Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water District Announce Annual Hay Show and Auction
The Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water District is pleased to announce their annual Hay Show and Auction. The goal of the Hay Show is to provide agricultural producers an opportunity to test the quality of their forages, raise scholarship funds for area youth who want to study agriculture, and support area FFA and 4-H chapters with natural resources education.
Hay can be entered from October 24, 2022, through October 28, 2022. The Hopkins County drop-off location is at the Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water Conservation District which is located at 530 N. Hillcrest, Suite 2 in Sulphur Springs. The Rains County drop-off is at the Agrilife Extension Service which is located at 410 Tawakoni Drive in Emory.
The Soil and Water Conservation District will host a BBQ lunch at 11:30 at the Civic Center in Sulphur Springs on Wednesday, November 16th. The top 10 lots will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. All proceeds and donations to the show are tax deductible per IRS code, section 17(c)(1).
For more information, please contact the Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water Conservation District at 903-885-4433 ext.3
Paris Junior College Announces 2022 Distinguished Alumni
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
PJC announces 2022 Distinguished Alumni
Paris Junior College will celebrate its 98th Homecoming Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 3-5, and a major weekend highlight is the Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon planned for Saturday, Nov. 5.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed on alumni and friends by the College, and Paris native Dr. J. Craig Stephens and PJC alumnus Dr. Charles M. Cook will be recognized.
“This year PJC will recognize and celebrate two men who have had remarkable careers and are very deserving to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President.
Stephens was born April 18, 1936 in Paris to the late Dr. John A. Stephens and Charlotte Crook Stephens. After attending schools in Paris, he graduated from Texas A & M University. He studied medicine at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, interned at Marion County General Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind., and did his radiology residency at Baylor Hospital in Dallas.
While heading the Department of Radiology at McCuistion Regional Medical Center in Paris for 30 years, Stephens also served as Radiology Instructor at PJC. He retired from medicine in 1997 and became a semi-professional photographer. Growing to love and explore the West, he authored the book, “When Too Old to Hunt, Try Drive by Shooting.” Stephens’ favorite retirement activity is participating in the Plaza Art Gallery. One of his prized possessions is the Athletic Hall of Fame certificate awarded to his uncle, George Stephens, who was a member of the PJC football team when he passed away.
A member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Paris, Stephens taught religious education for over 35 years. He was a past president of several organizations including the Lamar Delta Medical Society, Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, Lamar County A&M Club, the Artist Guild of Lamar County, and McCuistion Hospital Medical Staff. He was on the Texas A&M Lamar Delta Scholarship Board and was an Eagle Scout. During the Vietnam War, he served as a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force based in Omaha, Neb.
Stephens spends his summers in Estes Park, Colorado, where he continues to pursue hiking and photography. Travel has slowed since losing the love of his life, Jean, in February, 2021, but his life now revolves around friends and family in Paris and in Colorado. The continued success of all things in Paris are important to him and much of that revolves around the long-term success of Paris Junior College, truly a historic treasure to him.
Much like Stephens, Cook grew up less than two blocks from Paris Junior College, a campus where he says he learned to ride his bike, roller skate, play tennis and basketball, and ultimately started his college career. PJC prepared him for the University of Texas where he graduated with highest honors and membership in Phi Beta Kappa in 1972.
After UT, Cook went to the University of Houston for a teaching fellowship in History. He received his master’s degree and teaching certificate from UH and began teaching economics and government for Houston Independent School District in 1975. In 1978, he was hired to teach History at Houston Community College and returned to UH to get his doctorate in Administration of Higher Education.
From 1994 to 1999, Cook worked at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as Director of Instruction for the Community and Technical Colleges Division. There he was able to visit and work with two-year colleges across the state, including PJC.
In 1999, he returned to Houston Community College (HCC) as the Vice Chancellor for Instruction, a post he held until 2014. Cook then served as the Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Austin Community College until his retirement from higher education in 2021. He has served many years helping to make Texas community colleges thrive.
PJC Homecoming activities kick off with the parade on Thursday, Nov. 3. It leaves campus at 4 p.m., circles the downtown Paris square, then returns and is followed by pep rally in the Hunt Center.
On Friday evening, Nov. 4, the President’s Reception will be held in the McLemore Student Center Ballroom from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All alumni, supporters and retired faculty and staff of the college are invited to take attend.
