Updated Travel Ban In Place For Several Countries
June 5, 2025 – In a renewed push to restrict immigration and travel, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation naming several countries whose citizens will face travel bans or heightened entry restrictions to the United States. The proclamation, framed as a national security measure, targets a total of 19 nations, citing concerns over terrorism, visa overstays, and failure to comply with U.S. information-sharing standards....
Increase In Toll Rates Coming July 1
June 4, 2025 – Drivers in North Texas will soon see a modest increase in toll rates starting July 1, as part of the North Texas Tollway Authority’s (NTTA) routine adjustment schedule. The cost per mile for drivers using a TollTag will rise from 21 cents to 22 cents—a slight but noticeable change for regular commuters. Those without a TollTag and instead relying on the ZipCash system will continue to pay roughly double the...
Governor Abbott Announces Over $481 Million Awarded To Texas Teachers
June 4, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that more than $481 million in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds were awarded for over 42,000 designated Texas teachers during the 2024-25 school year. “Teachers play a key role in the success of Texas students and our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “With this over $481 million in merit pay, Texas is awarding thousands of teachers from every...
Meet the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Contestants
June 4, 2025 – Meet half of your 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Contestants with this first of two presentations! KSST”s John Mark Dempsey sat down with 2025 Dairy Fest Contestants #1 Emma Boatman, #2 Amerson Boles, #3 Claire Jalufka, and contestant #4 Lucy McKenzie. Learn about these lovely young ladies and find out what each one has to offer the community. Each one would make a great Dairy Festival Queen! John...
CHRISTUS Health: Protect Your Skin This Summer Season
June 3, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – As temperatures rise and days grow longer, proper skin care is stepping into the CHRISTUS Health spotlight. From sunburn and dehydration to breakouts, premature aging and dangerous skin conditions, the warmer months can take a serious toll if you’re not prepared. Dr. Laura O’Halloran, a plastic surgeon with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, said one of the most effective ways to...
67th Texas Game Warden, Texas State Park Police Class Completes Training, Begins Service Across Texas
June 3, 2025 – AUSTIN –Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) graduated the 67th Texas Game Warden and Texas State Parks Police cadet class May 30 at Bannockburn Baptist Church in Austin. The 28 game wardens and five state park police officers completed eight months of intensive training and will soon begin their assignments at duty stations across the state. Their jobs are unique in the world of law enforcement as their...
*Correction* Mahoney Homecoming is Planned for June 8th
June 3, 2025 – The Mahoney Homecoming will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025. Activities begin at 10:30am. not 11:00am. This event will be held at the Mahoney Church and Cemetery. The public is invited. Bring a lunch to share with your family and friends.
Brashear Cemetery Association to Hold Homecoming Meeting June 7th
June 2, 2025 – The Brashear Cemetery Association announces that the Annual Homecoming Meeting will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025. The meeting will start at 10:30am at the Brashear Baptist Church Family Life Center. The public is asked to bring their favorite covered dish and enjoy the Fellowship with friends and neighbors. If you can not attend, but wish to donate, donations may be mailed to the Brashear Cemetery Association,...
Emblem Memorial Day Service to be Held June 8th
June 2, 2025 – Emblem Memorial Day Service and cemetery meeting will be held at 11:00 AM Sunday, June 8th, 2025, at the Emblem Cemetery Chapel on FM highway 71. Following the service, there will be a covered dish lunch. Emblem Cemetery in Hopkins County
This and That for June 2025 From Master Gardener David Wall
June 2, 2025 – Growing cucumbers and tomatoes? Assuming you haven’t already done so, it’s not too late to plant sunflowers right next to them that will grow to 6-8’ tall (12-14’ tall sunflowers re a wee bit much!). Both have similar soil requirements, and your vegetable fruits results are sweeter. Also, the sunflowers are a great trap crop as many insects prefer the sunflower over the cucumber and tomato! Plants can hear water...
