North Texas Food Bank Opens Registration for 2026 Summer Kids Camp Focused on Fighting Hunger
March 12, 2026 – The program gives children hands-on experience and a closer look at how they can make a difference.
Dallas, TX, March 11, 2026 —The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is bringing back its popular summer Kids Day Camp for a fourth year, inviting children ages 8–11 to spend a day learning how they can help neighbors facing hunger.
Held on select Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NTFB’s Perot Family Campus, 3677 Mapleshade Lane in Plano, the weekly camp is built to help young participants better understand food insecurity while giving them meaningful ways to get involved.
Throughout the day, campers participate in engaging, age-appropriate activities that foster empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes look at the Perot Family Campus, along with interactive lessons centered on food sourcing, gardening, and nutrition. Each session also features a hands-on volunteer project where campers help assemble food kits for families across North Texas.
During the camp, participants will participate in interactive activities designed to foster empathy, learning, and action regarding hunger in their communities. Campers will get a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the NTFB’s Perot Family Campus, where they’ll engage in fun and educational experiences related to food, gardening, and nutrition. They will also participate in a hands-on volunteer project, helping to pack food kits for local families facing hunger.
Eight camp sessions are available this summer:
- June 1, 2026
- June 8, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- June 22, 2026
- July 13, 2026
- July 20, 2026
- July 27, 2026
- August 3, 2026
“At the North Texas Food Bank, we believe that addressing hunger requires the involvement of everyone, including the next generation,” said Cassie Collins, Director of Community Engagement for NTFB. “Kids Camp is a wonderful way to start building a future of hunger warriors ready to make a difference.”
The $35 registration fee per child helps provide 105 nutritious meals to children in North Texas experiencing hunger. While a snack will be provided, campers are asked to bring their own lunch. Children may only attend one session during the summer, and each session is limited to 30 spots. Families registering more than one child should complete a separate form for each participant.
To sign up for Kids Camp, please visit www.ntfb.org/kidscamp.
For more information on being a sponsor for this educational experience, please email [email protected].
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Is It Spring?? by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
March 12, 2026 – With recent temperatures reaching the 80s, it seems that spring is finally here! Although sweaters and jackets may no longer be needed, it might be a good idea to keep them close by, as there usually is a cold snap before Easter. And before spending $$ on plants and putting them in the ground, keep in mind the average date for last frost is the first week of April. Gardeners who plant now should realize that protecting the new plants will be necessary if there is a chance of frost. A heavy frost can damage or kill your new plants overnight if not protected!
The temperature does not have to be 32 degrees or less to have frost. Frost happens when the moisture in the air freezes, and according to the National Weather Service, can occur at 42 degrees and below. Frost is more likely on clear nights, in low areas, and with humidity present.
Protecting your plants from frost is not difficult. Some type of cover is needed to keep the frost from touching the plant. 5 gallon buckets, empty plant containers, old sheets, cardboard boxes, and other materials can all be used. Be careful to not allow any of the cover to touch the plants’ leaves. Also, avoid plastic sheeting as it will transfer the cold to the plant.
Things To Do Now
This time of the year is a perfect time for getting your equipment ready for the season. Mowers, tillers, and weed eaters all need basic maintenance to perform when needed. On mowers and tillers, changing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter will help keep the machine running at its peak all summer. Mower blades need sharpening before the summer season, as sharp blades cleanly cut the grass, while dull blades tend to tear the leaves.
Alas, it is time to begin the mowing season. A regular mowing can eliminate some weeds from the lawn.
Some homeowners like to scalp the lawn now to allow sunlight to better reach the soil, helping the grass to grow. Lower the mower blades one notch to scalp, and bag the clippings for the compost pile. Leaving the cuttings on the lawn defeats the goal of getting sun to the soil!
Apply pre-emergent very soon to your lawn to prevent summer weeds. Balan, Dimension, or Halts are commonly available products. Use a product that contains 2-4D to kill weeds already growing.
Once the grass begins to green up, it is time to feed the lawn. A fertilizer that contains a slow release, high nitrogen formula is recommended. Without a soil test, one cannot know exactly what formula is needed, but in general, a fertilizer with a high first number will give your lawn a boost to start the year.
It is now time to prepare your garden for both seeds and new plants. Garden centers are filled weekly with annuals, perennials, veggies, shrubs, and trees that can all be planted in the coming weeks. Remove any weeds to the compost pile, lightly till in some compost, and your garden should be ready to go!
Texas Superstar Plants by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
March 12, 2026 – Did you know that Texas has a list of 90 plants that are considered “Super Stars”? Each plant on the list has been chosen by a board of horticultural experts from Texas A&M, Texas Tech University, AgriLife Extension agents, Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Landscape and Nursery Association. These experts live and work in all parts of Texas, testing and providing reports on plants that thrive in the many Texas ecosystems.
“SuperStar” categories include: Annuals, perennials, woody shrubs, trees, specialty plants, and per-annual plants. Included in the list is the specific variety that earned the “SuperStar” designation.
The complete list is available at:
Master Gardener News—-
3 people have completed the Master Gardener training course, and are now Master Gardeners! Welcome Ken Lindstrom, Brad Fain, and Janiene Fain!!
