City of Sulphur Springs Prepares For Next City Council Election
January 15, 2025 – Sulphur Springs City Secretary, Natalie Burling, has already received two applications for the upcoming May 3, 2025 election for Place 4 and Place 5 on the Sulphur Springs City Council. January 15th was the first day to file for a place in the upcoming election and the two incumbents were quick to file their paperwork to be on the ballot for reelection. Tommy Harrison, incumbent Place 4, and Gary Spraggins incumbent Place 5 made their intentions official to seek another term after filing the necessary forms Wednesday morning. Prospective candidates meeting the requirements listed below are allowed to choose either Place 4 or Place 5 to seek a place on the council.
The city of Sulphur Springs released the following information about the election and the candidate requiements.
The election to select Council Members for Places 4 and 5 will be conducted May 3, 2025 at 201 North Davis Street Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482. All places are elected at large. A prospective candidate shall be a qualified voter of the State of Texas, resided continuously in the State of Texas and the City of Sulphur Springs for 12 months immediately preceding the deadline for filing an application for a place on the ballot. Other qualifications include 1) must be a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution and laws of this state; 2) must not be mentally incompetent as determined by a court; 3) Must not be convicted of a felony for which he/she has not been pardoned or had full rights of citizenship restored by other official action; 4) must be 18 years of age or older on the commencement of the term to be filled; 5) must not hold any other public office in which he/she was elected for and/or be a member of a board directly appointed by the City Council on the commencement of the term to be filled; 9) city taxes must be paid to current; 10) and have knowledge of the nepotism law summary.
First day to file is January 15, 2025 8am-5pm
Last day to file is 02/14/2025 by 5pm.
Upcoming Arctic Blast Set to Impact Hopkins County and Northeast Texas
January 15, 2025 – Northeast Texas is bracing for an upcoming Arctic blast expected to bring frigid temperatures, strong winds, and the potential for winter precipitation. Forecasted to arrive in the coming days, the cold front could cause significant disruptions to daily life, including travel delays, power outages, and heightened safety concerns. Local authorities and meteorologists are urging residents to prepare for the severe weather as conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
The Arctic blast, driven by a strong polar jet stream, is forecasted to plunge temperatures well below seasonal averages. Daytime highs are expected to struggle to reach the freezing mark, while nighttime lows could dip into the teens or single digits, with wind chills making it feel even colder. In addition, the blast may bring a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, particularly in higher elevations and areas north of the I-30 corridor.
Strong winds accompanying the cold air mass are another concern, with gusts potentially reaching 30-40 mph. These winds could exacerbate the already frigid conditions and contribute to power outages by damaging trees and power lines.
The Arctic blast poses a variety of risks to residents and infrastructure in Northeast Texas. Roads and bridges may become icy, leading to hazardous driving conditions. Authorities are urging caution and recommending that residents avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the storm.
Power outages are another major concern, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure may be more vulnerable to high winds and ice accumulation. Extended outages could leave residents without heating during dangerously cold conditions, heightening the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses.
Agriculture and livestock operations may also be significantly impacted, with farmers taking precautions to protect crops and animals from the extreme cold.
Local emergency management officials are emphasizing preparedness, encouraging residents to stock up on essential supplies, such as food, water, and medications. Families are advised to ensure their homes are well-insulated, pipes are protected from freezing, and alternative heating methods are safe and ready to use.
Schools and businesses are also monitoring the situation closely, with closures or modified schedules likely if forcats worsen.
While Arctic blasts are not uncommon in Texas, their severity and timing can catch residents off guard. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of readiness and resilience in the face of unpredictable winter weather.
Temperatures will fall below freezing on Saturday, and may stay there for five days.
Could Austin Be The Next ‘LA Wildfire’ Location?
January 15, 2025 – Austin, Texas, is grappling with increasing fire concerns as changing environmental conditions and urban growth amplify risks across the region. Local officials, residents, and fire safety experts are raising alarms about the heightened potential for wildfires, property damage, and threats to public safety. These concerns are driven by a combination of prolonged drought, rising temperatures, and rapid urban expansion into fire-prone areas.
One of the primary factors fueling Austin’s fire concerns is the ongoing drought affecting large parts of Texas. Low rainfall levels have left vegetation dry and highly flammable, creating prime conditions for wildfires. Additionally, rising temperatures due to climate change exacerbate the risk, as extreme heat waves dry out grasses and brush even further. Experts warn that the wildfire season is becoming longer and more intense, with fires spreading more quickly and becoming harder to control.
