2025-2026 Hopkins County United Way Team was Introduced at a Meeting June 17th
June 24, 2025 – The 2025-2026 Hopkins County United Way team was introduced to the media at a meeting June 17th, 2025. This United Way team marks 70 years of United Way and it’s efforts. Important dates to note were also talked about at this meeting. This meeting was held at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST’s coverage of the first portion of this meeting. Check it out!
Quitman Rancher Officially Joins Race for Texas Gov
June 24, 2025 – Democrat Bobby Cole, an East Texas dairy farmer, retired firefighter (Plano FD lieutenant), and poultry producer, has officially launched his campaign for Governor of Texas, challenging incumbent Republican Greg Abbott. Cole lives in Quitman, having been born near Houston and later moving to East Texas, where he now runs a 1,000-acre operation raising cattle and over a million chickens annually.
Cole’s announcement came on June 23 via video on social media, where he criticized Abbott for siding with “bullies and billionaires” and claimed the governor has “tearing up everything Texans have built”. He positions himself as a “fighter” for working families and suggests that Abbott has failed to address key issues like property taxes, grid reliability, school funding, and healthcare access.
As a first-time candidate, Cole leans into his outsider status, drawing on his background in public safety and agriculture. His multi-generational ties to rural Texas—living and working in Quitman—aim to ground his message of common-sense leadership and pragmatic problem-solving.
Cole becomes the first Democrat in the 2026 gubernatorial primary to enter the race, seeking to offer a contrast to Abbott’s conservative legacy. Observers note he faces a steep uphill battle: Abbott remains a dominant political force with strong fundraising advantage. However, Cole hopes his life story and message of populist change will gain traction as the campaign unfolds.
Company will Break Ground on Lithium Mining Facility in Nearby Mount Vernon
June 24, 2025 – A company will break ground on a lithium mining facility in nearby Mount Vernon in August that will create 120 jobs.
Lithium is used in batteries, electric vehicles, computers and other devices. The Trump administration wants tp expedite production in order to end dependence on China for the mineral.
Mount Vernon Mayor Brad Hyman says: “It’s going to be transformational for our county.”
K-L-T-V television reports that the city’s tax revenue is expected to double from the plant.
Mount Vernon and neighboring Franklin County sit on the Smackover Formation, a large lithium deposit that continues into southwest Arkansas.
Geoframe Energy’s plant will sit on land behind the Duke’s Travel Plaza on I-30. They will only produce lithium, not batteries, at the site.
Geoframe is based in Austin, and has acquired the mineral rights to 8,000 acres in the surrounding area.
Geoframe C-E-O Bruce Cutright says: “The spent brine will then be sent back underground in injection wells, about two miles deep. No impact on groundwater resources.”
Cutright says there won’t be any impact to the environment from the project, as there are no surface emissions from the mining process.
The plant is expected to begin production in early 2026.
Sulphur Springs I-S-D Placed in the Top 10 in the UIL Lone Star Cup Standings
June 24, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs I-S-D placed in the Top 10 in the UIL Lone Star Cup standings for Class 4A – out of 218 school districts across Texas!
Sulphur Springs took ninth place with 76 points, just behind eighth-place Lindale with 78.
Among other area schools, Celina placed second, Sunnyvale was seventh, Frisco Panther Creek was 14th, Aubrey was 15th and Texarkana Pleasant Grove was 18th. The Wimberley I-S-D in Central Texas was the overall 4A winner.
In the 3A division, Texarkana Liberty-Eylau tied for 19th and Mineola tied for 21st.
In 2023, Sulphur Springs placed fifth in the Lone Star Cup standings.
The UIL Lone Star Cup recognizes the best overall academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs in the state. Points are awarded based on district and state-level success in academics, fine arts, and athletics … and Sulphur Springs students excelled in every area!
The winning schools in each classification will receive the UIL Lone Star Cup trophy and a $1,000 scholarship. The Texas Farm Bureau Insurance provided sponsorship for the UIL Lone Star Cup.
You Can Vote on the ‘Horny Toad’ Lizard Plate
June 24, 2025 – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is inviting the public to help select a new design for the iconic Texas Horned Lizard license plate. This special plate, first introduced 25 years ago, was the inaugural design in Texas’s Conservation License Plate program. Since its launch, the plate has raised over $5 million to support the protection and conservation of native Texas wildlife, making it both a symbol of state pride and an essential funding source for wildlife initiatives.
Voters can help decide the next plate design via a short online survey.
Through an online survey, participants can view three proposed designs, which will be displayed in random order to ensure unbiased feedback. Survey respondents will have the opportunity to provide their opinions on which design they find most appealing and appropriate for representing the Texas Horned Lizard, affectionately known as the “horny toad.” The selected design will replace the current plate and will be made available for a variety of vehicles, including cars, trailers, and motorcycles.
It is illegal to pick up a Texas horned lizard in Texas. The Texas horned lizard is a threatened species, and handling, possessing, or disturbing them without a permit is prohibited. This is to help conserve their population.
The Texas Horned Lizard holds a special place in Texas heritage and conservation efforts, and TPWD hopes that public input will help create a design that continues to inspire support for native species. By participating in the survey, Texans can directly influence the look of the next generation of conservation plates and contribute to ongoing wildlife protection efforts across the state.
Health Care Foundation Kicks-Off Summer of Healthy Fun
June 23, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation launched its new offering, Summer of Healthy Fun, on Monday, June 23, providing local media and the Foundation Board of Directors with an opportunity to sample what this new program has in store.
The Summer of Healthy Fun is intended to let each Hopkins County citizen pursue their healthy goals through education and activities.
