IRS Warns of Email Scams During Tax Season
February 22, 2024 – As the official start of tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing a crucial warning about scams that could potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of dollars.
The latest scam to be aware of involves an email that appears to be from the IRS and features the agency’s logo. This deceptive email talks about the “Third round of economic impact payments,” stating it concerns “an important matter regarding your recent tax return filing.”
The email notes “we have identified certain inconsistencies or missing information” and falsely promises a refund of $976 once the documents requested are submitted. There’s also a button labeled “complete my information”, but it is a trap that the IRS warns against clicking.
“It’s hard to imagine what someone’s going to come up with next as a scam,” Robert Marvin IRS Media Relations Specialist said.
He points out the red flags taxpayers should watch for, such as inconsistencies in the email content. For example, at the very bottom of that email with the IRS logo, there’s the presence of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s, that should be a warning sign.
Marvin emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing emails for “strange versions and spellings of IRS,” and advises being alert to “typos, misspellings, and things that don’t look normal in business correspondence.”
The IRS says there’s a one hard and fast rule to always keep in mind.
“The IRS does not initiate with taxpayers, request for information through email, through text or social media, we just don’t do business that way. When we’re requesting for information we use the US Mail,” said Marvin.
According to the IRS, thieves ramp up efforts to steal your personal information during tax season. Their goal is to file fraudulent tax returns and claim your refund. Before giving any personal information, contact the IRS directly.
Sample Ballots For March 5th Primary
February 20, 2024 – Democrats and Republicans can cast their votes to narrow down their choice of candidates to appear on an upcoming November general election during the March 5th Primary. Republicans will also get to answer some questions on immigration, border security, and property taxes, although the outcomes of those votes are not binding. You can see a copy of each of the March 5th Primary ballots by clicking on the links below:
It’s Time to Vote, AGAIN in Hopkins County
February 20, 2024 – Early voting for the March 5th primary is underway in Hopkins County, not only for local offices, but for state-wide and presidential as well. Registered Republicans will have the larger ballot as they will consider 22 offices and 13 non-binding ballot propostions. On the Democratic side, 13 offices will be considered with zero ballot propostions. Many of the Republican elections will decide who will hold that office in the future as there are no Democratic challegers for the future general election.
State House Representative District 2 primary is being held this election cycle as that seat was just filled for it’s unexpired term which ends a the end of this year. Jill Dutton will be on the ballot as incumbent and again being challenged by Brent Money on the Republican Primary Ballot. Kristen Washington is running unopposed for the same seat on the Democratic Primary Ballot.
Local Offices on Republican Primary Ballot that do not have a Democratic challenger are as follows:
8th Judicial District Judge
Eddie Northcutt
62nd Judicial District Judge
Will Biard
District Attorney, 8th Judicial District
Will Ramsay
County Attorney
Dustanna Hyde Rabe
Sheriff
Johnny Paul “JP” Moseley
Lewis Tatum
County Tax Assessor-Collector
Chasity Campbell
County Commissioner, Precinct 1 (on ballot for voters residing in Precinct 1)
Welsey Miller
Steven Big Smith
Mickey Barker
County Commissioner, Precinct 3 (on ballot for voters residing in Precinct 3)
Travis Thompson
Lance Knotts
William (Bill) Holden
Constable, Precinct 1 (on ballot for voters residing in Precincts 1 & 2)
Dennis L. Findley
Chris Hill
Constable, Precinct 2 (on ballot for voers residing in Precincts 3 & 4)
John Brian Beadle
County Chair
Donnie W. Wisenbaker
Republican Primary Ballot Propositions
February 20, 2024 – Republicans will have 13 ballot propostions to consider during the upcoming March 5th primary election. These ballot propostions are NOT legally binding, but just a way to gauge the consensus of Texas Republicans during this election on a range of topics. The following is a list of the 13 propositions that Republicans can answer on the ballot to give their opinion on topics ranging from taxes, border security, immigration and school vouchers. Early voting is now open by public appearance at 128G Jefferson St., in Sulphur Springs. Election day is Tuesday, March 5th.
