Bible Way Light House Church Easter Sunday Service April 5th at 11:00am
March 27, 2026 – Bible Way Light House Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will hold Easter Sunday Service Sunday, April 5, 2026, with Adult Sunday School beginning at 10:00am, and a Worship Service beginning at 11:00am. Everyone is welcome. You can expect food, fellowship, and an Easter Egg hunt following the service. The church is located at 241 County road 4591, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Upcoming Seminar Early Bird Registration
March 27, 2026 – Below is the flyer for The Hopkins County Genealogical Society annual genealogy seminar on June 20, 2026. Following the “save the date” announcement, they invite you to register now to take advantage of their “Early Bird” rates.
Early registrations are greatly appreciated as they help the Genealogical Society determine the necessary venue size. Knowing the attendance numbers early allows the Genealogical Society to decide whether to host the event at the library or move to a larger nearby location. It also ensures they provide sufficient refreshments for those attending in person. Please note that a virtual attendance option is also available.
The featured speaker, Ari Wilkins, is highly regarded, and The Genealogical Society anticipates a significant turnout. They look forward to receiving your registration soon.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Launches First All-Digital State Wildlife Action Plan in the Nation
March 26, 2026 – AUSTIN— Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has launched the nation’s first all-digital State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). The SWAP is Texas’ statewide conservation roadmap for Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their habitats.
Maintaining an approved SWAP keeps Texas eligible for about $3 million annually in federal State and Tribal Wildlife Grants, which support conservation research and on-the-ground actions in communities across the state through university and conservation partners.
“We are so excited to debut the country’s first all-digital State Wildlife Action Plan,” said Kelly Simon, State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator for TPWD. “Our hope is that making the plan accessible through an intuitive webpage will encourage Texans to utilize this tool and make it easy for them to find what they need, understand priorities and take the next step. The SWAP is Texas’ conservation roadmap for rare and declining wildlife, and the web tool makes that roadmap practical and accessible, whether you’re staff, a partner, or a member of the public.”
The update to the SWAP modernizes and improves usability, transparency and public access. The public-facing web tool allows Texans to explore conservation priorities for rare and declining wildlife and the habitats they rely on. The web page is optimized for use by most devices, which allows users to navigate seamlessly through the plan. Users can also narrow down their search through several categories including taxonomic group (birds, amphibians, reptiles, etc.), by federal and state protection status, and habitat type, just to name a few.
“We built this to be a working system, not a once-a-decade document,” added Simon. “Partners and Texans can contribute information year-round, and staff will review it so the plan can stay current. If you manage land, teach students, do research, or just care about wildlife, this gives you a straightforward way to see what species need and what actions can help.”
The online plan also links species information to threats, recommended conservation actions and monitoring considerations. Additionally, it includes science-based decision-support tools such as Knowledge Gap Analysis and Conservation Opportunity Areas, which help clarify priorities and identify where conservation actions can have the best chance of success.
“Conservation dollars are limited, and Texas has incredible natural heritage, so this tool helps us be transparent about importances and tradeoffs, and the logic we used to set priorities,” said Simon. “The Knowledge Gap Analysis helps us answer a basic question: do we need more targeted research or are we ready to move into on-the-ground conservation action. It’s a way to focus effort where it can matter most. Conservation Opportunity Areas help with the ‘where’ question. They highlight places where conservation work has a strong chance of success, and they help with project planning and site selection.”
The SWAP is designed for broad use by landowners, land managers, students, researchers, conservation partners, and the public. It also supports year-round participation through features that allow partners and Texans to contribute field-based insights.
Anyone can submit Nature Notes without creating an account, and researchers and conservation partners may request Partner Access to contribute more directly through the SWAP Workbench.
“What success looks like for me is pretty simple,” said Simon. “If this helps people design better projects, target effort more effectively, and improve outcomes for species over time, then it’s doing its job.”
