Hicks Recognized With National Master Volunteer Excellence In Programming Award
The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences meets annually to conduct professional development, networking, and recognition for Extension Agents. The 2022 conference was held in Raleigh, North Carolina September 11-16. Over 750 Extension family and consumer sciences professionals and administrators from across the nation attended the conference.
Johanna Hicks, Extension Agent for family and community health in Hopkins County, attended the conference as a presenter and award recipient. Hicks was named as recipient of the Master Volunteer Excellence in Programming award for the 4-H Grab-and-Go Foods Project kits, spearheaded by the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers (MWV) in 2021.
Knowing that the usual face-to-face 4-H foods project meeting could not take place in the midst of COVID, Hicks’ team of volunteers suggested providing kits for the youth to complete at home. Each 4-H member who signed up for the project received five separate kits along with everything needed to complete the tasks:
- Set the Table; Read the Label;
- Mix and Measure;
- Gadgets and Gizmos;
- Herbs, and Spices, and Extracts, Oh My!; and
- Crockin’ Kids.
Volunteers researched ideas, recipes, activities, and assisted in preparing and labeling the kits. The goal was to provide a strong 4-H Foods and Nutrition experience during COVID while allowing the Master Wellness Volunteers to use their strengths in planning and preparation. Sixteen youth participated in the project. Results indicated that 100% increased understanding on how to read a nutrition label and increased knowledge in recognizing various kitchen tools as well as how to use them. Ninety-four percent increased knowledge of using herbs, spices, and extracts, and learned to correctly measure dry and liquid ingredients using the appropriate measuring utensils. Ninety-four percent increased understanding of the food groups in MyPlate.
As an award recipient, Hicks was asked to lead a session on the project during the conference. She shared other activities in which the Master Wellness Volunteers are involved, the training they receive, and copies of the Volunteer Connection newsletter which she sends to all trained volunteers 6 to 8 times per year.
During the conference, Hicks received first place honors on the Southern Region and National levels for the Master Volunteer Excellence in Programming Award.
1 Flown To Area Trauma Center Following One-Vehicle Rollover On I-30
At least one person was flown to an area trauma center following a one-vehicle rollover on Interstate 30 just west of Sulphur Springs early Friday morning, Sept. 30, 2022.
According to dispatch reports, authorities were first notified of a major one-vehicle crash on Interstate 30 east near mile marker 119 at 1 a.m. The caller reported the vehicle had rolled over multiple times before resting on its top.
Hopkins County and Cumby firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, officials reported the vehicle was on the south I-30 service road at mile marker 120. It appeared the driver lost control while traveling east around mile marker 119, causing the vehicle to roll an estimated five times before stopping on the south service road. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be cut out by officials. He was reported to have suffered what appeared to be potentially life-threatening injuries, according to sheriff’s reports.
A medical helicopter was requested. A landing zone was established south of the crash. A section of roadway was closed down briefly to give the helicopter and crew plenty of room. The man was flown to an area trauma center. No additional information regarding the man’s condition was available Friday afternoon.
Firefighters remained on scene until 2:29 a.m. and deputies until 2:21 p.m. according to sheriff’s reports.
Last Call For Free Mammography Clinic
Sulphur Springs, Texas – Due to demand, additional appointments have been added to the Free Mammography Clinic hosted by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation in partnership with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
A few openings are still available. If you are an uninsured woman over 40 years of age who lives in Hopkins County, you are eligible for a free mammogram through this program.
The staff of the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center, a part of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, will be welcoming women to the clinic on two Saturdays, October 15 and 29.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a good time to schedule an annual mammogram. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Risk of breast cancer increases with age, so mammograms continue to be important, as is early detection.
If you are eligible for a free mammogram, call 903-438-4325 to schedule an appointment. Don’t delay.
McKenzies Donate Painting To Courthouse
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Friday morning offered appreciation to Mickey and Barbara McKenzie for the painting they donated to Hopkins County Courthouse.
Hopkins County Veterans Services Officer Danny Davis explained the painting was created by Josey Butler, who worked from a stage from beginning to end of last year’s Hopkins County Freedom Ball, then auctioned off. The McKenzies purchased the painting, which depicts 13 horses, representing the 13 service members killed by a single detonation of a bomb in Kabul when President Joe Biden ordered withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
“Barbara and Mickey bought the painting. And not only did they buy the painting, they turned around and gave it back to the County Courthouse. We just appreciate so much that they do for us and the meaning of this and what it represents,” Davis said. “We are just so blessed people like you two in our community and we are just so thankful for all you do for us.”
“Thank you so much. We appreciate all y’all do; we really, really do,” Mickey McKenzie said.
“We appreciate it,” Barbara said.
