Dinner Bell for June 4, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Christus Health
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
Coryn Young, Queen, Hopkins County Dairy Festival, and her Court of eight lovely young ladies will greet and serve at the Dinner Bell on Wednesday June 4. All the beautiful contestants will be seniors in schools in Hopkins County during the 2025-2026 year.
It was only fitting that a pageant and queen contest be established in 1959 to honor the industry that “put Hopkins County on the map!” Not only will the contestants be judged on talent, but also beauty and poise, and in interview with the judges. They must also milk a cow (that will not be judged!).
“Udder the Big Top” is the theme of the 2025 two-week celebration with hot air balloons; beginning on June 6, the parade on June 7, and the Coronation Pageant on June 14 in the Civic Center auditorium.
Christus Health is the Community Partner for June 4 for Dinner Bell. This healthcare institution can trace its roots to 1866 and the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston. Dinner Bell is privileged to have this wonderful healthcare facility as a Commu nity Partner numerous times yearly dating back to 2017. We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Tarragon Brown Sugar Carrots
- Garden Salad
- Buttered French Bread Slices
- Toasted Nut Spice Cake
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 !!!
Local Railroad Hopeful Senate Bill 2366 Becomes Law
May 28, 2025 – The clock is ticking for Senate Bill 2366 and other hopeful legislation at the State level, as the regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature will come to a close on Friday, June 2nd. SB2366, authored by Texas Senator Bryan Hughes, would establish a grant program for short-line railroads. The North East Texas Connector runs from Greenville to Winfield, dissecting Sulphur Springs and making stops at the new Transload Center near Loop 301. If SB2366 passes, short-line railroads including NETC could apply for grants to cover costs up to 90% of approved projects such as replacing short line railroad tracks or bridges, improving rail capacity, or restoring railway service.
Texas Senate Passes Controversial Bill Defining Gender by Biology
May 28, 2025 – In a late-night session, the Texas Senate passed House Bill 229 on a 20-11 party-line vote, advancing legislation that legally defines “man” and “woman” based strictly on reproductive anatomy. The bill had already cleared the House and now heads to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for final approval.
House Bill 229, dubbed the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” defines a woman as an individual whose reproductive system is developed to produce ova and a man as someone whose reproductive system is developed to fertilize ova. These definitions would be mandated across all Texas state statutes, potentially affecting areas ranging from official identification to access to public facilities.
Authored by Rep. Ellen Troxclair and carried in the Senate by Sen. Mayes Middleton, the bill’s supporters say it aims to protect single-sex spaces—such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and prisons—and ensure fairness in athletic competitions. Proponents argue it prevents abuse by individuals they claim exploit gender identity laws.
“Your birth sex is your birth sex, period,” Middleton said.
However, critics warn the bill could have sweeping negative impacts on transgender and intersex individuals, potentially forcing them to be legally recognized only by the sex assigned at birth, regardless of gender identity or medical transition status. Civil rights groups have vowed to challenge the law if enacted.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Arrest of Two Illegal Aliens in Connection with the Death of a Woman on Lake Grapevine
May 28, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced the arrest of an illegal alien suspected of killing a woman kayaking on Lake Grapevine over the weekend and another illegal alien who helped her flee the scene of the crime.
On Sunday, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez—an illegal alien from Venezuela—struck and killed an 18-year-old woman, Ava Moore, on Lake Grapevine with a jet ski. The suspect then fled the scene with a male illegal alien, subsequently committing a hit-and-run after striking another vehicle. Attorney General Paxton’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit tracked down and arrested the illegal aliens connected to the crimes, working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Grapevine Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Ava Moore’s senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place. My heart breaks for Ava’s family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava.”
Save Your Pennies Now More Than Ever
May 27, 2025 – The U.S. Mint confirmed that it will officially cease production of the penny, marking the end of a coin that has circulated in American commerce for over 160 years. The Mint has placed its final order of penny blanks, signaling the closure of an era for the smallest denomination in U.S. currency.
The name Penny (or Penney) as a surname comes from the Old English word “penig,” referring to a coin, specifically a silver penny. This coin was a significant unit of currency in England for a long time.
The decision comes amid growing financial and technological pressures. “For every penny that the United States government prints, we’re actually losing money,” a Mint official said. It currently costs the federal government nearly two cents to produce a single penny—double its face value—leading to annual losses in the tens of millions. The growing shift toward a cashless economy has also played a key role in the decision, as Americans increasingly rely on credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment platforms, rendering coins like the penny obsolete in daily transactions.
President Donald Trump voiced his support for the move earlier this year, calling the penny “wasteful” on his Truth Social platform. In early May, Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) introduced bipartisan legislation to formally end the coin’s production.
While the penny has long held symbolic value in American culture—featuring the image of President Abraham Lincoln since 1909—its practical use has waned. Businesses and consumers alike have expressed growing indifference to its absence, and rounding policies for cash transactions are already in place in other countries that have phased out their lowest-denomination coins.
The U.S. Mint said existing pennies will remain legal tender indefinitely. However, collectors and history enthusiasts may rush to preserve these final editions, knowing the iconic coin has officially reached its end. The move reflects a broader trend toward modernizing and streamlining America’s monetary system in the digital age.
