Beware of New Scam Text Messages For Unpaid Tolls
September 19, 2025 – There is a rash of scam texts being sent to Texas phone numbers this month. Here is an example of one such text.
Texas (TxDMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Begins September 21th.
Our records indicate that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you fail to pay by September 20, 2025, we will take the following actions:
1. Report to the TxDMV violation database
2. Suspend your vehicle registration effective September 20th
3. Suspend your driving privileges for 30 days
4. Pay a 35% service fee at toll booths
5. You may be prosecuted, and your credit score will be affected.
Pay Now: [SCAM WEBSITE REDACTED BY KSST]
Please pay immediately, before enforcement begins, to avoid license suspension and further legal trouble.
(Reply Y and reopen this message, or copy it to your browser.)
No legitimate government agency would send a message like this to any customer. If you receive a text like this, delete it immediately. Do not reply to it or click any link inside it. Those action will let scammers know a real person received the text, and they will increase their efforts to scam you.
CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM SUPPORTS HEALTHY MEALS AND NUTRITION EDUCATION IN DAY CARE SETTINGS
Program sponsors serve nutritious meals and snacks for childcare and adult day care participants.
September 19, 2025 – AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller encouraged Texans to learn more about accessing nutritious meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers this federally funded program operating at more than 12,000 sites in Texas, including adult day care centers, childcare centers, home-based day cares, and afterschool programs. TDA and these partners are working to promote healthy lifestyles by ensuring eligible children and adults can enjoy nutritious free or reduced-price meals and snacks in CACFP.
“The Child and Adult Care Food Program plays a vital role in keeping Texans of all ages healthy and active,” Commissioner Miller said. “Our partners in CACFP work hard to serve about 200 million balanced meals and snacks every year in Texas. These meals help young Texans grow and older Texans continue to thrive. I want families to access this great resource and support the hard-working people putting healthy food on the table with CACFP.”
This October, schools and CACFP providers can take Commissioner Sid Miller’s Farm Fresh Challenge and earn recognition for serving more Texas products and providing agricultural education opportunities. The Challenge helps CACFP sponsors and Texas school nutrition teams promote Farm Fresh practices and connections to Texas agriculture. For more information about the Challenge, visit SquareMeals.org/Farm Fresh Challenge and for more information about CACFP, visit SquareMeals.org/CACFP.
Benefits
CACFP meals are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and meet specific nutrition standards. Participants receive a balanced meal that can include Texas products.
At centers and day care homes that include meals as part of tuition, meals will be available to enrolled participants at no separate charge. Meals served at eligible at-risk afterschool programs are free to all participants in the program.
At centers and day care homes where meals are charged separately from tuition, the following groups automatically qualify for free meals:
- Children in households getting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits; or who are enrolled in Early Head Start; Head Start or Even Start Programs; or who receive Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits automatically qualify for free meals through participating CACFP providers.
- Foster children placed with a caregiver by the state or courts are eligible for free meals. If you have foster children living with you and wish to apply for free meals for your foster child, contact your participating childcare center or day care home for assistance.
- Adults who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits, Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for free meals.
The following groups may qualify for free or reduced-price meals depending on their eligibility information as indicated in their application:
- Children in households that do not receive any of the above assistance may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income. See the chart below for income eligibility guidelines.
- Parents or guardians who become unemployed may apply for free or reduced-price meals on behalf of their children at any time during the period of unemployment.
- Children and adults in households participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
- Adults who do not receive any of the above assistance may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income. See the chart below for income eligibility guidelines.
Meals are made available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Application
To apply for free or reduced-price meals, you may request an application from your childcare center, adult day care center, or day care home provider. The information provided on the application will be treated confidentially and will be used only for eligibility determinations and verification of information.
To locate a center or day care home participating in the CACFP, call (877) TEX-MEAL. Participating childcare locations will also display official “Building for the Future” and “And Justice for All” posters.
