Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Shuts Down Senior Scammers
August 29, 2025 – On Monday, August 18, 2025, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding the exploitation of an elderly individual who had been scammed out of a large sum of money. The victim was convinced by the suspects that his accounts had been hacked and that he needed to provide funds to a “courier” for something called “FTD insurance”.
An investigation led by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Richard Brantley identified the suspects as two Chinese nationals residing in Plano, Texas. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Investigator Brantley, assisted by Chief Investigator Russell, Investigator Shea Shaw, Investigator Chris Baumann, and the Plano Police Department, executed a search warrant at the suspects’ residence in Plano.
During the search, investigators located numerous items tying the suspects to the exploitation of the victim. They also discovered a quantity of suspected ketamine, more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
The two suspects were arrested and charged with exploitation of the elderly and disabled. Plano PD handled the charges for their local drug possession charges.
They have been identified as:
Chang, Chih Hao (Asian male)
Shi, Fujie (Asian male)
“This case is a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics criminals use to prey on vulnerable members of our community,” said Sheriff Lewis Tatum. “We urge everyone to be extremely cautious. If you are ever contacted by someone asking for money for any reason you are not 100% sure of, please contact your local law enforcement agency or your financial institution immediately. Don’t fall victim to these scams.”
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting its residents from financial crimes and holding those who exploit the elderly accountable.
Nut Sedge By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
August 28, 2025 – Nut Sedge, commonly called “nut grass”, is not a grass at all. Sedges may look like grass at times, but the stems are markedly different from true grasses. Sedges have triangular-shaped stems, while the stems of grasses are round.
Sedges spread by underground rhizomes, similar to Bermuda grass. Different from Bermuda, sedges have a pea-sized “nut” on the root which can start new plants. Pulling nut sedge from the garden seldom works, since both the “nut” and all rhizomes must be removed for success. Pulling a sedge out of the ground without removing the “nut” and all rhizomes will result in the remaining plant parts to reproduce.
Sedges require a herbicide specifically designed for them, as common grass killers (RoundUp, etc.) do not work very well on them. Image , Sedgehammer , and Bonide’s SedgeEnder are brand name herbicides that are specifically designed to kill sedges. Be sure to read the label before buying any herbicide to make sure the plant to be controlled is listed, and always pfollow the directions for applying any chemical.
Meet the 2025 Sulphur Springs High School Homecoming Queen Contestants
August 28, 2025 – Megan Tingle, Information and Media Integration Specialist for Sulphur Springs High School, invited the media to come meet the 2025 Sulphur Springs High School Homecoming Queen Contestants, on August 26th, 2025. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this Media Day.
Good News for Texas Families: Texas A&M Tuition and Fees are Frozen for the Next Two Years
August 28, 2025 – BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Regents today approved next year’s operating budget of $8.1 billion and announced a two-year freeze on what Texas resident undergraduates pay for academics. Tuition and all academic fees will stay at current levels for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 academic years across all of the universities of The Texas A&M University System.
“Groceries, gas and insurance may be up, but not what our Texas undergraduates pay to learn,” said Board Chairman Robert Albritton. “Freezing academic costs for two full years takes discipline and long-term planning. Thanks to prudent, far-sighted management across the System and strong support from state leaders, we can keep college affordable without lowering our standards.”
Nationally, many public university systems outside Texas have adopted tuition and fee increases in recent cycles to respond to inflation and increased operating costs. The A&M System’s two-year freeze positions it as an outlier for affordability among large public systems across the nation.
Today’s action fulfills the state’s Higher Education Affordability initiative in the current General Appropriations Act and will be certified to the Legislative Budget Board by September 1.
“This freeze gives Texas families certainty as they plan for college,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “We will live within our means, protect classroom quality and continue investing in teaching, research and service that benefit communities across the state.”
For Texas resident undergraduates, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has committed to maintain academic costs, including tuition, mandatory academic fees, all academic-related general fees, and college course fees, at currently approved levels for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years.
Texas Hunters Encouraged to Practice Wildfire Safety During Hunting Season
August 28, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As dove season begins in Texas, it’s important for hunters to remain alert and take proactive steps to prevent wildfires.
