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.
Texas Ag Commissioner Miller Supports President Trump’s Delay of Key Commodity Tariffs
March 10, 2025 – “I applaud President Trump’s decision to delay tariffs on Mexican and Canadian agricultural commodities and products included in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This decision will provide more time for open negotiation with both countries and, most importantly, provide short-term relief and time for our agricultural producers. I also fully support President Trump’s initiative to leverage tariffs to restore fair and equitable trade agreements that benefit Americans. His ongoing tariff strategy will strengthen domestic production, attract new investments, spur job growth, and ultimately reduce costs for American consumers. While there will be a short-term adjustment period—undoubtedly challenging for farmers already facing hardships—our agricultural industry will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
It has only been seven weeks, and while I understand that many farmers and ranchers need immediate relief, we must give President Trump and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins the necessary time to address the economic challenges left by the Biden Administration. This includes reviewing and releasing funds that remain frozen at the USDA. During Trump’s previous administration, we saw firsthand how tariffs strengthened American agriculture, leading to some of its most prosperous years. We won those trade battles before, and we will win them again. The proof lies in the ongoing efforts to secure better deals for Americans.
No president in modern history has been as steadfast in fulfilling campaign promises as President Trump across his two terms, and I have no doubt he will once again deliver for American farmers and businesses.”
Typical Spring Weather Ahead for Hopkins County
March 9, 2025 – The upcoming week in Hopkins County, Texas, is expected to feature mild and pleasant weather conditions. Temperatures are forecasted to reach a high of approximately 71°F (21°C) and a low of around 46°F (8°C).
Looking ahead to Wednesday, March 12, 2025, there is a slight chance of precipitation in the forecast. The day is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a 20% chance of showers. Temperatures are anticipated to be cooler, with highs around 60°F (16°C) and lows in the upper 30s°F (3-4°C).
This and That for March From Master Gardener David Wall
March 9, 2025 – A recent article mentioned under- and overwatering causing cucumber curling. Over watering is NOT a curling cause. Underwatering, irregular watering and under fertilization can cause curling. Poorly vented greenhouses with high humidity, and direct sunlight with high temperature can also cause curling, but underwatering and under fertilization are you best bets for causing it. Sorry for the earlier incomplete statements.
Then, there’s the question as to how long a cucumber will last in your home before turning mushy. Many store them in refrigerators, but cucumbers should be stored at temperatures above 50°. This usually implies leaving them on the countertop, but that may not work either! It’s better to wash and dry them before wrapping in a paper towel, placing in a partially unsealed baggie, and placing them in the refrigerator door away from other foods that give off ethylene gas. They should stay fresh for a week.
Cut or sliced cucumbers should be kept in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth. To use. Cut off what you need and place the end of the remainder in plastic wrap and return it to the baggie. Again, they should stay fresh for a week.
Growing cabbage near tomatoes can stunt a tomato plant’s growth and seriously reduce fruit production. Cabbages compete much more efficiently for the same nutrients as tomato plants. When they grow close to each other the tomato plants will suffer.
From a botanical perspective, watermelons and bananas are berries, but strawberries and raspberries are not! Good viable seeds and acorns will sink in a glass of water. Non-viable seeds will float. The only exception seems to be viable cranberries which have small pockets of air inside them causing them to float.
A strawberry is the only fruit that bears all its seeds (200 of them!) on the outside.