2024 Ballot Propositions:
1.) Texas should eliminate all property taxes without increasing Texans’ overall tax burden
Yes
No
2.) Texas should create a Border Protection Unit, and deploy additional state law enforcement and military forces, to seal the border, to use physical force to prevent illegal entry and trafficking, and to deport illegal aliens to Mexico or to their nations of origin.
Yes
No
3.) The Texas Legislature should require the use of E-Verify by all employers in Texas to protect jobs for legal workers by preventing the hiring of illegal aliens.
Yes
No
4.) The Texas Legislature should end all subsidies and public services, including in-state college tuition and enrollment in public schools, for illegal aliens.
Yes
No
5.) Texas urges the United States Congress not to grant any form of amnesty or a pathway to legalization for illegal aliens.
Yes
No
6.) The Texas Legislature should prohibit the deployment of the Texas National Guard to a foreign conflict unless Congress first formally declares war.
Yes
No
7.) The Texas Legislature should establish authority within the Texas State Comptroller’s office to administer access to gold and silver through the Texas Bullion Depository for use as legal tender.
Yes
No
8.) The State of Texas should ensure that Texans are free to give or to withhold consent for any vaccine without coercion.
Yes
No
9.) The Republican Party of Texas should restrict voting in the Republican Primary to only registered Republicans.
Yes
No
10.) The Texas Constitution should be amended to restore authority to the Texas Attorney General to prosecute election crimes.
Yes
No
11.) Texas parents and guardians should have the right to select schools, whether public or private, for their children, and the funding should follow the student.
Yes
No
12.) The Texas Constitution should be amended to require proof of citizenship before any individual can be registered to vote.
Yes
No
13.) Texas should ban the sale of Texas land to citizens, governments, and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
Yes
No
Big Changes Going on at CANHelp in Sulphur Springs
February 20, 2024 – If you are like me, you stop by CANHelp in Sulphur Springs at least once a week. It’s part of my routine. I find treasures, and I help people in Hopkins County at the same time. Win-Win.
You have probably noticed some big changes to the CANHelp building this month.
A new building has been added to improve the donation process. It provides the benefit of a drive though, and protects donations from the elements. It will also give CANHelp a better chance to prevent dumping of un-sellable items, and prevent theft of donations.
CANHelp has also added large signs around the donation area, giving details on what items are not accepted.
Dumping of soiled mattresses and other unsellable furniture has been a problem for CANHelp. Disposal of these items takes resources that should be used to help people in the community. Every change has been thoroughly thought out, and each is intended to help the Hopkins County population by making CANHelp more efficient.
What started out as a resource guide of available services in 2000 within Hopkins County, Hopkins County Community Action Network as we were originally known, has transformed into CANHelp — a non-profit organization, based in faith, whose mission is to provide assistance to individuals in the communities of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. CANHelp offers programs and training to those who want to become financially self-sufficient, various food and health items, and other basic needs to those experiencing crises, as well as information and referral services to those who call 2-1-1 Texas. CANHelp also houses a 10,000 square foot thrift store run by dedicated staff and volunteers. Every service CANHelp provides upholds our core values of people, faith, integrity, excellence, and partnerships. CANHelp and our staff are dedicated to their clients and the community. We strive to change lives in our communities and to help guide people toward self-sufficiency.
CANHelp
A&M-Commerce Elevating Music Education with New School of Music Designation
February 19, 2024 – COMMERCE, TX—The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Music is elevating its status to become the School of Music, effective September 1, 2024.
Approval to change the department’s designation was granted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in January 2024.
While the music department was first accredited in 1969, A&M-Commerce has offered music courses dating back more than 100 years. In that time, the university has mentored countless music educators and performers across an array of disciplines. With more than 250 total students, the department helps musicians to hone their craft as vocalists, percussionists, pianists, or with brass or woodwind instruments. Additionally, a Guitar Performance program is slated to be offered beginning in Fall 2024.
