How the Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign Works
December 4, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign is a longstanding tradition in our community. It is the original crowd funding idea for Hopkins County healthcare.
For a recommended donation of at least $25, the Foundation will place a snowflake bearing the honoree or tributee’s name. These are then affixed to the glass walls and windows in the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs lobby.
Behind the scenes the Foundation office staff will prepare an acknowledgement card to be sent to each honoree, or whoever the donor specifies should be made aware of the gift in memory of a deceased person. Enclosed with the cards are details who made the donation and who it honors, and informs them of a snowflake hanging in the hospital lobby with their name.
The Foundation also sends a card to the donor to thank them for their donation and to make them aware the acknowledgements have been sent.
This tradition helps the Foundation purchase a healthcare gift for the community which is used by the hospital. This year’s present will be a blanket warmer to be used in the surgical wing. Imagine how welcome a warm blanket will be for those preparing for surgery.
With the support and help of our fellow citizens, this blanket warmer will be a reality that will soon be providing comfort. It won’t just be a blanket wrapped around a patient, but it will also represent the love of those who contributed to making it possible.
To donate to the Snowflake Campaign, visit the website at Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com. Or mail a check made payable to the HCHC Foundation to P O Box 1011, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Please include contact information for the donor as well as the individuals to whom an acknowledgment of the recognition should be sent. Additionally, include the name(s) of the individual(s) to be added to the snowflakes and if the gift is in honor of or memory of the person.
To learn more about the Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign call 903-438-4799. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 28-year-old, IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization serving Hopkins County. The Foundation is committed to providing great local healthcare through its own free clinics and educational programs. Additionally, the Foundation raises funding to help two other entities: the local nonprofit hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, and the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS.
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To recognize your friends and loved ones with a snowflake, visit Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com.
Sulphur Springs City Managers Report November 2025
December 4, 2025 – During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday December 2, 2025, City Manager Marc Maxwell submitted his monthly report.
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER, MARC MAXWELL
SUBJ: MANAGER’S REPORT
CLAIMS – No workers’ compensation, liability, or property claims were filed in November. A notice of claim related to the Luminant/Vistra litigation was received and forwarded to TMLIRP.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) & 2026 PLANNING –
TENTATIVE 2026 SIP LIST
| Street | Between | Length |
| Asphalt/Conc. Repair | various soft spot repairs | 1000 |
| Hodge | League to Barbara | 1130 |
| Colorado | Longino to Jackson | 401 |
| Fleming | Church to Rosemont | 428 |
| Putman | Carter to Como | 2360 |
| Mulberry | Park to Glover | 1299 |
| League | Connally to Houston + curve | 1316 |
| Moore | Main to Connally | 1193 |
| Gaines | Fuller to Putman | 422 |
| Raintree | Loop 301 to Loop 301 | 2978 |
| N. Lake Rd. and ramp | Peerless Hwy to ramp | 3200 |
| Towne | Hinnant to Robertson | 412 |
| Lemon | Bill Bradford-McGrede to Sprite | 1088 |
| Able and Ava | Putman to Fuller | 820 |
| Davis St. | South Davis from RR to Kyle | 2149 |
| Southland | Davidson to end | 898 |
| Simms | Freeman to end | 400 |
| Cranford | Austin to Hodge | 891 |
| Total Feet | 22385 | |
| Total Miles | 4.24 | |
Street maintenance continued while staff advanced SIP 2026 preparations. The tentative street list is complete, contract extension documents have been sent to the contractor, and IWorQ street-condition assessments were updated. Engineering is coordinating development inquiries and utility review work for multiple sites.
Thermo 18″ Water Line (Capital Construction)
Crews installed 350 feet of 18-inch water line in November, bringing the total installed to 16,257 feet. They also installed a tee and 20 feet of 8-inch line for future development, tied in the 2-inch line and meter at the Thermo building, installed gates along the easement, replaced removed fencing, and completed cleanup at the railroad spur bore area. Pipe for the Thermo 21-inch sewer line has arrived, and manholes are scheduled for early December delivery.