Saturday, the Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon will be held at the Love Civic Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. to honor the two special friends of the college. Tickets for the luncheon are $25. Basketball games at the Hunt Center, 4:00 p.m. for the women and 6 p.m. for the men, as well as the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen, cap the weekend. For tickets or more details about homecoming festivities, contact PJC Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs Director Baleigh McCoin, Director at (903) 782-0276 or [email protected].
Dr. J. Craig Stephens, longtime PJC friend and supporter, is shown with the Hall of Honor certificate awarded his uncle, George Stephens. He will be honored on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Dr. Charles M. Cook, class of 1969, will receive his award at the PJC Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Lady Cat Golf Narrowly Misses First Place Finish in Home Invitational
Lady Cat golf picked up a second straight 2nd place finish Monday at their own invitational.
“It’s very nice,” Coach Whitney Spigener said Tuesday following her team’s outing. “We keep working hard, showing improvement, and it’s showing out on the course.”
Last time around, in Mount Pleasant at the district course come springtime, Coach Whitney Spigener’s squad shot a team best in a long time of 359. Monday, at Sulphur Springs Country Club, the Lady Cats shot 352.
“We ended up beating Mount Pleasant at this tournament. We lost to them by two strokes at their home course, but we ended up beating them by five strokes [Monday in Sulphur Springs],” the Lady Cat golf coach said.
Beating the Lady Tigers came in spite of a Mount Pleasant golfer shooting two under par. Unfortunately for the women’s team, they finished two strokes out of first place for the second straight competition, getting beaten out by Canton Monday.
Coach Spigener said falling to a Canton team that qualified for state last year is huge because it shows Lady Cat golf can hang with the best of them. Canton shot 350, with Sulphur Springs just two strokes behind the state-qualifying Lady Eagles at 352. Mount Pleasant came in five strokes after that with 357.
The golf coach said Monday’s invitational in Sulphur Springs showcased stout competition. Coach Spigener said three golfers finished under par. One player from All-Saints shot 67. Even so, Lady Cat golf had themselves a solid day.
Four golfers shot sub-90, something Coach Spigener said that has not happened in over a decade for the women’s team.
No. 3 golfer McKenna Meskimen led the Lady Cats Monday shooting 86, tying for a fifth place finish in Sulphur Springs. The sophomore won the scorecard playoff to take fifth.
The Lady Cats compiled similar scores at their home competition. From there, MyKylie Meador came in two strokes behind Meskimen at 88, good enough for eighth. Alyson Thomas and freshman Evey Birdsong both shot 89 Monday, tying for 9th place.
Rounding out the first team for Sulphur Springs is Kenzie Posey, who finished with 93. The varsity Sulphur Springs team cumulated 352 points Monday, just two strokes behind first place. It’s the second competition (and second straight) that Lady Cat golf finished two strokes out of first.
“It’s exciting to see that we’re right there with some of our Regional competition,” Coach Spigener said, “and beating some of our teams that we’ve competed against; Longview, T-High, Mt Pleasant, some of those that were in our old district, and then some of our district competitors Pittsburg, Paris, and Pleasant Grove… so we’re excited for what the spring season has to offer.”
Moving over to JV, Brylee Brock led the team, shooting 93. Autumn Allen was next up for Sulphur Springs with an even 100.
The final three golfers for Lady Cat golf all shot together:
- Alli Crump (117)
- Kaylee Schumacher (118)
- Mattye Schmidt (119)
The second golf team on the women’s side shot 428 at the Wildcat Invitational. A sixth place finish for the JV women’s team, filled with nine tough competitors, brought a lot of joy to the women’s golf coach.
Lady Cat golf wraps up their season Monday, Oct. 24 in Frisco for a fundraiser with proceeds going towards Breast Cancer Awareness. With that, next Monday’s fall season-closing competition is a pink out. The fall closer begins Monday at Frisco Lakes at 9 A.M.
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.
Junior Racer Andrew Vo Ends Season At Jetski World Finals
It was been quite a season for Andrew Vo, a 13-year-old junior Jetski racer from Sulphur Springs, Texas, recently relocated from Southern California. This year, Andrew finished the Jettribe Mid America series with a impressive first overall in the Junior 13-15 lites 2-stroke class and a second in the 4-stroke class.
