Ticket Giveaway: St. James Fish Fry #1
February 2024 – Friday night Fish Fry is back! You can win 2 tickets to the event hosted by the Knights of Columbus at 297 Texas St here in Sulphur Springs, TX. The FREE tickets are for the February 16, 2024 event only.
Dine in or carry out starting a 5:00pm. Beer battered cod available, a short wait may be required.
Menu includes USA catfish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, beans, fried okra, tea, coffee, desserts and more. Prices start at $12. All you care to eat is $20.
Rules and Information:
The passes must NOT be resold!
Unclaimed passes will be dispersed by KSST.
Employees of KSST/KRVA can’t win.
Winner’s names and picture will be posted on Facebook.
To enter to win, comment on this post in Facebook. Winners will be contacted via Facebook Messenger.
Is Pine Needle Compost OK for Vegetable Gardens? From Master Gardener David Wall
February 11, 2024 – There are two uses for the pine needles in your garden. For the first, pine needles make an excellent mulch for your vegetables. They don’t press on the soil and let plenty of air through them. They don’t affect soil pH, because they are above ground. It’s that simple. On the other hand, should we allow needles to be used in compost? It’s an interesting question, and the answer, after studying, is easier than you think.
The question regarding usage in compost revolves around aging. If you’ve ever spent time in a pine forest, there usually isn’t much undergrowth. Pine trees enjoy acidic soil, and the ground is covered with pine needles. Ergo, the ground is acidic because it’s covered with acidic needles, thus preventing other plants from growing. Logically, this may be sound reasoning, but in fact, there’s more to it. Combined with lack of good sunlight, the primary reason for so few other plants in a pine forest is because the ground is covered with solid pine needle mulch, preventing other plants from getting started.
So, a 2-4” covering of pine needles as mulch is good, if not great! They improve moisture retention in your soil, control weeds, moderate soil temperature, help control weeds, and break down slowly. But what about pine needles in compost. The answer is both yes and no. If you use more than 20% of your compost components, the acidity can be a problem. So, you limit pine needles to a compost component.
As needles break down, they lose some acidity and approach neutral pH, but the waxy needle coating slows decomposition. To help remove this coating, wait until needles are dry before gathering, or shred them with a lawnmower. So, pine needles as a compost component are great. Just don’t overdo that component.
Paris District Road Report for week of February 12, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Feb. 12, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Pedestrian Safety Campaign
Pedestrian traffic fatalities increased 30 percent in Texas from 2018 through 2022 and now account for one in five of all roadway deaths. In 2022, there were 5,766 crashes involving pedestrians in our state, resulting in 830 deaths. Another 1,526 people were seriously injured.
The top factors contributing to traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians are:
Pedestrians failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Driver inattention.
Speeding.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they aren’t equipped with protective equipment such as airbags, seat belts, and bumpers. All of us share a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and bring the number of pedestrian fatalities to zero. TxDOT offers the safety tips below to prevent a deadly encounter.
For pedestrians
Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals.
Use the sidewalk. If there is not one, walk on the left side of the roadway or shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic, unless the left side of the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic is obstructed or unsafe.
When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
Stay visible. Wear reflective materials and use a flashlight at night.
For drivers
Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
Pay attention and put your phone away, so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions.
