Texas Superstar Plants by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
March 12, 2026 – Did you know that Texas has a list of 90 plants that are considered “Super Stars”? Each plant on the list has been chosen by a board of horticultural experts from Texas A&M, Texas Tech University, AgriLife Extension agents, Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Landscape and Nursery Association. These experts live and work in all parts of Texas, testing and providing reports on plants that thrive in the many Texas ecosystems.
“SuperStar” categories include: Annuals, perennials, woody shrubs, trees, specialty plants, and per-annual plants. Included in the list is the specific variety that earned the “SuperStar” designation.
The complete list is available at:
Master Gardener News—-
3 people have completed the Master Gardener training course, and are now Master Gardeners! Welcome Ken Lindstrom, Brad Fain, and Janiene Fain!!
Thursday, March 26, 10am, Master Gardener March meeting, AgriLife Extension Office, 1200B Houston St. A field trip to a local nursery will follow.
Saturday, March 28 and April 11, 9am until Noon, Master Gardeners will have a table at Atwood’s to hand out Extension Office brochures and talk to everyone about gardening. Spring planting is booming, and the Hopkins County Master Gardeners can answer any questions about gardening.
Samples of SuperStar perennial plants
Shrubs—Knock Out Rose, Rock Rose, Texas Lilac Vitex
Flowers – Lantana “New Gold”, Red Yucca, Turk’s Cap, Mystic Spires Salvia, Henry Duelberg Salvia
Crape Myrtle — Basham’s Crape MyrtleVeggies, Berries —Celebrity tomato, Tycoon tomato, Natchez blackberry, Festival strawberry
WNBA Fails to Reach Agreement on Contract
March 12, 2026 – As negotiations continue between players and league officials, the Women’s National Basketball Association faces uncertainty after failing to finalize a new labor agreement by the widely discussed March 10, 2026 deadline.
Talks surrounding a new collective bargaining agreement between players and league leadership have drawn limited national media attention, a contrast to the intense coverage typically seen during labor negotiations in the National Basketball Association. Some analysts say the lack of sustained coverage may signal limited public engagement with the issue, while others argue the negotiations are simply unfolding quietly behind the scenes.
The NBA provides financial support to the WNBA through direct annual subsidies, joint media rights negotiations, and significant ownership stakes. Historically, the NBA has provided at least $10 million to $15 million annually to cover the WNBA’s operating costs and keep the league financially solvent.
Players in the WNBA have increasingly pushed for higher salaries and benefits, often pointing to the large pay gap between WNBA athletes and their NBA counterparts. Advocates for players say increased television exposure, sponsorships and ticket sales should lead to improved compensation for athletes across the league.
The debate intensified during what many fans describe as the “post-Caitlin Clark era,” referring to the surge of national attention that followed the arrival of Caitlin Clark and other high-profile college stars entering professional women’s basketball. That period helped boost attendance, television ratings and social media interest in the league.
Despite that momentum, the financial structure of the WNBA remains significantly smaller than that of the NBA, which generates billions of dollars annually through television contracts and sponsorships.
League officials and the players’ union have not publicly detailed the full scope of negotiations, but the March 10 date had been viewed by some observers as a key milestone for reaching a new agreement before the upcoming season.
For now, discussions are expected to continue as both sides attempt to balance the league’s financial realities with players’ demands for greater pay and long-term stability in professional women’s basketball.
Hopkins County Commissioners Approve New Solar Projects
March 10, 2026 – Three solar projects are committed to expand in Hopkins County. Two new projects, as well as one older project that has a new agreement. The Hopkins County Commissioners Court working with consultant Jeff Snowden as they work through the due diligence process ultimately deciding to grant each company a tax abatement as well as enter into a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement. Three local school districts will receive regular tax levies on the full value of the projects as the previous tax abatements approved by the state are no longer in effect. Miller Grove ISD, Cumby ISD, and Saltillo ISD will each receive a boost to their bottom line as their tax levies will increase significantly over the lives of these new projects with virtually no new students added to the classrooms.
The Hopkins County Commissioners have been diligent on requirements for new projects by securing road agreements from these contractors to repair or replace roads near the projects as nearby residents have suffered damage and inconveniences during past projects. The Commissioners also have stepped up requirements for vegetative screening between projects and neighbors, mandating more neighbor-friendly construction times from the contractors, as well as requiring meetings with Hopkins County Emergency managment team.
CH Solterra, LLC will continue the build-out in the Saltillo area, as Blarney Solar Project, LLC will build a 515 acre solar array northeast of the City of Cumby. Cedar Range, LLC plans a 188 MW facility built in the Miller Grove ISD area.
