Here’s Some of the Exciting Activities Scheduled for end of November at the Senior Citizens Activity Center
November 21, 2024 – Some notes from Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor…
I have certificates for any vets that gave me their info a couple weeks ago. Thank you for your service.
Monday is our Thanksgiving Dinner at 11am. Please bring a dish to pass. We are having turkey and ham! Also some live entertainment and a door prize !
Special days this week………….
Trivia Time is TUESDAY this next week at 11
LCR is also TUESDAY at noon
Monthly Birthday Party and Blood Pressure Clinic is Wed right after Bingo
Wed afternoon we are decorating the new center for Christmas and putting up the trees……..yes ….2 trees this year, also the golden agers will be up and ready to “adopt” We are also having a hot cocoa bar and snacks.
We are closed Thursday and Friday
Meal a Day will also be closed, but they are sending out extra food next week to cover the missed days so no one goes hungry.
Also we are down to the wire on the chili cook off sign ups, I have a few spots left if you would like to participate, It’s a great way to interact with our senior community.
Please note: the senior center has a new phone number 903-439-3720 and Meal A Day’s number is the same as before 903-885-1661
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues the City of Dallas for Ballot Measure Prohibiting Police from Enforcing Marijuana-Related Offenses
November 21, 2024 – Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the City of Dallas and local officials for adopting a city charter amendment that would illegally decriminalize marijuana-related offenses and prohibit police from enforcing Texas law.
Earlier this month, the City of Dallas adopted Proposition R, which “prohibits the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for marijuana possession or considering the odor of marijuana as probable cause for search or seizure.” However, municipalities cannot refuse to enforce Texas drug laws concerning possession and distribution of marijuana—an illicit substance that psychologists have increasingly linked to psychosis and other negative consequences. Texas Local Government Code forbids any political subdivision from adopting “a policy under which the entity will not fully enforce laws relating to drugs.” Further, the Texas Constitution makes it unlawful for municipalities to adopt ordinances that are inconsistent with the laws enacted by the Texas Legislature (Article XI, Section 5).
Attorney General Paxton said, “Cities cannot pick and choose which State laws they follow. The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them. This is a backdoor attempt to violate the Texas Constitution, and any city that tries to constrain police in this fashion will be met swiftly with a lawsuit by my office.”
Attorney General Paxton has taken numerous actions to ensure that cities and political subdivisions follow the law and enforce prohibitions against illicit narcotics. In January 2024, he sued five cities for adopting illegal marijuana decriminalization policies that promote crime, drug abuse, and violence.
Everett Van Jennings Accumulates Additional Charges While in Jail
November 21, 2024 – Hopkins County resident Everett Van Jennings has accumulated three additional charges while in custody. The bond on these new charges total $1,125,000.
Jennings ran afoul of the law when several sports car where found in his garage. Those cars were reported as stolen. See the details by clicking here.
He was also arrested in connection with a stolen watercraft. See that story here.
A female associate of Jennings, Chelsea Clark, was also arrested for her involvement. See that story here.
Richard “Richie Rich” Lopez, another associate of Jennings, was arrest for his involvement. See that story here.
The most recent charges are as follows:
- Criminal Solicitation Capital Murder 1st Degree, $1,000,000 bond.
- Online Impersonation, $75,000 bond.
- Fraudulent Use or Possession of a Credit or Debit Card, $50,000 bond.
Jennings remains in Hopkins County Jail on a total bond just over 2 million.
The relevant penal code for his most concerning charge is 19.03(A)(3). Here is an excerpt from that code.
Anyone convicted of capital murder in Texas faces the possibility of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Governor Abbott Directs State Agencies To Divest Portfolios From China
November 21, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Texas state agencies directing them to divest from risky investments originating from China. The Governor ordered Texas state agencies to protect Texans from exposure to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by fully divesting from China as soon as possible.