At the kick-off, guests were led through a desk warm-up by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs Sports Medicine Coordinator Tracy Lott. Stretches focused on the arms, wrists, neck, and sides to keep participants flexible and feeling good throughout the workday.
Next, Emily Nance, community engagement & fundraising coordinator of the Foundation Office, led the group in a rock painting session. The guests were very creative, painting a turtle, shark, peach, watermelon, sun, bumble bee, and other imaginative designs. Activities, such as painting, help lower heart rate, improve hand-eye coordination, improve concentration, and promote relaxation.
The final offering for the group was breathwork by Dr. Mary Leshe of the Heritage Christian Counseling Center. She went over a few ways to relax and center through breathing and painting a mental picture.
The Foundation provided healthy snacks, including fresh fruit cups and egg bites, the latter of which guests were provided the recipe in a booklet they were encouraged to take home.
All Summer of Health Fun events are free or have a nominal fee. Space may be limited. Early registration is advised to secure a spot. Some events may be targeted to a specific gender or may have a minimum age requirement. Please see the website for more details.
Events will be added as the summer progresses, so check the website often.
The next event will be held this Saturday, June 23, at 7 a.m. at Coleman Park. A Walk in the Park will be a group walk around the park for all ages. Everyone is invited. Pre-registration is recommended so the Foundation will know who to expect. The group will meet near the boat ramp accessible through the parking lot off Main Street.
The website for information and registration is HCSummer25.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation welcomes residents to join in the fun and try or learn something new this summer!
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) that focuses on improving the health of Hopkins County residents. Not only does it offer clinics and programs, but the Foundation also funds projects for its partners, the Hopkins County Hospital District and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
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A video presentation of this Health Care Foundation Summer of Healthy Fun Kick-off will be available soon. Stay tuned…
6th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo is Sold Out
June 23, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Tables for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 6th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo were completely sold out before noon on the first day of sales—a record-breaking response. Individual tickets will not be available for purchase. The event is expected to see 590 in attendance, making it the largest yet. This year’s title sponsor is Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance.
There is still a way to participate and win a luxury handbag even if you did not score a seat. The beloved Mystery Handbag Raffle is back with 300 tickets available, winner need not be present to win. The winning ticket will be drawn August 7 and entries are $30 each.
Tickets for a chance to win the mystery handbag—donated by Hazel Fielder of The Method Aesthetics and valued in the mid 4-digit range—can be purchased at handbagbingo25.GiveSmart.com. Follow the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for hints about the lovely luxury bag.
Proceeds from the event August 7 will fund the free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women held every October.
Designer Handbag Bingo is licensed through the Charitable Bingo Division of the Texas Lottery Commission. The Foundation is an IRS designated 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization dedicated to expanding healthcare opportunities in Hopkins County through funding independent programs and clinics, as well as funding equipment for both the local hospital and Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS.
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First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs Awarded Scholarships This Year
June 23, 2025 – The First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, awarded scholarships to five worthy individuals this year. The five 2025 Seniors that earned the scholarships from First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs were Lucy Conner, Mac Conner, Gabriel Hardy, Cameron Brown, and Lucas Silva. First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, congratulates their 2025 Seniors! For more information, check out www.ssfumc.org.
Ready for ‘Texas Time’, Not So Fast There Pardner
June 23, 2025 – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill that would establish “Texas Time,” a move to place the state on permanent daylight saving time. However, despite the bill’s signing, the change cannot take effect unless the U.S. Congress first amends federal law to allow states to make such a shift.
Under the bill introduced by Conroe Republican Will Metcalf, the standard time in the state will be referred to as “Texas Time.”
Under current federal regulations, states are only permitted to remain on standard time year-round unless Congress passes legislation granting flexibility to adopt permanent daylight saving time. Several states, including Florida and California, have passed similar measures in recent years, but all remain stalled due to the same federal restrictions.
Supporters of the Texas bill argue that permanent daylight saving time would provide Texans with more evening daylight, reduce energy consumption, improve public safety, and boost economic activity by giving families and businesses more usable daylight hours. They also point to studies linking daylight saving time to reduced crime and fewer traffic accidents.
Opponents, however, have raised concerns about darker mornings, especially for school children, which could pose safety risks.
While the bill signals Texas’s readiness to embrace a time shift, the change now hinges on Congressional action. Until then, Texas will continue to follow the twice-a-year clock changes along with most of the nation.
Texas Hemp and THC Products in Limbo… Again
June 23, 2025 – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown out a proposed statewide ban on consumable hemp-derived THC products, such as gummies and vapes, a move that surprised both supporters and opponents of the legislation. The bill, which had gained momentum with strong backing from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republican leaders, aimed to ban these popular products that make up a large portion of the state’s rapidly growing hemp industry.
Senate Bill 3 was vetoed on June 22, 2025
Instead of signing the bill, Abbott called for a special legislative session to further address the complex issues surrounding the multibillion-dollar THC and hemp market in Texas. In his announcement, Abbott emphasized the need to balance public health and safety with protecting small businesses and individual freedoms. The governor signaled that while regulation may be necessary, an outright ban could severely damage an $8 billion industry that has created thousands of jobs and provided economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
The proposed ban had faced fierce opposition from hemp producers, retailers, and consumer advocacy groups, who warned it would devastate businesses and drive the market underground. Industry leaders welcomed Abbott’s decision and expressed hope that the special session would lead to a more thoughtful regulatory framework rather than a blanket prohibition.
Abbott’s move highlights the political complexity surrounding hemp-derived THC products, which exist in a gray area following the federal legalization of hemp in 2018. The upcoming special session will likely determine the long-term future of the hemp and THC industry in Texas.