Governor Abbott, TWC Launch Streamlined State Of Texas Application
March 10, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a streamlined State of Texas Application on WorkInTexas.com. The updated application simplifies the hiring process to help attract new talent to state jobs and is part of a broader state effort to reduce red tape and burdensome regulations in government.
“As the No.1 state for new jobs in the country, we must make finding a job easier,” said Governor Abbott. “This modernized application process implemented by the Texas Workforce Commission will ensure that Texans have every opportunity to find a good, high-paying job. By making state government more responsive and more efficient, Texans will be more prosperous than ever before.”
“The streamlined State of Texas Application offers Texans a direct link to rewarding careers and connects the state government to a wider pool of talent,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC is here to help Texans find opportunities to prosper, and this updated application reflects our commitment to that mission.”
The new state application offers a quick, two-step process that aligns with private sector hiring practices. Job seekers can now submit applications for state jobs after simply uploading their resumes and completing a brief questionnaire on WorkInTexas.com. This change saves time, ensures a seamless user experience, and opens the door to a larger pool of qualified applicants.
The modernized state application is part of a broader effort led by the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office to make government more efficient. Texans seeking career opportunities in state government are encouraged to visit WorkInTexas.com. Start your journey to a rewarding career in public service today.
Fun Night will Result in New Medical Equipment for Hospital
March 11, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – Each year, about 550 local residents, business leaders, and healthcare professionals gather to celebrate Hopkins County healthcare. Since 2006, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has held an annual Gala featuring a live band, catered meal, and live and silent auctions with proceeds going to the local hospital (Hopkins County Memorial Hospital until 2016, and now non-profit hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs) and/or a separate entity, the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. As has previously been announced, the 2026 Gala will fund new medical equipment for the surgical wing at CMF-SS. Construction has been completed in the new addition to the wing, and renovation is underway in the original part.
When completed, this area will house the latest technology and medical equipment available. Not only does this benefit the patients, but also the staff. At the soft opening of the completed half of the wing, guests saw how the new area was designed to prevent power cords from being on the floor, which is a tripping hazard in a busy OR room. In addition, green lighting is a beneficial aid in preventing eye fatigue in surgical staff when they are focused on screens for long periods. Small improvements such as these allow the staff to focus solely on the patient rather than on other factors.
The remaining equipment needed for this area includes two blanket warmers, an ENT Microscope, a portable X-Ray machine, four anesthesia machines, two OR tables, two C-arms, and a central monitoring system. The total for all is approximately $1.5 million. If a donor wishes to help fund the equipment, naming opportunities are available for individual items, or donations can be added to the general equipment fund. The latter is what the Foundation will contribute toward with Gala proceeds.
To support the Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. To learn more about donor options for the surgical wing expansion, visit the website for the Spreading Our Wings Campaign at SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded by local citizens in support of Hopkins County healthcare. All funds are used to benefit the Hopkins County community.
To learn more about the Foundation, please follow it on Facebook or Instagram, or call
903-438-4799.
Jon Criswell, director of surgical services at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, demonstrates the green lighting in the new operating rooms. The lights prevent surgical staff from having eye strain from looking at screens for long periods.
The new surgical rooms and those currently being remodeled will offer the latest technology and medical equipment to benefit patients and the staff caring for them.
Proceeds from the 2026 Gala, to be held on May 9, will be donated to the medical equipment fund for the CMF-SS surgical wing. To support the Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. To learn more about donor options for the surgical wing expansion, visit the website for the Spreading Our Wings Campaign at SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
Walmart to Roll Out Digital Price Tags: Is ‘Surge Pricing’ far Behind?
March 11, 2026 – Walmart is expanding the use of digital shelf labels in its stores nationwide, a move the retailer says will improve price accuracy and streamline store operations.
The company announced that about 2,300 Walmart stores across the United States are already equipped with the electronic labels. Over the next year, Walmart plans to roll out the technology to all of its U.S. locations.
There has been concern from some shoppers that digital labels could allow “surge pricing”—where prices change rapidly based on demand, similar to ride-share apps.
However, Walmart says that is not how the system will be used. According to the company:
- Prices remain the same for all shoppers in the store
- Price changes are typically scheduled outside normal shopping hours
- The technology does not change how prices are set, only how they are displayed
Digital shelf labels replace traditional paper price tags with small electronic displays that can be updated through a centralized system. According to Walmart, the system allows store managers and corporate teams to push approved price updates electronically, reducing the need for employees to manually replace thousands of paper labels throughout the store.
The retailer says the technology helps ensure that the price displayed on the shelf matches the price charged at the checkout register. Price updates are typically scheduled outside normal shopping hours to help prevent confusion for customers while they are in the store.
