The Lady Cats Took on Bonham in Basketball Action February 4th
February 6, 2025 – Below is KSST’s coverage of the Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats basketball game against Bonham February 4, 2025. The game was played in Wildcat Gym in Sulphur Springs, Texas. This was the Lady Cats last home game of the season. KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey called Play by Play and Tony Flippin provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this exciting game below!
The 21st Annual Clara Bridges Banquet is Coming up April 5th
February 6, 2025 – The 21st Annual Sulphur Springs 90 Plus Bridges Banquet will be held Saturday, April 5th, 2025, beginning at 12:00pm. The event will be held at the new Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center. If you, or someone you know, is 90 years old, or older, please let the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center know so they may honor them with a special dinner and entertainment by Ms. Vender Wright and Dale Cummings. Sponsorships are still available. For more details, please call 903-439-3720.
Chamber Connection – February 6, 2025
By Butch Burney
Friday is the cutoff to get your tickets for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s 98th Annual Banquet and Community Awards. We will celebrate Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs as we recognize our 2024 Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Community Pride Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Growth and Renewal, Outstanding Professional Educator, Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator, Outstanding Auxiliary Educator Large Business of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.
We like to celebrate the great things about Hopkins County, and the best time to do it is at this annual event, which will have a Vintage Hollywood theme.
To reserve your spot, tables of 10 are $500 each and individual tickets are $30. To get reservations or tickets, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email at [email protected]. A sponsorship table includes advertisement of your business at the banquet and reserved seating. You have until Feb. 7 to reserve your table.
Come and help us celebrate Hopkins County!
Cocktails and Conversation
You don’t want to miss the next Cocktails and Conversation, an after-business mixer, hosted by Money Law and Title from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at their office at the corner of Oak Avenue and Main Street.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend the mixer, where there will be refreshments and opportunities to visit with one another.
Valentine’s Pop Up
Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop will host a Valentine’s Pop Up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, on Connally Street. There will be vendors, a food truck, perm jewelry and more!
Pancakes and More
Get your fill of pancakes, bacon and more at the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Cost is $8 per ticket and can be purchased from any Kiwanis Club member.
Deep Routes
Deep Routes will have a Valentine’s Day party from 5-8 p.m. with live music featuring Mike Shing. There will also be games, shopping and more.
They are also offering Valentine’s carriers of coffee, treats, sweet notes and more for men and women to be delivered on Feb. 14.
Bright Star Women
The Bright Star Republican Women will host former State Rep. Jill Dutton on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6-7 p.m. at the Republican Party headquarters at 1230 South Broadway St. All Republican women are invited to attend.
UPRA Spring Rodeo
The Hopkins County Rodeo Association is hosting the 45th UPRA Spring Rodeo on April 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Oscar Aguilar at 903-243-0446 or [email protected].
Senior Citizen Center
There will be a karaoke party at the Senior Citizen Center starting at 11 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, Friday Feb. 14. A light lunch will be served as attendees can sing all their favorite songs.
Main Street Theatre
Main Street Theatre will host an Open Mic Night on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the theater on Main Street. They welcome all types of “live” music. Do you sing, or play, or both? Are you a first timer or a seasoned performer? Everyone is welcome to join us as a performer or part of the audience.It’s free and it’s fun.
Ribbon Cuttings
McCraw Law Firm will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, Feb. 21, at their office at 315 Gilmer Street. Everyone is invited to attend this event.
Mystery Seed Packs From China Are Back
February 6, 2025 – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging all Texans to exercise extreme caution if they receive unsolicited packages containing unknown seeds or liquids. The warning comes after the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) was alerted to a mysterious package delivered to Clute, Texas, containing unidentified seeds and a liquid container, both sent unsolicited from China. Authorities are investigating the package, as its contents could pose potential threats to agriculture, native plant species, and public health.
“Folks, please take this matter seriously,” Commissioner Miller stressed. “Receiving any unsolicited liquid or chemical at your doorstep poses a significant risk to the health of you and your family. We also cannot allow unidentified seeds to enter Texas. If planted, invasive plant species will substantially harm the Texas agriculture industry. The TDA will work diligently to identify these unknown seeds and liquids to protect Texas residents.”
Commissioner Miller emphasized that individuals should not plant the seeds or open any liquid containers, as their origin and purpose remain unknown. Similar incidents have been reported in the past, where foreign entities sent unsolicited seeds to U.S. residents, raising concerns over potential biosecurity risks. Some of these seeds have been linked to invasive species that can harm local ecosystems and agriculture, while others remain unclassified, posing unknown dangers.
Texans who receive such packages are urged to report them immediately to the TDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or local authorities. Officials recommend keeping the package sealed and stored safely away from children and pets.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance regarding unsolicited foreign agricultural products. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, working with federal agencies to prevent potential threats.