City Hall Site & Parking
City Hall parking lot sidewalks and irrigation for the new parking area were installed. Engineering continued design work on the City Hall addition, including civil-site layout and underground utility tracing.
Development Projects
The 30 West Park final plat (8.32 acres at Shannon Road & FM 2297) was approved. Staff completed final inspections for Stonewood Phase I and continued water-main installation along Trinity Parkway. Engineering also advanced master planning work on the Coalmine development, prepared utility cost estimates, and assisted with SSISD Elementary School #2 water-line tie-in.
Elsewhere around the city:
Public Works
• Repaired 61 potholes; cleaned storm drains 4 times; repaired 14 water/sewer cut areas.
• Completed 1 major street repair following an Atmos gas leak.
• Continued citywide program to trim trees within 14 feet of roadway clearance.
• Installed 2 inlet drains at the Airport; placed sand on an oil spill near Corner Grub.
• Set barricades for a food-giveaway event; cleaned multiple drainage areas.
• Demolished old pavilion at Pacific Park and poured new concrete pad for replacement.
Utilities — Water
• Water breaks repaired: 1″–2, 6″–9, 8″–1 (total 12 city-line breaks).
• Replaced 14 ¾-inch meters and 2 2-inch meters.
• Located 6,300 feet of water mains for contractor work; replaced 3 broken meter boxes.
• Installed tee, valves, gates, and hydrant infrastructure as part of capital work.
Utilities — Sewer (City Lines Only)
• City sewer calls answered: 16 (private 15, grease 7 — excluded from totals). • Repaired 1 × 4″ city sewer line and 2 × 6″ city sewer lines.
• Washed over 83,000 feet of city sewer mains (F.O.G. program).
• Located 6,300 feet of sewer mains for contractors.
• Installed two 4-inch sewer taps on city mains.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Monthly average effluent TSS = 0.62 mg/L.
• Hauled 324.84 tons of sludge to Maloy Landfill.
• Completed numerous maintenance items: preventive filter cleaning, float replacements, clarifier belts, blower troubleshooting, chlorine-hoist annual inspection, electrical repairs around plaza, and gate fabrication for Parks.
Community Development — Inspections & Permits
• 76 building inspections; 18 electrical; 16 plumbing; 7 mechanical.
• Issued 22 building permits and 35 trade permits.
• Zoning: 962 College rezoning request was denied.
• DRB approved a design application at 204 Main St.
• No ZBA applications.
Fire Department
• 190 total calls; 30 inspections; 74 hydrants maintained; 176 CE training hours.
• Incident detail: 1 structure fire; 2 vehicle fires; 4 other fires; 13 alarms; 1 county mutual aid.
Police Department
• 1,775 total calls; 47 accidents (10 injuries, 0 fatalities); 401 citations; 38 offenses; 46 arrests
• Animal Control
– 123 complaint calls; 7 adoptions; 18 dogs/cats picked up; 13 drop-offs.
– 2 wild animals picked up and 2 released.
– 16 animals released to owners; 17 citations.
– 0 dead animals picked up; 2 euthanized; 2 bite reports.
– 16 animals in shelter at month’s end; 92% adoption rate.
Library
• 3,928 door count; 3,059 checkouts; 224 computer uses.
• 206 eBook users with 813 eBook checkouts.
Parks & Recreation
Downtown/Plaza
• Daily bathroom cleaning; downtown mowing; leaf cleanup; Thanksgiving banner changes.
• Installed Christmas decorations; cleaned Plaza fountain 2×; sprayed weeds; trimmed shrubs; assisted with 4 downtown events.
• Installed irrigation and fencing at new City Hall parking.
Electrical crews began power installation for the new Pacific Park pavilion and continued lighting repairs around downtown and the jogging trail.
Coleman/Buford Parks
• Mowed Coleman Lake & Buford Park; removed 2 trees; trimmed soccer-field trees.
• Hosted 2 softball tournaments.
