Chamber Connection – May 3, 2023
Every business, it seems, starts as a small business, but no business is insignificant. And this is a week designated to celebrate those businesses that are the lifeblood for our communities.
This is National Small Business Week and we are excited to honor them!
When you shop local, you:
- Help support your neighbors and friends who provide jobs for others.
- Generate tax dollars that provide infrastructure for your city and county.
- Encourage local artists and artisans.
- Make your community more friendly and tight-knit.
- Help others become more self reliant.
If you’re going to spend your money, do it locally where the effects are felt more profoundly, helping your community flourish.
Cheers to all our small businesses, their owners and employees!
Business After Hours
Get your networking on at the next Business After Hours, set for Thursday, May 18, at CANHelp on Gilmer Street.
The event is scheduled for 4:30 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. This is an excellent opportunity to network as well as get familiar with CANHelp and its mission.
If you are a Chamber of Commerce member and want to host a Business After Hours (or Before Hours), we have some openings for you!
We are scheduling our monthly networking events for the remainder of the year, and are looking for host businesses in the fall and winter. The cost of the event is free; we just ask that you provide some refreshments.
You simply open your business from 4:30-6 p.m. on the designated day (or 7:30-8:30 a.m.), and welcome the guests.
If you’re interested, send me an email at [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
Skeet Shooting
Heart of Hope will have a Skeet Shooting Event, starting at 11 a.m. on May 6, at the Church at Klondike. Entry fee is $15 and includes lunch and a raffle ticket. The contest will be sporting clay shoot, wolf chase and buddy shoot. There will also be a kid shoot for 14 and under. Bring your own ammunition.
Proceeds benefit Heart of Hope in Sulphur Springs. For more information, call 903-440-1665.
Freedom Ball
This year’s Hopkins County Freedom Ball is going to be bigger and better than ever! Come help celebrate our local heroes at the Hopkins County Civic Center on May 20.
This years theme is “Top Gun” and Jason Walden & The Alibis will be providing the music for the evening.
Tickets are $125 each, and 200 tickets are set aside for veterans and their wingman each — first come, first serve. So, get your tickets now.
For tickets, contact Danny Davis at 903-438-4003.
Lunch and Learn
The Chamber is rescheduling a Lunch and Learn originally set for April 18. The program will be a roundtable discussion on marketing, both conventional and social media. The seminar will be informational and practical to help business marketers increase their profile by doing it themselves. The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.
Call 903-885-6515 or email [email protected] to sign up.
Patriot Sporting Challenge
The 5 th Anniversary Patriot Sporting Challenge is set for June 3, 2023 at Lake Fork, supporting Folds of Honor and Heroes Ranch.
The Challenge is limited ot 72 teams who participate in fishing and golf at Lake Fork, then meet for Casino Games at 2 p.m. at the iconic Neon Moon in Yantis.
It’s a unique opportunity to support the two military veteran organizations.
Register on the website PatriotSportingChallenge.org.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Kennington Insurance Agency hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, April 28, at their office located at 122 Lee St., Suite A. They had a large turnout with several vendors in attendance.
American Airlines Pilots Vote Overwhelmingly To Authorize Strike
May 2, 2023- All across North America and Europe vacation plans have been thrown for a loop as pilots of the airlines American Airlines have begun to strike.
“The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, APA President. “Fortunately, there is an alternative. By embracing the win-win scheduling and work rule improvements APA has presented at the bargaining table, management can take steps to improve the airline’s operational reliability and efficiency.” Stated a press release by Allied Pilots Association.
Strike authorization voting began on April 1 and ended at midnight Central on April 30 with more than 96% of members of the Allied Pilots Association have voted in favor of authorizing the union to strike. They aim to put pressure on the Texas-based carrier for higher salary and better working conditions – even as the chances of an actual labor disruption remain slim. It would be hard for pilots to actually leave their jobs due to a complex labor process in the US that makes it difficult for airline workers to strike.
Airline pilots have been discussed quite a lot in the travel industry, as a study from last year found that over 75 percent of airports in the U.S. have experienced diminished or lost air service due to the severe pilot shortage.
The Regional Airline Association has stated that 76 percent of U.S. airports have been impacted by the pilot shortages, with more than 500 regional aircraft parked and an “associated air service retraction at 324 communities.”
Currently it is unknown when the strike will begin as federal law places strict requirements on collective bargaining between airlines and pilots, and a specific sequence of events must occur and fail before a strike can begin.