Income Eligibility Guidelines (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
| Household Size | Total Income | |||||||||
| Annual | Monthly | Twice Monthly | Biweekly | Weekly | ||||||
| No. of Household Members | Free | Reduced | Free | Reduced | Free | Reduced | Free | Reduced | Free | Reduced |
| 1 | $20,345 | $28,953 | $1,696 | $2,413 | $848 | $1,207 | $783 | $1,114 | $392 | $557 |
| 2 | $27,495 | $39,128 | $2,292 | $3,261 | $1,146 | $1,631 | $1,058 | $1,505 | $529 | $753 |
| 3 | $34,645 | $49,303 | $2,888 | $4,109 | $1,444 | $2,055 | $1,333 | $1,897 | $667 | $949 |
| 4 | $41,795 | $59,478 | $3,483 | $4,957 | $1,742 | $2,479 | $1,608 | $2,288 | $804 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $48,945 | $69,653 | $4,079 | $5,805 | $2,040 | $2,903 | $1,883 | $2,679 | $942 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $56,095 | $79,828 | $4,675 | $6,653 | $2,338 | $3,327 | $2,158 | $3,071 | $1,079 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $63,245 | $90,003 | $5,271 | $7,501 | $2,636 | $3,751 | $2,433 | $3,462 | $1,217 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $70,395 | $100,178 | $5,867 | $8,349 | $2,934 | $4,175 | $2,708 | $3,853 | $1,354 | $1,927 |
| For each additional family member, add | +$7,150 | +$10,175 | +$596 | +$848 | +$298 | +$424 | +$275 | +$392 | +$138 | +$196 |
Rights
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- 1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
- 2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
- 3. Email: mailto:[email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
SSISD Superintendent Dr. Steeber had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey September 16th
September 18, 2025 – Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent, Dr. Deana Steeber, dropped by September 16th, 2025, to have a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Dr. Steeber and John Mark discussed the new policies school districts now have in regards to cell phones. They also chatted about some of the changes coming to the STAAR test, and they talked about the next school ground breaking coming up, and much more. Be sure to check out this interesting episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey!
The Asian Longhorned Tick By Master Gardener David Wall
September 18, 2025 – As if we didn’t have enough pests to be concerned with when we’re out and about in our gardens and outdoors in general, we have a new pest that’s coming, and it’s called the Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT). Though Asian, it was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. In just eight years, it has spread to at least 20 states, the most western being Arkansas (2018) and Oklahoma (2024), which means Texas is probably next. The speed with which it arrived in Arkansas means it has probably been delivered in produce of some type.
ALHTs carry a parasite called Theilera orientalis (cattle theileriorsis). It’s a parasite that affects red and white blood cells, which can cause anemia and in a worst-case basis, lead to death. Other caried pathogens can have adverse effects on farm animals. They also have other pathogens which have serious impacts.
Mating is not required for reproduction, and a female can lay up to 2,000 eggs, which, in turn, make the new host heavily infected. Dairy cows, for instance, can see a 25% loss in milk production. Stress can result in slower growth and even death from blood loss.
ALHT sizes range from that of a sesame seed to a pea after feeding. Hosts include a wide range of domesticated farm animals, pets, and humans. Warm blood sources are required for survival.
For humans, the risks are many. While they don’t carry Lyme disease, they can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Heartland virus, and Powassan virus. So far, these extra problems have only shown up in a laboratory environment, but…..
In urban areas, the ALHT problem is slight, although awareness for your pets is strongly suggested. In rural areas, regularly check pets and livestock. Remember, on tick can jump to as many as 2,000 literally overnight.
Governor Abbott Hands Out Strait To The Heart Funds To Leander Area Flood Victims
September 17, 2025 | Leander, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today joined the Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund to present checks to families in the greater Leander area impacted by the catastrophic July 4th floods. This event is the third Governor Abbott has attended to present checks to families whose primary homes were damaged or destroyed. The funds come from the “Strait to the Heart” benefit concert earlier this summer, hosted by George Strait and Estancia Estates Founder Tom Cusick.
“We know you’ve been challenged in extraordinary ways,” said Governor Abbott. “We want to be able to be a part of the process, not just now but in an ongoing way, to help you respond to those challenges. The financial assistance you leave with today will help you deal with the devastation left behind by the flooding. Our hope is that this check will assist you all in a meaningful way in the rebuilding process.”