Grayson County: US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. Construction on this project to rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes will begin Feb. 12. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at North Loy Lake Road and Spur 503. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder work and frontage road lane closures within the project.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
Watch for lane closures of the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage roads at the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage roads in Sherman. Traffic will remain in this configuration for five weeks while this phase of construction is performed. For this phase, the lanes for the northbound and southbound frontage roads of US 75 will be shifted to the outside onto the newly constructed widening and traffic will be routed onto the new US 82 overpasses. Eastbound and westbound frontage roads of US 82 between the northbound and southbound frontage roads of US 75 will be reduced to one lane of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions. This operation will allow for the construction of under pavement drainage structures and constructing one half the width of the permanent pavement. Drivers are advised to be aware of road crews on the highway, expect some delays, and plan their commutes in advance.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. A traffic switch is tentatively scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16. During this traffic switch, all southbound FM 1417 traffic will be moved to the permanent southbound lanes. The work necessary to make the traffic switch is weather dependent, so the exact date of the switch may change. Travelers are advised that after this traffic switch occurs, intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417, while the contractor completes the remaining work items.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek. Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use County Line Church Road and West Line Road as a detour.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 121, from FM 3356 to Majors Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to Willy-Vester Rd. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
SH 56, in Dodd City from CR 2936 to CR 3210. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to mill and pave the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, in Windom from CR 2970 to CR 2996. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to mill and pave the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
SH 78, from FM 68 to FM 1629. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from the FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Red River County: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County: SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on signals at various locations. Concrete island work and final striping and sign placement will begin soon. The contractor has finished placing sod at various locations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has begun preparing the right of way: placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work is underway. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and performing subgrade widening work and base work and placing geogrid. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has shifted traffic to the west to begin removal of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will continue. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed subgrade widening, cement treatment, flex base, and geogrid of the subgrade near mile six of the eight-mile project. Riprap and erosion control work is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has placed beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Avenue. The Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County project has completed the backwalls and prep right-of-way work. Bridge beams will soon be placed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor will be performing eastbound main lane barrier shift work, placing low profile traffic barrier at FM 1903 and excavation / embankment for detour placement. Excavation work on Gilstrap will begin soon and some work zone striping will be performed east bound near FM 1570. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now open. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County Maintenance will be performing work on FM 3211. Rains County Maintenance has been working on SH 276 repairing uneven shoulders and will perform some sweeping on US 69 at various locations. Both maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads, and fixing potholes on FM roads and state highways.
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Four Sulphur Springs ISD Athletes Signed
February 9, 2024 – Four Sulphur Springs athletes signed letters of intent on national signing day.
Brady Driver, the Wildcats quarterback and the most valuable player in District 8-4A, Division 1 last season, has signed with Lamar University in Beaumont, an F-C-S football school in the Southland Conference.
Austin Chaney, a defensive back on the Wildcat football team and a first-team all-district player, has signed to play at A&M-Commerce, which is also a member of the Southland Conference.
Braxton Wall, a Wildcat linebacker and a second-team all-district player, has signed with the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri. It’s an NC-Double-A Division 2 school in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
Garrett Robinson, a Wildcat soccer star, has signed with FC Odisea. That facility is described an elite international soccer academy, in Castellon, Spain.
Hopkins County Records – January/February 2024
Daily Instrument Register For 1/11/24 Thru 1/12/24
- Stuart Principal Investments LLC to Cindy M Stuart and Harold Wayne Stuart; Tract in the Mason Moseley Survey
- Johnny Jay Isonhood and Patty Isonhood to Clinton Todd Isonhood; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Black Cat Thicket LLC to Christopher Blake and Alexa Chan; Tract in the J T Redding Survey
- Michelle Genin and Mark Vishnevsky to Jose Jaime Gonzalez Gomez and Ana Rosa Gonzalez; Tract in the George C Wetmore Survey
