Shorter Days Bring Deadly Risks for Walkers in Texas
October 3, 2025 – TxDOT urges vigilance during deadliest month for pedestrians
PARIS – On a Sunday afternoon last fall, Brenna Cole-Pickrel laced up her shoes and headed out for a jog with her dog Daisy. Brenna never made it home.
A recently married major in the U.S. Air Force, 31-year-old Cole-Pickrel was serving as a security expert at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland when she was struck in a San Antonio crosswalk. She died on Oct. 2, 2024.
“Brenna had a brilliant mind, a warm heart and an unwavering commitment to helping others,” her mother, Linda Cole, said. “She served her country proudly and we mourn her loss every day. It hurts to know that it could have been prevented.”
Help protect pedestrians by driving like a Texan
Cole-Pickrel was one of the 773 people killed while walking on Texas roads last year. In Texas, we look out for each other, whether you’re a service member or civilian, and that doesn’t end when you get behind the wheel.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is sharing Brenna’s story to remind Texans of their responsibility to always watch out for pedestrians and to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
“This time of year, Texans may be more inclined to get outside to enjoy the cooler weather, but fewer daylight hours can create darker, riskier conditions,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “We can all do our part to help keep each other safe by taking precautions whether you’re driving down the road or walking in your neighborhood.”
October is deadliest month for pedestrians
Traffic records show pedestrian-involved crashes and fatalities typically peak this time of year, and most happen at night. In October 2024, 89 people were killed while walking on Texas roads and another 143 suffered serious injuries.
To help prevent more tragedies, TxDOT will be putting vital safety messages in front of drivers and pedestrians alike this month. In addition to TV and radio spots, billboards and digital advertising, TxDOT will deploy street teams of walking billboards around the state in places where motorists and people on foot share the road.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 42 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 7 pedestrian fatalities and 14 pedestrian serious injuries.
Texans should follow these safety tips
For drivers:
- Stay alert. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Stop. Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians when turning.
- Pay attention. Put your phone away before you begin driving. Be prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
- Be cautious when passing stopped vehicles. They can block your view of pedestrians.
- Follow speed limits. Drive to conditions.
- Be especially careful if you drive a large SUV or pickup truck. They have large blind spots in front that can make it hard to see pedestrians.
For pedestrians:
- Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
- Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
- When walking, put away your phone or earbuds that take your attention off the road.
- Stay visible. Wear reflective materials or use a flashlight when it’s dark.
This 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.
First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs to Celebrate 175th Anniversary October 4th Through November 2nd
October 3, 2025 – The First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will celebrate their 175th Anniversary with special services October 4th, 2025 through November 2nd, 2025. The public is welcome.
Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs Will Hold Their Fall Revival October 5th Through 7th
October 3, 2025 – Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will hold their Fall Revival, “The Mission” October 5th, 2025 through October 7th, 2025. Start times are 6:00pm that Sunday, and 7:00pm that Monday and Tuesday. The Church’s address is 711 Fuller Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482.
Cumby Independent School District Receives A $181,574 Grant To Train 31 Students
Cumby ISD, Paris Junior College Win State Grants to Expand Career Training
October 3, 2025 – CUMBY, Texas – Students in Northeast Texas will soon have new opportunities to train for high-demand careers, thanks to more than $1.9 million in career training grants announced this week by Governor Greg Abbott. Among the seven recipients, Cumby Independent School District and Paris Junior College were awarded funding to expand nursing and technical education programs.
Cumby ISD received $181,574 to purchase equipment that will allow 31 students to train as licensed practical and vocational nurses. The program will be developed in partnership with Paris Junior College, strengthening ties between local high schools and higher education institutions to ensure students can transition directly into the healthcare workforce.
Paris Junior College itself secured a separate $332,450 grant to train 60 students as industrial machinery mechanics, a field critical to manufacturing and industrial operations across the region. College officials said the funds will help update labs with modern equipment, ensuring graduates are prepared for today’s technical demands.
“These investments directly benefit our students and our community,” said a Paris Junior College representative. “By equipping classrooms and labs with the latest technology, we are preparing students for good-paying jobs that are available right here in Texas.”
Governor Abbott emphasized that the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants are about strengthening both education and the economy. “These grants ensure students will gain the tools and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and promising career opportunities,” Abbott said.
The Texas Workforce Commission, which administers the JET program, estimates the new grants will support training for more than 520 students across the region in fields ranging from nursing to welding to semiconductor manufacturing.
For Cumby ISD and Paris Junior College, the funds mark a major step in expanding access to career and technical education while addressing the state’s growing workforce needs.+
Learn Some Pointers on Fall Gardening on This Episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
October 2, 2025 – Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey September 30th, 2025. Ronnie and John Mark chatted about mums, when the average first freeze is, what to plant at this time, and so much more. Be sure to check out this interesting episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee and learn some pointers on Fall gardening.
Texoma Gospel Music Association Fall Gathering to Take Place October 10th and 11th at the ROC
October 2, 2025 – The Texoma Gospel Music Association Fall Gathering Southern, Christian, Country, and Gospel Music event is scheduled to take place October 10th through 11th, 2025, at the ROC in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Admission is free. A Love Offering will be taken. Doors open at 10:00am both days. For more information, please call 940-736-7881.
This and That for October 2025 By Master Gardener David Wall
October 3, 2025 – Bayer Chemicals bought out Monsanto seven years ago and has since had to pay out billions in settlements for cancer-causing Roundup. Bayer took glyphosate out of Roundup and replaced it with a chemical even more dangerous. Now, they are trying to push legislation that would block lawsuits against pesticide makers around the country. With enough donation support, they could conceivably get laws passed allowing companies to sell cancer-causing pesticides gardeners and farmers use to kill weeds and bugs.
