CEA Mario Villarino Had A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey Again
January 16, 2026 – Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez recently visited on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Mario and John Mark chatted about the importance of volunteers. Mario Villarino shared that those who would like to volunteer as a Master Gardener can get started with an online training session being held January 29th, 2026. John Mark and Mario also talked about the 4H program, and the opportunity to be a part of the program with a shooting sport training session being held the weekend of January 17th, 2026, in Canton, Texas. The two also talked about the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, where it’s located, and how you can contact the office. Be sure to check out this interesting episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey below and learn what your AgriLife Extension Office has in store for the winter.
Learn About the “Little Ducky’s Book Pond” Event Being Held January 17th on This Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
January 15, 2026 – Learn about the “Little Ducky’s Book Pond” event taking place Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Book Nook on Main, downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas, on this charming episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Sharon Feldt, owner of the Book Nook on Main, visited with John Mark to share info. about “Little Ducky’s Book Pond,” which begins at 11:30am Saturday, (the 17th). John Mark and Sharon also talked about the book, Rules of the Road, by Joan Bauer, the statistics on the number of children that enjoy reading today, and much more. Don’t miss this informative episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey.
Sulphur Springs Texas City Wide Spring Clean Up Scheduled for the Week of April 13th
January 15, 2026 – The city of Sulphur Springs, Texas, has scheduled the next city wide Spring Clean Up for April 13th through April 18th, 2026. One will have to show a valid driver’s license or water bill as proof of city residency. You will be able to take your unwanted items to a location half a mile East of the four way stop at Jefferson Street (HWY 67) and Loop 301.
2 Gala Photo Releases
January 15, 2026 – Proceeds from the event on January 24 will help fund the surgical services expansion of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. This expansion will double the number of operating rooms and increase the footprint to 19,000 sf. The new surgical suites will be larger and accommodate the latest technology, including the capacity to facilitate robotic surgical systems. To learn more, visit SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
In addition to their sponsorship, John has donated a rare Rossi “Billy the Kid” engraved Rifle with 250 rounds of ammo. Only 500 of this particular model were made. The rifle is paired in the Live Auction Outlaw Package with a whiskey tasting for 8 people donated by Dr. Martin Fielder and his company WhiskeyDink, LLC, and hosted at Clementine & Co.
The Outlaw Package is available in the 100 for $100 Raffle. Only 100 tickets will be sold at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com, each for $100. Winner does not need to be present on January 24 to win.
Gala Photo Release: Wound Evolution – Tyler
January 15, 2026 – There is one way to win a Live Auction item without attending. The 100 for $100 Raffle offers your choice of select Live Auction items featuring packages such as a trip to Cabo, Montana Fly Fishing, private dinner party packages, and many more fabulous items. Only 100 tickets will be sold, each for $100. The winner will be drawn during the Gala. Get yours while they are still available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Gala Photo Release: Grocery Supply Company
January 15, 2026 – As longtime Foundation supporters since the beginning in 1997, the McKenzie family is a great example of the lasting community partnerships that have bolstered the success of the Gala over the past twenty years. Cheers to many more years of improving local healthcare and cheers to January 24!
Gala Photo Release: Alliance Bank
January 15, 2026 -January 24 will include fabulous silent and live auctions, a delectable catered dinner, and dancing with a live band—all to thank the donors, sponsors, and volunteers who have made it all possible. Tickets are sold out, but certain items from the Live Auction and all items from the Silent Auction can be won online at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. Proceeds will contribute to the surgical services expansion of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Gala Photo Release – Omega Hydration and Wellness
January 15, 2026 – The 20th Anniversary Gala will help fund the surgical services expansion of the local nonprofit hospital CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. For more information, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. To learn more about the expansion, visit SpreadOurWings.GiveSmart.com.
Como-Pickton CISD Gym Grand Opening January 18th
January 15, 2026 – Eagle Nation Alert! The wait is over!
We’re excited to announce the Grand Opening of our brand new competition gym.
Join us for a celebration you won’t want to miss.
The Grand Opening event will be held Sunday, January 18th, 2026, beginning at 2:00pm.
Texas A&M Forest Service Publishes 2025 Annual Report
January 15, 2026 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service released its 2025 annual report, highlighting the agency’s impact.
Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead agency in forest conservation and wildfire response in Texas. As a result, the agency works alongside countless communities, governments, non-profit organizations, citizens and first responders throughout the state and country.
In times of need, Texas A&M Forest Service also lends a hand to states experiencing natural disasters in the same way they assist Texans during emergency response operations.
“2025 was a year full of extraordinary growth, recognition and challenge for the agency,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “With each action, the leadership, professionalism and service of our personnel helped conserve, protect and leadthis great state.”
Notably, 2025 brought historic funding for the agency as Texas legislators appropriated $630 million to Texas A&M Forest Service during the 89th Texas Legislative Session.
The annual report highlights the following areas within the agency, which are modeled after the agency’s leading foundational principles—conserve, protect and lead.
Conservation
Texas A&M Forest Service provides technical assistance and leadership to influence land stewardship practices and guide growth and enhancement of the state’s natural resources so that Texas lands continue to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future.
In 2025, Texas A&M Forest Service distributed 67,326 seedlings; wrote 998 forest management covering 101,097 acres; assisted 209,450 landowners with tree care, forest health and forest stewardship; and deployed and monitored 479 insect traps to detect forest pests.
Protection
As the lead agency for wildfire response in Texas, Texas A&M Forest Service plays a vital role in safeguarding citizens, property and natural resources from the destructive impacts of wildfires. With strategically placed personnel and equipment, the agency ensures a swift and coordinated response, whether in rural or urban areas.
In 2025, Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments responded to 5,115 wildfires for 123,186 acres across the state, saving $446.6 million in property value. The agency also responded to all-hazard incidents including the Central Texas flooding deploying 511 agency and TIFMAS personnel and 192 pieces of equipment.
Leadership
Texas A&M Forest Service provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure the sustainability and health of Texas’ trees, forests and related natural resources.
In 2025, the agency helped lead throughout the state by awarding over $46 million to communities, fire departments, organizations and landowners with $1.7 million for sustainable forestry, $4 million for community forestry $495,742 for fuels reduction, $40 million in fire department assistance and $89,044 in training.
