Hopkins County EMS Now Carries Whole Blood in the Field
October 21, 2025 – Program made possible through partnership with the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — Hopkins County EMS has taken a major step forward in prehospital emergency care with the introduction of whole blood transfusion capability in the field. This advancement was made possible through the generous support of the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation which positions the service among a select group of EMS agencies in Texas able to provide this lifesaving treatment before patients reach the hospital.
Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, which are all vital components that work together to carry oxygen, restore blood volume, and promote clotting. For patients suffering from severe trauma or hemorrhage, early transfusion can dramatically improve survival rates and reduce complications.
“The ability to carry and administer whole blood is a tremendous advancement for both our service and our community,” said Brent Smith, Hopkins County EMS Director. “When a patient is bleeding severely, every minute counts. Having whole blood available in the field allows us to deliver critical care faster and save more lives.”
By equipping the EMS service with whole blood, Hopkins County EMS can begin transfusions immediately for patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss, whether from motor vehicle collisions, farm or industrial accidents, or other major trauma and medical emergencies. This capability is especially significant for rural areas, where transport times to definitive care can be longer.
“This initiative represents the kind of forward-thinking healthcare the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation strives to support,” said Kayla Price, Executive Director of the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Hopkins County EMS to bring this lifesaving resource to our residents.”
The Foundation’s funding made it possible to acquire the specialized equipment, training, and supply chain logistics required to store and administer whole blood safely in the field.
About Hopkins County EMS
Hopkins County EMS provides emergency medical services to the citizens of Hopkins, Delta, Franklin and Rains County with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion. Its team of paramedics and emergency medical technicians are highly trained to deliver advanced prehospital care and continually seek new ways to improve patient outcomes.
About the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
The Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation is dedicated to improving healthcare services and resources in Hopkins County. Through community donations and partnerships, the Foundation supports local medical facilities, technology, and programs that enhance the quality of care for all residents.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Wants Voters To Prove Citizenship
October 21, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading a coalition of 14 state attorneys general in a push to reshape federal voter-registration rules by filing a joint comment with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The filing supports a rulemaking petition from the America First Legal Foundation (AFL) that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship on the federal voter‐registration form.
Paxton argues that the current system, which relies primarily on a voter’s self-attestation of citizenship, lacks sufficient protections to guard against ineligible registrations. The coalition’s comment urges the EAC to amend its regulations under the National Voter Registration Act so that states can verify citizenship and maintain accurate voter rolls.
In his statement, Paxton said: “It’s imperative that only eligible U.S. citizens are registering and voting in our elections … Every illegal vote dilutes the voice of law-abiding American citizens.” The comment also references Executive Order 14248 — issued earlier this year — which directs federal agencies to preserve the integrity of American elections.
The coalition argues that proof-of-citizenship requirements would not only enhance public confidence in electoral outcomes but also reduce administrative burdens on states tasked with cleaning up inaccurate or ineligible registrations. The rulemaking process now awaits the EAC’s response to the petition.
Tariffs Are Increasing the Cost of Fertilizer
October 21, 2025 – A new analysis reveals that tariffs under the administration of Donald Trump are already shifting fertilizer supply chains and increasing costs for U.S. agricultural customers. The report shows that between April and September, imports of potash from countries targeted by new levies fell by about 31 percent, while imports from Canada—mostly exempt under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)—declined more modestly at around 12 percent.
The increase in input costs will ultimately be passed to the consumer in the form of higher costs for groceries.
Importers appear to be pivoting toward sources not yet subject to baseline tariffs; for example, the analysis notes an uptick in imports from Russia, which was not hit by the initial 10 percent tariff. The shift reflects how importers and farmers are adapting to heightened trade barriers by sourcing from lower-tariff countries, but that adjustment comes at a cost.
Industry experts say the changes are forcing higher input costs down the supply chain. Analysts warned that tariffs on potash, a critical nutrient input that the U.S. imports heavily—especially from Canada—could generate price increases of more than $100 per ton. Additional research notes that fertilizer input costs already make up a large share of farm operating costs in the U.S., and disruptions or tariff-driven changes in sourcing can compound price pressure.
While the study underscores the immediate effects of the tariff regime on fertilizer trade flows and costs, it also signals potential broader inflationary impacts for the agriculture sector and food supply chain.
Agricultural groups are urging the administration to reconsider the tariffs, warning that continued volatility could further strain U.S. producers heading into the 2026 planting season.
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.