- Lanhuong Thi Pham and Franklin Tran to Franklin Duy Tran, Vnt Pullet Farm LLC, and Chau Ngoc Vu; Tract in the Thomas Alders Survey
- Cheryl Diane Bell Formely KInown As Dwayne J Bell, Glen Dale Friddle, Sharon Friddle, Cheryl Diane Hines to Benjamin Hines and Deanna Hines; Tract in the M Starrett Survey
- Candance Ashmore, Also Known As Candace Lee Ashmore, Casan Layne Ashmore Also Known as Layne Ashmore to Abdiel J Ramirez; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Otto E Moreno Also Known As Otto Elmer Moreno to Erubiel De La Rosa and Ana Gomez; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 1/17/24 Thru 1/17/24
- Freit LLC to Aniqa Khan and Bilan Khan; Tract in the Block 3 Woodcreek Addn Survey
- Caryn Dianne Johnson, Formely Known As John Steven Johnson II and Caryn Dianne Lewis to John Steven Johnson II; Tract in the John Bryan Survey
- Thanh Le and Phe Tran to Paul Minh Tran and Phil Minh Tran; Tract in the John S Bowen Survey
- Equity Cash Offer LLC to Erg Renovations and New Construction LLC; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Beverly Brannan and Wayne Brannan to Sherry Preas; Tract in the Samuel South Survey
- Lisa C Miller Also Known As Lisa Carol Miller to Samuel K Miller; Tract in the William Teer Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 1/18/24 Thru 1/19/24
- Mick Petty and Tira Cemetery Society to Mark Chapman; Tract in the Francis Hopkins Survey
- Gary J Lewis to Juana M Govea; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Jon Phillips and Mary Phillips to John Cooper and Laura Honeycutt; Tract in the Daniel Draper Survey
- Autry Joe Boyd and Kelley Cosgrove Boyd to Brittiany Hammond and Harlan Heath Hammond; Tract in the Dawson Stephenson Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 2/1/24 Thru 2/7/24
- Stuart Dallas Hodges and Jodi Denise Gibson
- Jordan Patric Gean Smith and Autumn Kaye Baker
- Bryan Scott Thomas and Angela Joy Bevill
- Salazar Edgar Silva and Trevino Jesslin Rodriguez
- Weldon James White and Jessica Leeanne Brice
Too Much Emphasis on Winning and Losing at Jr. Fair Livestock Shows by Mario Villarino
February 8, 2024 – According to Nebraska Extension “It seems far too often we place too much emphasis on winning and losing at Jr. Fair livestock shows. Unfortunately, many times adults consider 4-H and FFA livestock projects a failure if their son or daughter does not win. If our only goal at a livestock show is to win, maybe we need to make some adjustments in our goals and in understanding the benefits our youth are gaining from livestock shows. Ideally, 4-H and FFA livestock projects should be a family affair. If the right percentages of time and energy are spent by youngsters and parents together, these projects can help our young people learn the basic life skills and eventually help them develop into better citizens. If the percentage gets out of hand, we see a group of spoiled kids who parents are sore if they don’t win, constantly criticizing the judge and trying any trick possible to win. Very few 4-H and FFA livestock projects are economically sound. However, neither are having children, paying for band lessons, taking them to summer recreation programs, buying them bicycles and paying for other youth activities. If a parent’s
goal is to invest in the future and to help their son or daughter develop as a person, learn responsibility, set goals and gain some knowledge about livestock production, then 4-H and FFA livestock projects are good investments. Most likely we will have livestock shows as long as there are youngsters who have parents and grandparents. However, let’s keep these shows in proper perspective. They are not beef shows, swine
shows and sheep shows but they are KIDS SHOWS! The animal is simply the ticket for the youngster to take part.
As we analyze all the new and innovative ideas, many of which are quite sound and very excellent methods, we find 4-H and FFA livestock projects are one of the oldest and greatest teaching tools that we have to teach youth life skills”. To promote the youth involvement in agriculture and livestock projects, the Northeast Texas Livestock Association (NETLA) will be hosting the 2024 Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show & Sale February 22-24, 2024 at the Regional Civic Center in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Come and support our young exhibitors during the event!. For more information on this contact NETLA, the Hopkins County Extension Office (903-885-3443) or your school FFA chapter.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held February 22: Notice Date Change for this Month’s Meeting
After 15 years of Family History research, Jim Thornhill embarked on a second career, applying his existing experience in research, critical thinking, writing and speaking to genealogy and started Heroes of the Past, a company that seeks to delight clients and tell them about the Heroes of their pasts.
He is a professional genealogist and the chief researcher for Heroes of the Past.
Jim is a graduate of the Gen Proof and ProGen professional genealogy course, TIGR (Texas and Advanced Southern Research) as well as attending countless live classes and virtual presentations. He is Past President of the Dallas Genealogical Society, an author for Stirpes, the Journal of the Texas State Genealogical Society, and has spoken for the National Genealogical Society, the Texas State Genealogical Society, and many local societies in North Texas. Jim is a native Texan who has been living in the Dallas area his entire life, and has roots in pre-civil war Texas and Mississippi.
Jim’s topic for this meeting will be “Migration Across the American South.” The program will be presented in person at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, (one week later than usual) at the Genealogy Library, 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Spring, Texas. There will be handouts provided.
In addition, we will present the program via Zoom. The link to join the Zoom meeting is provided below:
When: Feb 22, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwpdeqrrT4jGdCqlSGd72-iC_G6rboCV8lx
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Those who register for the Zoom meeting will be emailed a copy of the hand-outs. We look forward to seeing you there.