If you receive a foreign package containing seeds, do not open it. Keep the contents sealed in their original packaging, and immediately contact the TDA toll-free at (800) TELL-TDA.
Governor Abbott’s Statement On President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Women’s Sports
February 6, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Save Women’s Sports Act into law in 2023. It marking a significant development in the state’s approach to competitive sports and gender classification. The legislation is designed to preserve fair competition in women’s athletics by ensuring that only athletes designated as female at birth can participate in women’s sports. Proponents of the act argue that it is essential for maintaining a level playing field, particularly in high school and collegiate sports, where biological differences are believed to confer competitive advantages. They assert that the law provides clarity for athletic organizations and schools, safeguarding opportunities for cisgender female athletes and ensuring consistency in competition rules.
“Today is a historic day for female athletes across the country who have worked tirelessly to compete at the highest level,” said Governor Abbott. “President Trump’s Executive Order prohibiting biological men from competing in women’s sports will safeguard the integrity of women’s sports, and I am proud to have joined the President at the White House for this historic signing. Female athletes across the nation can be assured that fairness will be protected.”
Critics, however, raise concerns that the law is exclusionary toward transgender individuals, potentially limiting their right to compete according to their gender identity. Advocacy groups and civil rights organizations warn that such restrictions may have broader social implications, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of transgender youth. They argue that the legislation could foster an environment of discrimination and marginalization, undermining efforts toward inclusivity in sports and society as a whole.
Governor Abbott defended the law as a necessary measure to protect the integrity of women’s sports, emphasizing that it aligns with the state’s longstanding commitment to competitive fairness. With the act now in effect, Texas athletic programs, school districts, and sports associations must adjust their policies to comply with the new requirements. As the law is implemented, its impact on team compositions, competition structures, and the broader dialogue on gender in sports will be closely monitored, contributing to ongoing national debates about fairness, inclusion, and the rights of transgender athletes.
USPS Temporally Suspends Services for Incoming Chinese Packages
Temu Fan? Prepare for Higher Prices
February 5, 2025 – The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a temporary suspension of incoming parcels from China and Hong Kong. This decision coincided with escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, marked by the imposition of retaliatory tariffs by both nations.
The suspension has significant implications for the e-commerce sector, particularly for companies like Shein and Temu, which rely on shipping low-value packages directly to U.S. consumers. These businesses have benefited from the de minimis rule, which exempts packages valued under $800 from import duties. However, recent policy changes have eliminated this exemption for Chinese-origin packages, introducing additional tariffs and processing fees.
The USPS has not provided a specific reason for the suspension, but it is widely believed to be linked to these recent policy changes and the broader context of U.S.-China trade relations. The halt in package acceptance has caused disruptions in the e-commerce industry, with companies scrambling to adjust their logistics and supply chains.
This development underscores the complex interplay between international trade policies and global commerce, highlighting the need for businesses to remain adaptable in the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Help Shape the Future of Paris Junior College in Greenville, Paris, and Sulphur Springs
February 4, 2025 – Help Shape the Future of PJC in Greenville, Paris, and Sulphur Springs
Did you know that Paris Junior College – in Greenville, Paris, and Sulphur Springs – plays a role in your life, even if you do not have a child nearing college age? All the ways PJC affects local people, businesses, and the regional economy have led the College to ask them to attend an upcoming listening session for their views on the future of PJC.
“Paris Junior College trains the people who save your life in an emergency, take care of you and your loved ones at the hospital or nursing home, manage local businesses, run manufacturing facilities, fix your air conditioning, work on the airplane you fly in, or weld the trailer you use,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, Paris Junior College president. “There are so many ways PJC affects your life, and that’s why we want you to help shape PJC’s future by attending one of listening sessions.”
Paris Junior College will hold three listening sessions at 7:00 p.m. to gather ideas from the public. The first is on Tuesday, February 11 at the PJC – Greenville Center at 6500 Monty Stratton Blvd. in Greenville; the second is on Tuesday, February 18 at the PJC – Sulphur Springs Center at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs; and the third is on Wednesday, February 19 in the Math and Science Building on the Paris campus at 2400 Clarksville St.
“We invite you to come enjoy light refreshments and share your ideas,” said Benson. “We want to make PJC even better – together.”
There is also still time to take a very important online community survey prior to attending a listening session. Those responses are helping to shape the listening sessions. Please go to https://www.parisjc.edu/strategic-plan-survey.html and tell PJC what you think.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Texans May Know Fate of School Choice Bill on Wednesday
February 4, 2025 – On Wednesday, the Texas Legislature should cast ballots on a significant school choice proposal that promises to reshape the state’s educational landscape. Lawmakers are considering a measure that aims to broaden educational options by providing increased support and funding for charter schools, voucher programs, and other alternative education initiatives alongside traditional public schools. Proponents argue that this legislation will foster healthy competition, driving innovation and accountability within the education system, while giving parents greater control over their children’s learning environments.
