Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Congratulates the 2025 Winners of the 56th Annual World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest, Presented by Alliance Bank
October 28, 2025 – Honorable Mention Campsite and Costume goes to site # 447, Jason and Angie Keyes sponsored by Brookshire’s
Campsite and costume winner this year was site #196, Molly Stevens and Randy Brokmeyer
sponsored by Jackson Dental Their $200 prize was provided by: Super Handy Convenience Stores
Honorable Mention Super Campsite and Costume goes to site # (none)
sponsored by The John Chester Award for Super Campsite winner is site #202, Roger Fernandez and Aaron Davis Sponsored by: Boby Evans Farms Their $250 prize was provided by: Brian Toliver Ford
Tailgate Appetizer Contest third place was site # Patricia Grossenbacher and Aaron Davis
Sponsored by: Bob Evans Farms Their $75 prize was provided by Robinson Benat Construction
Second place in the Tailgate Appetizer Contest was site #3 Kayla Cooper and Mason Carver
Sponsored by: 2 Wolves Energy Their $100 prize was provided by Robinson Benat Construction
First place in the Tailgate Appetizer Contest was site #190, Zach Terry and Cam McLaurn
Sponsored by: Kasie’s Canine Academy Their $200 prize was provided by Robinson Benat Construction
Best New Stew Cook: Site #80, Zach Tiemeyer and Talon Bell
Sponsored by: TLC Chiropractic Their $100 prize was provided by Bear Littleton State Farm Insurance
Honorable Mention: Beef Stew: Site #128, Brody Clark and Trey Clark
Sponsored by: Safety Control
Third place beef stew winner was the team of #20 Marsha Mince and John Holt
Sponsored by: Data point Surveying Their $100 prize money was provided by AK Gillis and Sons
Their third-place stew was purchased for $250 by Texas Heritage National Bank
Second place beef stew winner was the team of #47, Darien Shafer and Reed Brenner
Sponsored by: D6, Inc. Their $150 prize money was provided by The Book Nook on Main
Their second-place stew was purchased for $450 by Clayton Homes
First place beef stew winner was the team of #29, Jeremy Smith and Chris Bryant
Sponsored by: Fizzy Sips Their $300 prize money was provided by Cattlemen’s Veterinary Services
Their first-place stew was purchased for $600 by Texas Farm Credit
Honorable Mention: Chicken Stew: # 197, Shiloh and Adrian Childress
Sponsored by: Project One Roofing
Third place chicken winner was the team of #463, Ross Cody and Lance Smith
Sponsored by: Clayton Homes Their prize money of $100 was provided by AK Gillis and Sons
Their third-place stew was purchased for $250 by Brian Toliver Ford Lincoln
Second place chicken stew winner was the team of #30 Luke Kerby and Seth Roberts
Sponsored by: Cross Country Communications Their prize money of $150 was provided by The Book Nook on Main Their second-place chicken stew was purchased for $450 by Clayton Homes
First place chicken stew winner was the team of #112 Avery Faulks and Peyton Mitchell
Sponsored by: Self sponsored Their prize money of $300 was provided by First National Bank of East Texas Their first-place chicken stew was purchased for $600 by Jay Hodge Chevrolet
Honorable Mention: Super Stew Beef: #60, Robert Cody and Ryan McKenzie
Sponsored by: GSC
Third place Super Stew Beef award was won by #468 Garrett and Laura Glass
Sponsored by: Guaranty Bank Their prize money of $100 was sponsored by Jiffy Signs
Their third-place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $300 by Oncor Electric Delivery
Second place Super Stew Beef award was won by #202 Roger Fernandez and Aaron Davis
Sponsored by: Bob Evans Farms Their prize money of $250 was sponsored by Farmers Electric Cooperative
The second-place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $500 by Ziggi’s Coffee
First Place Super Stew Beef winner was the team of #50 Koyt Koon and Anthony Ballard
Sponsored by: Oncor Electric Delivery Their prize money of $500 was provided by Thoroughbred Wind
Their winning quart of Super Stew Beef was purchased for $900 by Farm Country
Honorable Mention: Super Stew Chicken: #114 Jeff Tiemeyer and Andy Crouch
Sponsored by: The Way Bible Church
Third place Super Stew Chicken award was won by #9 Don Sapaugh and James Van Winkle
Sponsored by: City National Bank Their prize money of $100 was sponsored by Superior Cleaning