“Security of Texas and Texans is of utmost importance,” reads the letter. “That includes the financial security of Texas state investments. Threats to that security can come from foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), whose belligerent actions across the Southeastern Pacific region and the world have increased instability and financial risk to the State holding investments in China. Therefore, all investments of state funds in China must be evaluated and immediately addressed. To further this goal, I direct Texas investing entities that you are prohibited from making any new investments of state funds in China. To the extent you have any current investments in China, you are required to divest at the first available opportunity. Texas will defend and safeguard itself and our public treasury from any potential threat, including those posed by the CCP.”
Last year, Governor Abbott with three other Governors encouraged Vanguard to create emerging market funds isolating the investments from risks posed by the CCP.
Earlier this week, Governor Abbott issued executive orders to protect Texans from the coordinated harassment and coercion by the CCP, harden state government from being accessed by hostile foreign nations that attempt to infiltrate Texas, and protect Texas’ critical infrastructure from threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the CCP. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Houston also put out a warning to Texans this week that the PRC may be targeting and harassing Chinese dissidents who speak out against the CCP in Texas.
SSISD Student Advance to Area
November 20, 2024 – Sulphur Springs High School Choir program is proud to announce that freshmen Tabitha Cumming and Juan Hernandez have advanced to the Area round of the Texas All-State Choir process. This remarkable achievement puts them among the top young vocalists in the state, as they prepare for their final audition on January 11, 2025, at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
Tabitha, a soprano, and Juan, a bass, have demonstrated extraordinary dedication throughout this challenging process, which began with auditions at the Region level and continued with the Pre-Area round. They have invested countless hours in after-school rehearsals and workshops, honing their craft and mastering demanding repertoire.
The Texas All-State Choir process is a rigorous and prestigious competition that draws thousands of high school singers from across the state. Participants prepare and perform intricate pieces selected by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), showcasing their vocal technique, musicality, and overall artistry. Advancing to the Area round means Tabitha and Juan are one step closer to earning a spot in the elite Texas All-State Choir, which will perform at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio in February.
“It’s been a joy to watch Tabitha and Juan learn and digest these challenging pieces,” said Mrs.Cole, SSHS choir director. “Their work ethic and dedication to their craft are inspiring. They have truly earned this honor through their consistent effort and willingness to grow.”
Special thanks go out to the parents of these talented students for encouraging their practice and ensuring they had transportation to and from rehearsals. The Sulphur Springs High School administration also deserves recognition for supporting the choir program and the incredible accomplishments of its students.
Tabitha and Juan’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and passion for music. The entire Sulphur Springs community is cheering them on as they prepare for their Area auditions in January. Good luck, Wildcats!
Progress Made on Recent Vehicle Burglaries in Hopkins County
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has been diligently working on the recent car burglaries that occurred in Hopkins County over two separate weekends. Our investigators began working with several other East Texas law enforcement agencies that were also affected by the crime spree. Although there has been great team work, the vast area that had been covered by these criminals made this investigation very difficult.
We are proud to announce that at this time Hopkins County has issued warrants on five individuals for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. Their bond is set at 1 million dollars for each suspect. Two of the suspects are in custody in another county near Houston.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum would like to give recognition to Patrol, Criminal Investigation Department, and especially Investigator Chris Baumann for all of his hard work.
Hopkins County Residence should not have to experience this type of crime, but it is definitely a sign of the time. The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work diligently to protect our citizens and their property.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Recognizes November as National Adoption Month
Highlights OAG “Support Adoption” Grant Program and License Plate
In recognition of National Adoption Month, Attorney General Ken Paxton encourages Texans to purchase the “Support Adoption” license plate that funds the “Support Adoption” Grant Program administered by the Office of the Attorney General.
Instituted in 2023, the program assists organizations that provide critical resources for pregnant women considering adoption and for children awaiting adoptive families. In some cases, the funds will be used to directly defray the cost of adoption—which can be tens of thousands of dollars. The program issued $29,000 in grant funding during Fiscal Year 2024 and $40,000 in Fiscal Year 2025.
“In Texas, we affirm life, and the Support Adoption program is one of the many ways we work to help and protect pregnant women and their children,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The grants funded by the purchase of these license plates will go to incredible organizations assisting those who choose the life-changing miracle of adoption.”
