Measles Continues to Spread Especially in Unvaccinated Children
March 12, 2025 – A measles outbreak in western Texas has surged to 223 confirmed cases, with the majority affecting children and teenagers, health officials reported on Tuesday. The outbreak, which has also spread to neighboring Oklahoma and New Mexico, primarily involves unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 80 of the confirmed cases are in unvaccinated individuals, while 138 cases involve people whose vaccination status is unknown.
In 2013, roughly 7.5% of kindergartners in the county had parents or guardians who filed for an exemption for at least one vaccine. Ten years later, that number rose to more than 17.5% — one of the highest in all of Texas, according to state health data.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. At least 29 individuals have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, raising concerns about the strain on healthcare resources. Health experts emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, urging parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the recommended immunizations.
Officials are working to contain the outbreak by promoting vaccination efforts and increasing public awareness. The rapid rise in cases highlights the risks of low immunization rates, particularly in communities with vaccine hesitancy. As the situation develops, health authorities continue to monitor and respond to the outbreak to prevent further spread.
Experts in Public Health and Epidemiology expect an even larger surge in cases following Spring Break Activities.
Learn About the Mardi Gras/St. Patrick’s Day Party and More at the Senior Center on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a chat with Dawna Pryor, Coordinator at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center. John Mark and Dawna talked about the Mardi Gras/St. Patrick’s Day Party and Parade taking place March 14th at the Senior Center. The two also discussed the water color painting classes held at the Senior Citizens Center, crochet classes, the screening of Wicked in April, and so much more. Be sure to check out this segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee and learn what the Senior Citizens Center has in store for you!
Children’s Museum to Hold Annual Silent Auction & Market
March 11, 2025 – Major Fundraiser for Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
March 11, 2025 (COMMERCE, TEXAS) – The Board of Directors of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum is pleased to announce the ninth annual Silent Auction & Market, to be held Monday, March 31, 2025 in the Sam Rayburn Student Center on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce. The bidding will begin at 5:30 pm and close at 7:30 pm.
Guests at the auction will find all kinds of items for bidding while enjoying a fun and festive evening out with friends and neighbors. This year’s event will also include trips for bidding from Travel for Goooooood. All for Goooooood will also provide jewelry, culinary items, and sports memorabilia for bidding. Working with outside vendors will provide new and exciting items for the auction. This year’s event is chaired by Becky Adams, and Bonnie Hunter.
In addition, an assortment of baked goods and other culinary delights will be available for purchase at the Market. The Market Co -Chairwoman, Kay Hatfield, said, “The Market will have such a variety of baked goods. We will have hot sauce, fried pies, candy, and snacks. ” Brenda Estes is also co-chairing the Market. The Market is sponsored by Charles Schwab, Greenville.
“Our most ambitious fundraiser to date, the Silent Auction & Market generates monies that directly impact the children of our region by supporting one of our area’s greatest treasures.” said Board President Bonnie Hunter.
- Tickets are available now for just a $5 donation and can be purchased at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum, online, from any board member or at the door.
Raffle tickets are also on sale for $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. This year’s prizes are sponsored by Alliance Bank, Cypress Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust and State Farm Insurance and consist of a $500 Visa Gift Card, and two $250 Visa Gift Card.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum and will directly impact the lives of its young visitors. Each day at the Museum, hands-on, creative play inspires our youth to discover their place in the world in which they live. Because of the generosity of our community, even more innovative experiences to foster curiosity and ingenuity can be provided in the future.
Call 903.886.6055 for more information, or if you would like to donate an item for the auction.
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Catholic Schools Ready for Education Voucher Bill to Pass
March 11, 2025 – As Texas lawmakers push forward with a school voucher program, Catholic schools across the state are preparing for a possible increase in enrollment. The proposed program would provide families with state-funded education savings accounts, allowing them to use public money for private school tuition. Supporters argue that this initiative puts “choice in the hands of parents,” giving them the freedom to select the best educational environment for their children.
Many Catholic schools in Texas offer tuition rates below $8,000 per year, making them an affordable alternative to both public schools and higher-cost private institutions. With a voucher system in place, more families—especially those from lower-income backgrounds—could afford to enroll their children in faith-based education. Catholic school leaders have expressed optimism, noting that they are well-equipped to serve a growing student population with strong academic programs, smaller class sizes, and values-based education.
Critics of the voucher program, however, argue that it could drain resources from public schools, particularly in rural areas where alternatives are limited. They also question whether private schools receiving state funds should be subject to the same regulations and accountability as public institutions.
Despite the debate, Catholic schools are actively preparing for potential changes by assessing classroom capacity, hiring additional teachers, and expanding scholarship programs. Many schools have already seen an increase in inquiries from parents eager to explore alternatives to public education.
If passed, the school voucher program could reshape Texas’ education system, providing thousands of families with new opportunities for their children’s learning. For Catholic schools, it represents a chance to grow while continuing their mission of offering affordable, high-quality education. Ultimately, the decision will determine how much control Texas parents have over their children’s education and future.
Hopkins County Sets Cleanup Dates for May
March 11, 2025 – The Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court has set the dates for County-Wide Cleanup Days. The dates are May 9th & May 10th. Each county barn will be open those dates to receive most items for disposal, but as always no shingles, chemicals, hazardous waste or sealed paint cans will be accepted. Each site will be open Friday from 7:30am until 3:30pm and Saturday from 7:30am until noon.
Collection sites are listed below for each precinct (county barns) and tires are accepted this year with payment of a disposl fee. All tires will be collected at Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction location on South Broadway.
SSHS Wildcats took on the North Lamar Panthers in their First District Baseball Game
March 11, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats took on the North Lamar Panthers in their first district baseball game March 5th, 2025. The game was played at Wildcat Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST’s coverage of this game where action was called by KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin. Be sure to check out this exciting game!