Austin’s rapid population growth and urban sprawl have contributed to increased fire risks. As more housing developments push into areas near the city’s wildland-urban interface (WUI), the boundary between developed land and natural vegetation, the number of structures and lives at risk during a wildfire increases significantly. These developments also complicate fire suppression efforts, as firefighters must balance protecting human life and property with managing the fire itself.
Local authorities have emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness in mitigating fire risks. However, many residents are reportedly underprepared, with some lacking emergency evacuation plans or proper home fireproofing measures. Efforts to educate the public include campaigns on defensible space creation, where homeowners clear flammable materials like dry brush and debris from around their properties.
In response to the growing threat, Austin officials are exploring a range of measures to reduce fire risk. These include stricter building codes for fire-resistant materials in high-risk areas, increased funding for fire services, and prescribed burns to reduce excess vegetation. Emergency management teams are also enhancing coordination with neighboring counties to ensure a rapid response during a crisis.
While Austin is taking steps to address these concerns, the challenges are significant. The city must balance its growth with the realities of a changing climate and the ever-present threat of wildfires. Effective planning, robust community engagement, and proactive measures will be critical in safeguarding Austin’s residents and resources from future fire disasters.
Starbucks’ New “Buy or Get Out” Policy Sparks Debate
January 15, 2025 – Starbucks has recently introduced a controversial policy, informally dubbed the “Buy or Get Out” rule. This policy mandates that customers must make a purchase to remain in the store or access its facilities, including seating, restrooms, and Wi-Fi. The move has sparked widespread discussion, with supporters arguing it is necessary for operational efficiency and detractors criticizing it as exclusionary and counter to Starbucks’ traditionally inclusive brand image.
Policy Background and Rationale
The policy reportedly stems from concerns about store overcrowding, particularly in urban areas where Starbucks locations have become de facto public spaces. Employees have faced challenges managing non-paying visitors who occupy seating, use restrooms, or stay for extended periods without purchasing anything. The new rule aims to address these issues, ensuring that paying customers have access to the facilities they expect.
Starbucks justifies the policy as a way to maintain the comfort and convenience of its patrons. By encouraging purchases, the company hopes to strike a balance between being a welcoming space and managing operational costs tied to non-paying visitors.
Implementation and Enforcement
Under this policy, store staff will be trained to enforce the rule diplomatically. Signs in stores will remind visitors of the new guidelines, and employees are instructed to approach non-paying visitors with discretion. Exceptions may be made in certain cases, such as emergencies or for individuals requiring assistance, though specific criteria have not been made public.
Public Response
Reaction to the “Buy or Get Out” policy has been mixed. Supporters believe it is a pragmatic solution to issues like overcrowding and misuse of store facilities. They argue that Starbucks, as a business, has the right to prioritize paying customers. Some point out that similar policies are common in other businesses, such as restaurants and libraries, making Starbucks’ decision unexceptional.
Critics, however, view the policy as alienating and potentially discriminatory. They worry that it could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including homeless individuals, students, and low-income individuals who previously relied on Starbucks as a community space. Critics also argue that the policy conflicts with Starbucks’ previous public commitments to inclusivity and its image as a “third place” between work and home.
Potential Implications
The “Buy or Get Out” policy marks a significant shift in Starbucks’ operations. Its success or failure will hinge on its implementation and public reception. If handled sensitively, it may resolve operational issues; if not, it risks damaging Starbucks’ brand reputation.
Central Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs Will Hold a Fundraiser Concert February 8th
January 14, 2025 – Central Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs invites the public to a fundraiser concert featuring “Faiths Journey” on February 8, 2025, to raise money for the Youth Camp. Tickets are $10, kids age 12 and younger get in free. Tickets will be available at the door, or from one of the youth. For more information, please call 903-885-3660. The concert will begin at 6:00pm.
Great Value Chicken Broth Sold at Walmart Recalled in 9 States Including Texas
January 14, 2025 – Around 2,000 cases of chicken broth sold at Walmart have been recalled due to a packaging issue that could lead to product spoilage, a Walmart spokesperson confirmed to the media.
The Food and Drug Administration reports that the family-sized, 48-ounce cartons of Great Value Chicken Broth, are sold in aseptic paper cartons that could “compromise the sterility of the product, resulting in spoilage.”
The recalled products were sold in nine states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, Walmart said.
