Why Does the US Import So Much ‘Lean Trim’?
July 29, 2025 – The U.S. imports lean beef trim primarily to meet consumer demand for ground beef with specific fat-to-lean ratios—most commonly the 80/20 blend. Domestic cattle, particularly grain-fed steers raised for premium cuts, produce beef with higher fat content. This means U.S. processors often lack enough naturally lean trimmings to blend into ground beef at the desired consistency and price point. To solve this, the...
Designer Handbag Bingo Mystery Handbag Raffle Tickets On Sale
July 28, 2025 -Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Mystery Handbag Raffle is one hot ticket, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are on sale at HandbagBingo25.GiveSmart.com for $30 each, and only 350 will be sold. Since the event sold out in less than 9 hours, these raffle tickets could go quickly as well. The luxury handbag donated by Hazel Fielder of The Method Aesthetics is...
Hopkins County United Way Excess Allocation Check Distribution with the 2023-2024 Campaign
July 21, 2025 – This is KSST’s coverage of the Hopkins County United Way 2023-2024 Campaign excess allocation check distribution. Hopkins County United Way received contributions exceeding original allocations for the 2023-2024 Campaign, Co-Chaired by KK McKenzie and Jessica McInnis. Hopkins County United Way Board Members are pleased to distribute the additional donations to non-profit organizations that serve people in...
Federal Mandate Requires Changes to In-State Tuition Eligibility at East Texas A&M
July 21, 2025 – COMMERCE, TX, July 21, 2025— In compliance with a recent federal court order and guidance from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, East Texas A&M University is making required changes to in-state tuition eligibility beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. These changes affect students who previously qualified for in-state tuition under Texas Education Code § 54.053(a)(3) but are unable to demonstrate...
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees Approved Employee pay and Compensation Increases
July 15, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees has approved employee pay and compensation increases for the 2025-26 school year. Teachers and librarians with two years or less experience will receive a pay hike off $3,000.. Teachers with 3-5 years of experience will get an additional $4,000.. And teachers with five or more years of experience will receive a pay boost...
Texas Budget Surpluses May Be Coming to an End
June 30, 2025 – After several years of record-breaking surpluses, Texas lawmakers may soon face tighter fiscal conditions. According to budget analysts, the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds and a slowdown in sales tax revenue growth could constrain the Texas Legislature’s ability to fund major initiatives in the coming years. Texas benefited from massive federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with surging...
Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $4 Million for Community Forestry Projects
June 26, 2025 -COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Eighteen Texas municipalities, schools and non-profit organizations were awarded grant funding through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Community Forestry Grants program this month, totaling over $4 million. Established in 2022, the Community Forestry Grants program provides funding to help Texans address local challenges through urban forestry investments and develop nature-based solutions that...
Texas Wins 12th Gold Shovel Award For Outstanding Job Creation, Business Investment
June 18, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas being recognized with the state’s 12th Gold Shovel Award by Area Development magazine for outstanding achievement in job creation and capital investment in 2024. Texas has now been recognized with a Gold or Silver Shovel in each of the 20 years of the award program. “Texas again wins gold for attracting job-creating business investments...
John Mark and Dr. Steeber Chat About the Last Legislative Session on this Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Dr. Deana Steeber. The two had an interesting conversation about the last Texas Legislative Session, and how the results affect the Texas education system. They talked about Sulphur Springs teachers, the latest grade Sulphur Springs ISD got, funding for the Texas Education system, and much more. Be...
Alliance Bank Donates Medically Equipped Golf Cart to Sports Medicine Program at CHRISTUS
May 15, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – Alliance Bank, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, and the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation have joined forces to protect the health of local student athletes. Alliance Bank has donated a medically equipped golf cart to the Sports Medicine program at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation worked with Alliance Bank and...
