Governor Abbott Invites Texas Veterans To 2025 Statewide Hiring Fair
October 28, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently invited Texas veterans, service members, and veteran spouses to participate in the 2025 Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair November 4 through November 20.
“The talent of our brave veterans who answered the call to serve our nation is a large part of the Texas economic engine,” said Governor Abbott. “The skills and mission-driven mindset of our veterans brings a competitive advantage to any business in our state. This November, I urge all Texas veterans and military families to attend a Hiring Red, White, & You! event.”
Hiring Red, White & You! is a statewide hiring event, hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), that connects veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses to employers across Texas. TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions will host more than 30 events across the state in partnership with the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Medical Center.
Since 2012, these free hiring events have connected more than 26,000 employers with 153,000 job seekers, including 52,500 veterans. Hiring Red, White & You! events have also resulted in more than 4,300 same-day hires.
Employers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! at no cost and are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions Office for more information. Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows up to $9,600 in federal business income or payroll tax benefits. Through the WeHireVets initiative, TWC recognizes businesses in which veterans make up at least 10% of the workforce.
“It’s important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “From navigating the transition to civilian life to connecting with meaningful careers, Hiring Red, White & You! events make a difference in the lives of veterans across Texas.”
“Thank you to our veterans who have served our country,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Texas is home to more than 1.7 million veterans and serving military members whose skills and experience are crucial contributors to the state’s economic success.”
“Texas recognizes the invaluable skills and experience that veterans bring, not only to the workforce but to every aspect of our community,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC’s annual Hiring Red, White & You! job fairs continue to successfully connect Texas veterans, transitioning military personnel, and their spouses with rewarding careers, and the Texas economy is brighter and stronger because of veterans’ successes.”
Employers can find additional information on Hiring Red, White & You! events at twc.texas.gov/hrwy. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit twc.texas.gov/services/veterans.
The Hopkins County 2025-2026 United Way Held Their Fourth Report Meeting October 21st
October 27, 2025 – The Hopkins County 2025-2026 United Way held their fourth Campaign Report Meeting October 21st, 2025. The meeting was held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this meeting.
Meal-A-Day Program Extends a Hearty Thanks to the City of Sulphur Springs.
October 27, 2025 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas – The Meal A Day (MAD) program, which provides nutritious meals to seniors and others in need across Sulphur Springs, is extending heartfelt thanks to the City of Sulphur Springs for its ongoing partnership and support.
Program Director Britinie said the city’s contribution of space, equipment, and utilities makes the program possible. “The City of Sulphur Springs provides us with the facility and pays for all utilities used by Meal A Day,” Britinie said. “Without that support, we simply could not continue to deliver meals to the residents who depend on us.”
Meal A Day operates daily out of a city-provided kitchen, where staff and volunteers prepare and package meals for delivery throughout the community. The program serves hundreds of local residents each week, helping to ensure that seniors and those with limited mobility have access to healthy, home-cooked meals.
“The City of Sulphur Springs has always been a great supporter of Meal A Day,” Britinie added. “Their continued generosity allows us to focus on what matters most — caring for our community.”
With continued city support and dedicated volunteers, Meal A Day plans to keep serving the people of Sulphur Springs for years to come — one meal, and one neighbor, at a time.
Morning Fire Claims Life of Sulphur Springs Resident
October 27, 2025 – A local man perished in a house fire this morning in Sulphur Springs. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
Today is a Critical Deadline For SNAP Recipients
October 27, 2025 – Austin, TX – Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, Texans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face a looming deadline: if the shutdown isn’t resolved by October 27, the state warns that November benefit deposits may be delayed or entirely suspended.
Across Texas, about 3.4 million people, including roughly 1.7 million children, depend on SNAP to purchase groceries and essential food items. While benefits for October have already been funded via previously allocated state-forward payments, the federal shutdown means the state has not received the new federal funds required to load the November benefits.
State officials say the chances of November payments being issued on time are increasingly uncertain. Because SNAP is entirely federally funded, no state including Texas has enough budget flexibility to fully substitute for the shortfall. Food banks and community organisations are bracing for greater demand if benefits are delayed.
While some argue Congress may act to restore funding and avert a complete shutdown of benefits, the absence of a clear resolution puts early-November deposits at risk. Crucially, even if benefits are delayed, state officials emphasise that once federal funding resumes, missed benefits will eventually be credited — but the timing remains unpredictable. For recipients in Texas, the key takeaway: assume that November benefits may not arrive on schedule, and explore local food assistance resources as a backup.
Celebrate Texas State Parks Day with Free Admission Nov. 2
Oct. 27, 2025 – AUSTIN — Have you always wanted to visit a state park but never been? Make plans to visit one of 89 Texas State Parks on Nov. 2! In honor of Texas State Parks Day, a tradition born from 2023’s centennial celebration, everyone can visit a state park for the day for free.
“We hope that Texas State Parks Day will inspire all Texans to get outside and explore what our great state has to offer,” said Rodney Franklin, State Parks Division Director. “We encourage you to spend time with family and discover what makes our state parks so special.”
With parks located in almost every corner of the state, visitors can explore a range of different places as varied as Texas. During Texas State Parks Day, guests can enjoy day-use activities such as wildlife watching, walking or hiking, park programs, biking, swimming, paddleboarding and many more. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for activities and events in a park near you.
Ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Texas State Parks reminds visitors of Parkland Passports available to veterans, active duty and Gold Star family members. These passports are available at no cost and grant the cardholder free entry to all Texas State Parks.
“Texas Parks and Wildlife and state parks join everyone in expressing our appreciation to veterans and the service men and women of our military,” said Franklin.” We thank you all for your service and hope you enjoy the cooler fall weather and beautiful colors in one of Texas’ state parks!”
Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Parks will operate as they normally do and will limit admissions based on park capacity. All other fees will still apply on that day.
The SSHS Wildcats Traveled to Nevada, Texas, October 23rd to Play Football With the Community Braves
October 26, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Wildcats traveled to Nevada, Texas, October 23rd, 2025, to play football with the Community Braves. This is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this exciting game and find out how your Wildcats did playing football on a Thursday instead of a Friday night. The game was moved to Thursday due to the chance of storms.
Does Texas Really Need Another Chicken Joint? Here Comes Bojangles
October 26, 2025 – The fast-growing Southern fried-chicken and biscuits chain Bojangles is firmly setting its sights on Texas — and some residents are asking: do we really need another chicken joint?
Bojangles recently announced multiple Texas expansion moves, including key openings in the Houston area (notably in Spring, Texas) and a planned debut in the Dallas–Fort Worth suburbs.
Chicken is cheaper for restaurants than beef because it costs less to produce, but restaurant prices vary depending on the establishment, with some charging the same for chicken and beef while others price chicken products lower. Restaurants are adding more chicken options due to rising beef prices, which are driven by higher feed and cattle production costs.
One franchise deal in particular targets the city of Seguin, Texas via a “travel-center” format, part of a larger multi-unit development agreement.
Texas is already home to hundreds of chicken-focused restaurants, leading some critics to question whether Bojangles’ growth will simply cannibalize existing brands rather than fill an underserved niche. Proponents argue Bojangles brings a unique Southern-flavored menu with biscuits, Cajun‐seasoned chicken and sides not typically found at every chain. The brand also touts strong franchise momentum in Texas, with plans for dozens more stores by 2026.
Whether locals will flock or shrug remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Texas’ chicken wars are heating up, and Bojangles wants to be front and center in the fight.
Here are the Texas Cities recently slated to get Bojangles Chicken:
Seguin, Texas — site of a travel‐center format Bojangles deal.
Spring, Texas — Houston‐area location opening in early 2025.
League City, Texas — another Houston‐suburb slated for Bojangles.
Orange, Texas — part of the chain’s broader Texas expansion.
McKinney, Texas — Dallas‐area market confirmed for 2025 Bojangles.
Manor, Texas — Austin‐area suburb included for geographic context of Texas coverage.
There are currently 17 Texas locations including Baytown, Bedford, Cypress, Euless, Fort Worth, Frisco, Lancaster, League City, Lewisville, Lorena, Orange, Richmond, San Antonio, Spring, Tomball, Webster, and Wylie.
Master Gardeners at Work! By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
October 21, 2025 – Last week the Hopkins County Extension Office received a phone call from a Sulphur Springs resident who was concerned about the condition of the lawn, as well as information on how to move and re-plant a shrub that had overgrown its space.
Mario Villarino called me and asked if I could go by and talk with the homeowner, so my wife Charlotte and I did just that. The homeowner had moved to Sulphur Springs about 3 years ago from out-of- state, and from a climate that is humid, receives regular rainfall, and is similar to the climate in Houston. The Hopkins County climate is very different than Houston’s, and can be challenging to our newcomers!
Upon driving up to the property, it was obvious to us both that the lawn needed water. This is not surprising, since there has been a lack of meaningful rainfall in Hopkins County for several weeks. We recommended a morning watering program of at least 1 inch per week until the fall rains arrive. The landscape also included a couple of flowerbeds that also would benefit from a good soaking of water.
Along with our recommendation for watering, we strongly recommended mulching these flowerbeds, as bare soil (and the accompanying weeds) was visible. We then explained what mulch is and how it works to benefit both the soil and the plants.
There was a large lilac (Texas??) that had grown so large that it completely blocked the window next to the front door. The resident wanted to move the shrub to a different location where it could grow and flourish. We recommended not moving the plant at this time, but wait until January when the plant would be dormant. With our first frosts and freezes coming soon, pruning, digging, and transplanting now would probably not be successful, as the plant will not have time to develop a root system strong enough for surviving the winter’s cold temperatures.Before we left, I gave the homeowner a soil test bag along with the printed instructions, as well as an invitation to come sample a Master Gardener meeting. The Texas A&M Extension Master Gardener program is about education (both for MGs and the public), and sharing knowledge with those people interested in gardening. Our meetings are the 4th Thursday of each month at 10am at the Extension Office, 1200B Houston St.
LOOK, BUT DON’T TOUCH!! By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
October 26, 2025 – This plant has some of the most vivid, striking, and attractive fall foliage! I have never seen it for sale at any nursery or garden center, and I have never heard of anyone planting or cultivating it, but it thrives in Hopkins County without any help from gardeners! Found in shady areas, it is perennial, and a member of the pistachio and cashew family. Toxicodendron radicans is its scientific name, and it is native to Asia and North America.
All parts of the plant contain urushiol, a powerful skin irritant. Even dead, dry leaves and vines contain the “poison”, and will harm unprotected skin.
Enjoy the fall color, but be aware of its’ itchy, oozing red rash and blistering consequences of touching!
