Local Author Sharon Feldt Had A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey Recently
March 19, 2026 – Local author, and owner of the small local business the Book Nook on Main, Sharon Feldt, was a guest on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey recently. Sharon and John Mark chatted about the book club Sharon hosts at her house once a month, the book, “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse,” and upcoming events scheduled at The Book Nook on Main, downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas. Don’t miss this charming segment and learn about some books you might want to read.
A Look at Your 2026 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Contestants
March 19, 2026 – A reception was held March 16th, 2026, to provide parents and contestants information about the upcoming 2026 Hopkins County Dairy Festival. At this event a group picture with the 2026 Queen Contestants and the 2025 Dairy Festival Queen, was taken. Gena Prickette shared this photo with KSST, along with some info on the contestants.
Front Row: left to right
Kaylie Resendiz, daughter of Jaime and Myrna Resendiz
Sicily Potter, daughter of Brian Potter and Tina Potter
Kenzi White, daughter of Rodney and Wendy White
Kiley Vaughan, daughter of Logan and Whitney Vaughan
Middle Row: left to right
Jaleigh Johnson, daughter of Melissa Johnson
Charli Roden, daughter of Darren and Shara Roden
Queen Lucy McKenzie, daughter of Ryan and KK McKenzie
Lindsey Hayes, daughter of Gary Hayes and Crystal Hayes
Alayna Moon, daughter of Bobby Lappin and Tessa Lappin
Top Row: left to right
Piper Lilley, daughter of Steve and Adrienne Lilley
Savanna Darrow, daughter of Bradley and Madison Darrow
Addison Brewer, daughter of Stephen and Kristy Brewer
Bella Gilbreath, daughter of Jason and Heather Gilbreath
Texas To Delete Cesar Chavez Day
March 19, 2026 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the state will no longer observe Cesar Chavez Day, citing allegations against the late labor leader and calling for the holiday’s removal from state law.
Born Cesario Estrada Chavez was March 31, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona, U.S.
Died April 23, 1993 (aged 66) San Luis, Arizona, U.S.
In a statement released from Austin, Abbott said he has directed all state agency heads to discontinue recognition of the holiday. He also indicated plans to work with lawmakers during the next legislative session to formally eliminate Cesar Chavez Day from the Texas calendar.
“Reports of the horrific and widely acknowledged sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez rightfully dismantle the myth of this progressive hero,” Abbott said. “They undermine the narrative that elevated Chavez as a figure worthy of official state celebration.”
Cesar Chavez was a prominent civil rights activist and labor organizer who co-founded the United Farm Workers union. He became nationally recognized for advocating on behalf of farmworkers, leading efforts to secure better wages, safer working conditions and labor protections for agricultural workers, particularly in the western United States. Chavez also organized strikes and boycotts, including the well-known grape boycott, which drew widespread attention to farm labor issues.
The governor’s announcement is expected to spark debate, as Chavez has long been honored by supporters for his role in advancing workers’ rights and nonviolent activism. Cesar Chavez Day is observed in several states and recognized at the federal level as a commemorative holiday.
Critics of Abbott’s decision are likely to argue that removing the holiday dismisses Chavez’s historical contributions, while supporters say the allegations raise serious questions about continued recognition.
State lawmakers are expected to take up the issue when the Legislature reconvenes, where any formal removal of the holiday from Texas law would require legislative approval.
The development adds to ongoing discussions about how historical figures are recognized in public policy and state observances.
Sid Miller Launches ‘AgDefence’ Grant Program
March 19, 2026 – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced Wednesday the launch of a new statewide initiative aimed at protecting farmers and ranchers from costly threats to crops and livestock.
The Agricultural Defense Program, also known as AgDefense, will provide targeted financial assistance to combat agricultural pests, diseases and predators. The program is being administered in partnership with the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority under the authority of Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 58.
State officials say the program is now accepting letters of intent from eligible agencies seeking funding for projects designed to reduce agricultural losses and strengthen biosecurity across Texas. Those eligible include the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
Miller said the initiative is critical to safeguarding one of the state’s most important economic sectors. Texas agriculture generates hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity and supports rural communities across the state.
“Texas agriculture feeds and clothes the world, and I’m not going to stand by while pests, disease, or predators threaten the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers,” Miller said in a statement.