Dr. Eric Branscome, head of the Department of Music, explained that the School of Music designation is something that has been highly sought after for several years.
“The idea to become a school of music was first presented over a decade ago,” said Branscome, who assumed his role in 2021.
Branscome notes that the latest proposal to become a School of Music began in the last year, going through a slew of approvals at the university level before being submitted to THECB in August 2023. The new designation gives A&M-Commerce a leg up when it comes to recruiting students.
“Holding a designation of a School of Music denotes a higher level of distinction and signifies that we have cultivated a long tradition of excellence in music education,” Branscome said. “While we welcome our performance-minded music students, our strength has always been about teaching and mentoring future music educators, and this new designation is a testament to that.”
Further expected benefits include attracting additional world-class faculty to the university’s music program and increasing the department’s endowed donor base.
The redesignation announcement was first shared with A&M-Commerce music students and alumni during the annual Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio, Texas, in February, as A&M-Commerce hosted a meet and greet for current students and alumni attending the convention.
Branscome says he hopes that music education at A&M-Commerce continues to evolve long after becoming a School of Music.
“We don’t intend for this longstanding goal of ours to be an endpoint, but the starting point of something even greater at A&M-Commerce,” Branscome said. “We have to keep evolving, expanding our curriculum and more to maintain relevance.”
He adds that an inaugural concert to celebrate the official redesignation as the A&M-Commerce School of Music is in the works for Fall 2024, with details to come later this year.
Learn more about Music at A&M-Commerce.
Early Voting Starts Tomorrow For March 5th Primary
February 19, 2024 – Registered voters in Hopkins County can early vote by personal appearance starting on Tuesday February 20, 2024 for the March 5th Primary. Early Voting is being held at 128G Jefferson Street, in Justice of the Peace #2 Courtroom. Hours will be 8am to 5pm. Early voting for this primary ends March 1, 2024.
At this time a sample ballot has not been provided by the Hopkins County Clerk.
Ticket Giveaway: St. James Fish Fry #2
February 2024 – Friday night Fish Fry is back! You can win 2 tickets to the event hosted by the Knights of Columbus at 297 Texas St here in Sulphur Springs, TX. The FREE tickets are for the February 23, 2024 event only.
Dine in or carry out starting a 5:00pm. Beer battered cod available, a short wait may be required.
Menu includes USA catfish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, beans, fried okra, tea, coffee, desserts and more. Prices start at $12. All you care to eat is $20.
Rules and Information:
The passes must NOT be resold!
Unclaimed passes will be dispersed by KSST.
Employees of KSST/KRVA can’t win.
Winner’s names and picture will be posted on Facebook.
To enter to win, comment on this post in Facebook. Winners will be contacted via Facebook Messenger.
Results of the School Bond Poll
February 19, 2024 – KSST published a poll last week and encouraged residents to voice their opinions on the May 4, 2024 SSISD School Bond election. Click here to find out more about the Bond Election from the official site.
It seems that within this poll:
- Almost all respondents are qualified to vote, have completely read the ‘Bond Fact Sheet’
- Most feel there is a valid need to upgrade existing buildings
- Almost and even split on the idea that SSISD buildings are similar to the buildings they received their education in.
- Most feel that education quality is linked to the passing of the bond.
- Most will be voting for the bond.
Here are the optional (and anonymous) comments provided by respondents. We have not edited them, nor excluded anyone’s feedback. The question on the poll was “If you would like to provide a reason for your voting choice, please use the area below.”
- i WILL VOTE FOR THE BOND BECAUSE I HAVE A GRANDAUGHTER IN SSISD. SSISD HAS A LOT OF ISSUES FROM THE TOP DOWN. THEIR HAS BEEN MISAPPOPRIATIONS OF FUNDS, NOT ENOUGH SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS. PREVIOUS BOARD HAS NOT BEEN FORTHCOMING ABOUT FINANCIAL ISSUES WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
- We have built school buildings periodically, and test scores continue to go down. It appears to me that every time we get a new superintendent, he or she wants to build and/or abandon existing buildings. Maybe they feel that having their name on a cornerstone will make them immortal.
