USDA Will Reinstate Recently Cut Probationary Workers
March 11, 2025 – The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) had ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to temporarily reinstate fired probationary employees by Wednesday, and the agency confirmed in a statement that it would comply with the deadline. The MSPB, which oversees federal employment disputes, issued the directive after reviewing cases involving probationary employees who were dismissed by President...
Greg Abbott Calls On Texans To Support School Choice At Parent Empowerment Day In Austin
March 11, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott recently highlighted the widespread support for a universal school choice bill for all Texas families at Parent Empowerment Day at the Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin. As the Texas House Public Education Committee began taking public testimony on House Bill 3, the Governor urged all Texans to voice their support and testify for school choice. “If you look at...
Measles Continues to Spread Especially in Unvaccinated Children
March 12, 2025 – A measles outbreak in western Texas has surged to 223 confirmed cases, with the majority affecting children and teenagers, health officials reported on Tuesday. The outbreak, which has also spread to neighboring Oklahoma and New Mexico, primarily involves unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 80 of the confirmed cases are in...
Learn About the Mardi Gras/St. Patrick’s Day Party and More at the Senior Center on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a chat with Dawna Pryor, Coordinator at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center. John Mark and Dawna talked about the Mardi Gras/St. Patrick’s Day Party and Parade taking place March 14th at the Senior Center. The two also discussed the water color painting classes held at the Senior Citizens Center, crochet classes, the...
Catholic Schools Ready for Education Voucher Bill to Pass
March 11, 2025 – As Texas lawmakers push forward with a school voucher program, Catholic schools across the state are preparing for a possible increase in enrollment. The proposed program would provide families with state-funded education savings accounts, allowing them to use public money for private school tuition. Supporters argue that this initiative puts “choice in the hands of parents,” giving them the freedom...
Hopkins County Sets Cleanup Dates for May
March 11, 2025 – The Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court has set the dates for County-Wide Cleanup Days. The dates are May 9th & May 10th. Each county barn will be open those dates to receive most items for disposal, but as always no shingles, chemicals, hazardous waste or sealed paint cans will be accepted. Each site will be open Friday from 7:30am until 3:30pm and Saturday from 7:30am until noon. Collection sites are...
Hopkins County Continues To Define Subdivision Regulations For New Developments
March 10, 2025 – Four new subdivisions are on the next agenda for the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court during their next regular meeting scheduled at 9:00am Tuesday, March 11. All four plats will be discussed with consultant Steve Hudson who has been working with the county for quite some time defining the Hopkins County Subdivision Regulations. Rules for Construction of County Roadways go back all the way to 1997, but...
What Should the State Firearm of Texas Be?
March 10, 2025 – A Texas Senate committee is set to hold a public hearing to vote on a proposal to designate the cannon as the official state gun. The move has sparked interest and debate, as Texas has a deep historical connection to cannons, particularly the “Come and Take It” cannon from the Battle of Gonzales in 1835. That small artillery piece symbolized Texas’ defiance against Mexican rule and became an enduring icon...
Texas Ag Commissioner Miller Supports President Trump’s Delay of Key Commodity Tariffs
March 10, 2025 – “I applaud President Trump’s decision to delay tariffs on Mexican and Canadian agricultural commodities and products included in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This decision will provide more time for open negotiation with both countries and, most importantly, provide short-term relief and time for our agricultural producers. I also fully support President Trump’s initiative to leverage...
Typical Spring Weather Ahead for Hopkins County
March 9, 2025 – The upcoming week in Hopkins County, Texas, is expected to feature mild and pleasant weather conditions. Temperatures are forecasted to reach a high of approximately 71°F (21°C) and a low of around 46°F (8°C). Looking ahead to Wednesday, March 12, 2025, there is a slight chance of precipitation in the forecast. The day is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a 20% chance of showers. Temperatures are anticipated to...
