17th Annual Lights of Life Gala Sponsor Chaney And Craig Johnson
A Texas-sized thank you to Chaney and Craig Johnson for their ongoing support of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation! The Johnsons are $5,000 Pearls and Ponies sponsors for the 17th Annual Lights of Life Gala.
2023’s Most and Least Federally Dependent States – WalletHub Study
With the tax filing deadline drawing near but some states receiving far more in federal aid than they pay in taxes, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released updated rankings for 2023’s Most & Least Federally Dependent States, as well as expert commentary.
This report illustrates the extent to which states are independent economically. In order to identify which states most and least depend on federal support, WalletHub compared the 50 states across three key metrics: return on taxes paid to the federal government; federal funding as a share of state revenue; and share of federal jobs.
Federal Dependency of Texas (1=Most Dependent, 25=Avg.):
- 35th – Return on Taxes Paid to the Federal Government
- 21st – Federal Funding as a Share of State Revenue
- 32nd – Share of Federal Jobs
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-government/2700
Expert Commentary
Should federal resources be allocated to states according to how much they pay in federal taxes, or should some states subsidize others?
“The idea of the federal union (United States) is based on federal resources being allocated to states and local governments irrespective of the tax revenues their residents provide to the federal government. We observe the abysmal results for some member states in the EU and especially the euro members. All states use the federal currency which must include both a monetary and a fiscal union. If there is a common monetary policy it should hold true for a fiscal policy as well.”
Dimitri Papadimitriou – President of the Levy Economics Institute; Professor, Bard College
“This goes too far in allowing the autonomy of states to overshadow serving the common good of all under a federative system. In addition, a significant proportion of states’ spending may relate to providing public goods and services which offer certain entitlements in those states. Holding every state as an independent economic entity may compromise the good of all, regardless of their geographic location. One essential feature of the system is the free movement of labor and capital. This possible change, with some reluctance, will ultimately bring the necessary changes. The system’s strength requires a different understanding of what should be considered as the benefit of all, and this certainly is not or should not be based on the economic power of each state.”
Jamshid Damooei, Ph.D. – Professor; Director, Economics Program; Executive Director, Center for Economics of Social Issues (CESI), California Lutheran University
What is the fairest way to redistribute federal resources to the states?
“We should start with what constitutes an acceptable meaning of fairness when the redistribution of financial resources toward meeting the interest of people in a society is concerted. It is the needs of people rather than their contribution. A society should be viewed as an interrelated community in constant change. Paying for others does not just serve the recipients but the payers too. We should use the same thinking between the people in one nation and the entire family of nations. The answer to this question is simple. Serving the common good of all means setting a safety net and not allowing anyone to fall below. This will inevitably bring a higher level of commitment at the federal level. The other side of this plan is enhancing the ability of the states to serve their own interest. The federal government is primarily responsible for creating an investment plan to increase human resource capacity, and the dividend will benefit all. An excellent example of this is eradicating poverty, homelessness, universal healthcare, and free education.”
Jamshid Damooei, Ph.D. – Professor; Director, Economics Program; Executive Director, Center for Economics of Social Issues (CESI), California Lutheran University
“The goal is not strictly fairness to people within a state, but to assist in the feeding, education, housing, and healthcare of poorer people, and those who cannot work.”
Michael J. Hicks, Ph.D. – Distinguished Professor; Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University
Which programs should be a state/local responsibility, and which should be a federal responsibility?
“The highest proportion of states’ spending is on education and healthcare. There are significant differences among the states. Both areas are vital for the health and well-being of every person in the United States and provide the essential segments of investing in creating human capital. However, federal responsibilities come with the possibility of additional allocation of resources. We need to make some reasonable standards, such as federal standards for health benefits or educational advancement. The other important issue here is the role of the private sector as for-profit or nonprofit. The federal government can strengthen its capacity to serve a more significant segment of the community. The most promising element of a positive change in the future can and should be restructuring the provision of public goods and services to universal assistance instead of using deficient means-tested methods. This rethinking will inevitably change our existing tax provision and its increase by expecting a higher share from large corporations and the rich.”
Jamshid Damooei, Ph.D. – Professor; Director, Economics Program; Executive Director, Center for Economics of Social Issues (CESI), California Lutheran University
“States are responsible for most local public services. The Federal government often provides benefits when the individual receiving them is highly mobile. So, for example, if states were to set VA disability payment levels, some share of disabled veterans would relocate to places with larger subsidies.”
Michael J. Hicks, Ph.D. – Distinguished Professor; Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University
Every Traffic Death Robs a Family and a Community
Family of 14-year-old killed joins TxDOT to urge everyone to follow traffic safety laws
March 16, 2023
AUSTIN – At just 14 years old, Alexei Bauereis was struck and killed while walking his bike across a crosswalk in Austin, cutting short his young life and promising ballet career.
“He was on the verge of that stage where you find out how you stack up against professionals,” Alexei’s dad Eric Bauereis said.
