19th Annual Gala Makes a Splash for Local Healthcare
February 13, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas — The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation hosted the 19th Annual Gala on January 25th, 2025. This year’s volunteer chairs were Linda and Joe Bob, Julie and Brad, and Teffany and Corey Burgin who selected the theme Serendipity by the Sea.
The evening of dinner and dancing started off with a steel drum band and finished with guests celebrating good times for a good cause. The Foundation’s Board of Directors had set a goal to earn and donate $260,000 to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs to assist with upgrading the MRI machine. The goal was surpassed, and the donation has been fulfilled. This upgrade means faster, clearer scans for a quicker path to diagnosis and healing, increased energy efficiency, and an overall more pleasant experience for patients. In addition to fulfilling the goal for the MRI funding, the Foundation was also able to donate $16,000 due to the annual Snowflake Campaign for the purchase of 2 cooling tents. These tents will be used at both sporting and community events during the summer to quickly cool people down in extreme heat.
Gala Chair Joe Bob Burgin shared how the experience of heading up the Gala was especially dear to him and his family. “Our family has been involved in healthcare for many years, and we know the importance of having a strong hospital in Hopkins County. Therefore, it was an honor and privilege to chair this year’s Gala as a family. God, family, and healthcare are so important to us, and we truly enjoyed getting to know some of the sponsors and underwriters better and working with the many volunteers. We have such a great and giving community.”
The Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to all who contributed through attending, donating, bidding, and volunteering. Great thanks to the committed Gala committee members, and to the Gala chairs, the Burgin family, for their steadfast dedication to the event.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Gifts may be tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS. All funds raised are used to improve healthcare in Hopkins County.
For additional information, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected]
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Foundation Board Members pictured from left to right are Charles Helm, Secretary Bob Weaver, Treasurer Sally Toliver, Chair-Elect Steve Rutherford, Heather Johnson, Dr. Martin Fielder, Chair Pam Black, CMF-SS President & CEO Paul Harvey, Kenny Rogers, Mickey McKenzie, Garrett Glass, and Don Sapaugh. Not pictured: Brad Johnson and Dr. Andrew Yoder.
Pictured from left to right are 2025 Gala Chairs Brad Burgin, Julie Burgin, Joe Bob Burgin, Linda Burgin, and Teffany Burgin. Not pictured: Gala Chair Corey Burgin.
Breast Cancer Support Group Gathers for February Meeting
February 13, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The February meeting of the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group was held on Monday, February 10. The gathering featured guest speaker and breast cancer survivor, Jalayne Minter, sharing her story of faith, courage, and humility.
All breast cancer patients and survivors are welcome to participate. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the Medical Plaza Conference Room, 113 Airport Rd, on the campus of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. However, the March meeting has been moved to the third Monday, due to Spring Break. The time and location have not changed. Each meeting features a speaker, light refreshments, and an opportunity for participants to share and ask questions.
Activities of the group include sending notes and making calls to encourage newly diagnosed patients and those who are homebound. The group discussed other ways they could assist patients.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation sponsors this four-month-old organization that is part of its In My Closet offerings. Other aspects of In My Closet include an annual free mammography clinic held in October and free supplies for breast cancer patients and survivors such as wigs, mastectomy bras, and breast prosthetics.
For more information on this and other programs, follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook or Instagram, or call 903-438-4799.
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TWDB Accepting Agricultural Water Conservation Grant Applications
February 13, 2025 – AUSTIN – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is accepting applications through March 19 for Fiscal Year 2025 Agricultural Water Conservation Grants. Up to $1,500,000 in grant funding is available to eligible political subdivisions and state agencies for agricultural water conservation projects that improve irrigation efficiency, enhance resilience to weather extremes and climate variability, and promote innovation in agriculture.
Selected projects will further water conservation in the state and serve the public interest by supporting the implementation of water conservation strategies identified in the state and regional water plans. Previously funded projects include irrigation efficiency improvements, demonstrations of conservation practices, educational outreach, and installation of water use monitoring equipment.