Their third-place Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $300 by Nottingham CDJR
Second place Super Stew Chicken award was won by #87 Brad and Leah Irving
Sponsored by: Ocean Spray Their prize money of $250 was sponsored by Farmers Electric Cooperative
The second-place Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $ 500 by Ziggi’s Coffee
First Place Super Stew Chicken winner was the team of #117 John Mark and Savanna McAfee
Sponsored by: McAfee Farms Their prize money of $500 was provided by Thoroughbred Wind
Their winning quart of Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $900 by Interstate Body Shop
We would also like to thank the following sponsors who provided products for the contest:
Alliance Bank – Title Sponsor
City National Bank – Friday night Sponsor
Signature Solar – Kids Eat Free
One Church – Fun Zone Sponsor
Red River Credit Union – Stew Market Sponsor
Berger Horticultural Products – Judges Room Sponsor
Credit Union of Texas – Breakfast Sponsor
Our service tents were generously provided today by:
Summit Dental
CHRISTUS Health
Henly Homes
Bob Evans Farms
Our Senior Citizen Tent was provided by Jay Hodge Chevrolet.
Our other sponsors that we couldn’t live without are:
Cross Country Communications, First Baptist Church, Southwest Dairy Museum, Edward Jones – Chris Vorheese, Janet Martin Realty, Saputo, NorTex Tractor and Powersports, Edward Jones – Nichole Rosamond, Atmos Energy, Martin Marietta, Superior Cleaning, Stone Creek Solutions, Latsons.com, Chili’s, Legacy Ag Credit, Hope Family Fellowship, Travel Time RV, Central Baptist Church, Optimum, Chick-fil-A, and Jeff Post.
Finally, thank you to all of our volunteers today!
HOSA, Hopkins County High School Leadership Class, SSHS Spanish Club, Sulphur Bluff Beta Club, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Ambassadors
Attorney General Paxton Sues Big Pharma Manufacturers for Deceptively Marketing Tylenol to Pregnant Mothers Despite Known Dangers to Unborn Children
October 28, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue for deceptively marketing Tylenol to pregnant mothers despite knowing that early exposure to acetaminophen, Tylenol’s only active ingredient, leads to a significantly increased risk of autism and other disorders.
“Big Pharma betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks. These corporations lied for decades, knowingly endangering millions to line their pockets,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Additionally, seeing that the day of reckoning was coming, Johnson & Johnson attempted to escape responsibility by illegally offloading their liability onto a different company. By holding Big Pharma accountable for poisoning our people, we will help Make America Healthy Again.”
For decades, Johnson & Johnson willfully ignored and attempted to silence the science that prenatal and early-childhood exposure to their acetaminophen products can cause Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADHD”) in children. Despite being well aware of this fact, Tylenol was marketed as a completely safe pain medication for pregnant women, violating Texas’s consumer protection laws. The considerable body of evidence demonstrating these dangers was recently highlighted by the Trump Administration.
Further, Johnson & Johnson violated the Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act by fraudulently transferring liabilities arising from Tylenol to a separate company, Kenvue, in order to shield their assets against lawsuits arising from the harmful impact Tylenol had on children.
Attorney General Paxton has relentlessly fought against Big Pharma’s destruction of America’s health and safety, suing Pfizer over the COVID-19 vaccine and taking action against Eli Lilly for bribing providers to prescribe its medications. Previously, Attorney General Paxton secured a $700 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson for making misleading and deceptive claims about its baby powder products that contained talc.
To read the lawsuit, click here.
Governor Abbott Invites Texas Veterans To 2025 Statewide Hiring Fair
October 28, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently invited Texas veterans, service members, and veteran spouses to participate in the 2025 Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair November 4 through November 20.
