New Federal Food Stamp Limits Approaching
July 7, 2023- Tens of thousands of Texans will face new issues when accessing food stamps under this spring’s deal to raise the federal debt limit, but fresh efforts are underway to help more Texans avoid hunger.
Food advocates and lawmakers are working to inform lower-income residents about new rules that could cut their access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps. Under legislation brokered between Congress and the White House, starting this summer more middle-aged SNAP participants will have to find jobs to continue with the program.
Some officials are also hoping to prevent efforts to further restrict access to the program as Congress tackles the farm Bill, the massive legislative package that includes a wide range of food and agricultural priorities, from food security to trade protections to keep U.S. farmers internationally competitive.
Under the new work requirements, SNAP participants ages 51 and under without dependents or disabilities will have to work at least 80 hours a month beginning in early September to continue using food stamps. The age increases to 53 in October and 55 in 2024.
SNAP already has federal work requirements — generally at least 80 hours a month — for adults under 49 who don’t have disabilities or dependents to receive full-time benefits. Although there are plenty of exceptions to the work requirements, 44,000 Texans could see their SNAP access vanish if they don’t work the required hours.
Several government officials state that work requirements are necessary to ensure that SNAP benefits don’t get abused and that participants can wean off the program and get back on their feet. Many government officials say that 54 is a perfectly workable age, and there are ample exemptions in place to protect those who have legitimate reasons not to work.
As part of the debt ceiling deal, the work requirement does not apply to SNAP participants who are experiencing homelessness. Military veterans could also be exempt, as well as adults 24 and under who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
Unlike federal spending that is doled out on an annual basis, SNAP funding depends on how many eligible participants have signed up. Cutting SNAP funding would mean limiting new sign-ups or reducing the benefits each participant can receive. The average Texas SNAP participant gets $265 per month — or just under $9 per day.
Morning Welfare Check Finds Man with 45 Grams of Meth
July 7, 2023 – Hopkins County Deputies, while patrolling the western edge of Hopkins County, located a vehicle stopped along I-30. The Mazda CX-7 was parked at the intersection of FM 499 and the I-30 north service road near Cumby, TX.
Inside the SUV, they noticed a man slumped over the steering wheel. The man appeared to be asleep. Deputies noticed a can of compressed air in his lap, and his pants were down.
CAS EUGENE EDWARDS, age 47 of Mustang, OK, was asked to exit the vehicle. Edwards was nervous, deceptive and would not make eye contact. When asked if there was any marijuana in the car, Edwards said ‘no’. When asked if there was any methamphetamine in the car, Edwards gave a delayed and slurred ‘no’, and broke eye contact.
A probable cause search was performed. A bag of methamphetamine, a syringe, and scales was located. A driving licence was found, and it confirmed his identity.
Edwards was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail. His Mazda was impounded. He is charged with:
1 481.115(D) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=4G<200G
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Governor Abbott Announces Governor’s Small Business Summit In Arlington
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the next 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit will be held in Arlington on Thursday, July 13. The Governor’s Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business.
“Small businesses play a powerful role in propelling our state’s booming economy,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas continues to rank as the best state for business in the country because we empower Texans to launch their dreams and take advantage of the abundant economic opportunities our state has to offer to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. We are proud to bring the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit to Arlington next week as we continue to build an even brighter economic future for Texas.”
The Governor’s Small Business Summit – Arlington provides Texas small business owners and entrepreneurs key insights on critical business topics and the opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who can share timely, relevant, and actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics. The event will be co-hosted by the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Workforce Commission, and will feature Rob Matwick, Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Texas Rangers, as the keynote speaker.
Governor’s Small Business Summit ─ Arlington
Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Globe Life Field
734 Stadium Drive
Arlington, TX 76011
Panel Topics:
- Access to Finance & Funding
- Building a Business: Learning from the Experts
- Recruiting, Training & Retaining Employees in Today’s Economy
- What’s Hot: Marketing & Communication Tools for Small Business
Registration is $20 and includes access to all sessions, keynote speaker, resource providers, lunch, and complimentary headshots.
For more information and to register: gov.texas.gov/business/event/the-governors-small-business-summit-arlington
Upcoming dates for the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summits:
Stephenville – July 27
McAllen – August 10
Marshall – August 24
Horizon City – September 7
Fredericksburg – September 21
Beaumont – October 5
San Angelo – October 19
San Antonio – November 8
Zapata – December 7
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism and Office of Small Business Assistance also offer the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal providing on-demand and customized business resources: gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-portal
CPS Investigation Leads to Two Arrests at Local Hotel
July 7, 2023 – Child Protective Services received information about a possible child in danger. That information led them to a Sulphur Springs hotel along Interstate 30.