Pockets of dry vegetation remain in areas where recent rainfall has been limited, including the Rolling Plains, Eastern Hill Country, South Texas and Lower Gulf Coast. In late August and early September, these areas could support small wildfires, however fire weather conditions are not expected, reducing the risk of large, hard-to-control wildfires.
Texas A&M Forest Service continues to monitor conditions closely and encourages residents and visitors to remain cautious with outdoor activities that could spark fires.
“Even a small spark can quickly ignite a wildfire under the right conditions,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Texans are encouraged to stay alert and be aware of hazards that can cause a wildfire while hunting this season.”
Human activity is responsible for 90% of wildfires in Texas, with debris burning and equipment use being the two leading causes. Equipment and vehicle use has accounted for over 4,500 wildfire ignitions in Texas since 2020.
To prevent a wildfire while hunting or camping:
- Avoid driving over and parking on tall, dry grass – the heat from your vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts its own burn bans. View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.
- Never leave a cooking fire or campfire unattended and always make sure it is completely out by drowning it, stirring it and feeling to ensure that it is out cold before you leave.
- When taking a trailer out on your adventures, make sure that tires are properly inflated, chains will not contact the road and that any loose metal will not continually hit anything else, all which can cause sparks.
- Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp and have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.
For more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season, please visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/HuntingFireSafety/.
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From Classroom to Creek: East Texas A&M Students Study Elusive Painted Crayfish By Patrick C. Harrison III Marketing and Communications
August 28, 2025 – If, by chance, you find yourself driving along a winding county road in Northeast Texas, perhaps near Little Cypress Creek or along the wooded shore of Caddo Lake, there is a fair chance you may happen along a band of researchers from East Texas A&M University.
You may not see them, however, unless you have a keen eye, and unless you’re brave enough to look away from that winding road long enough to find them. You may see their truck—with the East Texas A&M logo stenciled prettily on the door—but the researchers will be difficult to spot.
They are beyond the tall grass at the roadside, and beyond the tangle of vines after that. To see them you may have to climb over rocks slick with water and moss. You may have to navigate downed trees as the sound of locusts and songbirds fill your ears. You may have to walk along sandy banks and through the cool muddy waters of a creek that bends like a long, slithering snake. And, yes, watch out for those snakes!
If you do all that, you may, indeed, come across Dr. Bjorn Schmidt, assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, along with one or more of his students. They’ll be wearing waders up to their chests and carrying nets and buckets. One of them will be wearing a big electrical device on their back, something that looks like it should be in a movie about ghost busting.
The team of researchers are looking for the Kisatchie painted crayfish, and that kind of research requires them to get dirty.
Pausing his explorations along wild creek bottoms, Dr. Schmidt took a moment to discuss the painted crayfish and what he hopes to accomplish through his research.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
First things first—you called them “crayfish” instead of “crawfish”—is there a difference?
They go by a lot of names—crayfish, crawfish, crawdad, mudbug—but they all mean the same thing. There’s no official rule about which is correct. In general, “crawfish” tends to be used more in everyday language, especially when people are talking about food, while “crayfish” is more common in scientific writing or when referring to them in their natural habitat. Both are correct, though, and most people recognize “crawfish” more readily.
What are the physical characteristics of the painted crayfish?
Painted crayfish have an olive-colored exoskeleton with distinctive red markings on their appendage joints and behind their eyes, which make it look like someone painted them by hand.
Their claws are strikingly colored blue, white and red from base to tip, resembling a Bomb Pop popsicle. Juveniles are small, about one to two inches, but adults can reach four inches in length. They’re neither the largest nor the smallest crayfish in the region, but their unique coloring makes them stand out.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
What sparked your interest in studying the painted crayfish, and why is the species important to conserve?
My interest comes from a long background in freshwater fish conservation, about 20 years of working with rare and imperiled species. Studying crayfish was a natural shift because many of the same techniques used for fish apply. The painted crayfish is especially fascinating because it has only two populations: one in Texas and one in Louisiana, and we don’t fully understand why they’re separated. Part of our study focuses on genetics to see how distinct these populations are and how long ago they diverged.
This species is important to conserve because aquatic species in general—fishes, crayfishes, mussels—have been declining regionally and globally due to changes in water use, land use and habitat over the past several decades. The painted crayfish is considered imperiled (G2 on the NatureServe scale, where G1 is critically imperiled and G5 is secure). Its populations are small, limited and threatened, yet it remains data deficient, meaning there’s still a lot we need to learn to guide effective conservation.