“The talent of our brave veterans who answered the call to serve our nation is a large part of the Texas economic engine,” said Governor Abbott. “The skills and mission-driven mindset of our veterans brings a competitive advantage to any business in our state. This November, I urge all Texas veterans and military families to attend a Hiring Red, White, & You! event.”
Hiring Red, White & You! is a statewide hiring event, hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), that connects veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses to employers across Texas. TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions will host more than 30 events across the state in partnership with the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Medical Center.
Since 2012, these free hiring events have connected more than 26,000 employers with 153,000 job seekers, including 52,500 veterans. Hiring Red, White & You! events have also resulted in more than 4,300 same-day hires.
Employers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! at no cost and are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions Office for more information. Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows up to $9,600 in federal business income or payroll tax benefits. Through the WeHireVets initiative, TWC recognizes businesses in which veterans make up at least 10% of the workforce.
“It’s important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “From navigating the transition to civilian life to connecting with meaningful careers, Hiring Red, White & You! events make a difference in the lives of veterans across Texas.”
“Thank you to our veterans who have served our country,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Texas is home to more than 1.7 million veterans and serving military members whose skills and experience are crucial contributors to the state’s economic success.”
“Texas recognizes the invaluable skills and experience that veterans bring, not only to the workforce but to every aspect of our community,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC’s annual Hiring Red, White & You! job fairs continue to successfully connect Texas veterans, transitioning military personnel, and their spouses with rewarding careers, and the Texas economy is brighter and stronger because of veterans’ successes.”
Employers can find additional information on Hiring Red, White & You! events at twc.texas.gov/hrwy. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit twc.texas.gov/services/veterans.
The Hopkins County 2025-2026 United Way Held Their Fourth Report Meeting October 21st
October 27, 2025 – The Hopkins County 2025-2026 United Way held their fourth Campaign Report Meeting October 21st, 2025. The meeting was held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this meeting.
Meal-A-Day Program Extends a Hearty Thanks to the City of Sulphur Springs.
October 27, 2025 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas – The Meal A Day (MAD) program, which provides nutritious meals to seniors and others in need across Sulphur Springs, is extending heartfelt thanks to the City of Sulphur Springs for its ongoing partnership and support.
Program Director Britinie said the city’s contribution of space, equipment, and utilities makes the program possible. “The City of Sulphur Springs provides us with the facility and pays for all utilities used by Meal A Day,” Britinie said. “Without that support, we simply could not continue to deliver meals to the residents who depend on us.”
Meal A Day operates daily out of a city-provided kitchen, where staff and volunteers prepare and package meals for delivery throughout the community. The program serves hundreds of local residents each week, helping to ensure that seniors and those with limited mobility have access to healthy, home-cooked meals.
“The City of Sulphur Springs has always been a great supporter of Meal A Day,” Britinie added. “Their continued generosity allows us to focus on what matters most — caring for our community.”
With continued city support and dedicated volunteers, Meal A Day plans to keep serving the people of Sulphur Springs for years to come — one meal, and one neighbor, at a time.
Morning Fire Claims Life of Sulphur Springs Resident
October 27, 2025 – A local man perished in a house fire this morning in Sulphur Springs. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
Today is a Critical Deadline For SNAP Recipients
October 27, 2025 – Austin, TX – Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, Texans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face a looming deadline: if the shutdown isn’t resolved by October 27, the state warns that November benefit deposits may be delayed or entirely suspended.
Across Texas, about 3.4 million people, including roughly 1.7 million children, depend on SNAP to purchase groceries and essential food items. While benefits for October have already been funded via previously allocated state-forward payments, the federal shutdown means the state has not received the new federal funds required to load the November benefits.
State officials say the chances of November payments being issued on time are increasingly uncertain. Because SNAP is entirely federally funded, no state including Texas has enough budget flexibility to fully substitute for the shortfall. Food banks and community organisations are bracing for greater demand if benefits are delayed.