Marigolds have a great reputation for preventing garden insect. I’ve used them myself for several years with great result, or so I thought. Fortunately, I plant a LOT of marigolds in my raised beds. I say fortunately, because we now know that unless planted close together, as in NOT one every 3-4’, marigolds don’t provide protection, and even if planted next to each other, the protection is still limited. They probably do more good under the soil than on top. For better insect repellants of attractant to keep pests off your crops, consider nasturtiums, chives, garlic, catnip, lavender, rosemary, and chrysanthemums.
After a killing frost, clear the garden plants, leaves, etc., ASAP. Cover crops always great in your garden, but if you don’t choose that, consider cutting off cucumber, okra, & pepper plants at soil. Let roots rot to provide nutrients next spring. For tomatoes, pull them out by the roots to reduce root knot nematode damage in future crops. then, spread a quicklime coating and rake it into the soil. This adds calcium plus kills pathogens and insect pests. You can do the same with agriculture lime which has additional nutrients, but it doesn’t kill pathogens or insects. Then, spread a good coating of wood ash, which can be straight from your fireplace. Mix with water or just water it in.
Hopkins County Annual Fall Coat & Blanket Drive 2025 is Under Way
October 2, 2025 – Fall is finally here! As temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to think about staying warm—both outdoors and at home. Unfortunately, not everyone in Hopkins County has the means to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months.
To meet this need, the Hopkins County community—through CANHelp—is kicking off the Annual Fall Coat & Blanket Drive 2025. Together, we can make sure everyone in our community stays warm this winter.
We are accepting new and gently used coats (all sizes) and new blankets beginning October 1st through Friday, November 21st.
Drop-off Locations:
CANHelp • AnyTime Fitness • TownCountry Clean • First Baptist Church • Central Baptist Church • First United Methodist Church • Journey Baptist Church • The Way Bible Church • St. James • Seymore Bible Church • Shannon Oaks Church • Luvin the Lyrik’s • Independence Baptist Church • Deep Routes • Guaranty Bank • Brashear Baptist Church • Grace Fellowship • SSMS (NJHS)
At CANHelp, donations are even easier—you can simply drive through and drop off items anytime from 8 AM – 8 PM at our drop-off barn located on the Davis Street side of our office:
613 Gilmer St., Sulphur Springs, TX
The Hopkins County Annual Fall Coat & Blanket Drive is a simple and meaningful way for individuals, families, schools, and organizations to come together to help our neighbors in need.
If you know someone who needs a coat, please send them to CANHelp.
We would also like to thank our sponsors and community partners for continuing to support this drive and helping our community thrive.
Hopkins County United Way Shared First Pledge Total to Date at Their First Meeting October 1st
October 2, 2025 – The Hopkins County United Way Executive Secretary, Susan Berning, reported to KSST that they held their first meeting of 2025 on October 1st, 2025. Susan was very pleased to report Campaign pledges after the United Way’s first Report Meeting total $11,773!! Sounds like our Hopkins County United Way is off to a good start for their 70th year. Hopkins County needs to come together and help this great organization go beyond their goal of $170,000.00. Together we can do it! Lets show everybody that Hopkins County is a great neighborhood to be a part of!
Governor Abbott Announces Task Force To Crack Down On Repeat Offenders
October 2, 2025 | Houston, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the Texas Repeat Offender Program (TxROP), a joint task force between state and local law enforcement that will further crack down on violent crimes committed by repeat offenders throughout the Houston area.
“Today, we are putting violent repeat offenders on notice,” said Governor Abbott. “We are coming for you. We are going to target you, arrest you, and put you behind bars where you belong. This is a Texas-sized effort by both the Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement at every level to crack down on dangerous repeat offenders in the Houston area. Our goal is simple: every Houstonian deserves to walk the streets, take their kids to school, open their businesses, and go shopping or dining without fear.”
In collaboration with the Houston Police Department and federal law enforcement partners, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will place a renewed focus on repeat offenders who are prone to violent criminal acts. Law enforcement will be empowered to identify offenders and prioritize field operations to ensure compliance with any court-ordered conditions and arrest those terrorizing Texas communities.
DPS will utilize assets from the Air Operations Division, Homeland Security Division, and Criminal Investigations Division to support troopers in conducting this operation. These assets will be used in coordination with local and federal partners to support intelligence-gathering, tactical, and covert operations.
In June, Governor Abbott signed the strongest bail reform package in Texas history to protect Texans by keeping violent, repeat offenders behind bars. That package included:
- Senate Bill 9 (Huffman/Smithee) gives prosecutors the ability to appeal bad bail decisions made in cases involving the most heinous crimes and repeat felons. This law also ensures only elected judges may reduce the amount or conditions of a bail set by an elected judge.
- Senate Bill 40 (Huffman/Smithee) prohibits the use of public funds to pay a nonprofit organization that will then post bail for criminals.
- House Bill 75 (Smithee/Huffman) ensures transparency in the initial stages of a criminal case, requiring magistrates provide a written explanation on why they determined an arrest was made without probable cause.
- Senate Joint Resolution 5 (Huffman/Smithee) is a constitutional amendment that will require a judge to deny bail to a defendant charged with the most heinous crimes — such as rape, murder, human trafficking — when the state proves the defendant is a threat to public safety or will not show up for trial.
