Real Lives, Real Losses of Drunk Driving
June 17, 2025 – One quarter of the total traffic fatalities in Texas in 2024 were DUI-alcohol related
PARIS – Marcus Nalepa and his 8-year-old daughter Kelsey were on the way to her softball practice in League City when their lives changed forever.
Just feet from Kelsey’s elementary school, a drunk driver slammed into the family car at a stop light. Kelsey suffered brain injuries and died two days later.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is sharing Kelsey’s story to remind Texans that every life on the road is a friend, a family member and a neighbor who deserves the same respect we would show them in person.
A family’s plea
“It’s not hard to make arrangements ahead of time,” said Nicole Nalepa, Kelsey’s mother. “There are so many other alternatives to help prevent a tragedy—like the one that happened to my family—from happening to yours.”
TxDOT put a sign near the site where Kelsey died that reads, “Please don’t drink and drive. In honor of Kelsey Nalepa who was killed in 2017.” The family continues to plead with Texans not to drink and drive and hopes the sign can make a difference.
“If that sign saves one family, it is well worth it in my opinion,” Marcus Nalepa said.
Despite the risk, some drivers still choose to drink
Most people know that drunk driving is dangerous, yet there were more than 1,000 deaths in Texas from DUI/alcohol-related crashes in 2024. That means three Texans were lost every day because a driver ignored the risks.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 6,217 traffic crashes, resulting in 102 fatalities and 447 serious injuries.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 341 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 26 fatalities and 65 serious injuries.
- In the Paris District during the 2024 July Fourth holiday time period, there were 8 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in no fatalities and 2 serious injuries.
“Making the choice to drive drunk instead of finding a sober ride home can and does lead to serious consequences,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “No one wants to live the rest of their life knowing they caused the death of another person on the road, and no one is impervious to the dangers of driving impaired.”
TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign and the traveling Faces of Drunk Driving video exhibit will showcase first-person testimonials from drunk-driving offenders and survivors. These emotional stories demonstrate the real, tangible consequences associated with drunk driving and remind Texans that every choice on the road can impact friends, families and neighbors.
Increased law enforcement period
Timed with the official start of summer and the Fourth of July weekend, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is aligned with an increased law enforcement effort to keep Texas roads safe. From June 26 through July 13, officers will be on a heightened lookout for drunk drivers to reduce DUI crashes, injuries and fatalities across the state.
Drive Sober. No Regrets. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
Relive the Excitement of the 64th Annual Dairy Fest Pageant with KSST’s Coverage of the Event
June 17, 2025 – Relive the excitement, joy, and wonder of the 64th Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival Pageant with KSST’s coverage of the exciting event down below. Experience the laughter, sweat, and tears of the climax of the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival as you go “Udder The Big Top!” See Coryn Young perform one last time as the 2024 Queen. Watch the excitement as Lucy McKenzie is crowned the new 2025 Dairy Festival Queen! And, if you’ve never been to a Dairy Festival Pageant, watch this and learn why you MUST attend next year! It wasn’t just a show, it was… an experience!
Pain Relief ‘Stem Cell Injection’ Scams Now Moving Across The Country
June 16, 2025 – Across Texas and the nation, people are increasingly falling prey to aggressive marketing schemes offering unproven stem-cell injections, often presented at free steak dinner seminars. These events, advertised via flyers and mailers, promise life-changing results for chronic pain, joint issues, and even neurological conditions — all without FDA approval or credible scientific backing.
Stem cell therapy can be expensive, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or even higher, depending on the treatment and the patient’s condition, and it’s often not covered by insurance.
The lure typically starts with a complimentary meal at a local steakhouse, where presenters, sometimes dressed as medical professionals, make bold claims about the miraculous healing potential of stem-cell treatments. They often present ‘patients’ that have made miraculous recoveries, but can not offer real statistics or evidence in the form of double-blinded studies. Attendees, many of whom are elderly or suffering from chronic pain, are told they can regain mobility, eliminate discomfort, and avoid surgery, all through costly injections that may not contain viable stem cells at all.
While some clinics offer stem cell injections for pain relief, they are often not FDA-approved and may be considered experimental.