Thursday, March 26, 10am, Master Gardener March meeting, AgriLife Extension Office, 1200B Houston St. A field trip to a local nursery will follow.
Saturday, March 28 and April 11, 9am until Noon, Master Gardeners will have a table at Atwood’s to hand out Extension Office brochures and talk to everyone about gardening. Spring planting is booming, and the Hopkins County Master Gardeners can answer any questions about gardening.
Samples of SuperStar perennial plants
Shrubs—Knock Out Rose, Rock Rose, Texas Lilac Vitex
Flowers – Lantana “New Gold”, Red Yucca, Turk’s Cap, Mystic Spires Salvia, Henry Duelberg Salvia
Crape Myrtle — Basham’s Crape MyrtleVeggies, Berries —Celebrity tomato, Tycoon tomato, Natchez blackberry, Festival strawberry
WNBA Fails to Reach Agreement on Contract
March 12, 2026 – As negotiations continue between players and league officials, the Women’s National Basketball Association faces uncertainty after failing to finalize a new labor agreement by the widely discussed March 10, 2026 deadline.
Talks surrounding a new collective bargaining agreement between players and league leadership have drawn limited national media attention, a contrast to the intense coverage typically seen during labor negotiations in the National Basketball Association. Some analysts say the lack of sustained coverage may signal limited public engagement with the issue, while others argue the negotiations are simply unfolding quietly behind the scenes.
The NBA provides financial support to the WNBA through direct annual subsidies, joint media rights negotiations, and significant ownership stakes. Historically, the NBA has provided at least $10 million to $15 million annually to cover the WNBA’s operating costs and keep the league financially solvent.
Players in the WNBA have increasingly pushed for higher salaries and benefits, often pointing to the large pay gap between WNBA athletes and their NBA counterparts. Advocates for players say increased television exposure, sponsorships and ticket sales should lead to improved compensation for athletes across the league.
The debate intensified during what many fans describe as the “post-Caitlin Clark era,” referring to the surge of national attention that followed the arrival of Caitlin Clark and other high-profile college stars entering professional women’s basketball. That period helped boost attendance, television ratings and social media interest in the league.
Despite that momentum, the financial structure of the WNBA remains significantly smaller than that of the NBA, which generates billions of dollars annually through television contracts and sponsorships.
League officials and the players’ union have not publicly detailed the full scope of negotiations, but the March 10 date had been viewed by some observers as a key milestone for reaching a new agreement before the upcoming season.
For now, discussions are expected to continue as both sides attempt to balance the league’s financial realities with players’ demands for greater pay and long-term stability in professional women’s basketball.
Hopkins County Commissioners Approve New Solar Projects
March 10, 2026 – Three solar projects are committed to expand in Hopkins County. Two new projects, as well as one older project that has a new agreement. The Hopkins County Commissioners Court working with consultant Jeff Snowden as they work through the due diligence process ultimately deciding to grant each company a tax abatement as well as enter into a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement. Three local school districts will receive regular tax levies on the full value of the projects as the previous tax abatements approved by the state are no longer in effect. Miller Grove ISD, Cumby ISD, and Saltillo ISD will each receive a boost to their bottom line as their tax levies will increase significantly over the lives of these new projects with virtually no new students added to the classrooms.
The Hopkins County Commissioners have been diligent on requirements for new projects by securing road agreements from these contractors to repair or replace roads near the projects as nearby residents have suffered damage and inconveniences during past projects. The Commissioners also have stepped up requirements for vegetative screening between projects and neighbors, mandating more neighbor-friendly construction times from the contractors, as well as requiring meetings with Hopkins County Emergency managment team.
CH Solterra, LLC will continue the build-out in the Saltillo area, as Blarney Solar Project, LLC will build a 515 acre solar array northeast of the City of Cumby. Cedar Range, LLC plans a 188 MW facility built in the Miller Grove ISD area.
Governor Abbott, TWC Launch Streamlined State Of Texas Application
March 10, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a streamlined State of Texas Application on WorkInTexas.com. The updated application simplifies the hiring process to help attract new talent to state jobs and is part of a broader state effort to reduce red tape and burdensome regulations in government.
“As the No.1 state for new jobs in the country, we must make finding a job easier,” said Governor Abbott. “This modernized application process implemented by the Texas Workforce Commission will ensure that Texans have every opportunity to find a good, high-paying job. By making state government more responsive and more efficient, Texans will be more prosperous than ever before.”
“The streamlined State of Texas Application offers Texans a direct link to rewarding careers and connects the state government to a wider pool of talent,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC is here to help Texans find opportunities to prosper, and this updated application reflects our commitment to that mission.”
The new state application offers a quick, two-step process that aligns with private sector hiring practices. Job seekers can now submit applications for state jobs after simply uploading their resumes and completing a brief questionnaire on WorkInTexas.com. This change saves time, ensures a seamless user experience, and opens the door to a larger pool of qualified applicants.
The modernized state application is part of a broader effort led by the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office to make government more efficient. Texans seeking career opportunities in state government are encouraged to visit WorkInTexas.com. Start your journey to a rewarding career in public service today.
