Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo Nets Record Income for Free Mammograms
August 14, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 6th Annual
Designer Handbag Bingo netted $69,177.34 at the sold-out event August 7. Proceeds fund a free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women 40 and older.
Direct donations of $2,868 were collected for mammograms. Scheduling for free mammograms will begin in September with appointments in October at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. For registration details, follow the Foundation on social media and keep up with local media as details are announced.
Proceeds of handbag bingo also help fund other offerings of the Foundation such as In My Closet and the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group. In My Closet offers free wigs, prosthetics, mastectomy bras, hats, scarves, and more for local breast cancer patients. The Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday monthly in the Medical Plaza, 113 Airport Rd, and provides community for women who have experienced or are going through cancer.
Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance were the title sponsors for handbag bingo. “We are proud to support the Foundation’s endeavors because improving local healthcare is always a worthwhile investment. You never know when your family will be the one in need of care,” said Jessica Kultgen, Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Bank.
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been committed to expanding healthcare opportunities for Hopkins County since 1997. It offers free clinics, programs, and educational resources while also funding equipment and programs for the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. All or part of donations may be tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax preparer for more information. To contact the Foundation, call (903) 438-4799 or email [email protected].
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Receives National Award for Comprehensive Stroke Care
Hospitals in Jacksonville, Sulphur Springs, Tyler recognized for excellence in stroke care
August 13, 2025 – (TYLER, Texas) – Three hospitals in the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Health System have been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for delivering high-quality stroke care.
The national award, Get With The Guidelines – Stroke, is given to hospitals that have demonstrated excellence in stroke care. The recognition was created to highlight the health care facilities providing the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines and quick recovery times.
• CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville received Stroke Silver Plus and Stroke Honor Roll
• CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs received Stroke Gold Plus, Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler received Stroke Gold Plus, Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
“These honors are a testament to the dedication of our teams that continuously strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients,” said Jennifer Burwell, stroke program manager at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler. “We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on pushing the standard of care even higher.”
All three CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System hospitals underwent a rigorous evaluation process to receive this designation. They demonstrated excellence in timely stroke intervention, adherence to national treatment guidelines and providing patients with education to support recovery and long-term health.
“As a rural critical access hospital, this award demonstrates the devotion of the entire team at CHRISTUS Jacksonville to bring prime health care specialty services to the residents of Cherokee County and the surrounding areas,” said Dwain Coates, stroke coordinator at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke and about every three minutes someone dies from one, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, cutting off the supply to brain tissue. When this happens, parts of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen needed, causing brain cells to die.
Knowing the symptoms and being able to react as quickly as possible to a stroke is crucial to help minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death, said Kala Anders, stroke program manager at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
The easiest way to recognize stroke symptoms is the acronym BE FAST:
• B: Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
• E: Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision?
• F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
• A: Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T: Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important.
“Earning these awards provides confidence in the medical care that you can expect from any CHRISTUS facility,” Anders said. “These recognitions solidify that exemplary clinical stroke care and evidence-based, innovative treatment can be and is being provided to the people from the urban areas to the most rural areas all over Northeast Texas.”
Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Resources Ahead of Tropical Weather Threat
Austin, TX — August 14, 2025 — Governor Greg Abbott has activated multiple state emergency response resources as a tropical weather system approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flash flooding starting Friday.
“As Texas braces for incoming heavy rain and strong winds along the Gulf Coast and South Texas, I activated emergency response resources to help local officials protect their fellow Texans,” Abbott said. “This tropical system could lead to dangerous travel conditions and potential flash flooding. Texans are urged to take all necessary precautions.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting hazardous conditions that may impact travel and safety across coastal and southern Texas. Residents are encouraged to prepare an emergency plan, stock essential supplies, and closely follow guidance from local authorities.
At the Governor’s direction, a broad network of emergency resources is now in place, including swiftwater rescue boat squads, Blackhawk helicopters, high-profile vehicles, medical response teams, wildfire strike teams, and utility monitoring services. Agencies like the Texas National Guard, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas DPS are actively coordinating readiness efforts.
Texans can access up-to-date safety information and preparedness tips by visiting TexasReady.gov or tdem.texas.gov/prepare. For beach and rip current safety, officials recommend resources at weather.gov and noaa.gov.
With the storm system’s arrival imminent, Texans are urged to remain alert, avoid flooded roadways, and prioritize safety in the days ahead.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Eli Lilly Over Alleged Kickback Scheme
August 12, 2025 – Austin, TX — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, accusing the company of bribing medical providers to prescribe its high-demand medications, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are widely used for diabetes management and weight loss.
According to the lawsuit, Eli Lilly illegally offered incentives such as “free nurses” and reimbursement support services to healthcare providers in Texas. These perks were allegedly designed to influence prescribing behavior in favor of the company’s most profitable drugs.
Many of the prescriptions were billed to Texas Medicaid, leading to what Paxton’s office calls millions of dollars in fraudulent claims. The suit cites violations of the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act, accusing Eli Lilly of undermining medical decision-making and misusing taxpayer dollars.
“Big Pharma compromised medical decision-making by engaging in an illegal kickback scheme,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will not stand by while corporations unlawfully manipulate our healthcare system to line their own pockets.”
This legal action is part of a broader effort by Paxton’s office to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for fraud, abuse, and unethical marketing practices, particularly when taxpayer-funded programs like Medicaid are involved.