With confidence, we headed to the Jetski World Finals In Lake Havasu City, AZ, knowing that he will race against the best of the best junior racers from all over the world and in the older junior class (13-15) year old. It was truly an international competition with over 40 countries who participated: kids from Finland, France, Thailand, Middle East, and the more local Lake Havasu junior racers, who were all really fast. Their skills are all on another level.
It was the toughest race Andrew had ever participated in, with the rough water conditions Lake Havasu is known for, and the competitors are all fast, strong, aggressive, and experienced. Andrew fought hard and rode hard all week. After some motos, some frustrations and defeats, he said, “I tried my best.” That’s in spite of being hit from behind, run over and forced into a buoy, and finally hit from the side in which both racers went flying off their skis! Thankfully, both kids were unharmed. Unfortunately, Andrew’s ski will need some fiberglass repair this winter.
After, a week of racing 6 motos over two classes, the emotional challenges, Andrew was able to earn a 7th place trophy in the Junior 13-15 years old 4-stroke class and a 14th in the two-stroke class.
Andrew’s dad expressed pride in his son’s efforts, improving after each moto. The youth was methodical, did not miss any buoys, stayed on his ski, would finish his laps or run an additional lap just in case if there were any missed lap counts. Plus, he further noted in a press release, every time Andrew crossed the finish line, no matter how much his body hurt and was spent, he would always ride on his feet, not his knees.
“One thing as a dad, I always stress to Andrew in this sport it is not always about winning on the track or being the fastest, but the relationships he needs to earn along the way. Between each moto, he would walk into vendor alley, with a handful of resumes that he typed up. There he would face his biggest fear, more than racing itself. He approached each vendor and introduced himself and asked for support for next year,” Andrews dad stated in a press release.
He offered “a huge shout out to Andrew’s support team. Darren and Jon were a tremendous help as the pit crew: from launching and retrieving Andrew’s race ski for each race moto, as well as tracking race schedules, fueling, and walking Andrew down to the starting line. Thank you, Terry and Justin for setting up the team pit for all of the Texas/Kansas NautiWater team riders to have a home base. Word up to Ryan for holding at the starting line and protecting Andrew on the line when other dads were getting too excited. John C. for volunteering to stay and hold for Andrew on the last day, even though John had a 20 hour drive back to Texas. Lastly, big hug to Kylie for talking and coaching Andrew through some of his lowest points after some of the worst races. Plus, Tim for building a bullet proof race ski that performed all week and Peter’s team for fine-tuning Andrew’s ski.”
Andrew’s dad noted the most heartwarming thing they witnessed was “Andrew’s Junior teammates who offered comfort and encouragement after each of the race motos. Such close friendships and bonds we can never forget.”
Some say it takes a whole village to raise a kid, but it takes a whole race team to put a kid on the water to race Jetskis, he concluded.
2 Sulphur Springs Men Arrested On Warrants For Crimes Against Children
Two Sulphur Springs men have been arrested on warrants for sex crimes against children, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were made aware of an active warrant for Justin Jerome Tyler’s arrest. They located the 31-year-old at his California Street address at 3 a.m. and took him into custody. Tyler was booked into the county jail at 3:39 a.m. Oct. 19, 2022, on an aggravated sexual assault of a child charge, Deputies Bobby Osornio and Josh Davis, and Sgt. Scott Davis noted in arrest reports. Bond was recommended at $250,000. The offense is alleged in arrest reports to have occurred on Aug. 16, 2022.
On Tuesday, HCSO was contacted by the US Marshals Service with a request to try to locate a wanted person reported to be in the county. Deputies reported locating Paul Henry Reyes at 2:31 p.m. Oct. 18 on Main Street. The 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody and transported to the county jail, where he was booked in at 3:18 p.m. Tuesday on three Grand Prairie warrants for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Bond was recommended at $50,000 per charge, Greer alleged in arrest reports.
HCSO is transitioning to a new computer system and is currently unable to post any new images on the jail’s public site new images.
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.
Dallas Man Claimed To Be A Federal Officer When Stopped In Stolen Car
October 19th, 2022 – A Dallas man driving a stolen car allegedly claimed to be a federal officer when stopped on I-30 by a deputy Tuesday, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Bobby Osornio and Zack Steward reported seeing a Dodge Challenger with no license plates, only a rear dealers’ tag, being driven east on I-30 through Cumby, and initiated a traffic stop. The smoky gray coupe pulled off I-30 at 4:48 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, and into the rest stop.
