August 2nd Marked Down Market Boasts Huge Vendor List
July 30, 2025 – Marked Down Market on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in downtown Sulphur Springs brings together a huge roster of vendors from across Northeast Texas. Hosted between Alliance Bank and CNB on Gilmer Street, the event runs from 9 AM to 4 PM CDT.
Marked Down Market will be a great opportunity for back-to-school shopping, especially for families looking to stretch their budgets.
Expect over 10 boutiques, local artisans, food vendors (including a Greek food truck), farm‑fresh produce, and a wide assortment of unique goods. The collaborative sidewalk sale features markdowns on boutique items, handcrafted treats, and live local music, offering a festive, community‑centered shopping experience
Vendor list:
Marlene Sass and Class
Pink Brizilia
Diamond J
Soho Boutique
Sister Babyz
Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop
Ranch Cat Flowers
Optimum
Cora Handmade
Sunset Sterling
Callies Clay Co.
Coral’s and Abbys Closet
Pieces of me
Clementine
Callies Country Cottage
Thalia Permanent jewelry
Grace Goods
Organica
Ochoa and Colman Orthodox
Bay’s Freshies
Skin made easy
Granny Joes Kitchen
Sirena Amor
Pint Sized Play
Mariel Puch Bakery
Soni Pops
Seaton Garden
Barbis and Barley
HTeaO
Southern Roots
Sponsors
Munoz Farms
Latson
Ol mad
Alliance Bank
A Level Above Build
La Dona
Julia Wilhite – State Farm Insurance
TAX-FREE Weekend Coming Soon
July 30, 2025 – In Texas, the annual back-to-school tax‑free weekend is scheduled for August 8–10, 2025. During this three-day period, qualifying purchases like most clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies priced under $100 per item are exempt from both state (6.25%) and local (up to 2%) sales tax.
Eligible items include everyday wear, shoes, book bags, and standard school supplies—though high-cost accessories like jewelry, purses, briefcases, and computer bags are excluded. Sales tax exemptions also apply to diapers and cloth face masks under the same $100 rule.
This tax holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 8, through midnight on Sunday, August 10. Purchases can be made in person, online, by mail, or by phone. To qualify, orders must be both paid for and accepted during that window—delivery can occur later. However, shipping, handling, or delivery fees count toward the $100 cap and may disqualify an otherwise eligible item if the total charges push it over the threshold.
In Texas, this is the only sales tax holiday targeting back-to-school needs; residents can typically save about 8 cents per $1 spent during this event, depending on their local tax rates.
July Deadline For College Tuition Plan Here
July 30, 2025 – Parents in Texas have until July 31 to enroll their newborns in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund at 2024-25 pricing. The plan allows families to prepay future tuition and required fees at Texas public colleges and universities, locking in current rates and protecting against rising education costs. To qualify for this pricing, children must be under one year old by the July 31 deadline.
Contributions to the Texas Tuition Promise Fund are tax-deductible at the state level, offering a potential state tax deduction for Texas residents. However, they are not deductible at the federal level. This is because the Texas Tuition Promise Fund is a state-sponsored 529 prepaid tuition plan.
The Tuition Promise Fund offers flexibility, with different payment options and tiered pricing based on the type of institution. It gives families peace of mind by ensuring that a portion of their child’s higher education costs is already covered, regardless of future tuition increases. Parents, guardians, and even grandparents can open accounts, and funds can be transferred if the child attends a different school or state.
While enrollment for older children runs from September through February, this special deadline is only for newborns. Missing it means families must wait until the next enrollment window and potentially pay higher rates. With the cost of college continuing to rise, early enrollment is a practical step for families hoping to plan ahead. The July 31 cutoff is a firm deadline for locking in this year’s prices.
Paris Junior College Radiologic Technology Program Celebrates 20 Years
July 29, 2025 – Paris, Texas – Paris Junior College is proud to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its Radiologic Technology Program, marking two decades of exceptional service to the healthcare community and a continued commitment to student success.
Since its launch in 2005, the program has graduated hundreds of highly skilled Radiologic Technologists, many of whom are now working in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers throughout Texas. With its hands-on, student-focused learning environment, the program has earned a strong reputation for preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare. “This program has not only impacted the lives of our students but has also strengthened the quality of patient care in our region,” said Heather Unruh, Dean of Health Occupations at PJC. “Over the past twenty years, our graduates have become essential members of healthcare teams, demonstrating skill, compassion, and professionalism.”
Dr. James Clifford was a major early contributor to the program. Recognizing the need for more trained Radiologists, Dr. Clifford advocated for additional training locally. Thus, Paris Junior College took measures to meet that need. As a result, Lamar County and surrounding areas now have a steady local source of highly skilled technicians.
Throughout its history, the program has strived to remain at the cutting edge of imaging education. Faculty consistently integrate new technology with real-world clinical experience into the curriculum. This unique blend results in high job placement rates, credentialing exam success, and partnerships with regional healthcare providers. “As we reflect on the last twenty years, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the students, faculty, and healthcare partners who helped build and sustain this program,” added Unruh. “We look forward to the next chapter of serving our community through continued excellence in imaging education.”
Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology (JRCERT), the program was recently awarded the maximum accreditation period. JRCERT accreditation assures students and employers that a program meets rigorous educational standards.
