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!
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Invites all Dads for Pie June 13th
June 9, 2025 – In observance of Father’s Day coming up this weekend, the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center invites all fathers to come play putt putt golf and sit down for a slice of pie, Friday, June 13th, 2025. Activates begin at 11:00am at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center. Don’t miss out! It’s sure to be a lot of fun!
CHRISTUS Health Encourages Routine Screenings, Checkups for Men’s Health Month
June 9, 2025 – (TYLER, Texas) – June is Men’s Health Month and CHRISTUS Health is encouraging men to prioritize their health by taking advantage of routine screenings and checkups.
Studies show that men ages 15 to 65 are significantly less likely than women to seek preventive care and more likely to report not having a primary care provider, or PCP.
A PCP can review medical and family history and recommend age-appropriate health screenings as a first step toward better health.
“I had melanoma on the back of my head that I initially thought was benign,” said Dr. Brian Kingston, family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “I let it sit for four years and luckily it didn’t kill me.”
Stories like Kingston’s are not uncommon. He said that by the time most men get around to seeing him for an issue, they’re much more advanced than they should be.
“I would strongly encourage people to take advantage of screenings and checkups,” Kingston said. “Certain health issues like colon cancer and high cholesterol are generally very treatable if you catch it early.”
Using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines, major screening timelines include:
• Initial screening for cholesterol at age 21
• Routine colon cancer screening starting at age 45
• Routine prostate cancer screening starting at age 55
• Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes screening for overweight adults aged 35 to 70
The age for each of these recommendations can change depending on several factors, including family history. A family history, notably within parents or siblings, of certain diseases can significantly increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the same conditions.
“I was raised where you didn’t go to the doctor, and you just toughed it out to go along with the day. There was work to be done,” Kingston said. “But at the end of the day we really do need to start focusing on those things and taking care of your health.”
Kingston encourages men to consult with a PCP, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.
“An ounce of prevention is much better than a pound of treatment.”
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Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Ice Cream Freeze Off Takes Place July 25th
June 9, 2025 – Would you like to participate in our 2025 Ice Cream Freeze Off? It will be Friday, July 25th at 11:00am. Bring your ice cream ready to serve. We will enjoy fellowship with our senior community and tons of ice cream. We will have judging and cute prizes! To participate call 903-439-3720.
SNAP Benefits More Than Familes; Retailers Depend On The Income
June 9, 2025 – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, plays a crucial role in supporting food retailers and driving revenue, particularly among grocery stores and major discount chains. Retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General, and Aldi see significant portions of their sales coming from SNAP participants. These shoppers are a reliable customer base, contributing to both in-store and online food and beverage sales.
SNAP has a substantial impact on the grocery industry’s overall financial health. According to Supermarket News, SNAP benefits made up about 13.5% of grocery industry sales in 2022, with a slight decline to approximately 9.5% in 2023. These percentages highlight SNAP’s influence on the market, particularly for stores located in low-income communities.
Spending patterns among SNAP participants reveal that most benefits are used quickly after issuance, creating a fast and steady revenue stream for retailers. The majority of SNAP spending occurs at grocery stores, though mass retailers and convenience stores also benefit. This spending not only supports the retail sector but also stimulates broader economic activity. The USDA estimates that every $1 billion increase in SNAP benefits results in a $1.54 billion boost to the national GDP, showing the program’s wider economic significance.
Retailers receive SNAP payments through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which work similarly to debit transactions, providing quick and secure payments. In times of high inflation, SNAP benefits are especially vital. The government adjusts benefit levels to account for rising food costs, ensuring that families can maintain access to essential groceries. Through both direct sales and broader economic contributions, SNAP continues to be an essential component of the U.S. food system and economy, supporting millions of families and strengthening retailer revenue across the country.