Is there any consensus about the cause of low population among the painted crayfish?
There’s no clear consensus on why populations are low because the species is elusive and hard to study. That’s part of why this research is important. We’re analyzing water chemistry, pollution levels—especially from agricultural runoff—and habitat conditions to better understand the decline.
A 2021 study surveyed 74 sites in Texas but found only 13 crayfish, and they were absent from about 60% of their historical range. This indicates both a shrinking range and declining population, which is why the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering petitioning them for endangered species status in 2026.
Their decline signals broader environmental issues, including decreased water quality and biodiversity. Early findings suggest that dams, siltation and changes in flow patterns are reducing the amount of suitable habitat, particularly the larger, sandy streams the species prefers. Agricultural runoff also appears to be affecting water quality in these systems.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Why is the Cypress Creek system so critical to the survival of this species?
The Cypress Creek system is critical because it’s one of only two places in the world where Kisatchie painted crayfish are found. It’s also an ecologically important system for Texas—Caddo Lake, fed by Cypress Creek, supports a diverse range of species, including birds, paddlefish, and alligator gar, making the health of these waters crucial for regional biodiversity.
So far, painted crayfish are mainly found in larger rivers, which limits their distribution. Dams and reservoirs have further reduced suitable habitats. Cypress Creek has three tributaries—Big Cypress, Little Cypress, and Black Cypress. Historically, crayfish were found in all three, but recent surveys only located them in Big Cypress. Our research has confirmed their presence in Little Cypress at ten sites, which is encouraging. Unfortunately, they appear to be gone from Black Cypress.
How do you go about catching painted crayfish?
We catch painted crayfish using backpack electrofishing, a technique borrowed from fisheries research. It involves a battery-powered backpack that sends a mild electrical current between two poles into the water. The current temporarily stuns fish so they can be caught and identified, then recover within about 30 seconds.
Crayfish react differently—they dart away rapidly when shocked. Our most effective method is a three-person team: one person operates the backpack, while two others stand on either side with nets to catch the crayfish as they bolt from rocks or cover. It’s fast-paced and requires quick reflexes, but so far we’ve caught about 1200 crayfish for the project, with only some of those being painted crayfish.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
With that method of catching crayfish, do y’all often run into other forms of wildlife?
Absolutely. We see turtles, snakes—including cottonmouths—and fish, as well as various aquatic invertebrates. As we get closer to Caddo Lake, there’s also potential to encounter alligators, though they usually avoid faster-flowing rivers. Before entering the water, we always survey the area for signs of alligators to stay safe.
How are you evaluating the impact of water chemistry, pollutants and habitat conditions on crayfish?
We do that by collecting environmental data alongside our biological surveys. Once we have all the data, we’ll use statistical models to analyze correlations between water quality patterns and crayfish occupancy and abundance. This will help us understand how environmental factors influence their populations.
What role do your students play in the research, and how has this project contributed to their learning?
My students play a crucial role in this research, both in fieldwork and in data analysis. I have two graduate students in biology completing theses related to the project. One is studying the relationship between crayfish populations and fish predators, particularly largemouth bass, which are voracious crayfish predators. Anecdotally, we’ve noticed fewer crayfish where bass are abundant. The other graduate student is examining habitat patterns, including stream size, flow and depth, to better understand the ecological requirements of the species.
We also have an undergraduate in wildlife conservation who assists with fieldwork, bringing prior experience with backpack electrofishing and local knowledge of the region. Overall, the students gain hands-on experience in field techniques, species identification, trapping methods, and working with aquatic ecosystems. Their work not only supports the research but also prepares them for future careers in conservation and wildlife management.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
What are you hoping the impact of this study will ultimately be?
The main goal of this study is to help conserve the painted crayfish. We aim to identify threats causing population declines and raise awareness about the species. Many locals remember seeing the crayfish as kids, but overall, awareness is low. By providing solid data and highlighting its ecological importance, we hope to support long-term protection and ensure the species remains stable, since it exists in only this one region of the world.
The important research Dr. Schmidt is conducting with East Texas A&M has drawn interest from several students, and they bring their own perspectives and goals to project.
