Governor Abbott Signs Laws To Expand Texas’ Career Training Programs
September 17, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday ceremonially signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law, expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for Texas students. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abbott emphasized that while a four-year degree can be valuable, career training often offers a more direct pathway to good-paying jobs.
“Career training is a game-changer for our students, our state, and our employers,” Abbott said. “With these two laws, Texas is making career and technical education bigger and better than ever before.” He highlighted that over the past two years, the state has invested more than $7 billion into career training initiatives.
House Bill 20 creates the Applied Sciences Pathway Program, enabling 11th and 12th graders to earn high school diplomas while completing industry-recognized certificates through partnerships with colleges. House Bill 120 enhances readiness by expanding access to high-quality CTE programs, modernizing career counseling with workforce data, and supporting military training opportunities.
Abbott noted that Texas is setting the national standard for workforce development, pointing to programs like the Jobs & Education for Texans Grant Program and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership. By broadening CTE access, the state aims to strengthen its diverse workforce and solidify its position as a global economic leader.
Learn What’s Up at Cooper State Park on This Episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
September 16, 2025 – Check out this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and learn what’s going on at Cooper Lake State Park. John Mark and Cooper Lake State Park Supervisor, Aron Maib, discussed the Veteran’s Suicide Awareness Ruck Hike events being held September 20th, 2025, at Cooper Lake State Park, the Hunters Education event being held at Cooper City Hall on September 27th, 2025, Christmas In The Park, and so much more. Don’t miss this interesting segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey!
Car Seats Save Lives
September 16, 2025 – TxDOT is urging parents to correctly restrain child passengers amid rise in unrestrained deaths
PARIS – Texas parents will do anything to protect their child – like checking under the bed for monsters at night or researching all the ingredients in baby food. But one of the most effective ways to protect children is often overlooked: properly securing them in a car seat every time they ride.
We recognize that installing a car seat correctly can be challenging, and while we all know it’s important to buckle up, Texas saw an increase in unrestrained children younger than 8 dying in crashes last year. If we want to drive like a Texan and be kind, courteous and safe, it’s vital that children are in properly installed car seats.
“The rise in unrestrained deaths is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “These tragedies are preventable. Every parent and caregiver must make it a nonnegotiable habit to properly secure their child in a car seat or booster — every ride, every time. Children’s lives depend on it.”
- In 2024, there were 8 passenger vehicle crashes in the Paris District that resulted in 9 serious injuries and 1 fatality for children younger than 8 years old. Counties in the Paris District are Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rains and Red River.
- In 2024, there were 9 passenger vehicle crashes in the Paris District that resulted in 8 serious injuries and 1 fatality for children ages 8-12.
The data
The number of children younger than 8 who were unrestrained at the time of a fatal crash in Texas grew from 30% to 40% between 2023 to 2024. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nationwide, 46% of all car seats are not correctly installed, putting children at unnecessary risk if they’re in a crash. That means nearly one out of two car seats are not being installed correctly.
What parents can do
TxDOT invites parents and caregivers to schedule a free car seat safety check by visiting SaveMeWithASeat.org and entering their ZIP code to find the nearest TxDOT office.
During September, the Save Me with a Seat campaign will make stops in multiple Texas cities, showcasing an interactive educational experience that features a space-travel-themed backdrop.
The law
Texas law requires all children under the age of 8 or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, to be in a car seat when riding in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250.
The Save Me with a Seat 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.
Contact Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state.
Connecting You with Texas
Sulphur Springs Council Sets Special Session to Discuss New Property Tax Rate And Other Fees
September 16, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs City Council has set a Special Session meeting planned for 5:30pm on Thursday September 18, 2025. Among the agenda items to discuss and take action on include the tax rate for the upcoming year as well as water and sewer rates for city residents. Another agenda item could reset the fees and rates associated with permitting, utility services and other services provided by the City. The city council will also consider on final reading two ordinances establishing Reinvestment Zones 25-02 and 25-03. Although listed as a “special session” the meeting is open to the public and includes a public hearing agenda item reserving time for comments from residents.
CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
September 18, 2025
City Hall 201 N. Davis St
5:30 P.M.
The special meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. on
Thursday September 18, 2025. The following items will be discussed:
- Call to order.
- Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag, Texas Flag, and invocation.
- Public hearing on Proposed FY 2026 Budget.
- Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2885 adopting
the FY 2026 Budget and appropriating certain funds and directing their
expenditure. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2886 setting the
2025 tax year property tax rate for the 2026 Fiscal Year. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2887 amending
water rate ordinance setting, new water rates effective October 1, 2025. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2888 amending
sewer rate ordinance setting, new sewer rates effective October 1, 2025. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2889, an
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, amending
Ordinance No. 2865, the master fee schedule for costs, fees and rates associated
with permitting, utility services and other services provided by the City. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2890,
authorization of updated service credits. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2891, an
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, amending
Ordinance No. 2861, the 2024-2025 Annual Budget Ordinance. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2892, the
creation of Sulphur Springs Reinvestment Zone 25-02. - Discussion/action on second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2893, the
creation of Sulphur Springs Reinvestment Zone 25-03. - Visitors and Public Forum.
- Adjourn.
Below is information provided by City of Sulphur Springs staff concerning impact of changes in tax rate dependent upon how council votes on new tax rate:
2026 Youth Fish Art Contest Accepting Entries
Sept. 15, 2025 – ATHENS — The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) has opened the Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s 2026 Fish Art Contest for entries.
The Fish Art Contest will accept entries until Feb. 28, and is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fish, fisheries and fishing.
“The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students across Texas to the wonders of Texas’ fish and fisheries resources through the nexus of art,” said Tom Lang, TFFC director. “We always look forward to this time of year when we are once again amazed by the outstanding work and artistic interpretations of these young Texans.”
Participants must submit a completed entry form and an original illustration of a wild fish found in Texas. Applicants in grades 4-12 are also required to submit a one-page creative writing piece. Once the entrance form is submitted, applicants must mail their artwork to TFFC, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX, 75752. The physical artwork must have a landscape orientation between 8X10 inches and 9X12 inches and be postmarked no later than Feb. 28.
The Texas Fish Art Contest’s Special Species Award, which showcases a focus species or set of species, will feature the paddlefish for the 2025-26 contest year. One winner will be chosen from all entries and spotlighted at the TFFC. Students must correctly label their artwork and have the fish be identifiable as the correct focus species, but do not need to submit additional paperwork for consideration.
Fossil records indicate that paddlefish have existed since before the dinosaurs, some 300 million years. Now considered a threatened species, paddlefish face a number of challenges including the need for large amount of flowing water to reproduce. The State of Texas has protected the paddlefish since 1977, and it is unlawful to catch, kill or harm paddlefish in Texas.
Additional information on paddlefish can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) paddlefish fact sheet web page. Live paddlefish are on display at the TFFC.
Texas winners are recognized in the Texas Fish Art calendar, are featured in TPWD’s Fish Art Contest Flickr album, are awarded scholarships, are featured on exhibit at the TFFC, and are invited to a family fishing celebration to recognize their achievements.
Additionally, winners will earn automatic entry to Wildlife Forever’s national contest. Texas students may choose to enter national specialty awards with fish not found in Texas; however, they will not be eligible for Texas state awards due to the one entry per student limit.
“The Fish Art contest is just one way in which we can help our students connect with the outdoors.” said Darrel Malone, Education and Interpretation Coordinator at TFFC. “As they research their chosen fish species and begin to learn about its habitat, they begin to find a personal connection to their fish. This connection can help inspire the future stewards of our natural resources. The Fish Art Contest is more than just drawing a fish, it is establishing a bond with the outdoors.”
Educators who wish to have their students enter the 2026 contest can find entry forms, rules, guidelines and more on the TFFC Fish Art Contest website.
The Fish Art Contest is sponsored by Wildlife Forever, Bass Pro Shops, Rapala, U.S. Forest Service, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Great Lake Fishery Commission, Yamaha Right Waters and the International Game and Fish Association.
Located in White Bear Lake, Minn., Wildlife Forever is a nonprofit, multispecies conservation organization dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on-the-ground” efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research and management of fish and wildlife populations.
For more information, visit the TFFC Texas Fish Art Contest website and the Texas Fish Art Program Facebook page.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Takes on Fluoride Toothpaste for Kids
September 16, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a groundbreaking agreement with Colgate-Palmolive Company to strengthen consumer protection and promote children’s health by addressing the depiction of excessive fluoride use in toothpaste marketing. The agreement follows Paxton’s investigation into Colgate’s advertising and packaging of fluoride-based toothpaste products for children under six.