Fun Night will Result in New Medical Equipment for Hospital
March 11, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – Each year, about 550 local residents, business leaders, and healthcare professionals gather to celebrate Hopkins County healthcare. Since 2006, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has held an annual Gala featuring a live band, catered meal, and live and silent auctions with proceeds going to the local hospital (Hopkins County Memorial Hospital until 2016, and now non-profit hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs) and/or a separate entity, the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. As has previously been announced, the 2026 Gala will fund new medical equipment for the surgical wing at CMF-SS. Construction has been completed in the new addition to the wing, and renovation is underway in the original part.
When completed, this area will house the latest technology and medical equipment available. Not only does this benefit the patients, but also the staff. At the soft opening of the completed half of the wing, guests saw how the new area was designed to prevent power cords from being on the floor, which is a tripping hazard in a busy OR room. In addition, green lighting is a beneficial aid in preventing eye fatigue in surgical staff when they are focused on screens for long periods. Small improvements such as these allow the staff to focus solely on the patient rather than on other factors.
The remaining equipment needed for this area includes two blanket warmers, an ENT Microscope, a portable X-Ray machine, four anesthesia machines, two OR tables, two C-arms, and a central monitoring system. The total for all is approximately $1.5 million. If a donor wishes to help fund the equipment, naming opportunities are available for individual items, or donations can be added to the general equipment fund. The latter is what the Foundation will contribute toward with Gala proceeds.
To support the Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. To learn more about donor options for the surgical wing expansion, visit the website for the Spreading Our Wings Campaign at SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded by local citizens in support of Hopkins County healthcare. All funds are used to benefit the Hopkins County community.
To learn more about the Foundation, please follow it on Facebook or Instagram, or call
903-438-4799.
Jon Criswell, director of surgical services at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, demonstrates the green lighting in the new operating rooms. The lights prevent surgical staff from having eye strain from looking at screens for long periods.
The new surgical rooms and those currently being remodeled will offer the latest technology and medical equipment to benefit patients and the staff caring for them.
Proceeds from the 2026 Gala, to be held on May 9, will be donated to the medical equipment fund for the CMF-SS surgical wing. To support the Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. To learn more about donor options for the surgical wing expansion, visit the website for the Spreading Our Wings Campaign at SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
Walmart to Roll Out Digital Price Tags: Is ‘Surge Pricing’ far Behind?
March 11, 2026 – Walmart is expanding the use of digital shelf labels in its stores nationwide, a move the retailer says will improve price accuracy and streamline store operations.
The company announced that about 2,300 Walmart stores across the United States are already equipped with the electronic labels. Over the next year, Walmart plans to roll out the technology to all of its U.S. locations.
There has been concern from some shoppers that digital labels could allow “surge pricing”—where prices change rapidly based on demand, similar to ride-share apps.
However, Walmart says that is not how the system will be used. According to the company:
- Prices remain the same for all shoppers in the store
- Price changes are typically scheduled outside normal shopping hours
- The technology does not change how prices are set, only how they are displayed
Digital shelf labels replace traditional paper price tags with small electronic displays that can be updated through a centralized system. According to Walmart, the system allows store managers and corporate teams to push approved price updates electronically, reducing the need for employees to manually replace thousands of paper labels throughout the store.
The retailer says the technology helps ensure that the price displayed on the shelf matches the price charged at the checkout register. Price updates are typically scheduled outside normal shopping hours to help prevent confusion for customers while they are in the store.
Walmart officials say the digital system also supports the company’s long-standing “Everyday Low Price” strategy by helping keep pricing consistent and transparent.
Some shoppers have expressed concerns that electronic labels could allow retailers to change prices more frequently. However, Walmart says the technology does not change how prices are determined.
Instead, the company says the digital labels simply modernize how prices are displayed and updated, while maintaining the same price for all customers in a given store regardless of demand or time of day.
Learn What Cooper State Park has Planned for Spring Break on the Latest Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
March 11, 2026 – On the latest episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Cooper State Park Superintendent Aron Maib. John Mark and Aron chatted about some of the activities planned at Cooper State Park during Springs Break, including a Fishing With The Ranger event being held March 11th, 2026, a Luck of the Irish Archery activity planned for March 12th, 2026, and so much more. Take a look at this informative segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee and plan your Spring Break!
March Burn Ban Lifted in Hopkins County, Caution Advised When Burning
March 10, 2026 – With the promise of wet weather in the forecast, Hopkins County Commissioners have lifted the current burn ban for county residents. Emergency Management Director Andy Endsley reminds county residents to continue to exercise caution when burning as the State of Texas still mandates outdoor burning to take place when winds are forecasted to be between 6mph and 23mph. As Hopkins County is forecasted to receive higher wind speeds and gusts over the next week, residents are urged to choose their timing wisely to avoid any problems.
Under Texas state law (30 TAC § 111.219), outdoor burning is only permitted when wind speeds are between 6 and 23 mph. Fires must start one hour after sunrise and end one hour before sunset, with a responsible adult present. Only authorized materials (like dry plant growth) can be burned