The Governor was joined at the check presentation by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.
In July, Governor Abbott attended the “Strait to the Heart” benefit concert, which raised over $6 million to help support flood-impacted Texans.
White-tailed Deer Archery Hunters Should Have Plenty of Opportunities to Harvest Quality Bucks Before the General Season
Sept. 16, 2025 – AUSTIN – White-tailed deer hunters heading to blinds for the archery-only season should experience another great opener this year. Bucks during this time of year gather in bachelor groups and provide plenty of hunting opportunities before the rut kicks off.
Texas began the growing season under drought conditions in March, but much of the state received abundant rainfall later in the spring. The vegetation growth from these rains boosted antler development and allowed does to pack on reserves for fawning and lactation, and those regions should expect an excellent season.
“Historically good fawn recruitment over the last several years will provide archery hunters plenty of opportunities to bag a quality buck,” said Blaise Korzekwa, White-tailed Deer Program Leader.
Forbs (weeds and flowering plants), which are a critical component of a deer’s diet, became abundant during late spring and offered essential nutrients to boost antler development in much of the state. However, hunters in portions of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas ecoregions may see average to below-average antlers on bucks this season, as rainfall wasn’t received in these regions until the summer months.
While the archery-only and Managed Lands Deer Program seasons begin Sept. 27, the general season opens more than a month later, on Nov. 1. The general season runs through Jan. 4, 2026, in the North Zone and Jan. 18, 2026, in the South Zone. A youth-only deer season is set in both zones for Oct. 24-26 and Jan. 5-18. For additional late season deer hunting opportunities, county specific regulations and information on how to properly tag and report a harvest, consult the 2025-26 Outdoor Annual.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is asking hunters to continue surveillance for New World screwworm. If hunters or landowners observe a live animal infested with maggots, they should quickly report the observation to a local TPWD biologist. Through active surveillance hunters can help protect the state from a pest that could have devastating impacts. For more information, please visit TPWD’s New World Screwworm webpage.
Landowners and hunters also play a critical role in managing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The most effective way to help manage CWD is by reporting sick deer, properly disposing of unused carcass parts and voluntarily testing harvests. More information about carcass disposal requirements and voluntary CWD check station dates and hours of operations can be found on TPWD’s CWD website.
Archery hunters are required to purchase an Archery Endorsement in addition to their hunting license. Hunters taking advantage of Texas Public Hunting Lands must have the Annual Public Hunting Permit. Public land hunters should also consult the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet to review regulations that may apply to specific areas. The Texas Hunt & Fish app can be used to complete on-site registration electronically at a public hunting area.
Those interested in learning more about archery and bowhunting, or anyone who is looking to brush up on their skills ahead of the season, are encouraged to explore Bowhunter by Fall, a newsletter series presented by TPWD’s Community Archery Program.
Governor Abbott Signs Laws To Expand Texas’ Career Training Programs
September 17, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday ceremonially signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law, expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for Texas students. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abbott emphasized that while a four-year degree can be valuable, career training often offers a more direct pathway to good-paying jobs.
“Career training is a game-changer for our students, our state, and our employers,” Abbott said. “With these two laws, Texas is making career and technical education bigger and better than ever before.” He highlighted that over the past two years, the state has invested more than $7 billion into career training initiatives.
House Bill 20 creates the Applied Sciences Pathway Program, enabling 11th and 12th graders to earn high school diplomas while completing industry-recognized certificates through partnerships with colleges. House Bill 120 enhances readiness by expanding access to high-quality CTE programs, modernizing career counseling with workforce data, and supporting military training opportunities.
Abbott noted that Texas is setting the national standard for workforce development, pointing to programs like the Jobs & Education for Texans Grant Program and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership. By broadening CTE access, the state aims to strengthen its diverse workforce and solidify its position as a global economic leader.