Western Half of Texas Remains Parched as Burn Bans Widen
August 13, 2025 – The western half of Texas continues to endure extremely dry conditions, prompting a growing number of counties to enact burn bans amid rising wildfire risks.
Persistent heat, low humidity, and minimal rainfall have left vegetation brittle and highly flammable across much of the region. As of this week, more than 100 Texas counties—primarily west of I-35—have active burn bans in place, restricting outdoor burning, campfires, and certain welding operations.
Local officials say the bans are necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires, which can quickly spiral out of control under current conditions. “With no meaningful rain in the forecast and triple-digit temperatures expected to continue, any spark could turn into a major fire,” said a spokesperson for the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Ranchers and rural residents are particularly affected, with many forced to delay brush-clearing burns or adjust land management practices. Emergency responders are also on high alert, as wildfire activity across the state has already increased over the summer.
Officials urge Texans to follow all local fire restrictions and report any signs of smoke immediately. While fall often brings some relief, experts warn that worsening drought conditions may extend the fire danger well into the coming months.
Texas Opens Nominations For The 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards
August 11, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Nominations are now being accepted for the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Administered by the OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards are an opportunity for the State of Texas to honor exemplary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving their communities through outstanding service and volunteering.
“Every day, Texans from all walks of life give their time and talents to lift up their neighbors and strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Greg and I are continually moved by the powerful stories of service we see across the state. Texans are encouraged to celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations whose compassion and leadership are a testament to the Texas spirit by nominating them for an Annual Governor’s Volunteer Award.”
“As we launch the 42nd Governor’s Volunteer Awards, we are proud to recognize the everyday heroes who remind us that service is not only an action but a legacy,” said OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee. “Through this partnership with the Governor and First Lady, we celebrate the perseverance, generosity, and impact of Texans who are building stronger, more connected communities across our state.”
Nominations are open in nine categories:
- Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
- First Lady’s Rising Star Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Volunteer Family of the Year Award
- Community Champion Award
- Education Champion Award
- Corporate Champion Award
- Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award
- AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award
To submit a nomination and view award category descriptions, eligibility guidelines, and the submission deadline, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
Awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April 2026 at the Governor’s Mansion during an awards ceremony hosted by First Lady Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
Cocoa Prices Soar Amid Climate and Crop Crises in West Africa
August 12, 2025 – Global cocoa prices have surged to record highs in recent months, driven by severe climate disruptions and crop diseases devastating key growing regions in West Africa, where nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa is produced.
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the top two cocoa-producing countries, are facing unprecedented challenges. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and rising temperatures—linked to climate change—have severely impacted cocoa yields. Compounding the problem is the spread of swollen shoot virus, a highly contagious plant disease that kills cocoa trees and has wiped out large swaths of farmland.
As a result, global cocoa supply is falling far short of demand, sending futures prices to historic levels and sparking concern among chocolate manufacturers and consumers alike. Many producers are warning of higher retail prices and potential shortages in the coming months.
Industry analysts say the situation highlights the fragility of global food supply chains in the face of climate change and underscores the need for sustainable farming investments and crop disease management in vulnerable regions.
Without intervention, experts warn that future cocoa harvests—and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers—could be at even greater risk.
Emily Glass with the Dial Study Club had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
August 10, 2025 – Emily Glass, Treasurer with the Dial Study Club, dropped by the KSST studios to have a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey August 5th, 2025. John Mark and Emily chatted about the Dial Study Club, the upcoming Sulphur Springs Wildcats Homecoming Parade, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode below!
This Year’s Back to School Fair was a Very Popular and Huge Success
August 10, 2025 – The CANHelp 2025 Hopkins County Back to School Fair was held at the ROC in Sulphur Springs August 7th, 2025. The annual event was well attended and gave a lot back to the community. There was a bounce house, snow cones, games, plenty of school supplies, and so much more! If you missed it, or just want to see it again, be sure to check out KSST’s coverage of this successful event below.
Most U.S. School Milk Now Lower in Added Sugar, Industry Group Says
August 10, 2025 – The vast majority of milk processors supplying U.S. schools have successfully reduced added sugars in flavored milk products ahead of the new academic year, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced Thursday.
According to the IDFA, 37 school milk processors, representing about 95% of the milk volume served in schools nationwide, have met the goals laid out in the Healthy School Milk Commitment—a voluntary pledge launched in 2023. As part of that commitment, processors agreed to offer school milk options containing no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8-ounce serving by the 2025 school year.
IDFA reports that these processors have already achieved a nearly 60% reduction in added sugars in flavored milk options, while maintaining taste and nutritional value. The move comes as part of an industry-wide effort to align with evolving nutrition standards and concerns about added sugar consumption in children’s diets.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) followed suit in 2024, updating its school meal guidelines to limit added sugars in flavored milk. The new federal standards cap added sugars at 10 grams per 8 ounces for milk served as part of school meals, and 15 grams per 12 ounces for flavored milk sold à la carte in middle and high schools.
“This milestone demonstrates our industry’s commitment to child nutrition and to supporting school meal programs with better-for-you products,” said an IDFA spokesperson.
The Healthy School Milk Commitment reflects a growing collaboration between industry and public health policy, aiming to retain milk as a staple in school diets while addressing concerns about sugar intake. Flavored milk remains popular among students and is a key source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium in school meals.