The bill proposes a broad school choice program that begins with 25,000 students and expands to all students over several years. Students in the program could get 75% of what the state spends on average per student in public school to pay for private tuition and other costs.
The bill also includes a $340 raise to per-student spending — from $6,160 to $6,500 — and pay raises for teachers and other school staff.
Supporters emphasize that expanding school choice can address diverse student needs more effectively by offering tailored educational experiences. They contend that increased competition among schools will spur improvements in academic performance and overall efficiency. Additionally, advocates believe that empowering families with more options will help bridge gaps in achievement and better prepare students for a dynamic, modern economy.
Critics, however, caution that redirecting resources toward alternative education options may lead to underfunded public schools, potentially worsening disparities in areas already facing challenges. They argue that the proposal could divert essential support from traditional schools, thereby affecting students who rely on established public education systems. As the legislative vote unfolds, the decision will likely have long-lasting implications for Texas’s approach to education reform.
Waffle House Flies The Coop; Charges Extra For Eggs
February 4, 2025 – Waffle House is introducing a new egg surcharge on its customers as a direct response to the rising cost of eggs, which has been impacting its overall menu pricing. As egg prices continue to soar due to supply chain challenges, increased feed costs, and other market pressures, the iconic restaurant chain is taking steps to offset these expenses without broadly raising prices on all menu items.
The surcharge will specifically target dishes that prominently feature eggs, ensuring that the cost increase is absorbed only by the items directly affected by the higher ingredient costs. Waffle House officials have stated that this measure is necessary to maintain the quality and consistency of their offerings while navigating an economically turbulent period. Rather than implementing a blanket price hike across the board, the surcharge allows the chain to precisely address the cost escalation related to eggs.
While some loyal patrons have expressed concerns over the added fee, Waffle House maintains that this is a temporary adjustment aimed at mitigating financial strain. The company is committed to transparency with its customers and will continue to assess the situation, making further adjustments if necessary. In the meantime, the surcharge represents a targeted strategy to sustain operational standards and preserve the affordability of the broader menu.
East Texas A&M Recognized for Top Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report
East Texas A&M earned top ratings from U.S. News & World Report for several online degree programs, reflecting the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in online education.
COMMERCE, TX, Feb. 3, 2025—
East Texas A&M University’s online bachelor’s programs are #2 in Texas, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were released on January 21. East Texas A&M placed in the nation’s top 30% in five online degree programs for 2025.
East Texas A&M’s top online programs
These rankings highlight the university’s commitment to providing high-quality online education across multiple disciplines.
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #2 in Texas (tied with University of North Texas)
- Top 7% nationally (25 out of 357 ranked schools–tie)
Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
- #5 in Texas (tied with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)
- Top 27% nationally (27 out of 101 schools–tie)
Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
- #5 in Texas (tied with University of Houston–Bauer)
- Top 30% nationally (66 out of 221 ranked schools–tie)
Best Online Master’s in Education Program
- #8 in Texas
- Top 27% nationally (85 out of 320 ranked schools)
Best Online MBA Programs
- #8 in Texas (tied with Sam Houston State University)
- Top 27% nationally (100 out of 366 ranked schools–tie)
All five online degree programs rose in the rankings from 2024, reflecting the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality and accessibility.
Dr. April Sanders, dean of the College of Innovation and Design, said East Texas A&M is proud to be a state and national leader in online degree programs.
“These rankings reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional online education that meets the evolving needs of today’s students,” Sanders said. “By combining innovative teaching methods with rigorous academic standards, we’ve created online programs that not only rank among Texas’s best but truly transform our students’ lives and careers.”
The evaluation process
U.S. News evaluates online degree programs using four weighted categories: student engagement, technology resources, faculty credentials and training, and peer assessment. These categories collectively highlight the quality of a university’s online programs. The Office of Institutional Research led the process in partnership with deans and department heads, working diligently to complete and submit the required documentation.
“We worked very hard, combed through all the questions, and verified large amounts of data,” said Dr. Dan Su, executive director of Institutional Research. “This process was valuable because it helps us reflect on and assess what we have been doing and how we can improve.”
Su congratulated the programs recognized in the 2025 rankings. “Achieving these prestigious academic rankings brings well-deserved distinction to East Texas A&M,” she said.
U.S. News & World Report rankings are widely regarded as the most authoritative and extensively used ranking system for higher education by prospective students, families, leaders and policy officials.
For more details on East Texas A&M’s rankings, visit U.S. News & World Report.
