Hopkins County United Way Breaks the Thermometer, Again
November 5, 2025 – The Hopkins County 2025-2026 United Way met for their last Campaign Pledge Report Meeting of 2025 Wednesday, November 5th, to revel exiting news! The theme and drive for this year’s campaign is, “It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood,” and Hopkins County came through and showed that it IS a beautiful day in the neighborhood! This year’s campaign marks the 70th Anniversary of the Hopkins County United Way, and boy did it not only succeed, the organization excelled.
The original goal set by the United Way for 2025-2026 was $170,000, the highest goal the organization has every strived to achieve. However, with a massive group effort of United Way President Lyndsay Palmer, Campaign Co-Chairs Ashley Crump and Kaitlyn Hankins, Executive Secretary Susan Berning, and so many hard working, devoted, volunteers, organizations, businesses, community members… the list goes on and on… it was announced at their Campaign Pledge Report Meeting at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office that they not only reached their goal, but went beyond it with a grand total, so far, of a little over $182,000.00! And the donations are still coming in! Hopkins County really came through and proved, once again, that it’s a great neighborhood to be a part of.
Seventeen organizations will benefit greatly from these efforts. Stay tuned for KSST to share video from this last meeting within the next few days…
*** UPDATE*** You can check out the video now down below!!!
No Bail for Violent Offenders in Texas
November 5, 2025 – Texas voters have overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment giving judges more authority to deny bail to individuals charged with certain violent felony offenses. The measure passed with more than 60 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s General Election.
Sheriffs and county officials across Texas are now bracing for potential increases in jail populations. Some Texas jails are already operating near full.
Under the new amendment, judges will be required—or explicitly authorized—to deny bail in cases involving severe crimes such as murder, aggravated sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent felonies. Supporters say the change strengthens public safety by keeping dangerous offenders behind bars while awaiting trial.
Governor Greg Abbott and Republican lawmakers championed the proposal following a rise in high-profile violent crimes committed by defendants who had been released on bond. They argued that the amendment closes loopholes in Texas’ bail system that allowed repeat or violent offenders to return to the streets.
Opponents, including some criminal justice reform advocates, warned that the policy could lead to longer pretrial detention for low-income defendants and potentially strain county jail systems. They urged lawmakers to pursue reforms that balance public safety with due process protections.
The measure amends the Texas Constitution’s bail provisions for the first time in decades, marking a significant shift in how courts handle serious criminal cases. With voter approval, the amendment will take effect immediately, impacting bail hearings statewide.
Texas Named Top Business Climate In America For 3rd Year In A Row
November 4, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently today celebrated Texas being named America’s Top Business Climate for the third year in a row by Site Selection magazine.
“Texas once again emerges as the national champion for the top business climate in America,” said Governor Abbott. “As the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas offers the freedom and opportunity for companies of all sizes and all industries to thrive. Coupled with the pro-growth, pro-business laws I signed this year, Texas improved the process of doing business to help them succeed in our great state. We will continue to make strategic investments and partner with job-creating businesses to ensure that Texas remains the top state in the nation to do business.”
Driving Texas’ top ranking is a powerful combination of factors: the number of job-creating corporate relocation and expansion projects, a pro-growth mindset and environment where enterprise can flourish, investments in workforce development and infrastructure, access to technology and tech talent, and a predictable regulatory landscape.
Another key measure contributing to Site Selection magazine’s Top Business Climate ranking is a survey of corporate real estate executives and site selectors—for which Texas earned top marks, beating out all other states.
Earlier this year, Governor Abbott accepted Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 13th consecutive win for Texas as the nation’s top-performing state for job-creating business relocations and expansions. Texas also won the 2025 Prosperity Cup from Site Selection magazine, which recognizes the top state in the U.S. for attracting new business investments.
Learn more about Site Selection’s 2025 Top Business Climate rankings.
See more “Top Texas Touts” here.
All 17 Amendments Passed
November 5, 2025 – Texas voters overwhelmingly approved all 17 proposed constitutional amendments in Tuesday’s General Election, marking another round of significant changes to the state’s 1876 Constitution. The measures passed by varying margins, signaling broad public support for issues ranging from property tax relief to infrastructure funding and retirement benefits.
Among the most notable approvals was Proposition 4, which increases the standard homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000. State leaders said the change will help reduce the tax burden on homeowners amid rising property valuations across Texas.
Other approved propositions include measures to bolster the state’s water supply and energy grid, create endowments for higher education, and provide cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers.
Political analysts note that the passage of all 17 measures underscores the continued willingness of Texas voters to amend the state’s lengthy constitution—already one of the most frequently revised in the nation. With these latest additions, the total number of amendments ratified since 1876 now stands at 547.
Supporters of the amendments celebrated the outcome as a win for taxpayers and public workers alike, while critics cautioned that piecemeal constitutional changes may further complicate state governance in the years ahead.
Emily Glass Dropped by For A Second Cup Of Coffee October 28th
November 4, 2025 – The popular and busy, Emily Glass, dropped by KSST to appear on A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey October 28th, 2025. Emily and John Mark chatted about the organization, “PACE,” the Sulphur Springs Symphony League and it’s upcoming auction, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and learn what’s going on around Sulphur Springs, Texas!