Proposed Kaufman County Development Haulted After State Investigation
March 27, 2026 – KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Plans for a large-scale development in Kaufman County have come to an end following an investigation by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to state officials.
The proposed project, described by developers as a “sustainable city,” drew widespread attention earlier this year after reports indicated it could house up to 20,000 residents on thousands of acres of rural land near Kaufman. Concerns quickly grew among local residents about the scope of the development, its potential impact on water resources, and questions surrounding its structure and oversight.
In February 2026, Paxton announced his office had opened an investigation into the project, citing potential legal issues and broader concerns about compliance with Texas law. As part of that effort, the Attorney General’s office issued formal requests for information to developers, including a U.S.-based subsidiary of Dubai-based SEE Holding.
The development became a flashpoint in the region, with some residents raising concerns about infrastructure strain, particularly on water supply systems, as well as broader questions about governance within the proposed community.
Congressman Lance Gooden confirmed this week that the developers have since abandoned their plans for the Kaufman County site.
Paxton welcomed the outcome, saying the state would continue to monitor projects that could pose legal or public safety concerns. “My office will continue to investigate any potential threat to the safety and well-being of Texans,” he said.
The project’s cancellation marks the end of a brief but intense period of debate in Kaufman County, highlighting ongoing tensions in fast-growing areas of North Texas where large developments can quickly draw scrutiny from both residents and state leaders.
Officials have not indicated whether the developers plan to pursue similar projects elsewhere.
Governor Abbott Announces Over $26 Million In Grants To Texas Military Communities
March 26, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott today announced over $26 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects in military communities through the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s (TMPC) Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program.
“Texas is home to over 1.7 million veterans and active duty, reserve personnel, and their families,” said Governor Abbott. “These funds will help ensure Texas military facilities, including our 15 major military installations, are up-to-date with the latest technology to enhance the safety and well-being of Texans and Americans by increasing water access and equipment resiliency. I thank the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for their continued service in supporting our servicemembers so that we can best prepare our state to defend its critical infrastructure.”
The grant funds will be invested in infrastructure projects and other initiatives to support military installations in Texas and protect jobs in military communities that may be impacted by any future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process or other basing decisions.
With this first round of FY 2026-2027 grants, Governor Abbott has awarded over $172 million in grants to military communities through the DEAAG program since 2015.
The following entities will receive FY 2026-2027 DEAAG reimbursements:
- Ark-Tex Council of Governments: $5 million; Red River Army Depot – Fund mission to meet the U.S. Military Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) requirements
- Bell County: $4.5 million; Fort Hood – Development of an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system
- City of El Paso: $4 million; Fort Bliss – Increasing water production capacity of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
- Val Verde County: $5 million; Laughlin AFB – Modernization of airfield lighting system to FAA standards to meet current and future USAF missions
- City of Corpus Christi: $2.074 million; Corpus Christi Naval Air Station – Replace aging domestic wastewater collection pipes
- City of Corpus Christi: $990,000; Corpus Christi Army Depot – Installation of four Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) units to supplement water usage in high-demand production areas
- City of San Antonio: $5 million; JBSA- Fort Sam Houston – Renovation partnership with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, the State of Texas, and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) of the South Beach facility
The TMPC in the Office of the Governor advises the Governor and the Texas Legislature on defense and military issues. TMPC’s goal is to preserve, protect, expand, and attract new military missions, assets, and installations in Texas. Additionally, the TMPC encourages defense-related businesses to expand or relocate to Texas. The commission is composed of 13 members serving six-year staggered terms, typically representing an installation in their community.
Veterinary Science Certificate Program Promotes Early Steps on Career Path
March 26, 2026 – AgriLife Extension program guides students with hands-on training and coursework
March 23, 2026 – by Kaydee Free
Rural communities across the U.S. face a growing shortage of veterinary professionals, creating challenges for pet owners, livestock producers and agriculture industries.