While some argue Congress may act to restore funding and avert a complete shutdown of benefits, the absence of a clear resolution puts early-November deposits at risk. Crucially, even if benefits are delayed, state officials emphasise that once federal funding resumes, missed benefits will eventually be credited — but the timing remains unpredictable. For recipients in Texas, the key takeaway: assume that November benefits may not arrive on schedule, and explore local food assistance resources as a backup.
Celebrate Texas State Parks Day with Free Admission Nov. 2
Oct. 27, 2025 – AUSTIN — Have you always wanted to visit a state park but never been? Make plans to visit one of 89 Texas State Parks on Nov. 2! In honor of Texas State Parks Day, a tradition born from 2023’s centennial celebration, everyone can visit a state park for the day for free.
“We hope that Texas State Parks Day will inspire all Texans to get outside and explore what our great state has to offer,” said Rodney Franklin, State Parks Division Director. “We encourage you to spend time with family and discover what makes our state parks so special.”
With parks located in almost every corner of the state, visitors can explore a range of different places as varied as Texas. During Texas State Parks Day, guests can enjoy day-use activities such as wildlife watching, walking or hiking, park programs, biking, swimming, paddleboarding and many more. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for activities and events in a park near you.
Ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Texas State Parks reminds visitors of Parkland Passports available to veterans, active duty and Gold Star family members. These passports are available at no cost and grant the cardholder free entry to all Texas State Parks.
“Texas Parks and Wildlife and state parks join everyone in expressing our appreciation to veterans and the service men and women of our military,” said Franklin.” We thank you all for your service and hope you enjoy the cooler fall weather and beautiful colors in one of Texas’ state parks!”
Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Parks will operate as they normally do and will limit admissions based on park capacity. All other fees will still apply on that day.
The SSHS Wildcats Traveled to Nevada, Texas, October 23rd to Play Football With the Community Braves
October 26, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Wildcats traveled to Nevada, Texas, October 23rd, 2025, to play football with the Community Braves. This is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this exciting game and find out how your Wildcats did playing football on a Thursday instead of a Friday night. The game was moved to Thursday due to the chance of storms.
Does Texas Really Need Another Chicken Joint? Here Comes Bojangles
October 26, 2025 – The fast-growing Southern fried-chicken and biscuits chain Bojangles is firmly setting its sights on Texas — and some residents are asking: do we really need another chicken joint?
Bojangles recently announced multiple Texas expansion moves, including key openings in the Houston area (notably in Spring, Texas) and a planned debut in the Dallas–Fort Worth suburbs.
Chicken is cheaper for restaurants than beef because it costs less to produce, but restaurant prices vary depending on the establishment, with some charging the same for chicken and beef while others price chicken products lower. Restaurants are adding more chicken options due to rising beef prices, which are driven by higher feed and cattle production costs.
One franchise deal in particular targets the city of Seguin, Texas via a “travel-center” format, part of a larger multi-unit development agreement.
Texas is already home to hundreds of chicken-focused restaurants, leading some critics to question whether Bojangles’ growth will simply cannibalize existing brands rather than fill an underserved niche. Proponents argue Bojangles brings a unique Southern-flavored menu with biscuits, Cajun‐seasoned chicken and sides not typically found at every chain. The brand also touts strong franchise momentum in Texas, with plans for dozens more stores by 2026.
Whether locals will flock or shrug remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Texas’ chicken wars are heating up, and Bojangles wants to be front and center in the fight.
Here are the Texas Cities recently slated to get Bojangles Chicken:
Seguin, Texas — site of a travel‐center format Bojangles deal.
Spring, Texas — Houston‐area location opening in early 2025.
League City, Texas — another Houston‐suburb slated for Bojangles.
Orange, Texas — part of the chain’s broader Texas expansion.
McKinney, Texas — Dallas‐area market confirmed for 2025 Bojangles.
Manor, Texas — Austin‐area suburb included for geographic context of Texas coverage.
There are currently 17 Texas locations including Baytown, Bedford, Cypress, Euless, Fort Worth, Frisco, Lancaster, League City, Lewisville, Lorena, Orange, Richmond, San Antonio, Spring, Tomball, Webster, and Wylie.