Headed for Failure; No Support for House Bill 3817
March 10, 2025 – In early March 2025, Texas State Representative Tom Oliverson introduced House Bill 3817, proposing the creation of a criminal offense termed “gender identity fraud.” This bill seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code to penalize individuals who knowingly make false or misleading statements about their biological sex to governmental entities or employers, identifying as a sex opposite to that assigned at birth. If enacted, such actions would be classified as a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The proposal has sparked significant concern among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and legal experts. Critics argue that the bill effectively criminalizes the act of being transgender, infringing upon personal freedoms and exacerbating discrimination against the transgender community. They contend that the legislation could lead to increased marginalization and legal repercussions for individuals simply seeking recognition of their gender identity.
As of now, House Bill 3817 has not advanced significantly within the legislative process; it lacks co-sponsors and has no scheduled committee hearings. This status suggests that, while the bill has been introduced, it may not progress further without additional legislative support.
This bill is part of a broader trend in Texas, where numerous pieces of legislation have been filed aiming to curtail transgender rights. Over 50 such bills have been introduced, reflecting a growing national discourse on transgender issues and legal protections.
The introduction of House Bill 3817 underscores the ongoing debates surrounding gender identity and legal recognition, highlighting the tensions between legislative actions and the rights of transgender individuals.
Hopkins County Continues To Define Subdivision Regulations For New Developments
March 10, 2025 – Four new subdivisions are on the next agenda for the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court during their next regular meeting scheduled at 9:00am Tuesday, March 11. All four plats will be discussed with consultant Steve Hudson who has been working with the county for quite some time defining the Hopkins County Subdivision Regulations. Rules for Construction of County Roadways go back all the way to 1997, but the Commissioner’s Court adopted a more comprehensive Subdivision Regulations in August of 2018. The 80-page document was then amended in August of 2023 to update the on-site sewage requirements (clear water systems). As rural land continues to get subdivided and turned into housing, Hopkins County has been proactive in making sure that the developers adhere to certain standards during the process, including the maintenance of any roads built to service the new subdivision. Ultimately, county commissioners would prefer subdivisions to keep new roads “private” and the maintenance remain with the subdivision landowners. A path to have the roads “dedicated” to the County is possible, given the Developer follows stringent regulations on road building and maintenance of road for first five years.
The following preliminary plats are up for consideration and approval:
Sycamore East Addition – No location listed
Highlander Village Addition – No location listed
Lords Meadows – Precinct 4
Also, a Final Plat approval is on the agenda for Brookside Farms located in Precinct 3.
The regular meeting of the Hopkins County Commissoner’s Court is scheduled for 9:00am, Tuesday March 11, 2025. The meeting will be held in the Commissioner’s Courtroom located on the first floor of the Hopkins County Courthouse in Sulphur Springs.
What Should the State Firearm of Texas Be?
March 10, 2025 – A Texas Senate committee is set to hold a public hearing to vote on a proposal to designate the cannon as the official state gun. The move has sparked interest and debate, as Texas has a deep historical connection to cannons, particularly the “Come and Take It” cannon from the Battle of Gonzales in 1835. That small artillery piece symbolized Texas’ defiance against Mexican rule and became an enduring icon of the state’s fight for independence.
By: AAHughes
S.C.R.A No.A22
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Throughout the long and colorful history of Texas, the cannon has been an important weapon in the state ’s fight for liberty and independence as well as a symbol of the defiance and determination of its people; and WHEREAS, The very first conflict of the Texas Revolution, the Battle of Gonzales, was fought over a cannon; on October 2, 1835, the 150 Texian rebels at Gonzales refused to surrender their bronze six-pounder to Mexican dragoons; they pointed instead to the cannon and declared, “Come and take it!”; during the ensuing battle, this memorable catchphrase and a painted image of the cannon itself were raised on a makeshift flag that was created by the women of Gonzales; the legendary flag has since become one of the iconic images of the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, In 1836, the defenders of the Alamo boasted the largest artillery contingent west of the Mississippi…
Supporters of the designation argue that the cannon represents Texas’ strong spirit of independence, self-defense, and historical pride. They see it as a fitting tribute to the state’s heritage and military history. However, critics question the need for an official state gun, with some arguing that it may send the wrong message at a time of ongoing gun control debates. Others believe that if Texas is to recognize a firearm, a more modern or widely recognized weapon should be considered.
As the committee prepares to vote, the hearing is expected to draw historians, Second Amendment advocates, and concerned citizens. If approved, the measure would advance to the full Senate for further consideration, reinforcing Texas’ deep-rooted connection to its historical arms.
THC in the Spotlight Again
March 10, 2025 – A proposed ban on THC products has ignited intense debate in Austin, drawing large crowds of business owners, advocates, and consumers concerned about the future of Texas’ fast-growing cannabis industry. The measure, which seeks to outlaw hemp-derived THC products such as delta-8 and delta-9, has created uncertainty for businesses that have flourished under the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp with less than 0.3% THC.
Currently THC containing products are available for sale and delivery in the State of Texas.
Supporters of the ban, including some lawmakers and law enforcement officials, argue that these products pose public health risks and have been sold without adequate regulation. Opponents, however, contend that such a move would devastate small businesses and limit consumer access to legal, non-intoxicating cannabis alternatives. Many Texans, including veterans and patients, rely on these products for pain relief and anxiety management.
The controversy underscores the state’s complex relationship with cannabis, as Texas has maintained strict marijuana laws while allowing a booming hemp market. Industry leaders warn that an outright ban could push THC sales underground and cost the state millions in tax revenue. As lawmakers deliberate, business owners and advocates remain on edge, fearing that a crackdown could upend an industry that has provided jobs and economic growth across Texas.