“This couple gives and gives and gives, and they are not in the [news] very much,” County Judge Robert Newsom said, adding that this week they have been noted for the 75th anniversary of the Grocery Supply Co. They are celebrating today downtown Sept. 30, 2022. “You give and give and give and you don’t expect anything from it. We thank you so much for being that kind of people that make Sulphur Springs the great place it is.”
“Thank you, I just wish we could do more,” Mickey McKenzie said.
Davis noted that photos of the painting posted online on social media had circulated enough to reach one of the mothers of the fallen soldiers within 2 hours of being posted. Some duplicates of the painting were made for sale, and some were given to the family members of the fallen soldiers. He expressed appreciation to the McKenzies for purchasing the painting and donating it.
The mostly red and blue painting now hangs on the wall in the Hopkins County Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of Hopkins County Courthouse, to the right of the entry door nearest the county judge’s office.
Volleyball Hosts Lone Home Match During First Half of District Play Friday
Coach Bailey Dorner and her team are excited for Friday’s match.
Sulphur Springs has their one home game during the first half of district play Friday, Sept. 30 as they host North Lamar.
The Pantherettes come into Friday’s game in the SSHS Main Gym 1-1 in district play.
They fell in five at Pleasant Grove before sweeping Pittsburg Tuesday.
Tuesday had volleyball on the road for the second-straight district game. And just like in Saturday’s road-opener in district play, Sulphur Springs came up big and got the victory.
The Lady Cats won a tight set one 25-21 before winning a similarly close 25-19 set two, getting a big 2-0 set lead. Liberty Eylau, hosting Coach Dorner’s team Tuesday, won their one and only set in the third round, flipping the script at 25-18.
Sulphur Springs then smashed their way to a set four win, 25-13 to win their second straight district road game.
North Lamar comes into this Friday gameday looking to pick up their second straight win after falling in their opener. The Pantherettes also look to pick up their first road district win if they can beat the Lady Cats on their home floor.
It will not be an easy task for the visiting Pantherettes as they take on a Sulphur Springs team that continues to heat up, winning two straight district games on the road and four overall.
The Lady Cats look to stay undefeated in district play when they host the Pantherettes on Friday, Sept. 30 in their lone home contest of the first half of district play.
Friday’s home game with North Lamar begins in the SSHS Main Gym Friday at 4:30 P.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.
10 Jailed On Felony Warrants Sept. 20-29, 2022
At least 10 people have been jailed on felony warrants from Sept. 20-29, 2022, including a man booked in for the second time this week, and a man wanted in the Dallas area on robbery and stolen vehicle charges, according to arrest reports.
Dakota Shane Weir was arrested in the lobby of Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 2:55 p.m. Sept. 28, 2022. He was taken into custody by corrections officer Courtney Steward. He was escorted into the county jail and booked in at 3:15 p.m. on a warrant for violation of probation, which the 33-year-old Sulphur Springs man was on for an Oct. 23, 2021 assault of a family or household member with previous conviction charge, according to jail reports.
Weir remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in lieu of the $250,000 bond set on the charge, according to mail reports.
Wednesday was the second time this week that the Sulphur Springs man has been jailed locally. He was jailed Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, for DWI with a child passenger younger than 15 years of age, a 22-month-old, then released later that day on a $30,000 bond, jail records show.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman responded at 4:16 p.m. Sept. 28, 2022, in the 1100 block of East Industrial Drive to conduct a welfare check. Upon arrival, Hoffman reported finding George Bob Morrone in a Ford Escape. A records check showed the 68-year-old Flower Mound man to have two outstanding warrants.
Once the warrants were confirmed, Morrone was taken into custody and transported to the county jail. The SUV was left parked at the address for the owner to retrieve later Wednesday.
He was booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:21 p.m. Sept. 28, on a Tarrant County warrant for unauthorized use of a vehicle and a Dallas County warrant for robbery. He remained in Hopkins County jail until Thursday, Sept. 29. His bonds were set at $20,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Justin Wilkerson and Thomas Patterson contacted Christopher Arlen Ray at 5:05 p.m. at his County Road 3513 residence and took him into custody on a warrant.
The 39-year-old Dike man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28, 2022, on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a Sept. 8, 2017 driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under 15 years of age in the vehicle charge, according to arrest and jail reports. He was held in the county jail Thursday on the charge.
Jail records show Wednesday was the third time Ray has been jailed in Hopkins County for violating probation on the DWI with child passenger charge. He was also was jailed on the charge locally from June 17-Sept. 25, 2019 and March 31-May 11, 2020, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Chris Baumann reported stopping James Michael Paul Greer Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, because the high center-mounted brake light on the Ford F150 he was driving didn’t work when he applied the brakes to turn from State Highway 11 east onto FM 1870.