Walmart officials say the digital system also supports the company’s long-standing “Everyday Low Price” strategy by helping keep pricing consistent and transparent.
Some shoppers have expressed concerns that electronic labels could allow retailers to change prices more frequently. However, Walmart says the technology does not change how prices are determined.
Instead, the company says the digital labels simply modernize how prices are displayed and updated, while maintaining the same price for all customers in a given store regardless of demand or time of day.
Learn What Cooper State Park has Planned for Spring Break on the Latest Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
March 11, 2026 – On the latest episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Cooper State Park Superintendent Aron Maib. John Mark and Aron chatted about some of the activities planned at Cooper State Park during Springs Break, including a Fishing With The Ranger event being held March 11th, 2026, a Luck of the Irish Archery activity planned for March 12th, 2026, and so much more. Take a look at this informative segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee and plan your Spring Break!
March Burn Ban Lifted in Hopkins County, Caution Advised When Burning
March 10, 2026 – With the promise of wet weather in the forecast, Hopkins County Commissioners have lifted the current burn ban for county residents. Emergency Management Director Andy Endsley reminds county residents to continue to exercise caution when burning as the State of Texas still mandates outdoor burning to take place when winds are forecasted to be between 6mph and 23mph. As Hopkins County is forecasted to receive higher wind speeds and gusts over the next week, residents are urged to choose their timing wisely to avoid any problems.
Under Texas state law (30 TAC § 111.219), outdoor burning is only permitted when wind speeds are between 6 and 23 mph. Fires must start one hour after sunrise and end one hour before sunset, with a responsible adult present. Only authorized materials (like dry plant growth) can be burned
Juveniles Busted For Theft of Truck and Trailer
March 10, 2026 – Two juveniles have been arrested and transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center after a short investigation into a pickup and trailer theft reported Sunday 3/9/2026.
In a press release received from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office the details of the investigation and arrests were given.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/10/2026
Stolen Truck and Trailer Recovered; Two Juveniles in Custody — Investigation Ongoing
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX — On 03/08/2026 a truck and trailer were reported stolen from Beasley
Street in Sulphur Springs. Hopkins County Deputies located and recovered the stolen trailer on FM
2297 near County Road 1104.
Investigators from the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, working with Hopkins County
Investigators, located two juveniles believed to be involved. During interviews, additional suspects
were identified and a possible location for the stolen Dodge pickup was developed. The pickup was
subsequently recovered in Dallas by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Two juvenile suspects have been arrested and are currently held at the Gregg County Juvenile
Detention Center. One of the arrested juveniles had recently been arrested in connection with an
Engaging in Organized Crime investigation weeks prior to this incident.
This investigation remains active and additional arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information is
asked to contact the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 438-4040 or the Northeast Texas Auto
Theft Task Force. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Media Contact: Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Officer
Chief Investigator Michael Russell Phone: (903) 558-0033
Think Twice Before Purchasing High-End Items on Facebook
March 10, 2026 – Authorities are reminding consumers to be cautious when shopping online after a recent counterfeit goods investigation in North Texas revealed how widespread fake products can be on social media marketplaces.
Police in Rowlett recently seized more than 62,000 suspected counterfeit luxury items after receiving a tip about merchandise being sold during Facebook Live streams. Investigators say the products were being advertised as high-end designer brands including Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
According to police, the investigation began in February when detectives received information that counterfeit items were being sold online from a location in Rowlett. On Feb. 17, officers with the Rowlett Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with partner agencies, executed a search warrant connected to the operation.
During the search, investigators seized 62,694 suspected counterfeit items, approximately $208,000 in cash and a vehicle. Authorities estimate the street value of the seized merchandise at nearly $1 million. If the items had been authentic, their value would have exceeded $101 million.
Police arrested Orlando Gonzalez Marcella on charges of trademark counterfeiting. Authorities also issued an arrest warrant for a second suspect, Aida Karina Lopez Alvarez, who remains at large.
Officials say the case highlights the growing problem of counterfeit goods being sold online, particularly through social media platforms and livestream sales. Law enforcement leaders say counterfeit operations can deceive consumers while also harming legitimate businesses and brand owners.
Consumer experts say buyers can take several steps to avoid purchasing fake goods online. Shoppers should be wary of deals that appear too good to be true, especially when luxury items are listed at dramatically reduced prices. Checking seller reviews, verifying the legitimacy of websites and purchasing from authorized retailers can also help reduce the risk.
Buyers should also be cautious when purchasing items through livestream sales or private messages, where fewer consumer protections may exist.
Authorities say the Rowlett case serves as a reminder that counterfeit operations can appear legitimate online, and consumers should take extra steps to verify products before making a purchase.