Chamber Connection – February 7th
By Butch Burney
February 8, 2024 – Time is almost out to get your tickets for the 97th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet that will celebrate Hopkins County with a theme of “Sweethearts,” awards and dinner on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
At the banquet, we will recognize the people and businesses who make Hopkins County the best place to live and work. We will be giving out such awards as Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Educators of the Year, Small and Large Business of the Year and others.
Social networking and a cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with food service at 6:30, and awards beginning at 7 p.m.
You can reserve your seat for $30 per person or get a table for 10 for $500. The tables include preferential seating and name displays, as well as video recognition at the banquet.
For more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Romantic Dinner
Celebrate your love with a romantic evening of dinner and music, hosted by Haystacks, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8. The reservation will include a three-course dinner for two with choice of entrée and includes dessert, a single rose for your sweetheart, live music produced by Mike and Enola’s Sentimental Journey with Friends and photos by Vosh Graphix. There is limited seating.
Cost is $150 per couple. Contact Haystacks to reserve a spot.
Joy of Hope
Joy of Hope, Inc., will have a Concert Fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday. Feb. 16, at Central Baptist Church. Admission is $20 and proceeds go to Joy of Hope, Inc., which is a ministry to the blind, visually impaired, diabetics and others will skills needed to live independently.
In concert will be the Erwins and the DeVore Family.
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
Get your bacon on at the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Civic Cener. Cost is $8 per person (children under 6 eat free). It includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, bacon, coffee, milk and juice. The funds will benefit local charitable programs.
Dr. Michael Johnson on Stage
Community Players Inc. is proud to present an extraordinary evening of solo performance featuring acclaimed author and humorist, Dr. Michael Johnson, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. With a career spanning over 20 years, Dr. Johnson has captivated audiences across America and Canada through his wit, humor, and wisdom.
No tickets are needed, but donations are accepted.
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
CHRISTUS Health Partners with Texas A&M in Sulphur Springs for Rural Medicine Program
February 8, 2024 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs is partnering with Texas A&M University School of Medicine on a rural health initiative that will expose medical students to practicing health care in rural areas and show them opportunities available.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for both our hospital and our community and when Texas A&M approached us, we jumped at the possibility,” said Paul Harvey, president, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “For us to be able to bring in young, motivated students who have a desire work in rural areas is an opportunity we are excited about.”
The rural medicine program at Texas A&M began in 2019 to bring innovative health care to rural populations and to address the provider shortage in rural Texas.
CHRISTUS will work with Texas A&M to host medical students for one-week or two-week rotations in the hospital and clinics.
To date, 25 counties in Texas are part of the program. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will be the first in East Texas and joins CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital –Beeville as the second CHRISTUS hospital in the program.
Curtis Donaldson, director of rural medicine outreach at Texas A&M, anticipates the first medical students arriving in Sulphur Springs as early as April.
“Our program has been a tremendous success since we have launched it, and we have gotten great feedback from our medical students,” Donaldson said. “Our students are coming back and are telling us that rural health care is something they want to do and start addressing the shortage.”
The rural medicine program will also include local school districts to create awareness of health care opportunities in their local communities.
As part of the partnership with schools, students can attend a “Mini Med Camp” at the Texas A&M School of Medicine in College Station. This camp will further expose students to the needs of health care in rural Texas.
“Good health care is vital to ensuring the health of our communities and to control escalating health care costs” said Dr. John McDonald, chair of CHRISTUS Health Academic Institute. “We hope that this experience and partnership with Texas A&M will expose more students to the joys and rewards of living in a rural community and caring for the healthcare needs of the community.”
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Poverty Simulation Well Attended
February 8, 2024 – A poverty simulation hosted by the First United Methodist Church Sulphur Springs was well attended on Thursday. Community leaders, elected officials, local law enforcement and the public participated. The Gray’s Building in Pacific Park was chosen for the event.
The board game type activity provided education and learning and was created by Cultiv8Community, an organization based in Paris, Tx. Rev Dana Coker of Cultivat8Community was on hand to lead the event.
Senior Pastor Peter McNabb said, “We are hosting a board game, meal and discussion about the resources and gaps that we have in our community. We hope this leads to a fruitful discussion and positive changes. Your participation will be a great blessing to us and this community.”
For more details on the purpose of this event, see this post made in January of 2024.