Alexei is just one of many tragic deaths on Texas roads every year. Each one takes someone special from their family, friends and community. This spring, as warm weather brings out pedestrians and cyclists, TxDOT and the Bauereis family are reminding drivers why it’s important to follow traffic safety laws, including stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks.
“We have a shared responsibility to every member of our community – to every family and every individual – to help reverse these trends and reduce traffic fatalities in Texas,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We’re asking all Texans to watch out for one another whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot, or on a bike. Obeying traffic safety laws is a critical first step.”
In 2021, 935 people died in pedestrian and bicyclist-related traffic crashes in Texas, accounting for one out of every five of the 4,496 fatalities on state roadways. In the five-year period from 2017 to 2021, pedestrian fatalities resulting from traffic crashes increased 34% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58%.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign urges all Texans to know and follow the laws for safe driving, walking and biking. That includes the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which went into effect in 2021. Named after a Texas mom who was struck and killed in a crosswalk while walking her six-year-old son to school, the law requires drivers to stop and yield the right of way to people in crosswalks. Motorists who fail to stop and yield and cause serious injury to someone in a crosswalk can face criminal penalties.
Texas law states if you’re driving:
- Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Pass bikes at a safe distance and give bicyclists room to ride.
If you’re walking:
- Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals, including at crosswalks.
- Use sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
If you’re riding a bike:
- Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- At night, make sure your bike has a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and pedestrian and bicyclist safety initiative are key components of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Nov. 15, 2022. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.
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Softball and Baseball Already Locked in to District Games
Both softball and baseball for Sulphur Springs have begun district play.
Starting with Wildcats baseball, Coach Jerrod Hammack’s squad fell in Texarkana 10-0.
Playing Liberty Eylau on Tuesday, Mar. 14 Sulphur Springs fell behind early and never recovered.
The Leopards put two runs on the board in their first at-bat, and the hits kept coming for L.E. They added two more over the next two innings, but the fourth is when the Leopards really punched on the Wildcats.
L.E. racked up six runs in the inning, leading in huge way 10-0.
Following a single, a KO and a double play for the Wildcats on offense, the game was called after 4.5 innings as the Leopards had their way with Sulphur Springs. L.E. scored their 10 runs on just five hits, thanks in large part to six costly errors committed by Coach Hammack’s team. Sulphur Springs made contact just once in 4.5 innings.
Following a tough loss in Texarkana, Wildcats baseball is 4-5 (0-1 district). Tuesday’s defeat at the hands of Liberty Eylau is also the third straight for Sulphur Springs.
Next up, they return home to Wildcat Park on Friday, Mar. 17 when they host Pleasant Grove.
That game tees off in Sulphur Springs Friday at 7 P.M.
Friday’s district match-up with the Hawks will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM. The duel with PG is also set to be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
On Wednesday, Coach David Carrillo and his squad hosted Paris for their district opener.
Sulphur Springs piledrived the visiting Lady Cats, 18-1.
Coach Carrillo watched his team pick up in district play where they left off last season, cruising to a district-opening win.
In fact, Lady Cats softball scored an almost unbelievable 13 runs in their first at-bat.
The first inning scoring-frenzy saw Paris surrender three walks, nine singles, two doubles and an error that paved the way for Sulphur Springs jumping out to a meteoric 13-0 lead.
That, and five more runs added over the next three had the Lady Cats leading big 18-0.
Paris scored their lone run in the game in the top of the 5th, but the game was called following the Paris AB as Sulphur Springs could not be stopped Wednesday.
Coach Carrillo’s squad had 18 of their 19 hits cross home plate.
That, and the pitching efforts of Crimson Bryant Gracie Adair made Wednesday an easy affair for the Lady Cats:
- Bryant (W) —2 IP/ H / 5 KO
- Adair (S) — 3 IP / 3 H / R / BB / 4 KO
Following their gargantuan 18-1 victory over Paris on Wednesday, Sulphur Springs takes a bit of time off prior to their next district game.
Tuesday, Mar. 21 has the Lady Cats back on the road heading to Pittsburg taking on the Lady Pirates.
That game tees off in Pittsburg Tuesday at 6 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Officials In Harrison County Looking For Missing 24-Year-Old Man
March 16, 2023– Officials in Harrison County said on Wednesday they are looking for a 24-year-old man who was last seen in the Harleton and Lake Deerwood area.
Jose Roman Teniente is described by the sheriff’s office as 5’8″ about 280 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Teniente has brown facial hair, and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black shirt and tan boots.
Officials said he has a tattoo of a sun with a face on one of his wrists and was last seen walking in the north-western part of the county in the Harleton and Lake Deerwood area.
Anyone with information on Teniente’s location is asked to contact Lt. Mack Fuller or Sgt. David Newsom at 903-923-4000.
Wildcats Soccer Finishes as Co-District Champions
Wildcats soccer with their win Tuesday have secured a share of the district championship.
Sulphur Springs just had to beat North Lamar convincingly at home for Senior Night, getting 4+ goal differential against the Panthers which in turn would give the Wildcats at least a share of the district title.
They did just that, putting three goals in the net in the first 23 minutes of Tuesday night’s game en route to a huge 4-0 blowout of North Lamar.