Colgate, whose brands include Colgate, Tom’s of Maine, and hello, has committed to updating all packaging and promotional visuals to depict a safe, pea-sized amount of toothpaste whenever images of fluoride products for young children appear. While Colgate’s written usage instructions already comply with FDA requirements, the company agreed to enhance its visual messaging to help prevent excessive fluoride exposure.
Beginning November 1, 2025, the updated visuals will first be implemented across Colgate’s online marketing, followed by physical packaging updates. This makes Colgate the first major toothpaste manufacturer to adopt such measures. Paxton praised the company for its cooperation and leadership, emphasizing that protecting children’s health and ensuring truth in advertising remain top priorities for his office.
The Attorney General also confirmed that his office has issued a Civil Investigative Demand to Crest over similar concerns and hopes that other industry leaders will follow Colgate’s example.
Hopkins County United Way Kicked Off Their 2025 Campaign With a Ribbon Cutting September 12th
September 15, 2025 – Members of the community gathered at Celebration Plaza, Downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas, Friday, September 12th, 2025, to celebrate and help the Hopkins County United Way kick off their 2025-2026 Campaign with an exciting ribbon cutting. This year’s theme for the Hopkins County United Way is, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the United Way. Stepping in as President of this year’s campaign is Lyndsay Palmer. Ashley Crump and Kaitlyn Hankins are serving as Campaign Co-Chairs, and the ever so hard working Susan Berning is holding the position of Executive Secretary. This year’s Hopkins County United Way team has set a campaign goal of $170,000.00. Hopkins County, lets come together and help this hard working, compassionate, driven, and devoted team reach this awesome goal!
The Alamo Letter Society Announces Essay Contest for 7th and 8th Graders as Part of Plaque Dedication Event
September 8, 2025 – An important artifact of Texas History will be celebrated when a bronze replica of the famous “Liberty or Death” letter, written by Alamo Commander, William B. Travis, is unveiled on Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs, Texas, in a celebratory ceremony held at 2:00pm on October 18, 2025. This sure to be a grand event with music, fellowship, and more. As part of this awesome event, the Hopkins County Alamo Letter Society committee is conducting an essay contest for 7th and 8th graders of Hopkins County. Each participant will receive a special certificate, and one winner will receive a monetary award, a commemorative medal, and a certificate. Also, the winning essay will be read by the student (or representative if the student is not available) during the October 18th celebration.
Each essay submitted must be approximately 220 words (the same length as the Alamo letter), and explore the topic, “What can we learn from the example set by William Barrett Travis at the Alamo?” All entries may be sent to Johanna Hicks, Committee member and Extension Family & Community Agent, Emeritus via email or postal mail. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of something amazing. To help celebrate a very inspiring page in Texas History.
Johanna Hicks contact information is as follows…
Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed
Committee member and Extension Family & Community Agent, Emeritus
903-243-0425
[email protected]
Head Start Ruling Keeps Doors Open for Children
September 15, 2025 – A federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction blocking a Trump administration policy that sought to bar children living in the U.S. illegally from enrolling in Head Start, the federally funded early childhood education program. The directive, announced earlier this year, would have required families to provide proof of lawful immigration status for their children to qualify.
Head Start associations in multiple states quickly challenged the rule, arguing that it violated federal law, exceeded the administration’s authority, and would irreparably harm vulnerable children and families. They emphasized that Head Start was created in 1965 to serve children from low-income households, regardless of immigration status, and that stripping eligibility would undermine its mission of preparing young learners for school success.
In his ruling, the judge sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the policy placed an unlawful burden on school districts and community organizations administering the program. He also noted that excluding children based on immigration status could cause long-term damage, not only to the families directly affected but also to local communities.
Immigrant advocates and education leaders praised the decision, saying it preserves access to critical early education, nutrition, and health services for thousands of children nationwide. The Biden administration, which opposed the Trump-era directive, welcomed the ruling as a victory for equity in education.
For now, the ruling ensures that Head Start remains open to all eligible children, regardless of immigration status, while legal challenges continue to play out in court.
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Traveled to Bullard, TX, For Football Matchup September 12th
September 15, 2025 – Your Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Wildcats traveled to Bullard High School in Bullard, Texas, to compete against the Bullard Panthers in football action. Below is KSST’s coverage of this exciting game. KSST”s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flippin provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this thrilling game!