“I feel overjoyed each time we catch the crayfish,” said Rakshya Basnet, a graduate student majoring in biology. “They’re very active compared to other fish species, which makes the work both interesting and challenging, and keeps the fieldwork engaging.”
Sielo Garcia, also a graduate student majoring in biology, said studying crayfish will give her a leg-up on her future career.
“Working with crayfish now is giving me tons of experience with a rare species, identifying native fish and crayfish, doing field work, and learning how management and conservation plans get developed,” she said. “These are all things I’d love to continue in my career.”
The painted crayfish study highlights East Texas A&M’s dedication to advancing scientific research while training the next generation of environmental scientists. By combining hands-on fieldwork with meaningful conservation projects, the university demonstrates its commitment to addressing real-world ecological challenges and fostering innovation in the biological and environmental sciences.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Patrick C. Harrison III
Patrick C. Harrison III is a Communications Specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communications, where he writes press releases, news articles and marketing materials primarily for the colleges of Education and Human Services, Science and Engineering, and Innovation and Design, as well as East Texas A&M’s extended universities in Dallas, Frisco, Mesquite, Corsicana and Bryan.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Foundation Announces 2026 Gala Theme
August 28, 2025 -Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is excited to announce the theme for the 20th anniversary Gala to be held on January 31, 2026. Healthcare supporters and revelers will gather under the theme of “A Celebration of Twenty Years.”
Foundation Chair Pam Black said about the theme, “This year is a milestone year as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this beloved fundraiser and community event. The Gala is a testament to what Hopkins County can accomplish when it works together. Every year our donors dig deeper, and our attendees have tons of fun while helping us meet our goal.”
For this special Gala, a subcommittee of the Foundation Board is chairing the event.
The Gala has funded over 35 projects valued at over $3,300,000 in the past nineteen years. These results clearly show the crucial role this event plays in funding vital healthcare initiatives for the community.
As always, this formal event will feature a fabulous dinner and dancing featuring tunes from several decades and genres. The theme provides a hint about what the ballroom will look for the night.
Black shared, “We are planning a wonderful evening with delicious food, great music, and a beautiful setting, but we recognize that the stars of the show are the guests dressed in their finery. From sequins to tuxedos, the wow factor will be provided by the attendees.”
Sponsorship, underwriter opportunities, and individual tickets will be available soon. Follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook or Instagram for more news on the Foundation and the Gala.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that provides education, free clinics, and other health-related resources to Hopkins County residents. In addition, the Foundation raises funds to benefit two other local healthcare entities: the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
For more information on the Foundation, contact the Foundation office at 903-438-4799.
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Gardening in September By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
August 28, 2025 – With August almost gone, it’s time to look at gardening in September. September can be a difficult month, as hot summer temperatures can hang on throughout the month, while in some years the cool fall temps arrive quickly, and fall begins. To prepare for the much-awaited cool season, gardeners have several things to do to make the season change a beautiful and productive time for your landscape.
CLEAN UP IN THE GARDEN
Begin your fall clean-up by removing all spent summer flowering plants and veggies, including any weeds that are present. Put all plant refuse in either the compost pile or the trash. Dead plants can harbor insects and/or disease, so it is important to remove them completely from the garden areas and any containers that will be re-used.
ADD COMPOST
2-4 inches of compost, tilled or mixed into the soil, will give your fall plants a healthy start, and also improve the soil. Compost helps the soil to retain moisture, reduce clumping, and adds nutrients. Container potting mix will also benefit from a dose of compost as well.
MULCH
A layer of mulch 2”-4” deep around your new plantings will keep the soil moist and give some protection when the temperatures drop at night. Mulch also helps keep weeds from germinating, and as it decays, improves the soil.
PRE-EMERGENT TREATMENT
Early September is prime time for applying a pre-emergent to both lawn and garden areas. Pre-emergents have a short window for application, and are not effective when applied after the weeds have germinated. Apply according to recommended rates and water-in thoroughly for best results.
Dimension, Balan, and Halts are 3 pre-emergent products that can prevent winter weeds.
LAWNS
Keep lawn grasses at recommended heights—1 ½” for Bermuda, and 2 ½” for St. Augustine. Try to mow regularly so that the mower doesn’t remove more than 1/3 of the grass leaves. If we have a “wet” fall with lots of rain, watering can be reduced to ½” per week. A fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (15-5-10 or similar) can be applied for a final feeding in September.