Learn What’s Up at Cooper State Park on This Episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
September 16, 2025 – Check out this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and learn what’s going on at Cooper Lake State Park. John Mark and Cooper Lake State Park Supervisor, Aron Maib, discussed the Veteran’s Suicide Awareness Ruck Hike events being held September 20th, 2025, at Cooper Lake State Park, the Hunters Education event being held at Cooper City Hall on September 27th, 2025, Christmas In The Park, and so much more. Don’t miss this interesting segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey!
Car Seats Save Lives
September 16, 2025 – TxDOT is urging parents to correctly restrain child passengers amid rise in unrestrained deaths
PARIS – Texas parents will do anything to protect their child – like checking under the bed for monsters at night or researching all the ingredients in baby food. But one of the most effective ways to protect children is often overlooked: properly securing them in a car seat every time they ride.
We recognize that installing a car seat correctly can be challenging, and while we all know it’s important to buckle up, Texas saw an increase in unrestrained children younger than 8 dying in crashes last year. If we want to drive like a Texan and be kind, courteous and safe, it’s vital that children are in properly installed car seats.
“The rise in unrestrained deaths is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “These tragedies are preventable. Every parent and caregiver must make it a nonnegotiable habit to properly secure their child in a car seat or booster — every ride, every time. Children’s lives depend on it.”
- In 2024, there were 8 passenger vehicle crashes in the Paris District that resulted in 9 serious injuries and 1 fatality for children younger than 8 years old. Counties in the Paris District are Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rains and Red River.
- In 2024, there were 9 passenger vehicle crashes in the Paris District that resulted in 8 serious injuries and 1 fatality for children ages 8-12.
The data
The number of children younger than 8 who were unrestrained at the time of a fatal crash in Texas grew from 30% to 40% between 2023 to 2024. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nationwide, 46% of all car seats are not correctly installed, putting children at unnecessary risk if they’re in a crash. That means nearly one out of two car seats are not being installed correctly.
What parents can do
TxDOT invites parents and caregivers to schedule a free car seat safety check by visiting SaveMeWithASeat.org and entering their ZIP code to find the nearest TxDOT office.
During September, the Save Me with a Seat campaign will make stops in multiple Texas cities, showcasing an interactive educational experience that features a space-travel-themed backdrop.
The law
Texas law requires all children under the age of 8 or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, to be in a car seat when riding in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250.
The Save Me with a Seat campaign 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.
Contact Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state.
Connecting You with Texas
Sulphur Springs Council Sets Special Session to Discuss New Property Tax Rate And Other Fees
September 16, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs City Council has set a Special Session meeting planned for 5:30pm on Thursday September 18, 2025. Among the agenda items to discuss and take action on include the tax rate for the upcoming year as well as water and sewer rates for city residents. Another agenda item could reset the fees and rates associated with permitting, utility services and other services provided by the City. The city council will also consider on final reading two ordinances establishing Reinvestment Zones 25-02 and 25-03. Although listed as a “special session” the meeting is open to the public and includes a public hearing agenda item reserving time for comments from residents.
CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
September 18, 2025
City Hall 201 N. Davis St
5:30 P.M.
The special meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. on
Thursday September 18, 2025. The following items will be discussed:
- Call to order.
- Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag, Texas Flag, and invocation.
- Public hearing on Proposed FY 2026 Budget.
- Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2885 adopting
the FY 2026 Budget and appropriating certain funds and directing their
expenditure. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2886 setting the
2025 tax year property tax rate for the 2026 Fiscal Year. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2887 amending
water rate ordinance setting, new water rates effective October 1, 2025. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2888 amending
sewer rate ordinance setting, new sewer rates effective October 1, 2025. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2889, an
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, amending
Ordinance No. 2865, the master fee schedule for costs, fees and rates associated
with permitting, utility services and other services provided by the City. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2890,
authorization of updated service credits. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2891, an
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, amending
Ordinance No. 2861, the 2024-2025 Annual Budget Ordinance. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2892, the
creation of Sulphur Springs Reinvestment Zone 25-02. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2893, the
creation of Sulphur Springs Reinvestment Zone 25-03. - Visitors and Public Forum.
- Adjourn.
Below is information provided by City of Sulphur Springs staff concerning impact of changes in tax rate dependent upon how council votes on new tax rate:
