Paletas on the Square
July 25, 2025 – Mexican paletas are a beloved summertime treat—colorful, refreshing, and bursting with real flavor. Just dont call them ‘popsicles’. Paletas are packed with real ingredients and bear little resemblance to popsicles.
Popsicles are typically made from a mixture of water, sugar, and flavorings, sometimes with added fruit juice or purees. They may also include stabilizers like guar gum or locust bean gum to improve texture and prevent ice crystals. Commercial popsicles often utilize high fructose corn syrup.
You can expect flavors like mango with chili, tamarind, lime, or strawberry are both sweet and tangy, often with bits of real fruit mixed in. Kids love bubblegum flavor, and don’t forget Nutella or coconut cream versions.
Milk-based paletas are creamy and indulgent, made with ingredients like condensed milk, cream, or yogurt. These include flavors such as coconut, rice pudding (arroz con leche), chocolate, or caramel. Many versions also incorporate chunks of fruit, nuts, or even cookies for added texture and flavor.
What sets paletas apart is their emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients and creative combinations. In Mexico, they’re often sold from paleterías or street carts, offering a colorful array of choices. Their popularity has grown internationally, celebrated for their handcrafted feel and nostalgic appeal. They differ from ice cream in that they are not whipped, contain little air and therefore have more flavor.
You can enjoy authentic paletas this weekend at Celebration Market in Sulphur Springs. Soni’s Juices will be selling palettas Saturday evening, until she sells out. Her paletas are extra special in that her family makes them at their family owned snack shop located in Conway Arkansas. Soni drives to Arkansas as needed to keep her cart stocked with the best of the best.
Soni is super passionate about paletas, and about health and wellbeing in general. Soni follows a healthy lifestyle but admits that, ‘everyone needs a little sugar now and then’. She also sells various juice shots, and agua frescas like horchata. Soni also caters events, and considers ‘Health Caterer’ to be an apt title for herself. She gets immense joy from watching people taste her curated treats and juices.
Soni will also be part of the upcoming Uncorked: Wine, Music & Art Festival on October 11, 2025. A paleta with wine inside, sources say yes.
Governor Abbott Announces SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension Following Texas Flooding
July 24, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Five More Counties Approved For SNAP Replacement Benefits
Governor Greg Abbott announced today that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to extend the time Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by recent catastrophic flooding through August 18. Texas also received federal approval to allow SNAP replacement benefits for recipients in Hamilton, Lampasas, Maverick, Sutton, and Uvalde counties.
“The State of Texas continues to support Texans impacted by the recent catastrophic flooding so they can care for themselves and their families,” said Governor Abbott. “SNAP recipients in 26 counties now can apply for food replacement benefits through August 18. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that impacted Texans have everything they need to rebuild and recover.”
“During these stressful times, I am thankful we can extend support,” said HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services Molly Regan. “Helping families have access to the food they need can bring some relief as they continue to rebuild.”
Replacement benefits will be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrition Service previously approved replacement benefits for SNAP recipients in Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties.
SNAP recipients can request replacement food benefits by calling 2-1-1 and, after choosing a language, selecting option 7. Recipients can also download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits) on the HHSC website. Completed forms should be mailed to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to 877-447-2839.
Hot foods purchases with Lone Star Cards are still permitted for 33 counties through August 14. Hot foods include rotisserie chicken, grocery store deli items and other food that is hot at the point of sale. No action is required by SNAP recipients to receive this additional benefit.
Texans impacted by any disaster can visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage for more information. To find local resources, such as food or shelter, dial 2-1-1 and select option 1.
Dinner Bell for July 30, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: The Hopkins Rains County Farm Bureau
The doors to the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church will reopen at 11:00 a.m., for meal service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Doors will close at 12:45 p.m.
The Hopkins Rains County Farm Bureau has been a Community Partner with Dinner Bell Ministry since February 17, 2016. In 2025, they added another week as a Community Partner and provided a whole pig for Dinner Bell Ministry use in future meals. In support of another program, the pig was purchased by them from NETLA Junior Livestock Show.
In 2016 the occasion for partnering was “Food Connection Week” which was created to raise awareness of how agriculture affects people in their non-farm communities. The farmer/rancher/dairyman produce what the “city folk” use and need to exist.
The Texas Farm Bureau was founded in 1933 to represent and advocate for Texas Agriculture. It is a member of the American Farm Bureau which was organized in 1919.
Farm Bureau membership strives on building strong prosperous agricultural communities across Texas and especially in Hopkins and Rains Counties. The organization benefits farm and ranch families by saving money and time on everything from health solutions, vehicles, bank, and insurance services.
Thank you, Farm Bureau, for assisting Dinner Bell in providing meals!
We plan to continue fellowship and dining inside every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Parking is available at the church parking lots.
- Our Famous Salads: Chicken—Ham—Pimento
- Crackers
- Watermelon chunks with blueberries and feta cheese & a lime dressing
- Chocolate cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices! Wash your hands often! We would encourage you to get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Governor Abbott Announces 2025 Texas Women’s Hall Of Fame Honorees
July 22, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently announced five extraordinary women to be inducted this year into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding achievements and for changing the course of Texas history.
“The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes remarkable Texas women for their individual achievements and enduring impact on our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “Cecilia and I are honored to welcome these five trailblazers to be inducted this year for their exceptional contributions in business, public service, science, and more. Each honoree is an inspiration for the next generation of achievers who will follow in their footsteps.”
The 2025 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame honorees and areas of distinction are:
- Bonnie J. Dunbar, PhD (Aerospace Engineering) is recognized for her significant contributions to engineering design solutions for human space flight and for her leadership in STEM education. A retired NASA astronaut, Professor Dunbar flew on five Space Shuttle missions, including two dockings with the Mir space station. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and Director of the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory at Texas A&M University in College Station.
- Honorable Eva Guzman (Law) is recognized for her devotion to the rule of law and improving outcomes for children in the child welfare system. The first Latina elected to statewide office in Texas, Justice Guzman served on the Supreme Court of Texas, the 14th Court of Appeals, and as a district court judge in Harris County. In over 20 years on the bench, she ruled on thousands of trial and appellate cases and authored over 900 opinions. An American Law Institute member and board member of Texas2036 and The Center for American and International Law, Guzman is a partner at Wright Close & Barger in Houston.
- Vicki Hollub (Business) is recognized for her outstanding business leadership. President and CEO of Occidental, an international energy company headquartered in Houston and one of the largest oil and gas producers in Texas and the U.S., Hollub has held management and technical positions for more than four decades with responsibilities on three continents. A mineral engineer from the University of Alabama, she serves on the Lockheed Martin and American Petroleum Institute boards and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024.
- Adair Margo (Arts/Philanthropy) is recognized for more than four decades of leadership in the arts and humanities. A third generation El Pasoan and former art gallery owner, Margo became devoted to the artist Tom Lea, preserving his legacy through award-winning books and founding the Tom Lea Institute. She served as Chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under President George W. Bush and has taught at The University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University.
- Christine A. Nix, PhD (Law Enforcement) is recognized for her almost 50 years of service as a U.S. Army Reserve officer, local and state law enforcement officer, and university professor. Dr. Nix made history in 1994 becoming the first African American woman promoted into the elite Texas Rangers Division of the Department of Public Safety. She now teaches new generations of law enforcement officers, attorneys, and more at a four-year institution of higher learning.
Hosted by the Office of the Governor and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, the 2025 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 6, at the Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
Prior to the ceremony, in a tradition honoring pioneering Texas women from past generations, the Governor’s Commission for Women will also celebrate Carrie Marcus Neiman, a visionary businesswoman who in 1907 co-founded the Neiman Marcus department store in Dallas.
