GSC Leader David Burns Becomes an Ironman in Florida
November 6, 2025 – On November 1, 2025, David Burns, GSC’s Corporate Director of Analytics, achieved a remarkable personal milestone: he became an Ironman. Competing in the renowned Ironman Florida in Panama City Beach, David crossed the finish line at 9:33 p.m. after 14 hours, 8 minutes, and 23 seconds of swimming, cycling, and running—totaling an extraordinary 140.6 miles.
The day began with a frigid 52-degree morning as he dove into the Gulf for a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride through pine tree forests, and concluded with a full 26.2-mile marathon along the coast. Though this was David’s first full Ironman, it marked the culmination of a journey that began in 2024 and included several shorter triathlons and a Half Ironman just one month prior.
“I’ve always admired those who’ve completed an Ironman,” David shared. “It takes great effort and resilience complete it, and I wanted my kids to know they belong to a family who can do hard things.” That commitment meant training 15–18 hours per week, often at the expense of personal time. “I had to say ‘No’ to a lot of good things in order to say ‘Yes’ to one great thing.”
David’s race was not without obstacles. He dodged jellyfish in the ocean, endured a bike crash at mile 17, and even had severe stomach issues—all while pushing through the pain of road rash. Despite these trials, he never considered quitting. “I learned I can do hard things. The Ironman may happen in a day, but the character it takes to finish one is forged in dark, early mornings and cold pools.”
He credits his wife, family, and a supportive circle of coworkers and friends—many of whom tracked his progress through the Ironman app—for helping him get to the finish line. “I knew they were watching, praying, and cheering me on. I also knew they would panic if I stopped, so I had to keep moving. That knowledge was a gift.”
David sees clear parallels between his triathlon training and leadership at GSC. “Whether it’s starting something you’ve been avoiding or choosing to keep going when it’s hard, growth comes from pushing through.”
Though he jokes that he’s now “retired” from full Ironmans, David plans to continue racing in shorter triathlons and investing more time in his growing family. He encourages others to consider the sport. “You can start small—with a swimsuit, a bike, and sneakers. The community is supportive, and the lessons in grit and gratitude are life-changing.”
David’s journey is a powerful example of GSC’s spirit—pursuing excellence with humility, perseverance, and purpose. Congratulations, David, on this exceptional achievement!
New Design for Horned Lizard License Plate Celebrates 25 Years of Conservation Funding
Nov. 6, 2025 AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) newly redesigned horned lizard conservation license plate is now available for purchase, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the horned lizard plate and the Conservation License Plate Program (CLPP).
Earlier this year, thousands of participants voted for the design they liked best from among three potential designs. The new design was the heavy favorite and is a photograph of a horned lizard in the wild, which was donated by award-winning wildlife photographer Hector Astorga.
“The Texas horned lizard is an iconic Texas critter,” said Richard Heilbrun, TPWD Wildlife Conservation Program director. “Just tough enough and just endearing enough to represent our people, our wildlife and our wild places. Unfortunately, we don’t have as many horned lizards as we used to, but TPWD is trying to fix that through conservation projects, which are partially funded by the sale of this plate.”
Money raised from license plate sales fund projects that help protect native species and their habitats. In addition to the horned lizard, other species benefitting include bumblebees and other pollinators, Texas tortoises, alligator snapping turtles and a long list of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants. Learn more at conservationplate.org.
“Since its debut 25 years ago, the conservation plate program has generated more than $12.7 million in revenue for conservation,” said Janis Johnson, TPWD marketing manager. “Even after all of these years, the horned lizard plate is still the fan favorite and the highest-selling plate, having contributed more than $5.4 million to conservation. With the plate redesign, we hope to freshen its look and attract new customers who are wild about nature and want to support wildlife conservation in Texas.”
In addition to the horned lizard, other plate designs in TPWD’s family of plates include the monarch butterfly, rattlesnake and hummingbird, which benefit nongame wildlife; white-tailed deer and bighorn sheep plates benefit big game management; camping and bluebonnet plates benefit state parks; largemouth bass and Texas rivers benefit fisheries; and the roadrunner plate benefits nature tourism and habitat conservation.
To buy the horned lizard plate or one of the other 10 conservation license plates available, visit www.conservationplate.org or your local county tax assessor-collector’s office.
The plates are available for vehicles, trailers and motorcycles and cost just $30 per year, with $22 going directly to TPWD-sponsored conservation projects. Buyers do not have to wait until they receive a renewal notice, they can order at any time, and the cost will be pro-rated.
Paxton Fights to Stop the Manufacturer of Tylenol from Fraudulently Paying Dividends
November 6, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a motion to block a scheduled dividend payment from Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, arguing that the payout would strip the company of funds it needs to compensate Texans harmed by the company’s alleged misconduct.
The motion, filed Monday, seeks to halt a planned November 26 dividend that Paxton says would “fraudulently drain” Kenvue of hundreds of millions of dollars while it faces billions in potential liabilities tied to deceptive marketing practices.
The filing follows Paxton’s lawsuit last week against Kenvue and its former parent company, Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the companies knowingly marketed Tylenol to pregnant women while concealing evidence linking acetaminophen exposure to an increased risk of Autism and ADHD in children. Paxton also accused Johnson & Johnson of structuring a corporate spinoff to shield itself from financial accountability.
“I will not allow Big Pharma to ruin the lives of Texans with their lies and then refuse to pay the bill when it’s brought to account,” Paxton said in a statement.
The Attorney General’s motion asks a judge to prohibit Kenvue from issuing dividends or disposing of major assets until the case concludes. Paxton’s office is also seeking an injunction to stop Kenvue’s alleged misleading marketing practices.
Officials say the legal action aims to ensure Kenvue remains solvent and capable of compensating Texans if the state prevails in court.
Winners Announced for the 11th Annual George Dorner 42′ Tournament
November 5, 2025 – The eleventh Annual George Dorner 42′ Tournament was held November 1st, 2025. Twenty six teams competed. The event was held at Sulphur Bluff United Methodist Church, in the Fellowship Hall. Proceeds will be used to buy Bibles for Sulphur Bluff Graduating Seniors of the class of 2026. The winners were…
In first place, Jerry Pritchett and Jimmy Dale Fite. In second place was Anne McConnell and Travis Patridge. In third place was Tommy McConnell and Floyd Pool. KSST would like to congratulate these winners!
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.