Tree House Foods Inc. of Oak Brook, British Columbia, is the company that recalled the broth, according to information online. The company issued the recall last month.
Walmart said any customers who have bought the product should not consume it and should throw it away. They can also request a full refund.
Check your chicken broth for the following information to see if it is including in this recall:
- Best used by: March 25, 2026
- Batch/lot code: 98F09234
- Retail Unit UPC: 007874206684
- Case UPC: 078742066844
Updates will be reported on this issue as we receive them. Stay tuned.
North Texas Food Bank to Mark 25th Anniversary of Empty Bowls Fundraiser on February 27
Event Proceeds Will Support North Texans Facing Hunger.
Dallas, TX, January 14, 2025 – The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Empty Bowls fundraiser on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Perot Family Campus in Plano. Presented by Kroger, the event will feature bowl-friendly dishes from top local chefs, drinks, and the opportunity to select a handcrafted bowl made by local artisans. The event serves as a poignant reminder that not everyone’s bowl is full, and together, we can work to fill the bowls of those in need.
“We invite you to join us as we commemorate 25 years of Empty Bowls, an event that has raised critical funds to advance our mission of closing the hunger gap in North Texas, thanks to our presenting sponsor, Kroger,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “Through this event, we’ve provided over 8 million meals to children, families, and older adults facing hunger. Kroger’s ongoing support—through food donations, funding, and partnership—has been a key driver of our success and a true example of community collaboration.”
Culinary Talent at the Event
Serving as the celebrity chef for this milestone event is Brian Luscher, Director of Culinary Operations for 33 Restaurant Group, a vibrant family of restaurants that include Suburban Yacht Club, Cadillac Pizza Pub, The Yard in McKinney, Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza and Beer in Plano and Southlake, Union Bear Brewing Co. in Plano, Denton and soon to be McKinney, Heritage Pizza and Taproom in The Colony, and Seager & Sons in Plano. Luscher is also renowned for his work at The Grape, a beloved Dallas bistro that closed in 2019 after nearly five decades. His commitment to innovative, high-quality cuisine makes him a standout at this year’s Empty Bowls event.
Supporting the Fight Against Hunger
All proceeds from Empty Bowls will support the North Texas Food Bank’s programs, helping address the region’s growing hunger crisis. Texas leads the nation in the number of people facing hunger, with nearly 664,000 individuals in the 12 counties served by NTFB unsure where their next meal will come from—40% of whom are children. The hunger crisis in North Texas is equivalent to the populations of cities like Boston or Las Vegas.
“Kroger is honored to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of Empty Bowls,” said John Votava, Director of Corporate Affairs for Kroger’s Dallas Division. “As part of our Zero Hunger Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan, Kroger provides millions of meals and essential resources each year to the North Texas Food Bank, ensuring our neighbors have access to fresh, nutritious food.”
Ticket Information
Tickets to the Empty Bowls event for 21-and-older people can be purchased for $100. Each ticket sold helps NTFB provide 300 meals for neighbors facing hunger. To purchase tickets, go to https://ntfb.org/emptybowls/.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our sponsors, including Kroger, Ewing Buick GMC, MUFG Bank, 4Change Energy, Scout & Cellar, NBC 5/Telemundo 39, AlphaGraphics and Mark H. Kleinman,” Cunningham added. “Their contributions, along with the partnership of Chef Brian Luscher, local chefs, Trinity Ceramics, the Dallas Area Woodturners, and local artisans, are crucial in raising awareness and funding to help us close the hunger gap in North Texas.”
Sponsorships Still Available
Empty Bowls sponsorships are still available. For more information, please email [email protected].
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Sulphur Springs EDC Executive Director Chris Brown sat Down with John Mark on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Hopkins County Sulphur Springs EDC Executive Director Chris Brown. The two chatted about the Liberty Trailer Project, Hopkins County Days, the upcoming Legislation Session, and much more. Be sure to check out this episode and learn what’s going on and what is in store for Economic Development today, and in the near future, for Hopkins County!
Gardening This Time of Year on This Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson stopped by and visited with John Mark on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. The two chat about when the average last freeze of the season usually is, planting seeds and where to purchase them, planting trees, and much more. Be sure to check it out and see what those with green thumbs are doing this time of year.
Jury Trial in JP Court January 15th Cancelled
January 13, 2025 – Maria Ortega with Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Hopkins County, Texas, contacted KSST to report that the Jury trial in the JP Court, for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, has been cancelled. If we receive any more updates we will post them. Stay tuned.