Created by the 69th Texas Legislature in 1985, the Agricultural Water Conservation Program promotes agricultural water conservation across the state by providing financial assistance in the form of grants and loans, predominantly in rural areas of Texas where agriculture is an important sector of the local economy. Since its inception, the Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program has funded hundreds of projects that have saved thousands of acre-feet of water.
More information about the program, previously funded projects, and the application process is available on the TWDB website. The TWDB will host a webinar on February 19 to provide additional information about the program and the application process.
The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state water and flood plans. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood mitigation, and agricultural water conservation projects.
More Plastic Bottles Headed Our Way
February 13, 2025 – In February 2025, President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on all aluminum imports, intensifying his administration’s protectionist trade policies. This move has significant implications for industries reliant on aluminum, notably beverage companies that utilize aluminum cans. In response to the increased costs associated with aluminum packaging, Coca-Cola is considering a shift towards more plastic bottles. CEO James Quincey indicated that the company may place greater emphasis on plastic packaging to mitigate the financial impact of the tariffs.
This potential transition raises environmental concerns, as plastic bottles contribute to pollution and environmental degradation. The situation underscores the complex interplay between trade policies and environmental considerations, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address both economic and ecological impacts.
Recycling Will Help
Of course these plastic soda bottles can be recycled and processed into new products. Many bottles are made from PET plastic, which can be transformed into new bottles, clothing, or packaging. Recycling, where available, helps reduce waste and environmental impact, promoting a circular economy.
United States Postal Service Closed On Monday
February 13, 2025 – On Monday, February 17, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will observe Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday honoring the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. As a result, all USPS branches will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery or retail services on this day.
Despite the USPS closure, other delivery services such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS typically operate on Presidents’ Day. Therefore, packages shipped through these carriers are expected to arrive as scheduled.
It’s important to note that while USPS services will be paused for the holiday, operations will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. To avoid any inconvenience, customers are advised to plan their mailing activities accordingly, ensuring that any time-sensitive mail is sent before the holiday or using alternative carriers if necessary.
In addition to USPS closures, other institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and most schools will also be closed on Presidents’ Day. However, many grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies are expected to remain open.
Presidents’ Day is one of several federal holidays observed by USPS each year. Other holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On these days, USPS services are typically suspended, and normal operations resume the following business day.
For the most up-to-date information on USPS holiday schedules and services, customers can visit the official USPS website or contact their local post office.
One Dozen Per Visit For Some Stores
February 12, 2025 – The ongoing avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak has significantly impacted egg supplies in Texas, leading several grocery chains to implement purchase limits to manage shortages and curb panic buying. Retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Sprouts Farmers Market have restricted customers to purchasing a limited number of egg cartons per visit.
The H5N1 bird flu strain has led to the culling of millions of poultry nationwide, severely disrupting egg production. Consequently, egg prices have surged, with the average cost of a dozen large, grade-A eggs reaching $4.15 in December 2024, up from $3.65 in November.
In Texas, the average price for a dozen eggs has risen to $5.43, reflecting the strain on supply chains.
To ensure broader access and prevent stockpiling, stores have instituted purchase limits, typically allowing customers to buy only one to three cartons per visit.
These measures aim to stabilize the market and ensure that more customers can access eggs during this period of limited supply. Consumers are advised to check with local stores for specific purchase policies and to consider alternative protein sources as the industry works to manage the outbreak and restore normal supply levels.
Sulphur Springs City Wide Spring Clean Up 2025 is April 28th Through May 3rd
February 11, 2025 – Texas Registered Municipal Clerk, Sulphur Springs City Secretary, Natalie Burling asked KSST to share that the Sulphur Springs City wide Spring Clean Up 2025 event is scheduled to take place April 28, 2025 through May, 3, 2025. One must show a valid driver’s license, or a water bill, as proof of city residency. Certain trash such as tires, hazardous waste, anything containing refrigerant, and wet paint, will not be accepted. The dumpsite location is a half a mile East of the four way stop at Jefferson Street and Loop 301. Happy cleaning!
Grassburs are Common Grassy Weeds That can Negatively Impact Forage by Mario Villarino
February 11, 2025 – Grassburs, also known as sandburs or sticker weeds, are common grassy weeds that can negatively impact forage and hay quality in pastures and hayfields. They produce sharp, spiny seed pods that can cause discomfort to animals and reduce the value of hay.