• Cleaned beds, made irrigation repairs, power-washed picnic areas, painted Coleman parking lot stripes.
Grays Building & Senior Center
• 20 Gray’s Building rentals; 109 senior-center activities; Thanksgiving lunch (180) attendees.
Airport & Tourism
• 2,558 operations (avg 85/day); pumped 5,608 gallons of AvGas and 10,810 gallons of Jet-A.
• STOL traffic contributed to increased operations on November 1.
• Tourism staff continued distributing community information and assisting with event planning for December 4–7 Christmas events
Chamber Connection – December 3, 2025
By Butch Burney
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions by the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce.
The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
When nominating a person or business, please write in the nomination letter the reasons you are proposing them for the award.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 110 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. The awards to be presented include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Woman of the Year
- Caregiver of the Year
- Community Pride Award
- Agriculturist of the Year— (can also be mailed to Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau at 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482).
- Growth and Renewal
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria
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 (50 or more employees)
- Small Business of the Year (fewer than 50 full-time employees)
Please get your nominations in before the end of the year.
Ornaments on Sale
Our 2025 Christmas ornaments, featuring Buford Park, are on sale at the Chamber office. They are $45 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2025 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and caps. We are located at 110 Main St.
Christmas Activities
■ Lake Country CASA’s annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9 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. 5 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. 5. It will include lighting of the city Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m., and the snow slide opening at 6 p.m.
■ Christmas in the Park continues Dec. 6 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, downtown. You can do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
■ Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “Joy to the World” production at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for ticket information.
■ “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Sulphur Springs Christmas” will be playing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, 6, 7, 11, 13 and 14. Tickets are $15. Visit communityplayersinc.com for more information.
First Responders Banquet
The annual banquet to show appreciation for our county’s First Responders is set for Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
All first responders who work in the county are invited to attend and bring a significant other at no charge. They will be served a catered meal and we will have thousands of dollars in gifts to give away.
If you would like to help sponsor the banquet, call the Chamber office at 903-885-6515.
Coffee and Conversation
The Way Bible Church in Martin Spring is hosting the next Coffee and Conversation from 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend, and it’s a great way to start off the day. Please join us for this event.
We will also have a Cocktails and Conversation at Jay Hodge Chevrolet from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. Please come and enjoy refreshments.
Ribbon Cuttings
CHRISTUS Health will host a ribbon cutting and blessing at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, for the new multi-specialty clinic. Enjoy tours of Orthopedics, Pain Management, General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. Refreshments will be served.
NextLink will host a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Chamber office. Please join us for this event.
Keep Holidays Happy by Getting a Sober Ride
December 4, 2025 – December has highest number of drunk driving crashes in Texas
PARIS – The loss of a loved one hits even harder over the holidays.
There are empty chairs at thousands of tables for Texas families devastated by deadly drunk driving crashes. As Texans gather to celebrate this time of year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging Texans to extend their well-known kindness and courtesy to others on the road and always choose a sober ride.
“The holidays are a wonderful time to be with family, and yet they can also be a painful reminder for those who have lost loved ones to preventable crashes,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Let’s make a new holiday tradition to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. That means always getting a sober ride.”
Remember to drive the Texas Way
December had the highest number of crashes caused by drunk drivers in Texas last year. There were more than 2,000 drunk driving-related crashes during the 2024 holiday season. All of these could have been avoided by taking a sober ride.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 6,215 traffic crashes, resulting in 103 fatalities and 447 serious injuries.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 342 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 27 fatalities and 65 serious injuries.
- In the Paris District, there were 36 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes during the 2024 holiday season time period, resulting in 5 fatalities and 1 serious injury.
- In the Paris District, there were 6 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes during the 2024 New Year’s holiday time period, resulting in 3 fatalities and no serious injuries.
The empty chair
“Every day, I sit at a table with an empty chair,” Charisse Thomas said.
A drunk driver killed Charisse Thomas’ daughter Destani in a head-on crash as she drove home from high school in 2020. Earlier that same day, Destani had found out she was accepted into college. The driver, just 22 years old himself, had been binge drinking all weekend.