The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 1984 by the Governor’s Commission for Women to recognize the achievements of Texas women. Nominated biennially by Texans and selected by an independent panel of judges, inductees include former First Ladies, astronauts, entrepreneurs, public servants, Olympic athletes, and other women of significant accomplishment. A permanent exhibit is housed at Texas Woman’s University and currently features the biographies and photographs of all recipients.
For a list of past honorees and information on the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, visit twu.edu/twhf/.
Senate Bill 5 Set to End ‘Legal’ THC in Texas
July 22, 2025 – During a special legislative session, a Texas Senate committee advanced Senate Bill 5, a sweeping measure that would ban all products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, including hemp-derived THC. The committee emphasized that neither state nor local governments have the resources to properly regulate the growing market of THC-infused products. Instead of expanding oversight or setting limits, SB 5 proposes a full ban, effectively criminalizing possession of items ranging from delta-8 gummies to full-spectrum CBD oils.
Supporters of the bill argue that unregulated THC products are proliferating across Texas, creating public safety risks, especially for children and teens. They claim enforcement gaps, testing limitations, and inconsistent labeling make it impossible to keep consumers safe under the current system. By banning detectable THC entirely, the state avoids the need for extensive regulatory infrastructure.
Critics, including hemp industry advocates and medical cannabis users, say the bill would shutter legal businesses, punish responsible consumers, and eliminate access to non-intoxicating therapeutic products. They argue that a targeted regulatory approach would better serve public health without criminalizing lawful behavior.
If passed, SB 5 would represent one of the strictest anti-cannabinoid laws in the country—reversing previous bipartisan efforts to create a legal hemp market in Texas.
Crime was at a 25-Year low for the First Half of 2025 in Sulphur Springs
July 22, 2025 – Crime was at a 25-year low for the first half of 2025 in Sulphur Springs, according to statistics released by the Police Department.
The statistics cover seven major crime categories — homicide/murder, robbery, sexual assault/rape, aggravated assault, vehicle theft, burglary and theft of property valued at more than $200 — fromr Jan. 1-June 30.
The Sulphur Springs police say only 49 crimes were recorded in those seven categories , 25 fewer than the first six months of 2024 … and even lower than the 58 recorded in the first half of 2022 and 2023, setting a new record Jan. 1-June 30 low for the city, dating back to the year 2000.
By comparison, in 2004, 180 crimes in those seven major categories were committed.
Over 5 Million Above Ground Pools Recalled in U.S. and Canada
July 22, 2025 – More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled after nine drowning deaths were reported.
The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002. According to Monday notices published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps running along the outside of the product — which “may create a foothold” for small children and allow them to access the water unattended.
That can pose a serious drowning risk, the safety regulatory warn. To date, the CPSC believes nine children across the U.S. have drowned after gaining access to these now-recalled pools in this way. Those deaths occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. No additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Consumers in possession of these pools are urged to immediately contact Bestway, Intex and/or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit — which will consist of a rope to replace the compression strap. Owners of these pools should otherwise ensure that small children cannot access the pool without supervision, regulators note — and could alternatively drain the pool until the repair is made.
All of the pools being recalled are 48 inches or taller — and can be identified by brand and model names listed on both the CPSC and Health Canada’s recall notices. Sales of the pools ranged by model and location, but date as far back to 2002 and as recently as 2025.
About 5 million of these now-recalled pools were sold across the U.S. — including both online and in-stores at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco and Amazon. Another 266,000 were sold in Canada.
To contact the manufacturers directly use the following information:
- Bestway toll free at 844-593-4003 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at https://BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com or email at [email protected] for more information.
- Intex toll-free at 800-549-8829 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PTMonday through Friday, or online at www.Intexcorp.com/recall or email [email protected] for more information.
- Polygroup toll-free at 888-621-4137 from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or online at https://polygrouprecall.com or email at [email protected] for more information.
