Wildcats Baseball Player Kaden Mitchell Selected as a Texas High School Baseball Coahes Association All-Star at Third Base
June 12, 2025 – Sulphur Springs Wildcats baseball player Kaden Mitchell has been selected as a Texas High School Baseball Coahes Association All-Star at third base and will play in the small school (1A-4A) All-Star game at 12 noon Saturday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock north of Austin.
He has also been selected as part of the 4A All State Elite Team at third base. He also pitched for the Wildcats.
Kaden has signed a letter of intent to play college baseball for Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma, a member of NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference.
He was also an all-district quarterback in football for the Wildcats.
Texas Education Agency Released the 2025 End-of-Course STAAR Results
June 12, 2025 – The Texas Education Agency released the 2025 End-of-Course STAAR results Tuesday.
It tests high school students on five core subjects: Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History.
The TEA says this year’s statewide results reflect modest year-over-year changes, with scores rising in Algebra I and Biology, but declining in English I, English II, and U.S. History.
In the Sulphur Spings ISD, here are the percentages of students meeting or above the STAAR standard in the various sujects tested:
Algebra I, 48%.
Biology, 68%.
English I, 53%.
English II, 55%.
U.S. History, 62%.
The scores for the Sulphur Springs ISD are above the state average in Algebra I, Biology and English I, and below the state average in English II and U.S. History.
The widest differences were Biology, six points above the state average, and History, six points below the state average.
Statewide results:
In Algebra I: 47% of students met grade level expectations, an increase from 45% last year.
In Biology: 62% of students met grade level expectations, an increase from 57% last year.
In English I: 51% of students met grade level expectations, a decrease from 54% last year.
In English II: 56% of students met grade level expectations, a decrease from 60% last year.
U.S. History: 68% of students met grade level expectations, a decrease from 69% last year.
The TEA said Biology scores improved across all groups including economically disadvantaged students, students receiving special education services, and emergent bilingual students.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said: “Texas students and educators continue to work hard to demonstrate academic excellence, At the same time, we also recognize that too many students are still not where they need to be academically. Using a reliable system of assessments, we can continue making progress on the strategies that are most effective in improving student learning and long-term success.”
Abbott Signs Ibogaine Research Bill; Cites Veterans as Potential Patients
June 12, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill amassing $50 million to fund clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic compound derived from the African iboga plant, under the federal BEACH Act–style framework. Though still a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S., international studies have indicated its potential to reduce opioid withdrawal, treat PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries—especially among veterans .
“Texas is home to more veterans than any other state,” said Governor Abbott. “Many of those veterans suffer from injuries both seen and unseen.
However, ibogaine carries serious health risks, most notably cardiac arrhythmias, with over 30 related fatalities reported. Supporters emphasize that careful patient screening and monitoring will be key as Texas steps into structured research.
Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound, a type of indole alkaloid, derived from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, primarily found in Central Africa. It’s known for its potential to induce hallucinogenic and oneirogenic experiences, which have led to its traditional use by certain African communities. Additionally, ibogaine has been researched, albeit controversially, for its potential in treating substance use disorders.
Bill SB 2308 (and its House counterpart HB 3717) establishes a public–private partnership: state funds will be matched by private investment, emphasizing Texas’s commercial rights over resulting intellectual property The initiative prioritizes veterans and first responders, supported by figures like former Governor Rick Perry and Rep. Morgan Luttrell—both veterans advocating psychedelic therapies.
Currently, ibogaine remains illegal in Texas and nationwide, so Texans seeking treatment typically travel to clinics in Mexico or Canada. Advocates, including the Texas Emerging Therapies Association, are pushing the legislature to legalize controlled trials and build infrastructure for safe domestic access.
Dinner Bell for June 18, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Alliance Bank & Payne Electric Co.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
Alliance Bank was chartered as Sulphur Springs State Bank on June 13, 1927, by the two largest shareholders of First State Bank that had failed. First located on Main at Gilmer, a fire in 1934 facilitated the move to the Northside of the Sulphur Springs Square where the bank has maintained a permanent presence.
The Carnation Milk Plant located in Sulphur Springs in 1930’s provided an economic outlet for milk and dairy products. Attrac tive loans by the Bank allowed cotton farmers to become dairymen and the dairy industry became THE AGRICULTURAL business for Hopkins County.
In the 1990’s the bank acquired locations East, West and into the Metroplex thus necessitating the name change to Alliance Bank. Galyean Insurance Agency and the opening of a brokerage company—Alliance Financial Services—allowed the Bank to meet the business and personal needs of it’s customers at home or with their businesses. Payne Electric Company was established in 1967 by Floyd Payne as a family-owned, full-service, electric contracting firm. He died unexpectedly in 1971 and his son Rickey, and wife Kathy, assumed leadership of the business. The firm specializes in con ducting heavy industrial and commercial electrical system installations and service in food plant facilities across Northeast Texas. They also perform residential and commercial electric work throughout the area. From upgrading panels to wiring the complete home, Payne Electric has you covered. No job is too big and no job is too small for this family-owned and operated business with over fifty years of quality service.
