Governor Abbott Spotlights Growing Support For School Choice In Tyler
November 7, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott touted the growing support for school choice across Texas and outlined the next steps to ensure every Texas parent has the freedom to choose the best school for their children during a media availability at Kingdom Life Academy in Tyler.
“School choice is wanted by all demographic groups in the state of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Hispanics and African Americans in the state of Texas, they strongly support school choice. Those parents want an option. They know their child better than any government employee does, and they want to put their child on the pathway toward success. School choice improves educational opportunities for minority and low-income students. Texas is going to make sure they have that opportunity. With last night’s election results, Texas will finally be able to provide school choice for every Texan, while continuing to support our public schools and enhancing job training education to ensure our students are going to be successful in their future careers.”
“We are excited about the fact that Texas is moving in the direction of school choice,” said Joel Enge, Founder and Director of Kingdom Life Academy. “As a Black founder of schools, I can speak to the issue on how important school choice is for Black and Hispanic students in our communities. We desperately need school choice to open opportunities for schools like Kingdom Life Academy to provide practical education. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to fight and see school choice open up doors for more students and more families who need an alternative education.”
Watch the Governor’s full media availability here.
Joined by Kingdom Life Academy board members and teachers, including one who graduated from the school, Governor Abbott pointed to last night’s election results and mentioned that Texas has the support to pass school choice in the upcoming legislative session. The Governor also outlined the next steps the Texas Legislature should consider, including continuing to fully fund public education, increase teacher pay and incentives, and enhance job training opportunities in schools.
Joel Enge recently wrote on the importance of our nation’s leaders advancing policies that ensure universal school choice and how it will benefit students from all walks of life, including Black and Hispanic students.
The Elections Results Are In – Texas School Vouchers Have Enough Support
November 6, 2024 – Every candidate that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott backed in the 2024 Texas House general election won. He now has more than enough support for his school voucher program, which uses taxpayer dollars to help parents pay for private school tuition.
Abbott will discuss the plan on Wednesday afternoon while visiting a private school in Tyler.
“Every candidate that I backed in Texas House general election races won tonight,” said Abbott. “There are more than enough votes to pass school choice in Texas.”
While Republicans held a majority in the Texas Legislature before this election cycle, many rural Republicans and Democrats banded together to vote against Abbott’s plan during the last session.
Wreaths Across America – Reilly Springs – Saturday, December 14th
November 6, 2024 – REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.
On December 14, 2024 at 11:00 am, TX1434 – REILLY SPRINGS, TX VETERANS GROUP will be helping REILLY SPRINGS CEMETERY to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.
Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you.
Thank you so much for supporting the TX1434 – REILLY SPRINGS, TX VETERANS GROUP and Wreaths Across America!
Nationwide 2.7 million wreaths were placed at 3,702 participating locations last year. The mission of Wreaths Across America is Remember, Honor, Teach – remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
CPKC Holiday Train Will Be Close December 2, 2024.
November 6, 2024 – The much anticipated CPKC Holiday Train will make a stop in Texarkana, TX on December 2, 2024. The event will start around 4PM.
A performance from American Authors and KT Tunstall is planned. Click here to see directions to the event.
“The Holiday Train unites people in the spirit of the season as it travels across Canada and the United States, while generating critical support for our neighbours in need through the program’s support of local food banks. We are pleased to again send this magical train on a four-week trip across our network spreading holiday joy as we collect food and raise money to fight food insecurity. We look forward to seeing all the smiles and cheers from people young and old coming together in the spirit of giving.”
– Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer
Please keep in mind that there is more than one CKPC Train. This event is for the Holiday Train. There is a seperate train named the Holiday Express. The Holiday Train and has a seperate, more north and south route and schedule. The Holiday Express does not features performances. Click here for information on the Holiday Express Train’s visit to Sulphur Springs.
Holiday Express Train Visits Sulphur Springs December 8, 2024
November 6, 2024 – The CPKC Holiday Express Train will make an appearance in Sulphur Springs December 8, 2024. At 4pm, it will stop at the usual place, along Martin Luther King Jr Drive at Pacific Park.
Please keep in mind that there is more than one CPKC Train. This post is for the Holiday Express Train. The Holiday Train has a seperate, north and south route and does not stop in Sulphur Springs. Click here to see information on The Holiday Train’s stop in nearby Texarkana.
Curb Painting Company Does Not Have Permit to Solicit Door-to-Door
November 5, 2024 – City of Sulphur Springs warning residents that a company selling a service offering to paint address numbers on curbs is NOT a required service and that the company does not currently have a permit to sell “door-to-door” Solicitors involved with the company are saying that city services like police, fire and ambulance “look at the curb first for your address.” This information does not mean that addresses painted on curbs is a requirement. City of Sulphur Springs Staff wants to warn residents that the city is in no way associated with this company and the city is not requiring this service.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Deploys Election Day Rapid Response Legal Team
November 5, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has deployed an Election Day Rapid Response Legal Team in major counties throughout the State to monitor day-of election activity and address litigation arising from the election, as necessary.