Hopkins County United Way Excess Allocation Check Distribution with the 2023-2024 Campaign
July 21, 2025 – This is KSST’s coverage of the Hopkins County United Way 2023-2024 Campaign excess allocation check distribution. Hopkins County United Way received contributions exceeding original allocations for the 2023-2024 Campaign, Co-Chaired by KK McKenzie and Jessica McInnis. Hopkins County United Way Board Members are pleased to distribute the additional donations to non-profit organizations that serve people in Hopkins County. Each organization received a portion of the excess. This event was held at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas, on Thursday, July 17th, 2025. Check out the event below!
Federal Mandate Requires Changes to In-State Tuition Eligibility at East Texas A&M
July 21, 2025 – COMMERCE, TX, July 21, 2025—
In compliance with a recent federal court order and guidance from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, East Texas A&M University is making required changes to in-state tuition eligibility beginning in the Fall 2025 semester.
These changes affect students who previously qualified for in-state tuition under Texas Education Code § 54.053(a)(3) but are unable to demonstrate lawful presence in the United States. Under the new legal requirements, affected students will be reclassified as non-residents for tuition purposes unless they provide documentation of lawful presence. Documents demonstrating lawful presence are the same documents the Texas Department of Public Safety accepts for a Real ID driver’s license.
“We remain committed to supporting all of our students during this transition,” said East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin. “We encourage students impacted by this change to contact the university registrar’s office to discuss available resources.”
The university is reviewing each student’s residency status in accordance with the law and is notifying students who may be affected.
Students with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar at [email protected] for personalized support.
About the Texas Flood Cloud Seeding Conspiracy
July 21, 2025 – Two days before devastating floods ravaged Kerr County, Texas, on the Fourth of July, a cloud seeding operation was conducted by a California-based company named Rainmaker. From an aircraft about 100 miles from the site of the eventual disaster, engineers released approximately 70 grams (2.5 oz) of silver iodide into a developing cloud. This action, routine in weather modification efforts aimed at enhancing rainfall, has since drawn public attention and conspiracy-fueled speculation linking it to the fatal floods that followed.
Silver iodide (AgI) is a chemical compound primarily known for its use in cloud seeding to induce precipitation. It acts as an efficient ice-forming nucleus, prompting the formation of snowflakes in supercooled clouds. Beyond cloud seeding, silver iodide also finds applications in medicine (as an antiseptic) and photography.
However, leading climate experts have dismissed any connection between the cloud seeding and the deadly storm. Dr. Andrew Dessler, a respected climate scientist, responded decisively: “There’s no physical way that cloud seeding could have made the Texas storm.” According to Dessler, the storm was driven by an entirely different and far more powerful atmospheric system—an influx of tropical moisture originating in the Gulf of Mexico. The levels of atmospheric water involved were extreme, far surpassing what could be influenced by human intervention.
Cloud seeding can increase precipitation, but its effectiveness varies. Studies show a range of increases from 0 to 20 percent, and some research suggests a 10-15% increase is more realistic. Success depends on factors like the type of clouds, atmospheric conditions, and seeding techniques. While it’s not a drought solution, it can be a useful tool for increasing water supply in targeted areas.
Cloud seeding typically has a very limited impact. It may slightly increase precipitation in an already moist cloud, but it cannot generate massive, slow-moving systems or induce widespread flooding. The 70 grams of silver iodide released—a relatively small amount in the context of atmospheric science—would be negligible against the backdrop of a major tropical disturbance.
Yet, in the wake of tragedy, the human impulse to assign blame or seek control over natural chaos persists. While understandable, such theories often ignore science in favor of speculation. As officials continue to investigate the cause and scale of the Kerr County flooding, climate experts insist that energy is better spent improving forecasting, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure resilience than chasing unfounded claims. Cloud seeding did not cause the flood; nature’s power, magnified by tropical moisture, did.