Upon contact with the driver and lone occupant, the man was unable to provide either a driver’s license or proof of insurance when asked for both. The man instead gave the deputy a letter from a bank he claimed was proof of his name, then gave a driver’s license number and a “proof of shipment” for the vehicle, Osornio alleged in arrest reports.
The man then identified himself to the deputy as a federal agent and provided a federal number. When asked for proof he’s a federal agent, he was unable to provide any. Records checks using the information given for the man and car showed no information on the car, but did show an extensive criminal history for the man, Osornio noted in arrest reports.
When asked how he obtained the car keys, the man said he got them from his father and was transporting the car to Tennessee. Deputies by that point had been made aware of information that a stolen sports car was reportedly being transported to Tennessee. A search of the car reportedly revealed a GPS tracker in the glovebox. The man was detained pending further investigation of the vehicle as possibly being stolen.
The proof of shipment included a dealership name. Deputies contacted Dallas Police to ask for an officer to make contact with the dealership. DPD and the dealership were able to confirm the new car had been stolen from the dealer’s lot. The man was placed under arrest and transported to jail, while the car was inventoried and towed.
The 44-year-old man identified as Michael Wayne Johnson of Dallas was charged at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 2022, with expired driver’s license, impersonating a public servant and unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to arrest reports.
Trick-or-Treat, Do You Know The Difference Between Prescription and Fentanyl Pills?
By JOHANNA HICKS, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Family & Community Health in Hopkins County, [email protected]
This Halloween holiday, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program to spread awareness on the fentanyl epidemic spreading across our state.
There is an alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass-producing face pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescriptions pills. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. These risks include overdose, forming new addictions, and traffic-related crashes due to impairment.
Over the upcoming Halloween season, it is especially important that parents stay informed. One of these most prevalent trends currently involves rainbow-colored pills that have been laced with fentanyl and designed to attract younger kids. Unfortunately, as a community, we must be aware of the dangers related to illicit substances. Just one pill containing fentanyl can be fatal.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Association is urging parents to be aware of rainbow fentanyl, a deathly opioid that drug traffickers are using to “drive addiction amongst kids and young adults,” DEA administrator Anne Milgram states. Rainbow fentanyl is a drug in the form of a pill or powder that is brightly colored to look like candy. It is also being produced in blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. This is dangerous because a child could easily mistake this fentanyl block for a piece of sidewalk chalk.
Ahead of Halloween, authorities are warning parents to keep a close eye on trick-or-treat baskets, as just two milligrams (which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt) is considered a lethal dose. The DEA cautions parents that they should be on the lookout and kids should be reminded never to eat unpackaged candy. The bottom line is this: Never accept candy, pills, or other substances you believe to be tampered with or laced with fentanyl because one pill can kill.
Here are few safety tips if you’re planning to head out for some fun trick-or-treating:
- Remember that is is never okay to accept candy that is in a broken, unsealed package.
- If you find s substance you believe could be fentanyl, do not touch it. Immediately contact local law enforcement.
- If you see someone you believe to be impaired on fentanyl or any other substance, contact local law enforcement. This includes drivers who could be impaired.
- Opt for safe Trick-or-Treating. Local churches are providing Trunk-or-Treat events which are provided in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Christmas Joys Holiday Program
Both sessions for the November 7th “Christmas Joys” are full. However, we have started a waiting list. We will be giving a reminder call to everyone who signed up. In the event of cancellations, we will begin contacting those on our waiting list, so if you would like to be added, give our office a call at 903-885-3443. If you are one of the lucky ones who made it on the attendance list, be sure to come!
Closing Thought
“Smile at people. If you smile, the person perceives you to be smart.”
– Vicki Hitzges, author and speaker
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, at the Hopkins County Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
Lady Cat Cross Country Wins 15-4A District Championship
Lady Cat cross country won the District 15-4A Championship thanks in large part to three runners placing in the top-5.
It is only the second district crown in Sulphur Springs history for the women’s team.
Haylee Schultz picked up her second 1st place finish on the season, and an individual district championship at that, crossing the line first at 13:40. Its the second victory on the season for the junior, winning the Troy Segura Classic on Sept. 1, 2022.