Tuesday, Mar. 14’s win at the Prim came on Senior Night, where Coach Upton and his squad gave a proper sendoff for his 12 seniors.
Coach Upton said losing this group of graduating students is particularly tough for the soccer coach.
“We’ve got an incredible group of seniors,” Coach Upton said. “I can’t speak enough [praise] about them… my five years here has been since their eight grade year, so we’ve kinda grown together, we’ve kinda learned together… they’re just an incredible group of guys.”
And what a night it was, as two seniors scored their final goal in their last game at the Prim. Uriel Santacruz put one in on an assist from fellow senior Jose Rodriguez to get the scoring underway for Sulphur Springs. Santacruz also assisted on the second goal in the game, as Jaxon Haire beat the keeper for the second goal on the evening.
Eric Rodriguez and senior Alexis Pasion both put goals in the net, with both coming unassisted.
From there, Coach Upton and Wildcats soccer cruised to a 4-0 finish on Senior Night.
“Respect to our guys, they played incredible,” Coach Alexi Upton said Tuesday night following the win. “It was just a good game all around… We played very well. There were very few chances for them to score.”
Sulphur Springs with their win Tuesday have not only completes a stellar 11-1 district season, but their 4-0 blowout of North Lamar secures the men’s soccer program their first district championship since 2013.
“That’s been the goal since the start of the year, to go win a district championship,” Coach Alexi Upton said Tuesday night post-game.
Although it is more than likely to be a shared district championship (Paris, 10-1, plays 3-8 Chapel Hill Friday), Sulphur Springs with a Paris win falls down to the #2 seed as men’s soccer is bested by Paris in terms of goal differential.
“We’ll tie [with Paris] because we have the exact same points, so we’ll be co-champs,” Coach Upton said Tuesday night following the senior night win. “They’ll just take the one seed pending any catastrophes on their end.”
As unlikely as it may be, Wildcats soccer looks for the upset in the hopes of securing on outright district title. Whether Friday’s game falls Sulphur Springs’ way remains to be seen, but Coach Alexi Upton and his squad will gladly accept a share of the 15-4A crown for the 2023 season.
Next up, Wildcats soccer plays Athens in the opening round of playoffs.
Coach Upton said following Tuesday night’s win their Bi-District game will be played Thursday, Mar. 23 at 7 P.M.
That game is scheduled to follow the Lady Cats, who also play at Lindale Eagles Stadium but at 5 P.M.
Next Thursday brings a great double-header for the soccer program, both playing in the opening round of playoffs.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
17th Annual Lights Of Life Gala Sponsor Sunny Springs Nursing and Rehab
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation appreciates all their partners in bringing state-of-the-art health care offerings to our local community. Thank you to Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab for their $7,500 Bowties and Bandanas sponsorship gift to the 17th Annual Lights of Life Gala.
Back Row: Gala Co-Chair Logan Vaughan, Becky Vargas, Welda White, Linda Mobley, Debbie Chaney, Tina Fenimore, Karri Butts, Brittany Covington, and Becky Cady
Meal-A-Day Menu And Senior Citizen Center Calendar March 20-24, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of March 20-24, 2023 includes:
MONDAY, March 20- Fish Sticks, Corn Fritters and Coleslaw
TUESDAY, March 21- Chicken Thigh with Mushroom Sauce, Rice and Broccoli
WEDNESDAY, March 22- Chicken & Dumplings, Crackers and a Salad
THURSDAY, March 23- Southwest Sausage Egg Bake, Banana Nut Muffin and Mixed Fruit
FRIDAY, March 24- Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
CraversTX Community Garden Spring Break Activities Cancelled for Thursday Only
The CraversTX Community Garden has cancelled the Thursday Springs Break Activities. Friday’s noon till 2pm events are still happening.
Be weather aware today, and we will see you Friday.
Texas Rent Relief To Close March 16 2023 At 11:59 AM CT
March 16, 2023- With more than 70,000 applications submitted within the first 24 hours of re-opening, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced it will be closing the Texas Rent Relief (TRR) application portal on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 11:59 am CT. For comparison, the highest number of applications seen in a single day when the portal first opened in 2021 was less than 20,000.
- Applicants facing eviction will be prioritized, as long as their application includes a valid eviction docket number.
- Applicants that have started but not yet completed an application, must upload all documents and submit the application by Thursday, March 16, at 11:59 am CT. Submitting an application does not guarantee payment.
- Closing the portal with this new deadline helps ensure program staff can more quickly review applications and distribute the remaining funds.
- If you are facing eviction, we encourage you to seek legal assistance, go to your eviction hearing and stay in communication with your landlord and the court. You can visit https://texaslawhelp.org/eviction-referral or call 855-270-7655 for help understanding your options and seeking free or low-cost legal assistance.
Since the program launched in February 2021, TRR has provided over $2.1 billion in emergency funds for rent and utility relief, served over 316,000 households in 250 Texas counties and prevented evictions for over 21,000 households. Visit TexasRentRelief.com for more program highlights.