The Election Day Rapid Response Legal Team will be equipped to enforce Texas election laws and take immediate action on any contingencies, including issues seen in previous cycles such as ballot shortages, extended polling location closures, and improper extension of voting hours. Similarly, the OAG will prepare to take defensive action against activist groups who might attempt to influence the election through litigation. The Election Day Rapid Response Legal Team will coordinate with the Texas Secretary of State to ensure that all issues are addressed immediately, and that Texas elections are fair and secure.
Attorney General Paxton has taken extensive action to protect Texas elections from unlawful activity, including suing municipalities unlawfully using taxpayer funds to send voter registration materials to potentially ineligible residents—in one instance, mailing forms to a woman who died more than 40 years ago. He also demanded the Biden-Harris Administration provide information regarding the citizenship status of people who may be illegally registered to vote as required by federal law and sued over their noncompliance. He is also actively defending the State’s election integrity law, Senate Bill 1, to ensure this election is the most secure Texas has ever seen.
“There is no issue more important and more fundamental to our nation than election integrity,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Our Election Day Rapid Response Legal Team will be on the frontline on November 5th. We will defend the ballot box from any bad actors seeking to unduly influence or illegally undermine Texas elections.”
If you suspect an election violation, you may contact the OAG tipline at [email protected].
ED Chris Brown with the Economic Development Corp Visited on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Sulphur Springs EDC Executive Director Chris Brown sat down with John Mark. The two chatted about the small treasure Chris Brown found and brought to John Mark, Liberty Trailers large new facility being built, a group of important visitors Chris Brown got to show off Sulphur Springs to, and much more. Give this segment a view and learn how Sulphur Springs is growing and developing.
SSHS Wildcat Theatre Presents Their Fall Show, EPIC
November 4, 2024 – Wildcat Theatre would like to invite you to our fabulous fall show! As always our fall show is super fun and highlights the skills of all of our talented students! This year’s show is the hilarious comedy EPIC PROPORTIONS. (It’s our funniest show since CLUE–you don’t want to miss it!)
Set in the 1930s, Epic Proportions tells the story of two brothers, Benny (senior Aiden Woodard) and Phil (junior Nathan Bilyeu), who go to the Arizona desert to be extras in the huge Biblical epic movie:
“Exeunt Omnes.” Things move very quickly in this riotous comedy and before you know it, Phil is directing the movie, and Benny is starring in it. To complicate matters further, they both fall in love with Louise (junior Emma Boatman), the assistant director in charge of the extras. Along the way there are gladiator battles, the Ten Plagues and a mysterious man (junior Conner Curtis) who just won’t leave the pyramid.
Senior Audrey Tanton; Sophomores Alister Ferguson, Haley Hopkins, and Sunni Vanderburg; and Freshmen Emery Brown, Natalie Gomez, Ashton Harrington, Kyla Navarro, and Daniel Velazquez round out the cast.
Freshman KylieWatson is serving as stage manager with crew members Senior River Vanderburg, Juniors Yair Cruz, Chloie Carter, and Monnie Finnie, Sophomores Lizi Green and Sebastion Hernandez, and Freshman Oliver Tellez assisting.
Tickets are $5 in advance. (Tickets available from any cast or crew member, or online at sshs.ludus.com) $10 at the door
SHOW DATES:
Saturday, November 16th @2pm and @7pm
Sunday, November 17th @2pm
Gala Goal Announced
November 4, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Annual Gala has become part of the fabric of Hopkins County. Many locals affectionately call it the adult prom. It is a fun evening that gives attendees the chance to dress up and enjoy dinner, a live band, friends, and dancing.
The Gala is also a party with a purpose. This year’s project is an upgrade for the MRI at CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. The Foundation plans to raise $260,000 to go toward the upgrade which will cost $780,000. The hospital will cover the additional charges.
From the very beginning, the funds raised through the event have been used to better Hopkins County healthcare. The original project was the Gardens at Memorial. It took the proceeds of both the 2006 and 2007 galas to cover the expense of the project, but the Gala committee made sure the project happened. The garden is a peaceful environment for employees, patients, and families to reflect or get a bit of exercise on the walking track.
Since then the Gala proceeds have been used to upgrade or purchase medical equipment, technology, programs, or facilities at the local hospital or the Hopkins County Hospital District. Each and every project enhances local citizens’ access to healthcare options. Projects have spanned all age groups as well as various departments. The overall aim is to ensure that local citizens have as many healthcare opportunities as possible…right here in Hopkins County.
Thank you to the efforts of volunteers, donors, and attendees through the years, the Gala is now celebrating its 19th year.
Any business, organization, or individual interested in donating an item or funds to the Gala may contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected]. They can also visit the website at Gala2025.Givesmart.com.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded by Hopkin County citizens in 1997.
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