Coach Hicks said after his team placed second in that invitational, knowing full well that course was their district one, put a chip on their shoulder. That, and an unusual 3 P.M. start time had the Lady Cats chomping at the bit to get out there and compete.
Just under four seconds after Schultz finished first, Edith Martinez came in 2nd, at 13:43.80.
The cross country coach said Martinez was chugging along, in first with 200m to go, but Schultz came from behind to challenge Martinez for first, ultimately doing so. Coach Hicks said it was fun to see two of his runners duke it out for the top spot at the district championship.
Jolea Moore, a freshman, finished third for Lady Cat XC at 5th with a time of 14:00.90. Coming right after Moore came senior Laney Hurst, who crossed the line 6th Wednesday. Rounding out the top-5 for the women’s team, Dylan McKinney finished 13th, followed closely by Jaicee Jasmer and Consuelo Martinez.
With just 27 points, Lady Cat XC won the District 15-4A Championship. The next closest team in Pittsburg scored 50 as Sulphur Springs easily won the 2022 15-4A District Championship.
The men’s side did not move on to the Regional meet, but still got a few solid performances.
Candelario Monsivais led the way again for Sulphur Springs, in ninth at 17:55.30. The Wildcat finishing top-10 last week qualified the runner for Regionals.
Mateo Perez, a freshman on the young men’s team, came in with a time of 18:06.40. The final runner to place top-15 for Wildcat XC, Gabe Mayo, another freshman, placed 13th and came in just over a second after Perez.
While the men as a team did not move on to Regionals, Candelario Monsivais moves on after finishing ninth at the district meet.
Monsivais and most of Lady Cat XC move on to Regionals with the hopes of advancing to state. The Regional competition takes place at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, where both teams ran the last week of September.
That begins Monday, Oct. 24 at 9 A.M.
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.
Wildcat Golf Picks Up Second Straight Victory
Men’s golf won their second straight competition of the fall season Monday, this time in the friendly confines of their home course.
Monday’s victory came at Sulphur Springs country club, and saw district foes both of new and old at a packed invitational. Wildcat golf coach Jeremy DeLorge said he was very pleased with the turnout Monday.
“They showed up, they defended the home course… they did exactly what they needed to do,” the golf coach said Tuesday about his team’s outing.
Caleb Kesting, like Wildcat golf, placed 1st for the second straight competition. Kesting, like at the previous competition in Mount Pleasant, shot 70 in Sulphur Springs Monday. That makes it back-to-back under-par rounds for the golfer. Coach DeLorge said its great the Wildcat has found his rhythm.
Nick Burney followed up 1st place Kesting at 77. Coach DeLorge said the Wildcat was not thrilled with his performance but is all the more excited to get back out there to avenge his efforts come springtime.
Not far behind him came Noah Newsom, shooting 80 Monday. The men’s golf coach complimented the Wildcat for one of the best outings Newsom has had for Wildcat golf. Trip Smith and Luke White rounded out Wildcat golf with 92 and 95, respectively.
Two junior varsity athletes also had good days Monday; Brooks Burgin (84) and Tatum Tran (91). Coach DeLorge said the latter came out Monday firing on all cylinders after solid practices last week.
With just 319 points, tying a season low for men’s golf, Sulphur Springs won their invitational, edging out All-Saints and Mount Pleasant to win the Wildcat invitational.
“It was fun seeing them grind from Mount Pleasant to our home tournament, to know that we have our own tournament, so they wanted to put out their best effort,” the Wildcat coach said.
Monday’s competition in Sulphur Springs is the final contest on the fall season. Men’s golf won two straight competitions to wrap up their fall season.
Coach DeLorge said even with the two straight team wins his team is not content with their results; they always look to improve their game and will not settle for anything less than greatness. With two straight victories to round out their fall season, his guys are all too ready to hit the links again.
“It’s been phenomenal to see what they’re doing,” Coach DeLorge said. “And with that, they are just chomping at the bit. They know they can do better, they know they can drop strokes… so they’re always looking to improve. It’s very nice to see.”
Unfortunately for his golfers foaming at the mouth to get back out there, men’s golf’s next competition is in February.
But with a young, hungry team the men’s golf coach said his guys have plenty to work on before their first competition come springtime.
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.