Experts and regulators warn these sales pitches are often misleading or outright fraudulent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued multiple advisories about such clinics, stressing that many of these so-called treatments are unproven and potentially dangerous. Yet the market continues to grow, driven by people who are “desperately willing” to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for hope.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends caution regarding stem cell interventions for arthritis and other joint injuries, as there is not yet strong evidence of their effectiveness for these conditions.
Consumer protection agencies caution Texans to be skeptical of medical claims made at such events and to consult licensed physicians before pursuing stem-cell therapies.
Honorary Chairs for Spreading Our Wings Campaign Announced
June 16, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Honorary chairpersons for Spreading Our Wings, the campaign to fund the expansion of the surgical services wing at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, have been announced. Long-time community leaders and hospital supporters, Sharon and Charles Helm will be serving in this role with the fundraising initiative.
In this volunteer role, the Helms will be assisting with plans and marketing for the project. They have been vocal about their great experiences with CMF-SS physicians, the need for a strong, local hospital, and their desire to see CMF-SS become a regional hospital. For the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 2025 Gala, Sharon and Charles provided a video presentation sharing the life-saving care they have each been provided by CMF-SS providers.
To show their support for the Spreading Our Wings initiative, the Helms were early donors to the campaign and have given generously.
CEO/President of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, Paul Harvey said about the Helms, “We are so pleased that Sharon and Charles are willing to assist us with the Spreading Our Wings campaign. They understand what we are trying to do here, and with their experiences and knowledge, they can help us make the advancements with this campaign to better serve this community.”
To learn more about the campaign, visit SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is running the fundraising campaign for the benefit of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, so all or part of donations may be tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax preparer for more information.
For more information contact the Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
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Harley-Davidson Softails Recalled
June 16, 2025 – Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling more than 82,000 bikes due to an issue that increases the potential of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reporting.
The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break on certain 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles, the federal agency said in a recall notice dated June 12, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
The possible malfunction can lead to a risk of crash or death, officials said.
Harley-Davison had not reported any deaths or injuries in connection to the issue, as of early June.
Some vehicles included in the recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have a new remedy completed. Here’s what to know about the recall, including which years are affected and how to remedy the issue.
The recall affects the following 82,117 Harley-Davidson Softail bikes:
- FLDE: 2018-2019
- FLHCS: 2018-2024
- FLHC: 2018-2021
- FXLRS: 2020-2024
- FXLRST: 2022-2024
- FLHCS ANV: 2018, 2023
- FXRST: 2022
To view additional details about the recall, visit the report here.
Texas Capitol Evacuated Saturday Due to Credible Threat
June 16, 2025 – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) evacuated the Texas Capitol on Saturday in response to what officials described as a “credible threat” directed toward the state government. The evacuation took place just hours before a planned “No Kings” protest was set to begin on Capitol grounds.
Law enforcement officials quickly secured the area and began investigating the source of the threat. DPS later confirmed that a man had been arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the suspect’s identity or the nature of the threat, but they emphasized that the response was taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure public safety.
The “No Kings” protest, which was expected to draw a significant number of participants, was organized to challenge what protesters describe as overreach by state leadership. The event was ultimately postponed as law enforcement continued their investigation and worked to clear the area.
In a statement, DPS said, “The safety of Texans, state employees, and visitors is our highest priority. We acted swiftly to protect the public and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
As of now, officials have not indicated whether the suspect had ties to any known groups or whether the threat was directly related to the protest. The Capitol remained closed for several hours before being reopened to the public later in the day.
Authorities said they will release additional details as the investigation progresses and reassured the public that security measures at the Capitol remain heightened.
Texas Senate Bill 38: New Protections for Property Owners Against Bad-Faith Tenants and Serial Squatters
June 16, 2025 – Texas has taken decisive action to protect property owners with the passage of Senate Bill 38, a law designed to address the growing challenges posed by bad-faith tenants and serial squatters. Under this new legislation, eviction cases can now be handled more efficiently, reducing the time and financial burden landlords often face when attempting to reclaim their property.
One of the most significant features of Senate Bill 38 is the ability to expedite the eviction process. The law allows courts to issue summary judgments in clear-cut cases, enabling property owners to win their cases without the need for lengthy trials. This provision is particularly beneficial in situations where the evidence is undeniable, saving time for both the courts and landlords.