Identification:
Grassburs are typically warm-season annuals or perennials. They are easily recognized in the mature stage by their distinctive seed heads, which contain seed capsules with sharp spines. These capsules usually contain one to three seeds and can penetrate animal tissues, causing pain and potential infection. Unfortunately, grassburs look a lot like grass when immature, and landowners usually only notice them once seed heads are present.
Management Strategies:
1. Cultural Practices:
Maintain Healthy Forage Stands: A dense and healthy stand of desirable grasses can outcompete grassburs. Proper fertilization, irrigation, and grazing management are essential to promote vigorous forage growth.
2. Chemical Control:
Preemergence Herbicides: Applying preemergence herbicides can prevent grassbur seeds from germinating. It is important to apply these herbicides before soil temperatures reach 52°F, as this is when grassbur seeds typically begin to germinate.
Postemergence Herbicides: If grassburs have already emerged, postemergence herbicides can be used to control young plants. Early detection and treatment are crucial for effective management.
For more detailed information on identification and management, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers a comprehensive publication titled Grassbur/Sandbur Identification and Management in Pastures and Hayfields.
Implementing these strategies can help manage grassburs effectively, improving the quality of pastures and hayfields. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Lion Rodeo Boasts Two Event Winners at Annual Home Rodeo
Trace Harris and Jill White took home their third and second event wins of the 2024-25 season, respectively.
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX, February 5, 2025— The East Texas A&M Rodeo Team had two individual event winners at its 6th annual home rodeo at the Hopkins County Civic Center in Sulphur Springs, Texas on January 31 and February 1.
Trace Harris and Jill White took the top spot in the Steer Wrestling and Breakaway Roping events, respectively. Harris’ time of 9.5 seconds put him just 0.2 seconds ahead of the next finisher. This was Harris’ third event win of the season. White finished with a best time of 4.3, putting her 0.7 seconds ahead of second place. The win was White’s second of the season.
In the team standings, the East Texas A&M men’s team finished 7th, while the women’s team was scored in 8th. Other student-athletes who placed in their events include Cash Robb (5th, Steer Wrestling), Oceane Veilleux (6th, Barrel Racing), and Chancey Wright (6th, Breakaway Roping).
The Lions now look to finish the rest of the season strong to secure a spot in the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), scheduled for June 15-21 in Casper, Wyo. The top two teams and the top two ranked riders in every individual event in each region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) standings qualify for the big show.
Following last weekend’s rodeo, the women’s team and four Lions currently sit in a CNFR qualifying position in the standings as they are now. Harris and White currently lead the NIRA Southern Region standings for Steer Wrestling and Breakaway Roping, while Justin Freeman and Veilleux sit in second place for Team Roping and Barrel Racing, respectively.
The Lions are next in action at the Texas A&M University Rodeo in Bryan, Texas on February 28 and March 1.
Coming Soon – Annual Great Texas Warrant Roundup
February 11, 2025 – The Great Texas Warrant Roundup is an annual statewide initiative where law enforcement agencies collaborate to address outstanding warrants, particularly those related to unpaid traffic violations. Traditionally, this roundup occurs in late February or early March, following an amnesty period during which individuals are encouraged to resolve their fines without facing arrest.
As of now, specific details regarding the 2025 Warrant Roundup have not been officially announced. However, based on past practices, it’s anticipated that Texas will proceed with this initiative in a similar timeframe. For instance, in previous years, cities like Round Rock have participated in the roundup, urging residents with outstanding warrants to take advantage of the amnesty period to avoid potential arrest.
Critics, including organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have expressed concerns about the roundup’s impact on economically disadvantaged individuals. They argue that the initiative disproportionately affects those unable to pay fines, leading to arrests and potential jail time for minor infractions.
If you have outstanding warrants, it’s advisable to contact your local municipal court to inquire about possible amnesty programs or payment plans. Addressing these issues proactively can help you avoid the consequences associated with the roundup.
For the most current information on the 2025 Great Texas Warrant Roundup, monitor official announcements from local law enforcement agencies and municipal courts.
Click here for information on the Hopkins County Municipal Court.