- Please add the option for a 4 day school week.
- Please quit starting Christmas break so late!!!
- Our kids deserve it!
- Because I’m not stupid. OUR CHILDREN NEED THIS!
- I am 100% for the voting YES for this bond! Our students of this community deserve a safe and modern place to learn. It’s time Sulphur Springs puts their focus our the education on our children!
- I care about the future of this town and this is a step in the right direction!!
- I teach at SSISD. Our facilities inhibit the potential out r students have for success. We desperately need upgrades, our students deserve the best.
- Cost of maintenance, continuous loss of instruction time when students are displaced due to facility issues, safety/security issues, etc.
- It’s time to increase safety and security. It’s time for the little kids to have continuity of environment during the elementary school years that provides increased learning capacity and decreases the setbacks that come with switching schools so frequently. It’s time our kids aren’t exposed to mold and vermin and having to go outside the building to get to a bathroom. This new bond proposal really gets our babies where they need to be with facilities equipped for today’s technology.
- THE PEOPLE ARE ALREADY TAXED TOO MUCH. JUST STOP, WE CAN NOT AFFORD ANY MORE!
- its never enough money, you never plan for the future and spend every dime every year
- Although i am for the bond i may still change my mind. Id like more information on locations of the schools, if we will still have a community track, etc. Theres several questions community members have that are unanswered.
- Too many students in a single elementary school. We should have more schools in a growing community – not less. –
- Our kids matter!
- Reading, watching, and hearing of the deterioration of the schools in ss has me more than convinced this bond is not a want but a NEED. VOTE YES!!!!
- There are many needs in SSISD. I feel if we can pass this bond, PreK-5 could bet set, then we could focus on minor needs at Ssms and major needs at high school, then our district would be in great shape!
- Wasteful to tear down existing structures. Concern with so many students at a single elementary school. Dual language program concerns – does not feel like a good community if you have a program within a school. Also – going from five schools to three – what do we do with the two extra principals, counselors, officers, music teachers, PE teachers, etc? I want more staff to educate my children – not less. I have voted yes to all bond proposals so far, but I think this proposal will decrease the quality of our children’s education. More schools for our young children – not less please.
- More efficiency in school operations and safety
- The buildings are very old. They can’t keep up with the technology and safety demands that are required, now. Also, we are wasting millions of dollars to bandage the old building, when those funds would better be spent on increasing the quality of our students education and increasing the pay of our district employees.
- The sulphur springs area needs drastic improvements to its infrastructure especially the school. Students tend to value education if they have a more welcoming environment. If Sulphur Springs does not improve its schools it the future of Sulphur springs will look dead and so will developments. Sulphur Springs has voted the same way for years and is not having enough growth this is particularly bad because there is no increase in population, quality of life, education, and the town has been run by the same people who are extremely traditional and don’t want any change.
- Instead of tearing down and building new facilities and increasing taxes,maybe have a better maintenance program in place to up keep the schools. Many schools in the surrounding areas are older and they aren’t asking for new buildings. If there isn’t a better maintenance program, then what’s do guarantee that in 20 years there won’t be another bond proposal asking for more money and increase taxes to the new buildings. I think there is a lack of maintenance and oversight for upkeep.
- New elementary schools is the biggest need in ssisd at this time
- Our kids and school staff need this
- Our kids education is important. Our district needs the upgrades..
- 2 million not accounted for under previous board. Horrible administration, too heavy and do not support teachers, much less the support staff. Racism prevelant from board and administration. Students are treated differently because of economic-social backgrounds.
- There have been way too many issues with the current facilities. Our kids need this.
- Tell will never vote for any bond all they do is waste taxpayers money.
Trinity Harvest to Host a Praise and Worship Concert April 5, 2024
Trinity Harvest, located at 1150 Shannon Road East, Sulphur Springs, Texas, will host the next Praise and Worship Concert April 5th, 2024. The event will feature Stephen McWhirter. Tickets are $10 each.