Officials say the program will fund a range of efforts, including monitoring systems, rapid response strategies and field-level interventions to address emerging threats before they spread. These may include invasive insects, livestock diseases and wildlife that damage crops or prey on animals.
The program is designed to remain flexible, allowing the state to respond quickly as new risks emerge. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis to ensure timely action when threats are identified.
State leaders say AgDefense represents a proactive investment in protecting Texas agriculture, helping ensure long-term stability for producers and maintaining the state’s role as a national and global leader in food and fiber production.
Application Instructions
Letter of Intent Submission link
Marine Adapts, Overcomes by 3D Printing Comms Part
March 19, 2026 – Innovation and problem-solving are helping improve readiness for U.S. Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, where a young Marine has developed a cost-saving fix for a widespread equipment issue.
Lance Cpl. Eirick Schule, assigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force Innovation Campus, created a replacement mast for the Mobile User Objective System antenna after identifying a recurring problem. The original masts, made of fiberglass, had become brittle and unusable due to wear and environmental exposure, leaving dozens of systems out of service.
The communication failures impacted operational readiness across multiple units, as replacement parts were both expensive—costing more than $5,600 each—and slow to arrive, sometimes taking over 200 days.
Drawing on his background as a machine operator prior to joining the United States Marine Corps, Schule used 3D printing technology to design a more durable alternative. After early challenges with durability, he refined the process by adjusting how the part was printed, ultimately creating a stronger and more reliable mast.
The replacement parts underwent testing at the Innovation Campus before being fielded by Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines. During a month-long field exercise, the components proved effective, holding up under real-world conditions.
Leaders say the innovation could save the Marine Corps thousands of dollars and significantly reduce downtime for critical communication systems. Officials also estimate that similar equipment issues across the force could total more than $1 million in damaged parts.
The success of the project highlights how individual Marines are contributing to modernization efforts, using new technology and hands-on problem solving to address longstanding logistical challenges.
Houston Rodeo Now Has Dress Code After Carnival Participants Brawl
March 18, 2026 – An outbreak of fights forced organizers to shut down the carnival portion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo early Saturday night, prompting new safety measures and sparking debate over a recently implemented dress code.
According to police, multiple altercations broke out across the carnival grounds, creating chaos and safety concerns for attendees. Videos circulating on social media captured large crowds running and confrontations escalating, leading officials to close the event ahead of schedule.
In response, rodeo organizers quickly enforced an updated code of conduct that includes a new dress code aimed at maintaining a family-friendly environment. The policy prohibits outfits considered overly revealing, including exposed undergarments or excessive skin, and allows staff to remove individuals whose attire is deemed disruptive to other guests.
The dress code was announced earlier in the week and took effect immediately following growing online criticism about inappropriate attire at the event. While some attendees have praised the move as necessary to preserve the rodeo’s traditional, family-oriented atmosphere, others have raised concerns about how the rules will be enforced.
Critics warn that dress codes have historically been used in ways that disproportionately impact people of color, and question whether the largely volunteer workforce will be equipped to fairly determine what qualifies as appropriate attire.
The updated policy also bans visible gang-related clothing, tattoos or symbols, a measure officials say is intended to address safety concerns following recent fights.
City leaders have previously discussed similar issues surrounding dress code enforcement in Houston nightlife venues, highlighting the broader challenges of balancing public safety with fairness.
Rodeo officials say security presence has been increased moving forward, as they work to prevent further incidents while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for families.
Paris District Roads to be Resurfaced Notification
March 18, 2026 – PARIS – Over 100 miles of Northeast Texas Roadways will receive new surfaces
Starting next week, according to plans awarded last winter by the Texas Department of
Transportation.
Contractor Clark Construction of San Antonio, TX was awarded the contract to seal coat
highways in all nine counties within the Paris District with a low bid of $12.9 million. The
Paris District includes Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, Rains, Hopkins, Franklin, Lamar, Delta,
and Red River counties.
The project consists of seal coat and striping. Various lane closures are to be expected
throughout project duration. Motorists who travel frequently in these areas are asked to
pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their
speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid
distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
See the attached list for highways that are scheduled to be resurfaced. The projected
start date is April 13. Once underway, the project is expected to be completed by
the end of summer, weather permitting.