Dallas Resident Stopped With Over 700g of THC Containing Product
April 2, 2023 – Around 8pm May 1st, A Cumby PD Officer noticed a vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 30 with a defective headlight. A traffic stop was initiated on the tan Malibu around mile marker 112. During a conversation with the sole occupant, 25 year-old BRIESHA LUCIA RUSH, a brown paper sack was seen on the floorboard of the vehicle. When asked what the sack contained, Rush handed it to police.
Inside the sack were gummies believed to contain THC. A probable cause search was initialed on the vehicle and additional THC gummies were found along with two clear beverage type bottles filled with a clear liquid. That liquid was suspected to contain THC.
Rush was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. Her Malibu was impounded. She is charged with:
481.116(E) POSS CS PG 2 >= 400G
Because the combined weight of contraband was over 400g, she could be sentenced for life or for a term of not more than 99 years or less than five years, and a fine not to exceed $50,000.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Baseball Wins Senior Night Duel with Pittsburg, 6-3
Coach Jerrod Hammock’s squad sent out their season with a bang, defeating Pittsburg 6-3 for their Senior Night duel on Monday, May 1.
Wildcats baseball came out of the gate swinging on Monday for their first win in almost a month.
Sulphur Springs scored all six of her runs win the first three at-bats for the team.
Starting out the first inning, two lead-off singles from Coach Hammock’s squad saw the Wildcats be in prime scoring position.
Matt Mitchell did hit into a double play, but not without Sulphur Springs getting a run in as the Pirates could not make the play at home base.
In the second, two more runs saw the Wildcats expand their lead to three, as Corbin Argenbright was hit by a pitch, followed by Hank Carter singling to left field.
Austin Chaney had the biggest hit of the inning though when he hit a triple on a line drive to right field to bring the aforementioned runners home, bringing it to 3-0 in favor of Coach Hammock’s squad.
The third inning saw Sulphur Springs lead-off with a single and triple, getting another run in, followed shortly thereafter by another single and a ground out, and the lead for the Wildcats ballooned to six runs.
The Pirates did manage three runs through the fifth and sixth innings, but it only cut in half the lead for Coach Hammock’s squad, as Sulphur Springs won their Senior Night duel with Pittsburg 6-3 on Monday, May 1.
Alex Macias led the way in hitting for the Wildcats, going 2 for 3 with a run scored.
Several Sulphur Springs players went 1 for 2. Kaden Mitchell, Carter, and Austin Chaney all went .500 on Monday, as both Mitchell and Carter crossed home once. Each of the three listed players drove in a Wildcat batter, but Chaney drove home two of them in the 6-3 win on Senior Night.
Evan Moore picked up the win on Monday. The pitcher got his first district win going 5 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and three runs (only two of which were earned). Moore walked five but struck out four in his start for Sulphur Springs.
But the Senior Night win over Pittsburg on Monday, May 1 ends the season for Wildcats baseball.
They end their season at 7-17 (3-12 district, 5th).
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Texas A&M Forest Service to Establish Offices at Texas A&M University-Commerce
COMMERCE, TX—Texas A&M University-Commerce welcomes the tenancy of a new campus partner, the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS). TAMFS will move its regional office from Greenville, Texas, to university-owned property near the A&M-Commerce campus sometime this year.
Representatives from TAMFS and The Texas A&M University System were on hand Wednesday to celebrate the agreement. TAMFS Interim Agency Director Al Davis and Texas A&M System Regent Randy Brooks were among the special guests.
The agreement is expected to foster new partnership opportunities between the two A&M System entities, including student internships, graduate research projects and other education initiatives.
Davis said the agreement aligns with TAMFS’s emphasis on people and partnerships.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about people,” Davis said. “You can’t accomplish anything in life without people and relationships. It’s about building, retaining and nurturing partnerships.”
A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin agreed: “This relationship with the Texas A&M Forest Service started as a real estate transaction but has evolved into a blossoming partnership. We’re exploring educational opportunities, internship opportunities and job opportunities for students,” he said.
From the new office in Commerce, TAMFS will continue its mission to sustain trees, forests and related natural resources. It will also support the state’s incident response capability, protecting against wildfires and responding to a range of all-hazard incidents.