For Steven Perez, Evelyn Arnold and Thomas Gee, the path to becoming veterinarians started in different places but took shape through the same program: the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Veterinary Science Certificate Program, VSCP.
Through hands-on training, coursework and career exploration opportunities, the program is helping students across Texas build the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in veterinary medicine.
Different paths and inspirations
Perez, a junior in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science from Rio Grande City, first recognized the need for veterinary care in his South Texas community while raising and showing Beefmaster cattle through Texas 4-H. The limited access to veterinary care locally inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine and apply for the program to earn his veterinary assistant certification.
Arnold, an incoming freshman to Texas A&M from Frisco, discovered her interest in veterinary medicine even earlier. As a middle school student, she attended a VSCP summer camp in Brownwood. The experience sparked her passion for animal health and confirmed her goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Gee, now a third-year veterinary student from El Paso in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, first encountered veterinary science through FFA and the Veterinary Science Career Development event. After competing in contests hosted through VSCP, Gee developed a strong interest in veterinary medicine, ultimately choosing Texas A&M for veterinary school.
Although they encountered the program at different stages of their life, each student gained experience and confidence through VSCP that helped prepare them for careers in veterinary medicine.
A program designed to introduce veterinary careers
The Veterinary Science Certificate Program introduces students to veterinary careers through hands-on training, certification pathways and career exploration opportunities. The program includes coursework for students to earn a veterinary assistant certification, veterinary science summer camps and veterinary science contests.
“VSCP provides students with a solid base in veterinary science so they can make informed decisions about pursuing a career in the veterinary field,” said Nikki Boutwell, VSCP program coordinator, Department of Animal Science. “We have students in all 50 states from ages 12 to adults.”
Start Your Journey
Explore how the Veterinary Science Certificate Program can help you gain hands-on experience and prepare for a career in veterinary medicine.
Students can explore several career pathways, including clinical animal health, One Health and laboratory animal science, gaining exposure to the breadth of veterinary medicine and related fields.
“VSCP helps students explore careers in veterinary medicine by providing hands-on experiences, career guidance and access to clinical opportunities,” said David Sessum, VSCP program manager, Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station.
The certification program requires students to complete 200 hours of coursework, 225 hours of supervised clinical experience and mastery of 100 veterinary science skills before earning the veterinary assistant certification.
“Programs like the Veterinary Science Certificate Program reflect the mission of the Department of Animal Science by bringing education directly to students and communities,” said Andy Herring, Ph.D., John K. Riggs ’41 Beef Cattle Professor, associate department head and AgriLife Extension program leader in the Department of Animal Science.
“It’s unique because it combines academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences that help young people explore veterinary careers while building skills that will benefit the animal agriculture industry,” Herring said.
Discovering a passion for veterinary medicine
Arnold said her summer camp experience confirmed her passion for veterinary medicine.
“I loved the camp,” she said. “I was already really passionate about vet science and wanted to learn more so I could be 100% sure this was something I wanted to do.”
Arnold enrolled in the Veterinary Science Certificate Program while participating in FFA. She raised livestock projects and competed in several contests, including the Veterinary Science Career Development event.
“Understanding animal behavior, health and nutrition helped me become more successful in FFA and in raising my animals,” Arnold said.
She will graduate high school in May and plans to attend Texas A&M in the fall. She hopes to attend veterinary school and eventually open a mobile mixed-animal practice to serve rural communities.
Building skills and connections
Perez discovered the program after attending a VSCP summer camp in South Texas, where he met program veterinarian Susan Culp, DVM, program veterinarian, Department of Animal Science. He applied for a grant through the program to help fund his certification.
“I was 17 when I started the program,” Perez said. “I applied, got in and started working on my certification.”
A major component of the program is clinical experience, where students complete 225 hours of hands-on training under the supervision of a veterinarian.
“Because I needed clinical hours for the certificate, I started getting those hours for experience that I later used on my vet school application,” Perez said.