With the assistance of Sulphur Springs Police, CPS knocked on the hotel room door around 11 AM. It was answered by 29 year-old KRISTIN NOEL ROBERSON. Roberson appeared nervous and could not stand still.
Roberson, who lists herself as unemployed, admitted to living in the hotel for about one month. She gave consent for the room to be searched. Police asked her if there was anything illegal in the room. Roberson admitted that there was a stash of marijuana. That stash was located. Police asked her if there was anything illegal on her person. Roberson said there was not. With the assistance of CPS, Roberson was searched and a small baggie containing methamphetamine was found hidden beneath an undergarment. Drug paraphernalia was also located. Roberson claimed responsibility for all the drugs and paraphnalia.
Roberson was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail. She is charged with:
481.115(B) POSS CS PG 1/1-B <1G
During this CPS investigation and search, a man was found hiding in the shower.
Thirty seven year-old MICHAEL VAN MADISON, who lists himself as unemployed, has had several entanglements with Law Enforcement. A records check found an active restraining order for the hotel room occupant, KRISTIN NOEL ROBERSON. Madison was arrested and charged with:
1 25.07(G) VIOL BOND/PROTECTIVE ORDER
23A0239 1 FTMFR (JP PCT 1)
23A0240 1 DWLI (JP PCT 1)
In 2007 he was indicted for Continuous Violence Against the Family in Henderson County. He was also arrested last year for:
FAIL TO IDENTIFY FUGITIVE INTENT GIVE FALSE INFO ( Bond: 5000.00 Surety Bond )
PAROLE VIOLATION
In 2021, Madison was arrested and charged with:
PAROLE VIOLATION (DWI)
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Counselors are on Hand to Help Students Register at Paris Junior College
Instructor Dr. Mark Kjeillander helps student Artery Aragon of Sulphur Springs complete his orientation at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. For information about enrolling at the Sulphur Springs campus, call 903-885-1232.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
UPS Contract Talk Falls Through, Strike Has Been Authorized By Union
On the day negotiators had said UPS must present its “last, best and final” contract offer, talks broke down Wednesday with each side blaming the other and walking away from the table.
Currently the contract with 340,000 UPS workers expires July 31, and if they go on strike, it could have significant consequences for the economy – higher prices for individuals and longer waits on supply chain problems, experts say.
Talks are at a stalemate and UPS workers already have voted to authorize strike when the contract expires.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters gave UPS a one-week notice last Tuesday to act responsibly and exchange a stronger economic proposal for more full- and part-time workers.
The package delivery company, UPS, said Wednesday, July 5, it was the Teamsters who abandoned negotiations, “despite UPS’s historic offer that builds on our industry-leading pay.”
Higher prices and long wait times are all but certain if there is an impasse.
UPS ships 24 million packages on an average day – which amounts to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. UPS describes it as the equivalent of about 6% of nation’s gross domestic product.
Gafford Chapel Cemetery Annual Memorial Day Service
July 6. 2023- Gafford Chapel Cemetery will be holding their annual memorial day service on July 9th starting at 10:45 and will be held at the Gafford Methodist Church.
Located at 6839 Texas Highway 11 W.
Pacific Park Pavilion Dedication Friday
July 6, 2023 – A dedication and ribbon cutting for the Pavilion at Pacific Park in Sulphur Springs will be held Friday July 7, 2023 at 12PM. The City of Sulphur Springs will be hosting the event, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Refreshments will be provided.
Ticket Giveaway: Ladonia Rodeo Tickets 2023
KSST has Complimentary Tickets available for this Weekend’s Rodeo in Ladonia, TX. If you would like to attend, call KSST at 903 885 3111, ask for Dollie, and give her the phrase that pays. That phrase is “KSST is gonna make me a winner!”
Designer Handbag Bingo Is Sold Out, But You Could Still Win A Purse
Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo tickets may be sold out, but if you still want a chance to win a luxury designer handbag, then do not delay! Purchase a ticket for the Mystery Handbag Raffle featuring a gorgeous handbag from a top designer. Tickets are available at handbagbingo23.givesmart.com until they are sold out. Only 350 tickets are being sold at $20 each.
Jordan’s Place Pediatrics provided funding for the mystery bag, which is valued at over $2,000. The bag is a timeless beauty that will compliment any woman’s wardrobe for years to come. Watch for hints about this luxury bag on the Foundation’s Facebook page.
The winner of the mystery handbag will be drawn during Designer Handbag Bingo will be held on Thursday, August 3. The winner need not be present. The bag will need to be picked up from the Foundation office.
Designer Handbag Bingo is now in its 4th year of operation. Funds raised are use to benefit Hopkins County residents through the purchase of medical equipment and/or health related programs.
To learn more about the event or to get your raffle ticket, visit the Designer Handbag Bingo website at handbagbingo23.givesmart.com.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit that is now in its 26th year of serving Hopkins County.
