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receive regular tax levies on the full value of the projects as the previous tax abatements approved by the state are no longer in effect.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
Juveniles Busted For Theft of Truck and Trailer
March 10, 2026 – Two juveniles have been arrested and transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center after a short investigation into a pickup and trailer theft reported Sunday 3/9/2026.
In a press release received from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office the details of the investigation and arrests were given.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/10/2026
Stolen Truck and Trailer Recovered; Two Juveniles in Custody — Investigation Ongoing
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX — On 03/08/2026 a truck and trailer were reported stolen from Beasley
Street in Sulphur Springs. Hopkins County Deputies located and recovered the stolen trailer on FM
2297 near County Road 1104.
Investigators from the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, working with Hopkins County
Investigators, located two juveniles believed to be involved. During interviews, additional suspects
were identified and a possible location for the stolen Dodge pickup was developed. The pickup was
subsequently recovered in Dallas by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Two juvenile suspects have been arrested and are currently held at the Gregg County Juvenile
Detention Center. One of the arrested juveniles had recently been arrested in connection with an
Engaging in Organized Crime investigation weeks prior to this incident.
This investigation remains active and additional arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information is
asked to contact the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 438-4040 or the Northeast Texas Auto
Theft Task Force. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Media Contact: Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Officer
Chief Investigator Michael Russell Phone: (903) 558-0033
Think Twice Before Purchasing High-End Items on Facebook
March 10, 2026 – Authorities are reminding consumers to be cautious when shopping online after a recent counterfeit goods investigation in North Texas revealed how widespread fake products can be on social media marketplaces.
Police in Rowlett recently seized more than 62,000 suspected counterfeit luxury items after receiving a tip about merchandise being sold during Facebook Live streams. Investigators say the products were being advertised as high-end designer brands including Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
According to police, the investigation began in February when detectives received information that counterfeit items were being sold online from a location in Rowlett. On Feb. 17, officers with the Rowlett Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with partner agencies, executed a search warrant connected to the operation.
During the search, investigators seized 62,694 suspected counterfeit items, approximately $208,000 in cash and a vehicle. Authorities estimate the street value of the seized merchandise at nearly $1 million. If the items had been authentic, their value would have exceeded $101 million.
Police arrested Orlando Gonzalez Marcella on charges of trademark counterfeiting. Authorities also issued an arrest warrant for a second suspect, Aida Karina Lopez Alvarez, who remains at large.
Officials say the case highlights the growing problem of counterfeit goods being sold online, particularly through social media platforms and livestream sales. Law enforcement leaders say counterfeit operations can deceive consumers while also harming legitimate businesses and brand owners.
Consumer experts say buyers can take several steps to avoid purchasing fake goods online. Shoppers should be wary of deals that appear too good to be true, especially when luxury items are listed at dramatically reduced prices. Checking seller reviews, verifying the legitimacy of websites and purchasing from authorized retailers can also help reduce the risk.
Buyers should also be cautious when purchasing items through livestream sales or private messages, where fewer consumer protections may exist.
Authorities say the Rowlett case serves as a reminder that counterfeit operations can appear legitimate online, and consumers should take extra steps to verify products before making a purchase.
Lake Fork Fishing Cheat Charged
March 10, 2026 – A fishing tournament at Lake Fork Texas ended in controversy after game wardens say an angler was arrested for allegedly placing weights inside a bass in an attempt to increase its weight during a competition.
According to Texas Game Wardens, officials in Wood County were contacted Sunday, March 8, by organizers of the Lake Fork Lure Co. Tournament after concerns were raised about a fish presented during the weigh-in. Tournament staff became suspicious when a metal-detecting wand used during the weigh-in process alerted them to a possible foreign object inside the bass.
Curtis Lee Daniels was arrested Sunday after being exposed for cheating during a fishing tournament in Lake Fork, Texas.
After the alert, game wardens conducted a necropsy on the fish to determine whether the bass had been tampered with. During the examination, officials say they discovered three weights inside the fish’s stomach. Authorities reported that the weights showed no signs of erosion, suggesting they had been recently placed inside the fish.
Wardens say further investigation led them to search the angler’s boat, where they reportedly found additional weights matching the same style and size as those discovered in the fish.
The angler was taken into custody and charged with violating Texas fishing tournament laws. Officials said the charge was elevated because the tournament offered prize money exceeding $10,000. Under Texas law, that makes the offense a third-degree felony.
Fishing tournaments across Texas often include strict rules to prevent cheating and protect the integrity of competitive angling. Many events now use metal detectors or other screening methods during weigh-ins to detect potential tampering.
Game wardens say the case serves as a reminder that attempts to manipulate fish weight during competitions are taken seriously and can lead to significant legal consequences.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing details surrounding the incident.
There’s Still Time to RSVP to Attend the 90+ Bridges Banquet
March 9, 2026 – The 22nd Annual Sulphur Springs 90+ Bridges Banquet will be held Saturday, April 11th, 2026, beginning at 12:00Noon. The event will be held at the Sulphur Springs, Texas, Senior Citizens Activity Center. You can expect an afternoon of singing, awards, fellowship, a delicious meal, and more. Everyone always has a great, memorable, time at these events! Don’t miss out! So they know who to make certificates for, and have a head count for the meal, please RSVP by calling 903-439-3720. Invite your friends and family, but be sure to let them know how many are coming! This event is free to attend.