HCUW Receives Another $27,300 In Donations And Pledges During 3rd Week Of Campaign
Hopkins County United Way received another $27,313 in donations and pledges during the third week of the 2022-2023 fundraising campaign. Overall, that makes $53,835.27 of the $150,000 campaign goal to raise $150,000 to benefit 18 local agencies.
While a little behind last year’s pace, when approximately 40% of the overall goal had been donated as of the third campaign workers’ weekly report meeting, the $27,313 turned in on Oct. 18, 2022 was only slightly less than the $27,786 turned in on Oct. 19, 2021.
HCUW officers and workers are encouraged by the reports that are coming in that the goal will be met by the conclusion of the campaign through the faithful and generous giving of local industries, schools, organizations and individuals.
As has been the case for years, HCUW workers and officers cheered, excited and appreciative Tuesday for each contribution, regardless of how big or small, as every penny get the campaign closer to the goal of helping so many in need of the services or provisions each agency provides and providing enrichment activities the HCUW recipient agency offer. Some even bring pompoms to add a bit more fun for the occasion.
While not are able to attend the weekly meetings, held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office except on Election Day, most send donation packets either with another campaign volunteer or get them to Campaign Chair Emily Glass, Executive Secretary Susan Berning or Campaign President Kristy Moseley ahead of time, so those amounts can be counted weekly.
Natalie White turned in a donation for Corner Grub. Meredith Longino, a new HCUW volunteer has gotten all of her packets in already. Among the donors announced were East Texas Physical Therapy, Southwest Dairy Center and Janet Martin Realty.
Glass reported a donation received from Sulphur Springs Sign Shop. Hillary Young turned in a contribution from Spot Nutrition and M&W Feed, Echo Publishing Co. Laura Jones turned in contributions from Everything Unique and Miss Behavin’.
Sharla Campbell sent in contributions from A&S Air Conditioning, Fieldhouse Sports, The Shoe Inn and Carriage House Manor. Among the donations Kayla Price sent in was one from Gloria Mitchell Germania.
Beverley Owens reported donations were received from Texas Trading Company, Bel Amie Spa, Joy Wilson at Flippin Printing and Millennium Shopper, Brumley Uniform and Briley Barker Shop. Linda Christian turned a contribution from Dr. Daniel Lawrence. Beverley reported she still has packets out to collect.
Bill Owens also brought in what he calls “a down payment” from Jay Hodge Chevrolet. Owens brings checks with him to campaign meetings, each another donation from Jay Hodge Chevrolet-Sulphur Springs. Each year, the dealership designates October as HCUW giveback month. This year, the dealership has pledged to donate to United Way $100 from every vehicle sold, used or new, during the month of October. The business also will accept donations to go to HCUW too, should anyone wish to do so. The HCUW campaign is also promoted on the business’ social media pages as well.
Bill Owns also reported a donation was received from Dickies BBQ.
Donations also were turned in from Discount Wheel and Tire, Cody Drug, Freedom Realty, Rick’s Oil Depot, Wayne Cooper Construction and Bell Concrete.
Mike Horne reported contributions have been turned in for Bodacious, Mattison Insurance Agency, Century 21 First Group and the Rotary Club.
Charlotte Henderson reported on donations made by Joe Bob’s Stores and Offices. She reported one business expected to have a donation ready in a couple of weeks and the superintendent at a local school reported the district would continue collecting funds for HCUW through the end of the month.
Mary Ferguson turned in three donation packets, including from Danna’s and Venus Nails. She anticipates returning Friday to three additional businesses to see if they have donation packets ready to be picked up and counted.
Berning noted Price Orwosky turned in donations from Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home, Bear Littleton State Farm which includes a corporate match, Tapp Funeral Home, Farm Country, Northeast Texas Farmers Coop, Toliver Ford and the CANHelp Thrift Store.
John Berning turned in donations from Smith McDowell & Ginn, Kiwanis Club, Joe’s Exxon and Mobile, and Farmers Insurance-John Berning.
Larry Willis turned in an Oncor Corporate contribution, while Larry Crowson turned in donations form Saputo, AK Gillis and Clayton Homes.
All of these donations and others received by HCUW campaign volunteers over the last week totaled $27,313. Added to the previous total, that brings the overall total of contributions made so far to the HCUW 2022-23 campaign to $53,835.27.