State Fire Chief Wes Moorehead expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“It’s a great day for us to come to campus with the A&M-Commerce Lions,” Moorehead said. “We’re so blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service operates nearly 60 offices throughout Texas, with headquarters in College Station.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release 5/1/2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, May 1, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
New Service- Ophthalmology
We are excited to announce that Ophthalmologist, Kara Hartl, MD FACS, will now be doing eye procedures such as cataract removals at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. Educated at Harvard University and University of California-San Diego Medical School, trained at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Harl is well equipped to provide excellent care to patients right here in Sulphur Springs. Talk with your Ophthalmologist about scheduling your eye procedures with Dr. Hartl. For more information, call 903.885.7671 Ext.2844.
May is Stroke Awareness Month
May is Stroke Awareness Month and the Stroke team at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs is committed to making sure you can recognize signs and symptoms of a stroke and know how to respond during a stroke emergency.
Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain, called an ischemic stroke, or by rupturing a blood vessel and preventing blood flow to the brain, called a hemorrhagic stroke. A temporary clot causes a T.I.A. (Transient Ischemic Attack) or a “mini stroke”.
The American Stroke Association reports stroke is currently the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke.
Eighty percent of strokes may be prevented by avoiding these major risk factors: uncontrolled blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, and not maintaining a healthy body weight.
Although stroke is a leading cause of deaths for all Americans, the risk of having a stroke also varies with race and ethnicity. According to the CDC, risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for African Americans as for Caucasians, and African Americans have the highest rate of death due to stroke.
Your readiness to spot the stroke warning signs and call 911 could save a life or make the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability. That is why it is so important to learn the stroke warning signs and urge everyone you know to do the same. The faster stroke is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover.
In fact, stroke patients who are treated with the clot-busting drug IV thrombolytic within 90 minutes of their first symptoms were almost three times more likely to recover with little or no disability. The thing to remember is that stroke is largely treatable. It is a matter of getting the right treatment, right away.
The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. is the easiest way to recognize a stroke emergency. Here is a breakdown of what each letter stands for:
B. Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E. Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble?
F. Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A. Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S. Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T. Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important during a stroke.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs is accredited by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. This means our team has the accountability and necessary standards in place to ensure processes and practices are used to care for stroke patients at a higher, more comprehensive level.
It is also important to understand that if you have survived a stroke, you are at a high risk of having another; you have a 1 in 4 chance of having another one. Treating the underlying causes of stroke including heart disease, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, and diabetes is priority. If you find yourself dealing with life after stroke, commit to making the necessary changes and will require lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If you have questions talk to your physician. You can also find useful information at CHRISTUShealth.org, search stroke care.
Sulphur Bluff Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced
Sulphur Bluff I.S.D. is proud to announce the Top Ranking Graduates of 2023!
Kaitlyn Brock, the daughter of Robert and Misty Brock, is this year’s Valedictorian. She plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce as a part of their Honors College. She is graduating with a cumulative GPA of 4.833.
Brandt Forester, the son of Will and Jena Forester, is this year’s Salutatorian. He plans to attend Centenary College in Shreveport, LA. He is graduating with a cumulative GPA of 4.746.
More People are Dying in Motorcycle Crashes in Texas
AUSTIN – As motorcycle fatalities continue to rise and the spring weather draws more riders to Texas roadways, TxDOT is urging drivers to look twice and be considerate on the road around motorcycle riders.
Amy Jo Miller was enjoying a ride on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle in Bell County when an inattentive driver turned left in front of them, hitting the bike and throwing her across the road. Seconds later, another vehicle then ran her over in a hit-and-run crash, leaving her with multiple serious injuries. Fortunately, she survived, but 15 years later, Amy Jo is still recovering from her injuries.
Amy Jo, now 49, is just one of thousands of Texas motorcyclists seriously injured—or worse, killed—in crashes every year. In 2022, 562 motorcycle riders were killed in motor vehicle crashes, an 8% increase over the previous year.
“People on motorcycles are more vulnerable on our roadways,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important for drivers to pay extra attention and look out for motorcycles — especially at intersections, when turning in front of oncoming traffic and while changing lanes. We all want to get home safe.”
In addition to National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, TxDOT’s annual safety campaign “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” also aims to protect motorcyclists by educating drivers on how to safely share the road. Below are safety precautions all motorists should keep in mind to help prevent motorcycle crashes:
- Stay alert. Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.
- Pay special attention at intersections. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections.
- Take extra care when making a left turn. Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, check blind spots, and always use turn signals.
- Give motorcyclists room when passing them. Move over to the passing lane and don’t crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.
- Stay back. If you’re behind a motorcycle, always maintain a safe following distance. When a motorcyclist downshifts, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal reduced speed.
- Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive according to conditions.
