.
The heat index measures temperature and humidity in the shade.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature paints a much more complete picture of the heat athletes experience. Unlike the heat index, WBGT factors in:

Air temperature
Humidity
Sunlight
Wind speed
Cloud cover
Sun angle

Why WBGT Matters
Unlike the standard heat index, WBGT evaluates multiple environmental factors that affect the body's ability to cool itself.

According to the official UIL Heat Stress & Athletic Participation Guidelines, WBGT incorporates air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation to determine heat stress levels and establish practice restrictions.

As readings increase, schools must shorten practice times, increase hydration and rest breaks, reduce protective equipment, move activities indoors when possible, or cancel practices entirely if conditions become unsafe.

monitoring made be made using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Calculator on line or downloaded.