Perez now serves as a student assistant for VSCP and helps lead summer camps that introduce younger students to veterinary science. He recently earned acceptance into the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Preparing students for veterinary school
Now in veterinary school, Gee said his early experience with the Veterinary Science Career Development Event, CDE, provided an early foundation that helped him succeed.
“My junior year I started competing in the veterinary science CDE contests, learning about instruments, hands-on skills and different species,” Gee said. “Coming into vet school, I already knew terminology and basic concepts that some students hadn’t been exposed to yet.”
He also credits the program for strengthening his critical-thinking skills.
“That ability to think through situations is one of the biggest things the program helped me develop, and it has been very important in vet school,” Gee said.
Addressing the need for veterinary professionals
The demand for veterinary care continues to grow, particularly in rural communities where access to services can be limited.
Programs like the Veterinary Science Certificate Program help prepare the next generation of veterinarians to meet that need. The program gives students early exposure to veterinary careers while building practical skills that prepare them for college and professional training.
“This program gave me a head start,” Perez said. “Coming from an area that didn’t really have access to vet science, I learned through the program that I want to be a vet and go back to my hometown and open a mixed animal practice.”
TxDOT Rural Transportation Improvement Program 2027-2030 Virtual Public Meeting
March 26, 2026 – PARIS DISTRICT
Rural Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The 2027 -2030 Rural TIP is underway to identify local projects that are eligible for federal funding.
TxDOT’s Paris District will conduct an online virtual public meeting for community members to review projects identified to be included in is the Rural TIP and assess how they reflect the community’s needs and goals.
What is the Rural TIP?
It includes both grouped projects and individually listed projects that include added-capacity projects and regionally significant projects to be funded outside of MPO boundary, and within a TxDOT district during the next four years, including those eligible for federal funding.
It can include projects for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and public transit and its rules are established by federal law.
Why is it important?
It signifies regional consensus (community-region-state) on the need and priority of a project.
It helps identify fund-matching requirements by state and local governments.
Transportation projects CANNOT receive federal funding unless they are included in the Rural TIP.
Public Meetings will be held:
Virtual Meeting
LAMAR, RED RIVER, DELTA, HUNT
RAINS, GRAYSON, FANNIN, HOPKINS, AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES
Available on MARCH 30, 2026
8:00A.M.
Visit 2027-2030 Rural Transportation Improvement Program Paris District
A project is included in the Rural TIP to help the community. As such, it is important for you to get involved!
TxDOT needs your input to prioritize regional transportation needs.
A short presentation and exhibits showing how the Rural TIP operates, and projects included in it, will be discussed in the virtual public meeting. Comments must be postmarked or otherwise received by 4/9/2026
By mail at:
Texas Department of Transportation
PARIS DISTRICT,
Attn: Rural TIP
3500 SOUTH LOOP 286, PARIS, TX 75460
or by e-mail at: [email protected], Attn: Rural TIP
The virtual public meeting will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting, please contact Kristen Prater, Paris District, at 903-737-9213 no later than 4 p.m. CT, 3/25/2026. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the Texas Department of Transportation to arrange.
Ranger Baseball Time Today at 2PM
March 26, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — Baseball fans across Hopkins County will once again be able to catch Texas Rangers Baseball radio, as KSST 1230 AM continues its long-standing tradition of broadcasting Rangers baseball.
KSST is part of the Texas Rangers Radio Network, a statewide group of affiliate stations that carry live game coverage throughout the season. For local listeners, that means Opening Day coverage will be available over the air, bringing play-by-play action directly to homes, vehicles and workplaces across Northeast Texas.
The station has a long history in the community, serving Sulphur Springs since 1947 and providing a mix of news, weather and sports programming. In addition to local content, KSST has remained a reliable outlet for Rangers baseball, regularly airing games unless they conflict with local high school sports broadcasts.