To help drivers fully understand the importance of driving safely and the dangers motorcycle riders face, TxDOT is taking its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign exhibit on the road during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The exhibit will feature a virtual reality component that gives participants the opportunity to experience high-risk traffic situations from the perspective of both a driver and a motorcyclist.
TxDOT’s “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
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Softball Sweeps Bi-District, Plays Mabank in Area Round
Coach David Carrillo and his program had little trouble dispatching Lindale, sweeping the Lady Eagles in two straight games to clinch a ticket to the Area round beginning later this week.
Sulphur Springs next takes on Mabank in another best-of-three series starting Friday, May 5 at 6 P.M. with game two to follow the next day on Saturday, May 6 at 3 P.M.
If necessary, game three is scheduled to be played the following Monday, May 8.
The area round series with Mabank is being played entirely at Rains ISD, where Lady Cats softball dispatched Lindale in Bi-District last week. The Lady Eagles hoped to secure a big upset over Sulphur Springs in round one of the playoffs, but it was not to be so as Coach Carrillo’s squad swept Lindale in two-straight, 10-0 and 7-0.
Game one was originally to be scheduled Wednesday of last week, but rain coming in beginning the middle of last week forced the game to be rescheduled to Thursday.
It made little difference for Sulphur Springs as they 10-run ruled the Lady Eagles, 10-0.
Lady Cats softball picked up a huge win in game one of Bi-District thanks to two huge innings in the third and fifth, both of which saw the team put up four runs on Lindale. A double, two singles, a walk and a triple saw Sulphur Springs blow the top off Thursday’s playoff double-header, at that point leading 6-0 after three innings.
The bottom of the fifth had Coach Carrillo’s squad score four more to put the game away 10-0. Nicole Higgins picked up three RBIs in the inning when a fly ball to center field allowed three runners to cross home plate en route to their shutout win in game one of Bi-District.
After Thursday’s dispatch of the Lady Eagles, Sulphur Springs was all too ready to get back out there Friday, Apr. 28 for a potential elimination game of Lindale.
Things looked good through the first half of Friday’s game two of Bi-District, but the ending had to be postponed to the next day due to the contest being rained out. Leading 2-0 after almost a full 6.5 innings, the game had to be finished the following day on Saturday in Commerce. Once again, having a game pushed back a day made little difference for Sulphur Springs as they put on five more Saturday, Apr. 29 to win 7-0 over the Lady Eagles to secure a Bi-District championship.
Crimson Bryant got the two wins over Lindale, pitching a combined 12 innings and only giving up three hits, all of which came in game two. She walked two in the opening round playoff series, one in each game, but in the Bi-District series the senior ace struck out 25 batters.
Hitting highlights from the weekend include:
- Emmerson Thompson: 3 for 6, 2R, 2 RBI, 3BB, K
- Reese Ragan: 4 for 6, 2R, RBI, 2BB
- Nicole Higgins: 4 for 8, 3R, 5RBI
- KK Montgomery: 3 for 6, 3R, 4RBI, BB
With the sweep over Lindale, Lady Cats softball advances to the second round of playoffs. Excluding a 2020 postseason cancellation due to COVID-19, it is the fifth straight Bi-District championship for Coach Carrillo’s program.
Next up, Sulphur Springs plays Mabank in the Area round, to be held this weekend.
Game one of the round two series begins Friday, May 5 at 6 P.M. Game two comes the day after, Saturday, May 6 at 3 P.M. Should the series go to a third game, a do-or-die elimination contest is scheduled to be played the following Monday, May 8 at 6 P.M.
All three games of the Area series with Mabank are hosted by Rains ISD, and the second round playoff games in their entirety will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Arkansas Resident Stopped For Speeding Then Arrested
May 1st, 2023 – BRYANT, DELTA RAE was arrested over the weekend and charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon and two controlled substance related charges. The 39 year-old Maumelle, Ar resident was stopped for speeding on Interstate 30 near the 113 mile marker.
When Cumby PD officers approached Bryant’s Ford Fusion, an odor of marijuana was detected emanating from the vehicle. When questioned, Bryant allegedly admitted she was in possession of marijuana and a firearm. During a probable cause search, a handgun was located along with several marijuana joints. Additionally a prescription bottle containing approximately 90 pills was located. The label did not match Bryant’s name.
Bryant was arrested and charged with:
46.02(B) UNL CARRYING WEAPON
483.041(D) POSS DANGEROUS DRUG
481.121(B)(1) POSS MARIJ < 2OZ
Bryant was transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident and the Ford was impounded.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
