Como-Pickton CISD Band Booster Club Will Hold Family Bingo Night March 2, 2024
The Como-Pickton CISD Band Booster Club will hold their third Annual Family Bingo Night Saturday, March 2nd, 2024! Some of the prizes you can win include a birthday party for five at UrbanAir-Rockwall, a round of golf for two at the Sulphur Springs Country Club, and much more. The event will be held at the Como-Pickton CISD Secondary Cafeteria. Serving for the Hamburger/hotdog meal begins at 5:00pm. Cards start selling at 5:30pm. Calling starts at 6:00pm. $10 buys one card you can play on for the entire night. Sponsored by the War Eagle Band Boosters. All proceeds go to support the Marching Band program.
Hopkins County Unemployment Once Again Lowest In Region
January 19, 2024 – The State of Texas Unemployment final tally is in for December 2023 and shows that Hopkins County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate for the NorthEast Texas Workforce Development Area (WDA) that contains nine counties. Hopkins County reported a 2.7% rate of workers looking for jobs which proved to be 499 hopeful applicants out of the labor force of 18,629. The county with the highest rate in our WDA for December was Cass County with 4.3%.
The State of Texas continues to hold steady with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as it has for several months. That 3.5% average has held at the same level for our nine-county WDA as well. Hopkins County unemployment has gone down steadily since December 2022 with a rate of 3.9%
The Bridges of Madison County, A Musical at TAMU-C
January 19, 2024 – The Texas A&M University-Commerce Opera Ensemble is thrilled to announce its upcoming musical production of The Bridges of Madison County, a theatrical experience that promises to captivate audiences with its lush music and heartfelt drama.
This compelling production is set to take the stage at Finney Concert Hall in the Music Building from January 25, 2024 to January 28, 2024. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20 (general admission) and $10 (students). Alternatively, pre-order online to enjoy a $5 discount per ticket.
Experience the emotional journey of The Bridges of Madison County, a spellbinding masterpiece that intricately blends love, passion and the serendipity of fleeting moments. Adapted from Robert James Waller’s bestselling novel with a book by Marsha Norman, this musical depicts the poignant story of Francesca, an Italian-American housewife, and National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid.
The evocative musical score by Jason Robert Brown features heart-wrenching melodies that resonate in the soul. As the forbidden love story unfolds, the audience is swept away by the magnetic chemistry between the protagonists.
The Bridges of Madison County is directed by Leanne Scaggs, music directed by Laura Maxwell, and boasts a brilliant cast, including:
- Analyse Melendez of Garland as Francesca
- Paul Beaty of Duncanville as Robert
- Drew Watson of Allen as Bud
- Campbell Green of Anna as Carolyn
- Josiah de Rueda of Brenham as Michael
- Emalyn Nicholson of Palestine as Marge
- Julio Villeda of Balch Springs as Charlie
- Kristin Wood of The Colony as Marian
- Sabrina Martinez of Mesquite as the State Fair Singer
- Ensemble members Aries Austin, Alijah Bass, Juni Gomez, and Rebekah Lambe
Venue: Music Building, Finney Concert Hall, 1614 State Highway 24, Commerce, TX
- Evening Performances: January 25-27, 2024, 7:30 pm
- Matinee Performance: January 28, 2024, 3:00 pm
The Bridges of Madison County is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://tamuc.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=8.
Signature Solar is the 2024 Gala Marquee Sponsor
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is thrilled to announce its 2024 $40,000 Marquee sponsor for the 18th annual fundraising Gala. Signature Solar’s Founder and Owner James Showalter has agreed to sponsor the upcoming Gala at this generous level.
Gala Co-Chair John Sellers and Foundation Executive Director Kayla Price met with Showalter and Signature Solar’s Kenny Rogers to discuss the possibility. Soon thereafter, Rogers informed Sellers of the decision to sponsor.
Signature Solar’s Senior Director of Operations Kenny Rogers shared, “Signature Solar is proud to be sponsoring the Foundation’s upcoming Gala. We care about Hopkins County and its citizens and feel this is one way we can do something to benefit the entire community.”
Proceeds of this year’s Gala will be donated to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs to help fund the expansion of the surgical services wing. The project is expected to cost several million dollars. The expansion will allow for more procedures and modalities to be offered in a manner that will allow for faster surgeries and quicker healing times.
“We are so excited that James and Signature Solar have decided to donate this lead gift to the Gala. We are so very appreciative of their support of the Foundation’s mission to improve local healthcare resources,” said Foundation Chair Maleta Reynolds.
This is the second year that the Gala has benefitted from a $40,000 sponsorship. Last year, the CMF-SS Volunteer Auxiliary donated $40,000 as well. The Auxiliary members donate their time to serving in several capacities at the hospital as well as running the Johnnie Masters Gift Shop.
The Gala has a sellout crowd, but there are still 100 for $100 tickets available as well as a chance to bid on silent auction items, both of which do not require attendance at the Gala. Visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com for more information.
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has served Hopkins County for 27 years. It is governed by a board of directors of local citizens.