Opening Day marks the beginning of the Major League Baseball season and is one of the most anticipated dates on the sports calendar.
For many in Hopkins County, listening on KSST is part of a tradition that stretches back generations. Whether tuning in from a pickup truck, a job site or a front porch, the familiar voices of Rangers broadcasters continue to connect local fans to the action on the field.
KSST officials say they plan to carry as many games as possible throughout the season, keeping Sulphur Springs-area listeners plugged into Rangers baseball from Opening Day through the postseason.
First pitch times may vary, and listeners are encouraged to check local listings for broadcast details.
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway Adds About 2,200 Acres Through New Acquisitions
March 24, 2026 – QUITAQUE— The bison that call Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway home are growing their range thanks to recent land acquisitions in Briscoe County. The westward additions grow the park to about 17,500 acres of the unique rugged plains and red-walled canyons of the Caprock Escarpment.
Quitaque, TX climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80’s and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40’s.
“These are two beautiful pieces of property,” said Superintendent Donald Beard. “The Hawkins Ranch is the last piece of property to the west [of the park] that protects our viewshed of the canyon and affects our watershed. The Rocking W Ranch was also important because it expands the park to the northwest, allowing the Texas State Bison Herd potential access to the high plains.”
In addition, the Rocking W property included a 5,000-square-foot, fully furnished “barndominium,” which will allow for future family-style retreats for activities like hiking and horseback riding.
Located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, the Hawkins property is unique and features more than 4.1 miles of Holmes Creek and Dry Creek, as well as panoramic views of the iconic Caprock Escarpment. Additionally, many native Texas wildlife can be found throughout the property including quail, mule deer, coyotes and bobcats, just to name a few.
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, shaped by wind and water over the eons, features the rugged plains and canyons of the Texas Panhandle. Park visitors can explore the park’s 90 miles of trails while viewing bison roaming the plains and bats roosting in Clarity Tunnel. As the latest Texas State Park designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), Caprock Canyons features an untainted view of the Texas stars at night that’s unmatched for campers.
When notified of available properties, TPWD conducts a due diligence review to determine the property’s feasibility as public land. In this case, TPWD determined the outstanding natural and recreational features of the properties made them an excellent candidate and addition to Caprock Canyons.
Now that the sale is complete, agency teams will work together to conduct natural and cultural resource surveys to help guide park planners with management plans and future visitor interpretive exhibits.
TPWD will develop a plan with input from the public to determine recreational opportunities for the property, which may include camping, hiking and biking. This plan may take many months to complete, but TPWD will communicate upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date.
More information can be found on the TPWD website or at TexasStateParks.org .
Hood County Delays Data Center Project
March 26, 23026 – HOOD COUNTY, Texas — Hood County Commissioners have voted unanimously to postpone action on two proposed data center projects, citing the need for more information before moving forward.
As of the 2020 census, Hood County has a population of 61,598. Its county seat is Granbury.
The decision comes as the county continues to be a focal point in the growing debate over large-scale data infrastructure developments. Residents and local leaders have raised concerns about the potential strain such facilities could place on water and power resources, particularly as demand for high-energy operations like cryptocurrency mining increases.
During the meeting, officials revealed that MARA Holdings is connected to both proposed projects. The company already operates a Bitcoin mining facility in Hood County, which has drawn complaints from nearby residents over persistent noise pollution.
Commissioners said delaying the vote will allow time to better understand the full scope and potential impact of the developments, including environmental and infrastructure considerations.
In a related move, commissioners also approved a measure prohibiting the county judge from signing off on a new solar project without a detailed concept plan. Representatives for the proposed Rain Lily Solar project told officials their development would be environmentally friendly and comply with the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act.
However, commissioners pushed back, instructing developers to formally submit their plans in writing before any further consideration.
County leaders say the decisions reflect a cautious approach as Hood County navigates rapid growth and increasing interest from energy and technology developers, while balancing the concerns of residents.