Response to Those in Need
November 4, 2025 – With SNAP benefits impacted, First United Methodist Church is joining and supporting Meals from Mom, a local, grassroots effort to collect food, package breakfast, lunch and dinner options for those in need; and then disperse to those in our community who will not have benefits arriving for an unknown period of time.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Meals%20from%20mom
11/06 – volunteers are meeting at First UMC to assembly meals
11/10 – First UMC, Portico front door area, will be open for food pick-up, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tumbleweed Smith Induction into Radio Hall of Fame
November 4, 2025 – Tumbleweed Smith of Big Spring is one of 20 radio broadcasters to be inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held at the Broadcast Museum in Kilgore on Saturday November 1. The 20 inductees were among 230 nominees for the honor. Smith is the only small-town broadcaster to receive the award. The criteria for judging is based on a broadcaster’s accomplishments both in and outside of broadcasting. Tumbleweed is producer of the daily syndicated radio program; THE SOUND OF TEXAS that has been on numerous Texas radio stations since 1969. During that time he has produced more than 14,000 programs. KSST is honored to include The Sound of Texas in our daily programming.
Renewables Are Doing Some Heavy Lifting When It Comes to the Texas Grid
November 4, 2025 – Texas is relying more heavily on renewable energy to meet its record-breaking electricity demand, as new data shows wind and solar power now provide nearly 40 percent of the state’s total generation. The growth comes as Texas’ booming economy and expanding data center industry drive electricity consumption to historic highs.
Solar power has seen the fastest gains, producing roughly 50 percent more energy in 2025 compared to last year and nearly four times as much as in 2021. This surge is helping to offset the state’s reliance on natural gas, which still supplies about 43 percent of overall demand. Wind power remains a vital contributor, particularly during evening and overnight hours when solar production fades.
Analysts say the shift is both economic and practical. With Texas continuing to attract energy-intensive industries—such as hyperscale data centers, electric vehicle manufacturing, and semiconductor production—developers are turning to renewable sources that can be deployed quickly and at competitive prices.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s grid, reports that hundreds of large-scale renewable and storage projects are seeking interconnection. Yet experts warn that continued demand growth could soon outpace new generation capacity.
While Texas remains a leader in renewable energy, the rapid expansion of power-hungry industries will test whether the state can maintain both affordability and reliability as it transitions toward a cleaner, more diversified grid.
Governor Abbott Announces $10,000 Reward In Shooting Of Jacksonville Police Officer
November 3, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Bobby Michael Dennis, who is wanted for his involvement in the shooting of a Jacksonville police officer and K-9 who were wounded. Yesterday, warrants were issued by the Jacksonville Police Department for Dennis’ arrest for Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant and Interference with a Police Service Animal. The Texas Department of Public Safety has added Dennis to their 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List.
“Attacks on our men and women in uniform must stop,” said Governor Abbott. “Our law enforcement officers who selflessly risk their lives every day to serve and protect must know they will always have the full support of the State of Texas. Anyone with information relating to this heinous crime is strongly urged to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. Texas is a law-and-order state, and the dangerous criminal who attacked a Jacksonville Police Officer and their K-9 will experience the full weight of justice brought against him.”
The suspect, Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 152 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information using one of the following methods:
- Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Submit a web tip through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website
- Submit a tip online
All tips are guaranteed anonymous by law regardless of how they are submitted, and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name. Fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous. Texans should never try to apprehend a fugitive.
Fun Reflections on the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala
November 3, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The 20th Gala offered by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is slated for January 24, 2026. The night will feature all the excitement of auctions, contests, and dancing, all for the purpose of raising money to invest in Hopkins County healthcare.
Since 2006 the Gala has been an incredibly fun event to which the public is invited to participate. One person who is an expert on fun and serves as a Board member for the Foundation is Don Sapaugh – a man of many talents. He is a banker by day; auctioneer when needed; and arbiter of fun.
Sapaugh shared a bit about some of his favorite fun Gala moments through the years. The first one deals with his good friend, John Sellers. John and Craig Roberts always lead the heads and tails game, with John tossing the coin to determine if heads or tails won. Often, John’s coin soars above the decorations floating over the dance floors. Sometimes the coin is even known to get caught in a fabric swag, which happened in 2022. The crowd and John’s reactions to these unexpected moments can be amusing.
Other enjoyable Gala moments experienced by Sapaugh include listening to Johnny Lee perform live at the 2014 Gala, dancing to some of the latest songs such as the Whip and Nae Nae, and participating in the chaos of the live auction each year.
Sapaugh shared more thoughts on the Gala, “The Gala has been a lot of fun over the past 19 years, and it will continue to be a wonderful experience. What is the most fun is the fact that the Gala raises money for local healthcare. That money has funded some of the most important medical equipment in our county….equipment that saves and improves lives. That is what really brings me joy from the Gala.”
The 2026 Gala is chaired by a committee of the Foundation Board of Directors, on which Sapaugh volunteered. He has been an active participant in the Gala since its inception.
Don’t miss the fun at A Celebration of Twenty Years Gala. Get your tickets now at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a board of fifteen Hopkins County residents.
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Mystery solved! The year 2016 was the height of the Whip and Nae Nae dance craze. Don is showing how it is done.
In all seriousness, please join the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on January 24, 2026, for the 20th annual Gala raising money for new medical equipment for the surgical wing expansion at CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. Sponsorships and tickets are available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
To get your tickets or sponsor the 2026 Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com or call the Foundation at 903-438-4799.