Paris Junior College is proud to honor two decades of Radiologic Technology excellence and looks forward with excitement to the program’s future. Individuals interested in a rewarding healthcare career are encouraged to apply.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
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 U.S. imports lean trim from countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. These countries raise cattle on grass, which tends to produce leaner beef. The imported lean trim is blended with fattier domestic trimmings to create affordable, high-volume ground beef products sold in fast food, retail, and institutional markets.
At the same time, the U.S. exports higher-value beef cuts—such as steaks, short ribs, and variety meats—to international markets. Countries in Asia and the Middle East, for example, have strong demand for cuts that may not be as highly valued by American consumers. This strategy allows the U.S. beef industry to maximize carcass value: premium cuts are shipped abroad for top dollar, while lean trim is imported at lower cost to support mass ground beef production at home.
In essence, the U.S. beef trade is based on specialization and efficiency—importing what it needs (lean trim) and exporting what the world pays a premium for (high-quality cuts). This global trade balance helps stabilize domestic prices, reduces waste, and supports the profitability of the American beef industry.
Health Fair to be Held August 12th at the ROC
July 28, 2025 – A Health Fair will be held August 12, 2025, at the ROC in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The fair will be held from 9:00am to 12:00pm. There will be many vendors, and door prizes. The Moncrief Cancer Institute is putting on this Health Fair. They will be handing out FREE Colorectal Cancer Kits for you to take Home and do the test on your own.
If you would like to set up a booth at the Health Fair that will be held on August 12 at the ROC, beginning at 9:00am, please contact Jennifer Blake from Moncrief Cancer Institute/UT Southwestern at (954) 557-2775. The booths are FREE, they are just asking for a $ 25.00 Door Prize.
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 valued in the mid 4-digit range and bears the name of one of the most iconic design houses in the world. Hints about the bag will be shared on the Foundation’s social media.
Raffle tickets are the only way to win the mystery handbag, and the drawing will take place on August 7 during the event. The winner does not need to be present to win, but must pick up the bag from the Foundation office themselves. The prize will not be mailed.
The title sponsor of Designer Handbag Bingo is Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance. Event proceeds fund the Foundation’s free mammography clinic held every October for uninsured women over 40 years of age in Hopkins County.
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free clinics, programs, and educational resources focused on healthcare for Hopkins County residents. All or part of donations may be tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax preparer for more information. To learn more about the Foundation, contact (903) 438-4799 or email [email protected].
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Area Public School Start Dates for 2025
July 28, 2025 – Public school start dates in the U.S. vary widely, typically falling between late July and early September, depending on the region and district.
- Southern and Southwestern states, including Texas, generally begin their school year earliest—most students return between August 7 and August 18. In San Antonio, for example, many districts start between August 4–14 for the 2025–26 school year.
- Northeastern states, such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, often delay the start until after Labor Day, with typical opening dates around September 5 to 8.
What’s driving the variation?
Factors include:
- Climate differences: hotter regions often begin earlier to avoid summer heat.
- Historical agricultural patterns: school calendars were shaped to fit farming schedules.
- Local policy decisions: districts may adjust start dates to fit community needs or to comply with state mandates.
Typical pattern: Nationwide, about 47% of districts start before August 16, about 35% begin between August 16–31, and around 16% start after August 31.
In summary, while the academic year usually runs from late August or early September through late May or June, the actual launch date depends heavily on geography, history, and district-level scheduling.
Here are the first-day dates for the 2025–2026 school year in local Texas districts:
Cumby Collegiate ISD: August 11, 2025
Sulphur Springs ISD: The first day is August 14, 2025
North Hopkins ISD: Classes begin on August 13, 2025
Greenville ISD: Students return on August 13, 2025
Como‑Pickton CISD: August 13, 2024
Cattle Numbers Lowest Since the 70’s
July 28, 2025 – A severe cattle shortage in the United States, the world’s largest beef-producing country, has pushed cattle costs to historic highs, slashing profits for major meatpackers like JBS NV and Tyson Foods Inc. and driving record beef prices at grocery stores. The shortage stems from years of herd reductions by ranchers who struggled with high interest rates, expensive feed, and prolonged drought conditions. These pressures led many to sell off cattle rather than invest in long-term herd maintenance or expansion.
Now, with cattle prices surging and pasture conditions showing signs of improvement, speculation is rising about whether ranchers might begin rebuilding their herds. However, current data offers little evidence of a meaningful shift. According to the latest USDA figures, the number of heifers in feedlots has remained relatively stable compared to steers, suggesting that ranchers are not yet holding back females for breeding — a key sign of herd expansion.
Derrell Peel, an agricultural economist at Oklahoma State University, notes that while cattle numbers appear to be stabilizing, there’s no clear sign of growth. Until ranchers begin retaining more heifers and investing in herd expansion, beef supplies will likely remain tight, keeping pressure on prices and the broader meat industry.
Learn About the Back to School Fair August 7th on This Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
July 27, 2025 – CANHelp Executive Director Brian Crump dropped by for a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Brian and John Mark chatted about the upcoming Back to School Fair being held August 7th, 2025, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, at The ROC in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The two also talked about the fan drive CANHelp held, examples of how CANHelp helps the community, and so much more. Be sure to check out this episode and learn how CANHelp can help you, or how you can help CANHelp.