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Photo: Signature Solar’s James Showalter, Nick LaBarbera, Nancy LaBarbera, and Kenny Rogers present Gala Co-Chair John Sellers with a ceremonial check recognizing their Marquee sponsorship of the January 27 Gala. Visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com for more information about the Gala.
Authorities Issue a Declaration of a Local State of Disaster For Cumby
January 18, 2024 – This declaration will allow the City of Cumby to obtain more resources from the State of Texas. Currently, a public works task force from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is on the scene helping local workers on a large leak on Cumby’s water system.
Beginning January 17, 2024, Cumby, Texas has a water outage due to multiple breaks in the water lines as a result of the recent severe cold weather. The County Judge of Hopkins County, where Cumby is located, has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect property. The city of Cumby has experienced damages that have affected the stability and continuity of private and government infrastructures due to a limited or no availability of water, including closed schools, fire operations, Government Organizations, and more. Therefore, Judge Robert Newsom has authorized the public resources of Hopkins County and cities of this county to use all available resources to cope with this disaster.
Julian and Nash Sign Up In Effort to Retain Seats on Sulphur Springs City Council
January 18, 2024 – Two incumbents on the Sulphur Springs City Council have filed their paperwork to hopefully retain their seats on the council in the upcoming May election, as a third candidate has signed up to make a challenge for a third seat on the council.
Three seats on the Sulphur Springs City Council, Places 1, 2 and 3 will be on the ballot in the May 4, 2024 election. Jay Julian who currently occupies Place 1 on the council seeks re-election as his first term is set to expire. In a press release, Julian expressed his desire to keep working for the citizens of the city, and hopes voters will recognize his dedication and effectiveness. Harold Nash, Sr. looks to retain his seat of Place 2 on the council which he has held since December 2019.
Place 3, currently held by Oscar Aguilar, has only had one person file paperwork at this time. Collyn Seth McDaniel has signed up for the spot as city staff awaits the incumbent or any other challengers to file their paperwork.
All places on the Sulphur Springs City Council are “at-large” meaning anyone residing inside the Sulphur Springs City Limits that also meet the other requirements, are allowed to run for any place on the council that will be on the upcoming ballot.
As stated on the City of Sulphur Springs website, any potential candidate should meet the following requirements:
A prospective candidate shall be a qualified voter of the State of Texas, resided continuously in the State of Texas and the City of Sulphur Springs for 12 months immediately preceding the deadline for filing an application for a place on the ballot. Other qualifications include 1) must be a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution and laws of this state; 2) must not be mentally incompetent as determined by a court; 3) Must not be convicted of a felony for which he/she has not been pardoned or had full rights of citizenship restored by other official action; 4) must be 18 years of age or older on the commencement of the term to be filled; 5) must not hold any other public office in which he/she was elected for and/or be a member of a board directly appointed by the City Council on the commencement of the term to be filled; 9) city taxes must be paid to current; 10) and have knowledge of the nepotism law summary.
Cumby Residents Still Face Water Outage
January 18, 2024 – It is all hands on deck in the City of Cumby as their water department attempts to chase down the leaks after the winter freeze. City staff, police personnel, fire departement personnel and elected officials all have pitched in to get their water supply back online. Much progress was made on Wednesday as the water tower was filled by late evening, but quickly drained as water lines to residents filled back up and new leaks were discovered. Bottled water continues to be handed out to residents affected by the outage. Residents can pick up cases of bottled water at the City Maintenance facility located at 101 East Main St. across from City Hall. As the water department continues to work on the problem, some residents may have temporary water service and will be under a boil notice if that water is used for consumption. The boil notice will remain in effect until further notice.
Greater Emmanuel MBC Sponsors New Year’s Praise Benefit January 28th
Greater Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church will Sponsor a New Year’s Praise Benefit Musical Honoring Rev. and Sis. Thomas Peters January 28, 2024. The event will begin at 2:00pm. The Benefit will be held at the Cypress Baptist Center, 901 Como St., in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Rev. D. K. Young is the Pastor. The public is invited.
Bottled Water Distribution for Cumby Residents Affected by Outage
January 17, 2024 – As water woes continue in Cumby, fire department personnel continue to hand out bottled water for residents affected by the outage. Repairs are ongoing for the water system, but as the outage continues into the evening hours, fire department personnel have set up a command station on Main St. in Cumby across from City Hall to distribute bottled water for those who are without.
Winnsboro Christus Hospital Donates to Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center
January 17, 2024 – For eight years, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Winnsboro has held their annual Christmas Wreath silent auction to raise money for Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center. The wreaths are donated by businesses, community members, and CHRISTUS Associates.
Once they are collected, they are auctioned off with all proceeds donated to NETCAC.
This year, the auction raised $2,000 to be donated.
The Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center is located in Winnsboro, but covers several Northeast Texas counties (Camp, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Rains, Titus, Upshur and Wood counties).
Their mission is “to bring hope and healing while working together to break the cycle of child abuse.”
