“International Migrants Day” Being Pushed Throughout Mexico on Television and Social Media.
The U.S. Border Patrol is warning migrants the border remains closed to illegal entries.
December 19, 2024 – EAGLE PASS—Two illegal aliens told Texas National Guard soldiers that the reported “International Migrants Day” crossing rumors were being pushed all throughout Mexico via television and social media. When questioned by Texas National Guardsmen about their age, they said that they were 30 years old and 27 years old, respectively. They were part of a 1,000-person caravan that splintered into various smaller groups to reach the border.
The foreign nationals also said that the “International Migrants Day” crossing period actually spans more than one day. For example, one timeline they gave was that it will run between December 18th and 24th.
A Texas National Guard soldier reported that the illegal aliens believed that they would not be apprehended by Mexican immigration authorities or the US Border Patrol.
The Texas National Guardsmen turned the two men away and Texas Scorecard last saw them walking up the riverside looking for an opening in the fencing.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Moves to Stop Biden Administration from Auctioning Off Border Wall Sections for Pennies on the Dollar
December 18, 2024 – Attorney General Ken Paxton took action following reports that the Biden Administration is illegally selling segments of the border wall at the United States-Mexico border.
Recent reports suggested the Biden Administration may be auctioning off up to half a mile per day of border wall sections for a mere fraction of the original purchase cost. In some cases, the government is allegedly listing entire wall panel sections for sale at a starting bid of just $5.
In May 2024, Attorney General Paxton secured a final victory to force the Biden Administration to spend statutorily obligated funds on border wall construction after the federal government attempted to illegally redirect the money. If the sections of the wall that are being sold were purchased with the funds that must be used to secure the border, then the Biden Administration would be in violation of the federal court order. President-Elect Donald Trump has called for the outgoing government to immediately halt the sale of any materials. Attorney General Paxton has now filed a motion with the court to intervene and prevent any sections of the wall from being sold illegally.
“The Biden Administration cannot auction off sections of the border wall. If these reports are true, the Biden Administration is violating a federal court order,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Texas is going to court to prevent any border security materials from being unlawfully sold and to find out the truth about what the federal government may be doing to subvert border wall construction. President Trump has an overwhelming mandate from the American people to build the wall and I will do everything in my power to prevent any acts of sabotage by the outgoing administration.”
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested December 18
December 18, 2024 – Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Office.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornadoes, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test.
The Senior Citizens Activity Center Golden Agers Tree Still has six Names on it!
December 18, 2024 – Dawna Pryor with the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center reached out to KSST and asked us to put the word out that the Golden Agers Tree, as of December 17, 2024, still had six names on it. If you can, please help out this worthy cause and make sure none of our loving Senior Citizens go without presents this Christmas season! These Seniors are someone’s Grandparents, someone’s parents, someone’s Aunts and Uncles… Show them that they ARE important and that people care for them this Christmas. This is sure to put you on Santa’s Nice list if your not there already!
Sulphur Springs Trash Pickup Schedule for the Holidays
December 17, 2024 – Office of the Sulphur Springs,, Texas, Registered Municipal Clerk reached out to KSST with the following information.
Trash will be delayed on December 26, 2024 and December 27, 2024, as well as January 2, 2025 and January 3, 2025. If your normal day is Thursday, it will pick up on Friday, and Friday pick up will be on Saturday for both weeks.
Stay tuned for any further updates. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Mr. Christmas Recalls Wireless Decorative Tree Light Controllers Due to Fire Hazard
December 17, 2024 – This recall involves a decorative tree light controller that operates wirelessly to turn on holiday lights on a tree. The decorative controller contains two parts: a lever or a switch that can be pulled to turn the holiday lights on or off, and a separate white receiver that plugs into an outlet and into which the tree’s holiday lights are plugged.
The controller sold at Walmart and Cracker Barrel is shaped like a green, red and white peppermint candy with a candy cane on/off lever, and displays the words “Christmas Light Controller”. The controller sold at Target is sold under the Wondershop™ brand and is shaped like a square on/off switch box with green, red and white balls, and displays the words “Tree Lighting Switch”.
The white wireless receptacle that is plugged into an outlet contains the words “Mr. Christmas” and one of these three model numbers printed on the white receptacle: 39611, 39612 or 39630.
Consumers should immediately stop using this product and return it to their place of purchase to receive a full refund.
The firm has received 10 reports of overheating, including one report of a fire. No injuries have been reported.
These items sold at Walmart, Target and Cracker Barrel stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com, Target.com and CrackerBarrel.com from July 2024 through November 2024 for between $25 and $40.
You can find out more details by clicking here.
TPWD Closing Oyster Harvest Area in Lavaca Bay
December 17, 2024 – AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-19 in Lavaca Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. This closure is based on samples recently collected by TPWD showing a low abundance of legal-sized oysters.
TPWD has worked with the oyster industry to develop criteria for closing areas to harvest. The criteria include parameters for oysters when they fall below certain thresholds based on the abundance of oysters three inches or greater.
TPWD will continue to monitor all areas currently closed to harvest and will reopen them when they meet criteria thresholds.