Supporters of the bill argue that the existing eviction system is often exploited by serial squatters and bad-faith tenants who delay proceedings to remain in properties rent-free for extended periods. These delays not only harm individual property owners but can also result in financial strain, unpaid property taxes, and unnecessary maintenance costs.
Senate Bill 38 aims to streamline the adjudication process and eliminate unnecessary obstacles that prevent landlords from regaining control of their properties. By removing procedural inefficiencies, the bill offers much-needed relief to Texas property owners while preserving fair legal protections for tenants who act in good faith.
Lawmakers who supported the legislation emphasized that the bill is about restoring balance and ensuring that property rights are respected. With Senate Bill 38 now in effect, Texas landlords can pursue evictions more swiftly, minimizing financial losses and deterring serial squatting practices that have become a growing concern in many parts of the state.
Pruning Tomato Plants From Master Gardener David Wall
June 15, 2025 – If you’re growing determinate tomatoes, disregard this article, other than to say when determinate finish producing, have more plants ready to take their place! It’s also not about pruning sucker limbs which you should already be doing. It’s not about keeping the bottom 12-24” fee of limbs for air circulation. Rather, it’s about keeping growth in check to provide the best and most fruit as well as maintaining plant health.
During the summer, limbs become bunched together, cutting off free air flow to the foliage and fruit. Lack of air flow in summer heat does the plants no favor. By the way, prune in the early morning when it’s cooler for both you and the plant, which lowers plant stress and gives the plant some time to heal before the heat of the day. Also, removing excess growth, pushes the plant to focus more on fruit production than leaf production.
Pushing the plant away from leaf production pushes it to developing and taking care of fruit. You may get higher or lower production, but more important, you’ll get better quality!
Your goal in pruning is first, to improve air flow around and through the plant. Next, prevent plants from becoming top-heavy or bushy which can lead to structural problems and uneven distribution of fruit. Sunlight should be able to penetrate to plant lower levels for preventing disease problems while allowing healthy growth. With pruning, the quality of the fruit will definitely improve.
Inside a cage, some limbs will grow downward, encroaching on the free air flow zone you want clear of leaves. Cut the limbs off as close to the stem as possible. Always use sharp scissors.
Pruning isn’t a “one shot and you’re done.” Examine plants weekly as part of garden maintenance. We’ll talking topping in a future article.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Summer Seminar to be Held June 21, 2025
June 15, 2025 – OUR SUMMER SEMINAR IS ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY!
Saturday, June 21, 2025 with Patti Huff Williams
Registration is still open, so grab your seat before someone beats you to it. In fact, if you just can’t make up your mind until the last minute you may register at the door on the day of the seminar. (However, if you wish to attend the seminar via Zoom, registration will close at noon on Friday, June 20, 2025).
The current price is $35.00 for everyone and the syllabus accompanying this presentation is worth the price of the seminar all by itself! (Those joining us virtually will receive a Zoom link to the seminar and the Syllabus via email on the day of the seminar. Following the seminar a hard copy of the Syllabus will be mailed to each participant).
And now, just to tempt you further to join us in person, several downtown restaurants have agreed to discount their prices by 10% when you mention you are attending the HCGS Seminar!! The restaurants participating are: Plain & Fancy, Redneck Bar & Grill, Corner Grubhouse, and Haystacks.
You really don’t want to pass up this opportunity
Your 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen is… Lucy McKenzie!
June 14, 2025 – The hugely popular 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival came to an big top ending Saturday night, June 14, 2025, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Auditorium when, after ambitious competition from eight very talented contestants, Lucy McKenzie was crowned as the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen. Lucy is the daughter of Ryan and KK McKenzie, and will be attending Sulphur Springs High School in the Fall as a Senior. The theme for this year’s Dairy Festival, which celebrates and acknowledges the rich heritage of the dairy industry, was “Udder the Big Top.” The theme and the spirit was carried out throughout the Festival from the hot air balloons, the parade with all of it’s fantastic floats, the Jr. Dairy Show, Milking Contest, Ice Cream Freeze Off, and Carnival finally concluding with the 64th Annual Dairy Festival Pageant!