MENU:
- Taco Salad
- (with multi-toppings including seasoned meat, picco de gallo, beans, rice, onions,
- olives, chiles, sour cream and more!)
- Chips
- Sopapilla Cheescake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Metal License Plates Replace Paper July 1
June 11, 2025 – Starting July 1, Texas car dealerships will begin issuing metal license plates directly to buyers at the time of sale, marking a significant change in the vehicle registration process. This new procedure replaces the previous system where dealerships provided paper temporary tags while buyers waited for their permanent plates to arrive by mail.
The change is part of a legislative effort to combat the widespread problem of fraudulent paper tags, which have been used in criminal activity across the state. By providing metal plates immediately, Texas aims to tighten security, reduce fraud, and make it easier for law enforcement to track vehicles accurately.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) clarified that this new rule applies only to vehicle sales completed through licensed dealerships. Private party sales will continue under the existing process. In those cases, sellers should still remove their license plates and registration stickers from the vehicle before handing it over to the buyer.
The switch to issuing metal plates at the point of sale is expected to make the vehicle purchasing process more efficient and secure for both buyers and dealers. State officials believe this will significantly reduce the illegal trade and misuse of paper tags, which have posed public safety concerns in recent years.
The Competition was Strong at the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Fest Milking Contest
June 11, 2025 – The competition was hot and strong at the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Milking Contest for Candidates, Parents, and Balloon Pilots Saturday, June 7th, 2025. First the Dairy Festival Queen Contestants gave it their all competing to see who could squeeze the most milk out of each of their cows. Then their parents took a crack at it to see if they could show the contestants how it’s really done. Then, the Hot Air Balloon Pilots took a shot at it. The whole competition was very entertaining! The winners were announced at the end of the exciting event. Below is KSST’s coverage of this thrilling milking competition. Be sure to check it out and find out who won!
Senior Center COOR Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to Discuss Upcoming Activities
On this informative episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a visit from Dawna Pryor, Coordinator of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center. The two had a chat about such topics as the upcoming Father’s Day celebration, “Putt Putt and Pie with Pops” taking place June 13th, 2025, the John Wayne movie they picked out for the next Movie Day at the Center next month, the new craft activity, “Giggles and Glue” being introduced in July, and so much more. Don’t miss catching this interesting segment and learn what your Senior Citizens Activity Center has instore for you!
Members of the Sulphur Springs Wildcats Baseball Team Have Earned All-District 14-4A Honors
June 10, 2025 – Members of the Sulphur Springs Wildcats baseball team have earned All-District 14-4A honors.
The Defensive Player of the Year is Alex Macias, Senior.
The Pitcher of the Year is Alex Whittle, Sophomore.
The Newcomer of the Year pitcher and outfielder. Deacon Carpenter, Freshman.
Named to the 1st Team are:
Pitcher Kaden Mitchell, Senior.
Outfielder Jaxon Virgel, Freshman.
Catcher sam Gamblin, Freshman.
Named to the 2nd Team:
Pitcher Ty Holt, Senior.
Outfield Mason Davis, Sophomore.
Utility Player, Corbin Argenbright, Junior
Honorable Mention:
First Base, Lane Fouse, Junior.
The Wildcats went 20-11 and won a bi-district series vs. Community under first-year Head Coach Colt Gresham. They finished second in the district and twice beat Texarkana Pleasant Grove, which went on to lose the state 4A Division 1 championship game to Corpus Christi Calallen.
Who Will Cornyn Face in 2026?
June 10, 2025 – As of now, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a longtime Texas Republican and former Senate Majority Whip, is widely expected to seek reelection in 2026. Cornyn has been a significant figure in Texas and national politics, often positioning himself as a mainstream conservative aligned with the Republican establishment.
Potential challengers in the GOP primary have not been officially confirmed, but there is ongoing speculation that Cornyn could face opposition from more hardline or Trump-aligned candidates. Cornyn’s relationship with former President Donald Trump has been complex, and in today’s political environment, that could open the door to a primary challenge from the party’s right wing.
There is also interest in whether popular statewide figures like Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has a strong base among grassroots conservatives, or newer Republican voices might enter the race. The Texas GOP has seen increased internal competition in recent years, often between establishment conservatives and more populist factions.
The primary field is still forming, and more definitive answers about Cornyn’s challengers will likely emerge closer to the 2026 election cycle.
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 sure to check out this interesting segment and see what you learn!