A records check showed the 46-year-old Joaquin, Texas man to be wanted. He was taken into custody at 6 a.m. Tuesday and the truck was released to a passenger. Greer was booked into Hopkins County jail at 6:43 a.m. Sept. 27 on the violation of parole warrant. He was held in the county jail Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, without bond on the charge.
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division Special Agent Charles Cannon executed an arrest warrant Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 at a State Highway 19 residence. Brian James Lacy was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 2 p.m. Sept. 23, 2022, on the retaliation or obstruction charge, DPS Agent Daniel Kelly alleged in arrest reports.
The 41-year-old Cooper man remained in Hopkins County jail Sept 29, 2022, on the charge. His bond was set at $1 million on the third-degree felony retaliation/obstruction charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman took Eric Spencer Marshall into custody at 5 a.m. Sept. 21, 2022, at El Passo County facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Huffman transported Marshall to Hopkins County jail, where the 46-year-old Colorado man was booked in at 7:14 p.m. Sept. 21, 2022, on a warrant for violation of probation on a Nov. 19, 2016 arson charge, according to arrest reports.
Marshall was held in Hopkins County jail without bond on the charge, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, according to jail records.
HCSO Deputy Richard Brantley took Matthew Howard Baldwin into custody at 10:13 a.m. Sept. 21, 2022, in the sheriff’s office lobby, where the 61-year-old man turned himself in on a Morris County warrant to appear in court on a motion to revoke probation on a burglary charge and to serve a commitment after being sentenced to time in a substance abuse felony punishment facility on a June 1, 2022 controlled substance charge.
Baldwin’s bond was set at $75,000 on the Morris County charge; he was held on the other charge Sept. 29, 2022, according to jail reports.
SSPD Officers Robble Acosta and Cameron Robinson contacted Randy Lee Shayne McElroy at 11:58 p.m. at his North Davis Street residence and took him into custody on a warrant. Police transported the 38-year-old Sulphur Springs man to HCSO jail, where he was booked in at 12:02 a.m. Sept. 22, 2022, on a Van Zandt County warrant for failure to appear on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge.
McElroy was released from Hopkins County jail later Sept. 22, 2022, on the warrant. Bond was set at $20,000 on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
SSPD Special Crimes Unit Lt. Mark Estes received information about the possible location of a wanted felon Sept. 21, 2022, the officer reported.
Upon contact with an occupant at a Carter Street residence, Estes reported seeing a female matching the description of the wanted woman run to a back bedroom. Estes and SSPD Officer Edward Jaime found the woman hiding in a closet in the kitchen area of the home. They took her into custody at 4:30 p.m. on the Hunt County warrant, according to arrest reports.
Stormi Alisa Marie Garcia was booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 21, 2022, for bond forfeiture on a hindering apprehension of a known felon charge.
The 28-year-old Sulphur Springs woman remained in Hopkins county jail until Sept. 22, 2022, according to jail reports.
Ernest Lee Martin was taken into custody at 11:05 a.m. Sept. 20, 2022, at Lamar County jail and transported to Hopkins County jail. The 31-year-old Paris, Texas man was booked into HCSO jail at 11:55 p.m. Sept. 20, 2022, on a warrant for credit or debit card abuse. The offense, Jailer Courtney Steward noted in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on Jan. 7, 2022, on the warrant, according to arrest reports.
Martin, who is also known by Herold Milien, remained in Hopkins County jail on the felony warrant Sept. 29, 2022. Bond was set at $20,000 on the felony charge, according to HCSO jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Celebrating Youth Achievement For 4-H Week
Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agents utilized their regular report to Hopkins County Commissioners Court to celebrate youth achievement in anticipation of the upcoming National 4-H Week, and noted some upcoming 4-H and Extension activities.
Johanna Hicks, family and community health agent, and Mario Villarino, agriculture and natural resources agent, gave an update on the 4-H program as well as upcoming activities planned as part of 4-H Week and presented awards and recognitions to four 4-H members for wins at the district level. Court officials also officially proclaimed the observation of Oct. 2-8, 2022, as National 4-H Week in Hopkins County.
National 4-H Week
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, during Monday’s meeting, read a proclamation officially designating Oct. 2-8, 2022, as National 4-H Week in Hopkins County, and encouraged others to become involved with the 4-H program.
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization, cultivates confident kids who tackle the issues that matter most in their communities right now. In the United States, 4-H programs empower 6 million young people through the 110 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension in more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country.
Outside the United States, independent, country-led 4-H organizations empower one million young people in more than 50 countries. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In Hopkins County, more than 200 4-H youth and 15 volunteers from the community were involved during the 2021-2022 4-H year.