The Dairy Festival Pageant began with a spirited rendition of the National Anthem by Brad Cummings, followed by an impressive circus routine performed by a professional routine group from Rise and Fly Fitness. Next, Carolyn McKinney took to the mic to welcome everyone and to introduce the night’s Emcee, Israel Lewis. Lewis then began his wonderful Master of Ceremonies duties of the night, starting with introduction of the 2025 Dairy Festival Queen Contestants. Each contestant took to the stage, which was fabulously decorated as a circus big top tent to carry on the theme, “Udder The Big Top,” as Israel Lewis shared some details about each young competitor. Next, the 2024 Dairy Festival Queen, Coryn Young, daughter of Shandis and Cory Young, was introduced and she took to the stage. Coryn then helped out as Israel Lewis introduced the “Crackerjacks.” The two winning kids took the stage and strutted their stuff, waving and smiling.
Israel Lewis then introduced the Judges of the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen competition as the contestants prepared to show off their talents in the Talent Competition. The 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Contestant Competition Judges consisted of Sawyer Cunningham, Denita Young, Terry McGonigal, Leslie Loanzon, and Ana Lemons. Standing in as Auditor was Emily Glass. Next, each 2025 Queen Contestant took to the stage to give it their all and show off the best of their talents. The competition was outstanding! You could tell each young woman was giving it their best, and it showed. Each performance was inspiring. There was no doubt that each contestant had worked hard and prepared for this glorious moment, giving it all of their best efforts. The examples of awesome talent ranged from dancing to singing, from artistic speech pieces to piano playing, to comedy and beyond! The judges had an impressive challenge in front of them. Once the Talent Competition was finished, the night’s activities took a break as the Pageant went into a brief intermission.
The evening’s pageantries then continued with special entertainment. 2024 Queen Coryn Young shared her wonderful talent of dance by performing a routine to Prince’s “Purple Rain.” When Coryn was done and was catching her breath, she had a chat with the night’s emcee Israel Lewis where she shared her experience as the Dairy Festival Queen. She also gave some advice to the 2025 Contestants. Next, the 2025 Dairy Fest Queen Contestants were escorted on stage. One at a time they walked on stage dressed in beautiful gowns for the Evening Gown Competition. Each contestant stepped up to the mic and shared a little about themselves and how much they love Hopkins County. Each shared a personal thought, or philosophy. Each of the young women took a spot on stage and waited patiently. As the judges then took on the hard task of selecting winners by tallying up their scores, Judge Brad Cummings and his son, Hayden, took to the stage and performed a couple of spirited numbers entertaining the audience and the 2025 Queen Contestants.
The moment we all had been waiting for all evening had finally come. The revealing of the winners. First, Ticket Sales Awards were rewarded. Second Place in Ticket Sales went to Lucy McKenzie, Daughter of Ryan and KK McKenzie. First Place in Ticket Sales went to Amerson Boles, Daughter of Michael and Brandi Boles. Each of these contestants were rewarded cash prizes. The next Award presented was the Tracey Gold Fox Miss Congeniality Award. The 2025 Contestant to win this Award was Emmah Palacios, Daughter of Miguel and Lyndie Palacios. Emmah earned a plaque for this honor. Next, the winner of the 2025 Talent Award was announced. Lucy McKenzie won this Award with her talents on the piano and microphone when she performed the Beatles’, “Let It Be,” which rewarded her a $500.00 Scholarship. The announcement of the winners of the top four Awards came next. The Third Runner Up for Queen was Awarded to Emma Boatman, Daughter of Ashten Boatman and the late Jacob Boatman. Emma won a $500 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. The Second Runner Up honor went to Amerson Boles. Amerson won a $750 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. The Award for First Runner Up to the Queen went to Contestant Claire Jalufka, Daughter of Cody and Lisa Jalufka. Claire won a $1,000 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. The audience, contestants, and Coryn Young were on the edge of their seat as Israel Lewis began to announce that the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen was… Lucy McKenzie! … Lucy was rewarded a $1,250.00 Scholarship, and a Silver Tray. This huge win brought the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival to a climatic end. The entire Festival was grand and deserves a tip of the top hat!
Save the Date! The 2026 Hopkins County Dairy Festival is currently scheduled to take place June 12th, 2026 through June 20th, 2026. A video presentation of the 64th Annual Dairy Festival Pageant, “Udder The Big Top” will be available to see on Cable Channel 18, and KSST’s YouTube Channel, within the next few days. Be sure to check it out once it goes live!
