Peanut Allergies on the Decline
October 20, 2025 – Peanut allergies, once among the most feared food sensitivities in children, appear to be on the decline, according to new research and medical observations across the United States.
A growing body of evidence suggests that early exposure to peanuts, rather than strict avoidance, has significantly reduced allergy rates among young children. Pediatricians credit updated guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, introduced in 2017, which encouraged parents to safely introduce peanut-containing foods to infants as early as four to six months of age.
Dr. Michelle Hartman, an allergist in Dallas, said she’s seen a noticeable decrease in new peanut allergy diagnoses over the past several years. “We’re seeing fewer children testing positive,” Hartman said. “Parents are more informed about early introduction, and that’s having a real impact.”
The trend represents a shift from decades of caution, when parents were often told to delay exposing children to potential allergens. That older advice, researchers now believe, may have contributed to rising allergy rates during the 1990s and early 2000s.
While the decline is encouraging, experts warn that peanut allergies remain a serious condition affecting millions of Americans. For those already diagnosed, reactions can still be life-threatening, requiring careful management and access to emergency medication such as epinephrine auto-injectors.
Schools and food manufacturers have also adapted to support those with allergies through clearer labeling and allergen-free food options.
“Progress doesn’t mean the problem is solved,” said Dr. Hartman. “But we’re finally seeing prevention strategies that work.”
Researchers continue to study long-term outcomes, but early introduction programs appear to offer a promising path toward reducing peanut allergies in future generations.
United Way Co-Chairs Gave an Update on the 2025-2026 Campaign on the Latest Second Cup Of Coffee
October 20, 2025 – The 2025-2026 Hopkins County United Way Campaign Co-Chairs, Ashley Crump and Kaitlyn Hankins, visited on the last episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Ashley, Kaitlyn, and John Mark chatted about the Hopkins County United Way, and where they stand on reaching their goal of $170,000.00. Be sure to check out this episode below and learn all about the United Way and how they are doing in their 70th Year, and find out how you can help them out!
Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn October 22nd
October 20, 2025 – Lunch & Learn is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites individuals interested in genealogical research to attend. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch, salad, or takeout meal, as well as comments and suggestions for future sessions.
This event will be the final Lunch & Learn for 2025, since meetings do not occur in November and December due to holiday activities. Meetings will resume in January, and attendees this month are invited to provide input regarding programs and presentations planned for 2026. Feedback on this year’s previous sessions is also welcomed, along with information about recent genealogical research experiences.
Attendees are encouraged to add this event to their calendar and participate in an hour of discussion with others interested in genealogy.
Early Voting Begins For November 4th Special Election
October 20, 2025 – Early Voting is in full swing at 128G Jefferson St. for the 17 propositions on the ballot for the November 4th Special Election. Anyone can vote early and save time by avoiding the polls on Tuesday’s scheduled election day. Below are the times for early voting in the JP #2 Courtroom located at 128G Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs.
Early Voting Schedule:
Monday, October 20, 2025 – Friday, October 24, 2025 Open 8am-5pm
Saturday, October 25, 2025 & Sunday, October 26, 2025 CLOSED
Monday, October 27, 2025 – Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Open 8am-5pm
Thursday, October 30, 2025 & Friday, October 31, 2025 Open 7am-7pm
On November 4, Texans will decide on 17 constitutional amendments, each presented as a statewide proposition. These amendments range from tax relief measures to funding priorities and constitutional clarifications. Click on the link for more info about each amendment.
- Proposition 1 (SJR 59): Funding for Texas State Technical College.
- Proposition 2 (SJR 18): Ban on a state capital gains tax.
- Proposition 3 (SJR 5): Bail reform.
- Proposition 4 (HJR 7): Water infrastructure funding.
- Proposition 5 (HJR 99): Tax exemption on animal feed.
- Proposition 6 (HJR 4): Ban on a state securities tax.
- Proposition 7 (HJR 133): Tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans.
- Proposition 8 (HJR 2): Ban on an inheritance tax.
- Proposition 9 (HJR 1): Inventory and equipment tax exemption.
- Proposition 10 (SJR 84): Property tax exemption for homes destroyed by fire.
- Proposition 11 (SJR 85): School tax exemption for elderly or disabled homeowners.
- Proposition 12 (SJR 27): Changes to the State Judicial Conduct Commission.
- Proposition 13 (SJR 2): Increased school tax exemption for homeowners.
- Proposition 14 (SJR 3): Funding for dementia research and prevention.
- Proposition 15 (SJR 34): Codifying parental rights.
- Proposition 16 (SJR 37): Clarifying citizenship requirement for voters.