Army Approved New Grenade, the M111
March 18, 2026 – The United States Army has approved a new offensive hand grenade, marking the first time in nearly six decades that a new lethal grenade has reached full deployment status.
The earliest known hand grenades originated in Song Dynasty China (960–1279 AD) as “thunder crash bombs,” which were gunpowder packed into ceramic or metal containers with fuses. Earlier, 8th-century Byzantine forces used hand-thrown containers with Greek Fire, while 12th-century Persians used explosive-filled terracotta vessels.
Officials announced that the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade has been cleared for Full Material Release, allowing it to be fielded across Army units. The system was developed at Picatinny Arsenal in coordination with Army research and development teams.
The M111 is designed to replace the aging Mk3A2 grenade, which first entered service in 1968. The older model has faced increasing restrictions due to its asbestos-based construction. In contrast, the M111 uses a modern plastic body that is fully consumed during detonation, improving safety for soldiers.
Unlike traditional fragmentation grenades such as the M67, the M111 relies on blast overpressure to neutralize targets. This design makes it particularly effective in confined spaces like buildings and urban environments, where fragmentation can pose risks to nearby friendly forces.
Military officials say the new grenade reflects lessons learned from urban combat, including operations in Iraq, where fragmentation grenades were not always the safest option in close quarters.
The Army says the M111 will enhance both training and combat readiness by giving soldiers a safer and more adaptable tool. While fragmentation grenades will still be used in open environments, the M111 is expected to become the preferred option in enclosed and restricted terrain.
Paxton Sues Water Treatment Plant For Dumping Sewage into Cedar Creek
March 18, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced this week that his office has secured a court order halting the illegal discharge of sewage and waste into waterways in East Texas.
The legal action targets Angelina County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4, which state investigators say had been releasing untreated or improperly treated sewage into Cedar Creek. The creek is part of the larger Neches River Basin, a critical water system for the region.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the lawsuit was filed in early March after an investigation revealed that the district’s wastewater operations were polluting Cedar Creek with contaminants, including ammonia and E. coli. Officials say the pollution stemmed from a leaking lift station that discharged sewage into a tributary feeding the creek.
State officials allege the activity violated both the Texas Water Code and the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act, laws designed to protect public health and the environment.
A court has now granted a Temporary Restraining Order, requiring the district to immediately stop all unauthorized discharges and begin cleaning up affected areas. The order is intended to prevent further contamination while the case moves forward.
Paxton said the ruling sends a clear message that environmental violations will not be tolerated.
“Illegal sewage dumping that threatens the health of Texans and harms our beautiful Texas waterways will not be tolerated,” he said in a statement.
The Attorney General’s office says it will continue monitoring the situation to ensure compliance and protect nearby communities that rely on the water system.
Officials say the case highlights the importance of maintaining proper infrastructure and oversight when managing wastewater systems across Texas.
Islamic Schools Still Banned From Texas School Choice Program
March 18, 2026 – A federal judge in Houston is drawing attention amid ongoing legal challenges to Texas’ new school choice program, particularly over questions involving religious schools and eligibility rules.
U.S. District Court Judge Alfred Bennett of the Southern District of Texas reportedly described the lack of Islamic schools participating in the state’s Education Freedom Accounts program as “troubling” during recent proceedings.
The program, created to provide state-funded education savings accounts for families seeking alternatives to public schools, has drawn widespread interest. State officials report that more than 200,000 applications have been submitted, despite funding being available for only about half that number of students. The application period closed this week.
At the center of the legal dispute is a provision that bars private schools from participating in the program if they have ties to terrorist organizations or foreign adversaries. Supporters of the rule argue it is necessary to protect national security and ensure public funds are not directed to entities with questionable affiliations.
However, two federal lawsuits currently before Bennett’s court challenge that restriction. Plaintiffs argue the provision could unfairly limit participation by certain religious schools and may violate constitutional protections, including religious freedom and equal access.
The judge’s comments have added another layer to the debate, which sits at the intersection of education policy, national security concerns and religious rights.
The outcome of the cases could have significant implications for how Texas implements its school choice program moving forward, particularly in determining which private institutions are eligible to receive public funds.
For now, the program remains in place as applications are reviewed, but its long-term structure may ultimately depend on how the court rules in the pending lawsuits.