VEGETABLES
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, Brussel sprouts, beets, radishes, and turnips can all be planted in early September, with plenty of time for harvest before the first frost. At planting, water thoroughly, and aim to keep the soil moist by using mulch. Fertilize every 2 weeks for higher yields.
FLOWERS
Check local garden centers for fall flowering plants. Many plants have vibrant colors in the fall, and the selection is large. Don’t forget that fall is the best time to plant trees and crape myrtles!
Almost 25% of Texas Schools Using Bluebonnet Learning Curriculum
August 28, 2025 – Developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) under House Bill 1605, the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum is a state-authored, open-education resource (OER) for K–5 elementary instruction in reading, language arts (RLA), and math. Approved narrowly by the Republican-dominated State Board of Education in November 2024, the curriculum is notable—and controversial—for incorporating explicit biblical references and Christian teachings. Examples include lessons that introduce the Golden Rule through Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, and encourage fifth graders to read narratives like the Last Supper as part of art history lessons.
What do Bluebonnet Learning materials consist of? Bluebonnet Learning is rigorous, relevant, and grade level appropriate instructional materials that include lessons on art, history, culture, science, and technology – key components of a knowledge building, content-rich curriculum. Bluebonnet Learning materials have a broad base of topics including history, literature, the arts, and culture which, when contextually relevant, can include religious topics sampling from a wide range of faiths. — Official Bluebonnet Learning FAQ
Supporters argue that these religious elements enhance cultural literacy and reflect the Bible’s foundational role in history and literature. Critics and legal advocacy groups—including the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation—contend that the curriculum crosses constitutional lines by privileging Christianity in public education.
The curriculum is optional, meaning districts can choose whether to adopt it. As incentive, the state offers up to $60 per student for selected districts.
Adoption Status in 2025
As of late June 2025, over 300 Texas school districts and charter schools—about 25% of the state’s 1,207 systems—have signaled intent to use parts of the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum. Breaking it down further:
- Approximately 595 districts have indicated they’ll adopt some components of the curriculum (e.g., math, phonics, or RLA)
- Around 317 districts plan to use the reading lessons, which contain the most religious content.
Regional patterns show higher adoption rates in areas like Kilgore, Amarillo, and Victoria, with lower uptake around Beaumont, Austin, and El Paso. Many districts cite practical reasons for adoption—aligning with state standards, accessing funding, or avoiding state intervention—rather than support for the curriculum’s religious components.
Bluebonnet Learning is an optional, state-rewarded curriculum that integrates Christian biblical narratives into K–5 education. In 2025, more than 300 districts plan to use it, including 317 adopting the reading components, though motivations vary across regions and districts.
Governor Abbott Signs Texas’ Make America Healthy Again Legislation
August 28, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently ceremonially signed Texas’ Make America Healthy Again legislation – Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 314, and Senate Bill 379 – into law alongside U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
“Every legislator in Texas wants to see Texas be put on a pathway to be healthier,” said Governor Abbott. “These bills that I am signing today put Texas on that pathway. Taxpayer dollars will no longer be used to fund chronic health problems in our state. These bills were truly a bipartisan effort, and I am proud to sign them into effect.”
“Thank you, Governor Abbott, for your leadership in uniting Texans to confront chronic disease,” said Secretary Kennedy. “I also commend the state’s legislators for coming together across party lines to pass these bipartisan bills. Texas has chosen a bold new course for public health—one I urge other states to follow.”
Watch the Governor’s full bill signing ceremony here.
The Governor was joined by Secretary Kennedy, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Senator Bryan Hughes, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Senator Mayes Middleton, Representative Stan Gerdes, Representative Caroline Harris-Davila, Representative Lacey Hull, and additional members of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 25 (Kolkhorst/Hull) known as the ‘Make Texas Healthy Again’ Act, promotes healthier living for all Texans by embedding nutrition education across k-12 schools, higher education, and the healthcare workforce. Additionally, it requires stronger food label transparency for consumers.
Senate Bill 314 (Hughes/Harris-Davila) prohibits schools from serving foods with certain additives as a part of free or reduced-price meals.
Senate Bill 379 (Middleton/Gerdes) prohibits individuals from using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase sweetened drinks and candy.