Election day voting will occur on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the following locations:
Precinct 1 – Lutheran Church, 1000 Texas St. Sulphur Springs
Precinct 2A – H.W. Grays Building, 413 Beckham St. Sulphur Springs
Precinct 3 – Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St. Sulphur Springs
Precinct 3A – Paris Junior College, 1137 Loop 301, Sulphur Springs
Precinct 4 – Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston St. Sulphur Springs
Precinct 4A – League Street Church of Christ, 1100 S. League, Sulphur Springs
Precinct 5 – Saltillo ISD, 15 CR 3534, Saltillo
Precinct 11 – Cumby Municipal Building, 100 E. Main St. Cumby
Precinct 12 – Sulphur Bluff ISD, 1027 CR 3550, Sulphur Bluff
Precinct 13 – Como-Pickton CISD, 13017 TX Hwy 11 E, Como|
Precinct 16 – Miller Grove ISD, 7819 FM 275 South, Cumby
Precinct 17 – North Hopkins ISD, 1994 FM 71 W, Sulphur Springs
Quail Surveys Raise Expectations for Another Quality Hunting Season
Oct. 15, 2025 – AUSTIN – Quail hunting season kicks off on Nov. 1 in Texas, and the annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) roadside survey revealed some encouraging population numbers heading into opening day. Good habitat conditions along with timely rainfall helped bobwhite and scaled quail production this last spring and summer.
“Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists covered over 3,300 road miles in early August during our annual roadside quail surveys,” said Patrick Schutz, TPWD Upland Game Bird Program Leader. “Overall, we are encouraged by the numbers in this year’s surveys and anticipate a good season for hunters especially in the Rolling Plains, South Texas and Trans Pecos regions where populations have traditionally been the strongest.”
Bobwhite quail benefitted from improved habitat for chicks thanks to above average rainfall throughout most of their range. Bobwhite populations in the Rolling Plains appear to be similar to last year but reports in many areas in this ecoregion show above average bobwhite numbers.
Teacup Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in north Texas will provide a new public hunting opportunity for this upcoming season. Along with the Matador WMA, TPWD expects average to above average hunting opportunities at these WMAs.
South Texas should provide good opportunities for hunters looking to harvest birds this fall. The typical number of bobwhites seen per route by biologists was 12.70 compared to 9.13 last year, above the 15-year mean of 9.78.
“South Texas remains a stronghold and bobwhite populations appeared to increase the further south you go within the region,” said Schutz. “This region accounted for over 50 percent of the estimated total bobwhite harvest last season and biologists are encouraged by the bobwhite numbers they’ve observed recently. Public hunting opportunities in this ecoregion can be found at the Chaparral and James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Areas and we expect these WMAs to provide fair hunting conditions.”
The 2025 scaled quail population survey revealed that population numbers increased across their range. The average number of scaled quail seen by biologists was above the 15-year mean in all ecoregions and reported good carryover from the previous year. Birds were observed on more than 70 percent of the surveys in the Trans Pecos ecoregion and on more than 50 percent of the routes in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion.
“The Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau were in drought conditions early on, but rainfall and habitat conditions improved through mid to later summer,” said Schutz. “Early spring rains and good habitat conditions in the High Plains provided for some early nesting, increased calling activity and multiple broods observed throughout the region.”
The Edwards Plateau and High Plains ecoregions made the biggest leaps in scaled quail sightings during August surveys. The average number of scaled quail seen in the Edwards Plateau was 14 per route compared to 6.38 last year, which was significantly above the 15-year mean of 6.47. Out in the High Plains, the number of scaled quail seen per route by biologists was 7.75 compared to 3.83 last year, above the 15-year mean of 3.42.
TPWD biologists expect Black Gap and Elephant Mountain WMAs to provide average to above average opportunities for scaled quail despite limited early season production due to continuing drought in the region
TPWD provides a full regional breakdown of this year’s TPWD quail index survey for northern bobwhite and scaled quail, including highlights and prospects. For county specific outlooks, contact a local TPWD wildlife biologist.
Statewide surveys were initiated in 1978 to monitor quail populations — historical survey data, 1978 to 2025 — and are available on the TPWD website. TPWD surveys are only designed to provide a representation of bobwhite and scaled quail populations at the regional level and local conditions may vary considerably.
Hunters taking advantage of Texas Public Hunting Lands must have the Annual Public Hunting Permit. Public land hunters must check the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet to review regulations that may apply to specific areas. The Texas Hunt & Fish app can be used to complete on-site registration electronically at a public hunting area.
The SSHS Wildcats Took on the Paris Wildcats in Football Action at Home October 17th
October 19, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats took on the Paris High School Wildcats in football action at Gerald Prim Stadium in Sulphur Springs, Texas, October 17th, 2025. Below is KSST’s/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this nail biting game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this thrilling football game! Go Wildcats!