To purchase a Support Adoption license plate, click here. 
Governor Abbott Directs TCEQ To Accept Water Offer For Rio Grande Valley
November 20, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to accept an offer of San Juan River water from Mexico under the 1944 Water Treaty and provide much-needed water to communities in the Rio Grande Valley.
“Water is essential for Texans along the Rio Grande Valley to grow crops and support local communities and businesses,” said Governor Abbott. “Mexico’s blatant abuse and disregard of water obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty must not be allowed to continue. Today, I directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to accept a San Juan River water offer from Mexico that will supply our farmers and businesses in the Rio Grande Valley with much-needed water.”
Mexico’s offer of 120,000 acre-feet from the San Juan River is a mere drop in the bucket relative to the 1.75 million acre-feet Mexico is required to deliver to Texas each five-year Treaty cycle. Because our farmers and cities can wait no longer, Texas accepts the offer, pending TCEQ’s ultimate approval of the operational procedures.
While the International Boundary and Water Commission apparently takes the position that water from the San Juan River may be credited against Mexico’s five-year Treaty commitments, Texas stands firm in its position—consistent with the text of the Treaty—that those commitments may be satisfied only with water from the six named tributaries.
The 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico obligates both countries to share water resources from the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers. Mexico’s deficit under the 1944 Water Treaty has never been greater. Barring action by Mexico, in October 2025, Texans will be facing a projected deficit of 1.3-million acre-feet of water.
Chamber Connection – November 20, 2024
By Butch Burney
The annual Economic Development Conference is just around the corner, and we have an experienced speaker and college professor, Mick Normington, to present information on jobs, housing, unemployment and education for our area.
Mick has two master’s degrees, co-authored the book “Working Texas Style,” previously worked at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Labor Market Department of the Texas Workforce Commission, and is now a business professor at Lee College in Huntsville. He is a skilled presenter who has spoken to numerous Economic Development Councils.
The luncheon, which is co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation, will take place on December 3 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Sponsorships are available for $500 for a table for eight, $250 for a table for four, and individual tickets for the event are $30 each. If you have any questions, please call 903-885-6515 or email me at [email protected].
Community Awards
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
When nominating a person or business, please write in the nomination letter the reasons you are presenting them for the award.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Woman of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Please get your nominations in before the end of the year.
Ornaments and Stew Merch
Our 2024 Christmas Ornaments, featuring the Total Solar Eclipse, are on sale at the Chamber office. They are $40 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2024 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and hoodies. We are located at 110 Main St.
Christmas Activities
■ The 33rd annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League live auction is brought to you by Chad’s Media on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. The event will be streamed live via the Front Porch News Facebook page and Chad’s Media YouTube page. Expect to see incredible gifts from local businesses, handmade treasures and unique local experiences, all available for you to place your bid. And remember, everything you donate goes to funding local music enjoyment and education like the Children’s Concert, the Dallas Opera and the Independence Day concert to Sulphur Springs!
■ Christmas in the Park is set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ Lake Country CASA’s annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. There will be cookies, cakes and other treats for sale to benefit Lake Country CASA.
■ The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 6 starting at Buford Park. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main St.
Entry fee is one new unwrapped present for Blue Santa.
■ Along with the parade, the city will host the Lighted Celebration Market downtown from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. It will include lighting of the city Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m.
■ The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, downtown. You can do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
■ Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “Winter Wonderland” production at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for ticket information.
■ The Best Christmas Pageant EVER will be playing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, 8 and 12, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, 14 and 15. Tickets are $15. Visit communityplayersinc.com for more information.
■ First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs will present Christmas at First on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, at 6 p.m. each evening. Reserve your free tickets at SSFBC.org.
Retirement Reception to be Held for Dr. Dietze November 21st
November 19, 2024 – A retirement reception will be held for Dr. William Dietze Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Plaza Conference Room. The Retirement Celebration is a come and go event with light refreshments. The Reception will last from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Come and thank Dr. Dietze for 50 years of service to the Hopkins County community.