“He got four years in prison, and my family got a life sentence,” Thomas said.
How to avoid holiday tragedies
If you drink any amount of alcohol, do not drive. Instead:
- Designate a sober driver before the party starts
- Call a sober friend
- Use public transit or rideshare
- Stay put until you are sober
Drive Sober. No Regrets campaign
Over the next few weeks, TxDOT plans to reach people as they prepare for holiday get-togethers. TxDOT is partnering with Walmart during the holiday season to take its interactive exhibit to stores in areas with the highest number of drunk driving deaths.
TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign also includes PSAs on TV, radio, billboards, online and at bars, restaurants and convenience stores statewide. The campaign supports a heightened law enforcement period from Dec. 12 through Jan. 1, when more officers will be on alert looking for drunk drivers.
Drive Sober. No Regrets. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (903) 737-9213.
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Texas Winery Makes Global History With Spot on World’s Best Vineyards List
December 4, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is celebrating a milestone for the state’s growing wine industry after William Chris Vineyards in Hye, TX was ranked 31st on the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards list — the first Texas winery ever to earn a place among the global elite.
“This is a big accomplishment for Texas wine and an even bigger one for Texas pride,” Miller said Wednesday. He praised the Hill Country winery for proving that “Texas wine is world-class because Texas growers are world-class.”
Known for its dedication to Texas-grown grapes and its picturesque landscape shaded by ancient live oaks, William Chris Vineyards has gained national attention for varietals like Tannat and for its philosophy that exceptional wine begins in the field. The global recognition, Miller said, highlights both the quality of the wine and the agricultural experience offered to visitors from around the world.
The commissioner noted that the achievement signals Texas’ rising prominence in the global wine industry, despite years of challenges ranging from droughts and freezes to market stresses.
“Texas wine has come a long way, and the world is taking notice,” Miller said. “This ranking proves we stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest vineyards in Europe and beyond.”
The Texas wine industry contributes billions to the state economy and drives tourism in rural regions. Miller said William Chris’s success shines a spotlight on all Texas vineyards and reinforces the industry’s momentum statewide.
Texas on Alert After New World Screwworm Detected 120 Miles from Border
December 4, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging vigilance after federal officials confirmed a new case of the New World screwworm (NWS) in northern Mexico, marking the closest detection to Texas in years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) verified the parasite in a 22-month-old bovine transported from Veracruz to a feedlot in Montemorelos, Nuevo León — roughly 120 miles south of the Texas border. It is the second detection at the same facility since October; both appear linked to livestock movements from southern Mexico rather than local transmission.
Miller called the screwworm “one of the most devastating livestock pests ever encountered in North America,” noting the parasite’s ability to infest wounds and kill animals if not quickly treated. While stressing that Texas remains free of the pest, he warned ranchers and state agencies not to let their guard down.
“Texas ranchers feed the nation, and our herds are too important to risk,” Miller said. “We’ll continue working hand-in-hand with USDA and Mexican animal-health officials to defend the border and keep this threat out of Texas.”
State officials are asking producers — especially near the border — to monitor livestock, pets, and wildlife for unusual wounds or maggot activity and report any suspicions immediately. Early detection and rapid response remain key to preventing an outbreak.
Ocean Spray Addresses Viral Videos Showing “Empty” Cranberry Sauce Cans
A wave of social media posts has sparked concern after shoppers opened cans of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving and found what appeared to be only water — not the expected jellied cranberry. One widely viewed video, posted to TikTok, has already racked up more than 10 million views.
In response, Ocean Spray said it is investigating the reports. A company spokesperson told media outlets they are aware of “a few reports about cans containing water instead of cranberry sauce,” and promised to “reach out to the folks who shared these videos to learn more and make it right.”
The situation has disappointed many families. One woman, who opened several suspect cans on camera, posted “They sold us cans of water” — a comment echoed by others online.