Daughters of the American Revolution Made a Special Presentation to Sulphur Springs Elementary School October 16th
October 19, 2025 – The local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) made a special presentation to Sulphur Springs Elementary School October 16th, 2025. Members of the Capt. David Philips chapter presented copies of the book, “Texas Before the Lone Star” to fourth grade social studies teachers for use in their classrooms. The book includes stories told to and by children during the Spanish Colonial era in Texas from late 1600s to statehood in 1845. The book was written and edited by Texas DAR members as a project of the Texas State Regent Susan Johnston. The DAR hopes to place a book in every elementary school in Texas. The local DAR chapter presented ten books to SSES and will present one book for each of the other schools in Hopkins County including Water Oak, Central Christian Academy, Saltillo, Miller Grove, North Hopkins, Sulphur Bluff, Como Pickton, Cumby, and Yantis, Winnsboro and Rains in neighboring Rains County.
Charlotte Lantz Abbott is a member of Captain David Philips Chapter, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), and was present at this presentation, and was one of three ladies who presented the books. Marynell Bryant and Christy Sanders were the other two. They also will be presenting the book to the Yantis Elementary School. There were only seven of the school staff to receive the books, as several were out due to illness.
Tips to Keep Aging Drivers Safe
October 19, 2025 –Older motorists are encouraged to consider how changes in vision, strength and reflexes can affect driving
Oct. 16, 2025
PARIS – Older motorists can teach the rest of us a lot about driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. However, there comes a time when it’s important to assess whether they can drive safely.
The population of Texans age 65 and older is growing faster than any other age group in the state. Age alone doesn’t predict driving ability, but for most of us, age-related declines in physical and mental abilities can lead to greater risk of a crash.
Since 2015, the number of fatal crashes involving drivers age 65 and older in Texas has jumped 39%. In 2024, 18% of all fatal crashes in the state involved older drivers.
No one wants to lose the independence that comes with a driver license — or risk causing a preventable crash. That’s why TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is reminding seniors of safe driving tips, giving them the autonomy to evaluate their driving fitness and even plan their “driving retirement” when the time comes.
These conversations can be difficult, but they can save lives.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 1,271 traffic crashes involving senior drivers (age 65+), resulting in 27 fatalities and 82 serious injuries.
Tips for aging drivers to stay safe
- Drive during the day and in good weather. This is when visibility is best and conditions are safest.
- Avoid driving during rush hours and congested areas when possible.
- Drive a safe speed. That means don’t go too fast or too slow. Driving too slow can be just as dangerous as driving too fast.
- Be extra cautious at intersections and when making left turns.
- Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
- Check your vision and hearing at least once a year. Wear your glasses, contacts or hearing aids as prescribed by a doctor.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects of medications that could affect your driving.
- Consider cutting back on driving. Use rideshares and delivery services, especially at night.
- Be familiar with your vehicle’s safety features. This includes lane departure warnings, blind spot detection and collision warning systems.
- Avoid distractions no matter your age. This includes cell phones, pets and eating.
- Buckle your seat belt, every ride, every time.
- Always get a sober ride.
TxDOT offers free CarFit checkups for older drivers
To help mature drivers feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel, TxDOT recommends they attend a CarFit checkup and have experts adjust vehicle settings to fit them. They will use a 12-point checklist to ensure that your seat, mirrors and steering wheel are positioned in a way that gives you optimal visibility and control. To learn more, drivers can contact their local TxDOT district or visit car-fit.org.
Caregivers can take the following steps if concerned about an older driver’s safety
- Collect information to assess whether a driver is at increased risk. Pay attention to their behaviors behind the wheel and observe non-driving tasks such as walking, cooking or yard work. Changes in the ability to carry out these tasks may indicate declines that affect driving too.
- Talk about your concerns with the driver and develop a plan that helps them make informed decisions and avoid unmanageable driving situations.
- Show them how to access and use alternative transportation options to maintain their mobility without driving.
The Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
Tumbleweed Smith Received the Broadcaster Award October 15th
October 19, 2025 – In ceremonies held at The Woodlands, Texas on October 15, 2025, The Sound of Texas’s Tumbleweed Smith was presented the Broadcaster Award. This was part of the Country Music Association of Texas annual awards ceremony at the Dosey Doe Barn. He was recognized for his reporting and preservation of Americana Western music which includes the genres of Western Swing, Cowboy Western and Texas Country Music. KSST congratulates our friend, Tumbleweed Smith for this important achievement.
SAFE-T Held Their Annual Candle Light Vigil Event October 9th
October 19, 2025 – SAFE-T held their annual Candle Light Vigil event on Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs, Texas, on October 9, 2025. The event is held to shine a light on domestic violence. Below is KSST’s/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this important event.