A map showing oyster harvesting areas, as well as the most up-to-date status information on each area, can be found on the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
Pastor Pete sat Down With John Mark Dempsey to Chat About FUMC’s Christmas Plans
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Rev. Peter McNabb from Sulphur Springs, Texas, First United Methodist Church. The two talked about a number of topics such as the history of First United Methodist Church, Christmas and the Christmas season and the true meaning of Christmas, First United Methodist Church’s plans for Christmas, Blue Christmas event on December 18th for those who are feeling down and blue, and so much more. Watch this exciting episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee and learn what the First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs has in store for the community this Christmas season.
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is a Leading Health Challenge in Cattle Production by Mario Villarino
December 16, 2024 – Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)—a leading health challenge in cattle production, particularly during times of stress. BRD is one of the most significant health challenges facing the cattle industry, impacting productivity and profitability. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides research-based information, tools, and strategies to help producers effectively manage and mitigate the effects of BRD within their herds. BRD, often referred to as “shipping fever,” is a multifactorial disease caused by a combination of stress, viral infections, and bacterial pathogens. It commonly affects cattle during times of stress, such as weaning, transportation, or commingling. The disease leads to inflammation of the lungs, reduced growth rates, and even death if left untreated, making early detection and prevention critical.
The AgriLife Extension emphasizes proactive herd management to minimize BRD risks. Key prevention strategies include proper vaccination protocols, biosecurity measures, and stress management. Vaccinating calves before weaning against respiratory viruses like IBR, BVD, PI3, and BRSV is essential to build immunity. Additionally, maintaining a biosecurity plan helps limit exposure to pathogens introduced by new or returning cattle.
Proper nutrition and management practices also play a critical role in reducing the incidence of BRD. Providing balanced diets, adequate mineral supplementation, and clean water ensures that cattle maintain a strong immune system. Stress reduction techniques, such as low-stress weaning methods and careful handling, further decrease susceptibility to respiratory infections.
For producers dealing with active BRD cases, early diagnosis and treatment are vital. AgriLife Extension promotes the use of observation tools to identify symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing, fever, or labored breathing. Producers are encouraged to work closely with veterinarians to develop treatment protocols, which often include administering antibiotics to combat bacterial infections.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension also supports producers with educational resources, workshops, and on-site consultations. These programs help producers implement best practices tailored to their specific operations, focusing on long-term herd health and disease prevention.
By prioritizing prevention, early detection, and effective treatment, AgriLife Extension equips cattle producers with the tools they need to reduce the economic impact of BRD. Through informed management and care, producers can improve herd health, enhance performance, and contribute to the sustainability of the cattle industry
Key Aspects of BRD Management
Causes of BRD
BRD is a complex disease involving Stress Factors: Weaning, transportation, crowding, or weather changes weaken the immune system.
Viral Pathogens: Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Parainfluenza-3 (PI3), and Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV).
Bacterial Pathogens: Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni often contribute to secondary infections.
Symptoms of BRD: Depression or lethargy. Loss of appetite.
Fever (rectal temperatures >104°F). Labored breathing or coughing. Nasal discharge (clear or cloudy). Drooping ears and head.
Prevention Strategies
Vaccination: Administer vaccines for viral and bacterial agents before high-stress periods like weaning or transport.
Minimize Stress: Gradual weaning, proper transportation, and handling techniques reduce stress.
Biosecurity: Isolate new or sick animals to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Nutrition: Ensure adequate nutrition, including mineral and vitamin supplementation, to boost
immunity.
4. Management Practices
Preconditioning Programs: Include vaccinations, deworming, castration, and weaning before
moving to feedlots.
Environmental Management: Provide adequate ventilation, clean bedding, and reduce
overcrowding to limit disease spread.
Monitoring: Observe cattle closely for early signs of illness, particularly during high-risk periods.
5. Treatment Options
Antibiotics: Use under veterinary guidance, targeting specific bacterial pathogens.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Help reduce fever and inflammation.
Early Intervention: Prompt treatment improves outcomes and reduces losses.
6. Resources from Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension can help implement BRD prevention and control strategies in your herd. Check their website or contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443. Preventing BRD is cost-effective and ensures cattle remain healthy and productive, improving overall herd profitability.
Signature Solar is the Marquee Sponsor for the 19th Gala
Sulphur Springs, Texas – For the second year, Signature Solar has agreed to be the Marquee Sponsor for
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s annual Gala.
Signature Solar’s Senior Director of Shared Services and a member of the Foundation’s Board of
Directors Kenny Rogers shared, “At Signature Solar and EG4 Electronics, we are committed to this
community and are honored to support the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen local healthcare.”
Rogers continued, “This sponsorship is our way of saying thank you for the work the Foundation and
healthcare workers do and contributing to an initiative that ensures our small but remarkable
community has access to the quality healthcare it deserves. Together, we can make a meaningful
difference for everyone who calls this place home.”
Proceeds of the Serendipity by the Sea Gala will be donated to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital –
Sulphur Springs to help fund an upgrade to the MRI. The upgrade will allow scans to be faster and more
comfortable for patients. The images will also be clearer for the person reading the scan. This is
something that will benefit all Hopkins County residents.
This lead gift will help ensure the Foundation can assist the hospital with purchasing this $780,000
upgrade. The Foundation has pledged $260,000 toward the project.
Tickets and sponsorships are still available for the Gala. Visit Gala2025.GiveSmart.com for more
information.
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has served Hopkins County for 28 years. A
board of directors of Hopkins County citizens governs it.
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