Accused Jet Ski Hit-And-Run Suspect Arrested; Confirmed as Illegal Alien
May 27, 2025 – Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez has been arrested in connection with the death of Ava Moore, according to a statement released by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Gonzalez, originally from Venezuela, was taken into custody along with a male accomplice who allegedly assisted her in fleeing the scene. Both individuals are reported to be in the United States illegally, as confirmed by Paxton’s office.
18-year-old Ava Moore, a member of the 2029 US Air Force Academy, was hit and killed while kayaking on Grapevine Lake over Memorial Day weekend.
The arrest comes following an investigation into Moore’s death, which has drawn significant attention due to the suspects’ immigration status. Attorney General Paxton emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of immigration laws to prevent similar tragedies, calling the case an example of the dangers posed by unsecured borders and lack of federal oversight.
“This heartbreaking case is another reminder of the consequences of our broken immigration system,” Paxton said in a statement. “Texans deserve to be safe in their communities.”
Authorities have not yet released the full details surrounding Moore’s death, but the case continues to develop. Both Gonzalez and the unnamed male suspect are being held pending further legal proceedings. The Attorney General’s Office has pledged to pursue justice fully in the case and to continue cooperating with local and federal law enforcement to ensure public safety.
Lottery Scandal Now Includes Russian National
May 27, 2025 – Ryan Dickinson and Matthew Clemenson have pled guilty to their roles in a far-reaching securities fraud scheme involving Lottery.com. The charges stem from a complex web of fabricated financial statements, sham transactions, and regulatory deception—all designed to mislead investors and artificially inflate the company’s valuation ahead of a merger deadline.
According to federal indictments unsealed earlier this year, the fraud was orchestrated by Russian national Vadim Komissarov, also known as “Vlad.” With time running out to complete a merger or return investor funds, Komissarov allegedly directed Dickinson and Clemenson—both high-ranking Lottery.com executives—to falsify revenue reports through fake contracts and non-existent payments. Their goal was to create the illusion of growth and financial stability.
In addition to their internal misconduct at Lottery.com, Dickinson and Clemenson are linked to former Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Gary Grief. The three reportedly maintained close ties, raising further questions about the oversight of the state lottery system and possible regulatory complicity.
Although not detailed in the formal court filings, sources close to the investigation allege the men also played a key role in rigging a $95 million lottery jackpot in April 2023, with the assistance of Grief. This jackpot manipulation has not yet resulted in additional charges but is under ongoing federal review.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through both financial and regulatory sectors in Texas, calling into question the integrity of oversight institutions and the security of lottery operations. With Dickinson and Clemenson now cooperating with authorities, further indictments and revelations are expected. Their guilty pleas mark a major step in unraveling a fraud that not only misled investors but may have compromised one of the state’s most trusted public institutions.
Hopkins County Marine Corps League Held a Memorial Service on Celebration Square This Memorial Day
May 26, 2025 – The Hopkins County Marine Corps League Det. 1357 presented a Memorial Service on Celebration Plaza Downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas, this Memorial Day. Below is KSST’s coverage of this honorable ceremony. Veterans Voices Bob Kerr presented the program, with the National Anthem performed by Gracyn Hendrix, Tapps performed by bugler Jim Rich, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sheriff Lewis Tatum. Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom led the community in prayer. Be sure to check out the ceremony below, and always remember the honored dead who gave the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. God Bless America!
Ladycats Softball Team Dropped Their Best-of-Three State Semi-Final Series
May 25, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs Ladycats softball team dropped their best-of-three state semi-final series to Andrews over the weekend in Graham, two games to one.
After losing to Andrews 6-4 on Thursday night, the Ladycats won game two late Saturday afternoon, 7-5.
Sophomore pitcher Hannah Speed struck out eight, walked none and gave up eight hits. At bat, Speed went three for four with two doubles, a triple, two RBIs and three runs scored. Senior shortshop Emerson Thomson went two for five with an RBI and two runs scored.
Depite the loss. Andrews crushed four home runs in the game, including two by Georgia Lambert. It was a foretaste of things to come in the final game, won by the Lady Mustangs, 15-5 in run-rule fashion after five innings.
The Lady Mustangs blasted five homers in game three, including two by Lambert, giving her four for the day, and two by shortsop Alexis Cornejo.
Andrews, which will play Corpus Christ Calallen next weekend for the State 4A Division 1 championship, has 64 homers for the season.
Emma Thomspon, Abby Goldsmith, Braillie Blevins Gracie Thompson and Baylor Boatman scored for the Ladycats in game three.
The Ladycats, under head coach David Carillo, finish the season at 31-10 and won won bi-district, area and regional championshps.
The Sulphur Springs High School Class of 2025 Received Their Diplomas May 23rd in a Grand Ceremony
May 25, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Class of 2025 walked across the stage and bid farewell to their high school academic career in a grand ceremony Friday, May 23rd, 2025. The 2025 graduation ceremony went off without any problems. Below is KSST’s coverage of this exciting ceremony, which was held at Gerald Prim Stadium here in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Watch your Class of 2025 Wildcats receive their diplomas and end this part of their adventure in life as they march forward into the future! This is a part of KSST’s Salute to Excellence! Way to go, Wildcats!