Another user claimed they bought eight cans only to find all of them filled with clear liquid, and asked Ocean Spray directly for answers on social media.
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple for many households — and for those expecting the classic jellied cylinder, the “water can” footage was a shock. Ocean Spray emphasized that despite the reports, “millions of families enjoyed their cranberry sauce this holiday season,” but that “even one can of sauce not meeting expectations matters to us.”
As investigations continue, customers are encouraged to check their cans and contact Ocean Spray if they encounter an empty — or watery — can of cranberry sauce. The company said it will attempt to make things right for affected consumers.
Abbott Urges Treasury to Suspend CAIR’s Tax-Exempt Status, Citing National Security Concerns
December 3, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling on the U.S. Treasury Department to launch a formal investigation into the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and suspend the organization’s federal tax-exempt status. In a letter sent Tuesday to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Abbott said federal officials must scrutinize CAIR’s activities and alleged connections before allowing it to continue operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Federal investigators and court filings identify CAIR as a direct subsidiary of the Muslim Brotherhood and as a ‘front group’ for Hamas in the United States,” Abbott wrote. “Charity must not become a backdoor to sponsor terrorism, endanger Americans, or subvert our democracy.”
CAIR has not yet responded to the governor’s claims, which mirror positions Abbott has taken in recent years. The organization has repeatedly denied any connection to Hamas or the Muslim Brotherhood, calling such allegations politically motivated.
Abbott’s request marks the latest step in what he describes as a broader effort to confront extremist threats in Texas. His administration has previously designated the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations, urged investigations into alleged “Sharia courts,” and directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to probe both groups.
It remains unclear how the Treasury Department will respond. Revoking a nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status typically requires evidence that the organization violated federal tax law—such as engaging in political activity or supporting unlawful acts. Abbott argues that the allegations warrant immediate review and potential suspension while the investigation proceeds.
The move is expected to draw strong reactions from civil rights groups and legal experts, who warn that targeting a religious advocacy organization could raise constitutional concerns.
USDA Set to Announce New “Bridge Payments” for Farmers Facing Export Losses
December 3, 2025 – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday that the administration will unveil new “bridge payments” next week to support farmers hit by export losses amid ongoing trade disruptions. Rollins made the announcement during a public cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, signaling that long-promised relief for producers affected by tariff retaliation is imminent.
“We do have a bridge payment we’ll be announcing with you next week,” Rollins told the president, noting that the USDA has already shifted more than $10 billion from a fund previously used for tariff assistance into the secretary’s office to help finance the effort.
Rollins emphasized that while emergency aid is necessary in the short term, the administration’s long-term goal is to make U.S. agriculture profitable without government support. “Many of them have been farming for government checks instead of moving their product around the world,” she said, arguing recent trade agreements will expand markets for American crops. “We’re talking about selling more soybeans, selling more corn, getting more of our products out.”
Rollins also pointed to new developments in global commodity markets, celebrating reports that China temporarily halted soybean imports from five Brazilian exporters after detecting pesticide-treated wheat in shipments. “That means a continued signal that this country and our farmers produce the best, highest-quality soybean, sorghum, etcetera, in the world,” she said.
President Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that their meeting in South Korea last month was followed by “one of the largest purchases of soybeans ever seen.” China has bought 2.3 million tons of U.S. soybeans since that meeting—though purchases remain below the nearly 7 million tons bought during the same period in 2024.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman said an announcement on tariff relief will likely come within two weeks, though questions remain about the size of the package. USDA officials warn that rising crop prices and new trade deals could reduce the need for large payments, but Boozman urged caution. “You have to look at the big picture,” he said. “A lot of producers have already sold the crop.”
The Sulphur Springs City Council Meeting Held December 2nd was Well Attended
December 3, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, City Council held a regular session meeting Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting began at 7:00pm. A Public Forum was held at the end of the meeting. It drew a large crowd due to the controversy over the MSB-Global A-1 Project at the former Thermo property in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Some members of the community expressed positive views on the issues while other members of the community expressed negative views. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council.