“The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is Opportunity 4 All, which highlights how 4-H offers opportunity for youth to find their passion and explore learning about that passion and what lies within it through hands-on learning experiences. The positive environment provided by 4-H mentors ensures that kids in every county in the country — from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities — are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles and are empowered with the skills to lead in life and career,” Hicks noted.
Hopkins County 4-H members plan to observe National 4-H Week by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and highlighting the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.
Youth Recognition
Rylie Carroll was recognized for her first place win at the district level in the senior record book in public speaking. She also earned first place honors at state in the senior record book category. In addition to ribbons, Carroll also received a bag
Bryce McCool won first place honors in junior level archery competition, for which the youth received a belt buckle.
Kallie Mabe won fist place honors at district in junior level record book. The 4-H member received a first year 4-H pin, a project pin for an entomology project, a certificate for dairy and swine projects and was recently recognized at the 4-H Banquet as the Rookie of the Year.
Rounding out the list of award recipients was Kaden Mabe, for his second place finish at district for his record book. He received a Clover Star Award for 5 years of involvement in 4-H, a swine project pin, and a certificate for his 4-H diary and swine projects.
The County 4-H Council members too were recognized during the regular Sept. 26, 2022, Hopkins County Commissioners Court session.
Upcoming 4-H Activities
To officially kick off 4-H Week, Hopkins County 4-H Council will meet after school at the start of the week at the Extension Office to raise the 4-H flag.
County 4-H Project Show entries will also be accepted Oct. 3-6, judged on Oct. 7, and displayed Oct. 10-15. Many entries will also be entered in the Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest youth division.
Because giving back to the community is such an important component of the 4-H program, Hopkins County 4-H has partnered with the Sulphur Springs Middle School Communities in Schools program to collect items needed to assist students, Hicks and Villarino noted.
"Communities In Schools (CIS) is an organization that works on school campuses to help students overcome obstacles that interfere with them being successful at school. CIS helps students with things such as basic needs that can include clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, etc. and also connects them with community resources to help meet their needs. We help connect students with vision and other health providers, as well as mental health/counseling services. "CIS also helps students who are struggling in any way to get back on track by giving them one-on-one guidance and support. CIS will also work with the school/ counselors to develop school wide activities and events that will address subjects such as bullying, college and career awareness, or personal safety topics for which all students will have the opportunity to participate," Lauren Olvera, Communities In Schools Youth Services Coordinator, stated in a letter addressed to parents of campus students.
Among the items 4-H that will be accepting for the Communities in School program at SSMS are:
- body wash or bar soap,
- deodorant,
- leggings,
- spandex shorts,
- joggers,
- underwear and
- socks.
Donations for the Middle School CIS program will be accepted at the County Extension Office on Houston Street during the entire month of October. For a full list of items or addition information about the 4-H service project, contact the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
To learn more about 4-H in Hopkins County, call the local Texas AgriLife Extension office at 903-885-3443.
Lady Cat Golf Finishes Two Strokes Back of First in Fall Opener
Monday, Sept. 26 had Lady Cat golf in Mount Pleasant for their fall opener.
Sulphur Springs has just three competitions during the first semester, but even so, Coach Whitney Spigener and her squad made their opportunities count Monday, as they finished just two strokes back of host Mount Pleasant.
“All the girls… they competed hard and played well,” the Lady Cat golf coach said following the victory.
At their first competition of three this fall, Sulphur Springs headed to a familiar course in Mount Pleasant CC. Coach Spigener said she wanted to hit the links immediately since Monday’s competition sight is the same place Lady Cat golf is playing for the district championship come springtime.
An overall experienced squad who went to Regionals this past spring has bigger goals this go-round, but Lady Cat golf still showed up and showed out in their first competition of the 2022-23 school year.
Mykylie Meador, a senior for this squad, shot an 85 Monday.
A freshman, Evie Birdsong, tied Meador at 3rd by shooting an 85 in her first varsity competition. In a scorecard playoff between the two Lady Cats, Meador edged out the freshman by one stroke. Kenzie Posey, a sophomore, shot an 88 and continues to be a valuable contributor to this team. Another second-year member of Coach Spigener’s squad, McKenna Meskimen, ended up with 95 Monday.
All three of the previously listed scores are personal records for the Lady Cat golfers.
Allison Thomas shot a 91 and Autumn Allen had a score of 98. Allie Crump rounded out Sulphur Springs golfers Monday with a 116.
Coach Whitney Spigener in her eighth year coaching Sulphur Springs, Lady Cat golf has never had a team score as low as it was Monday.
“We have a few things that we could tweak, and we would’ve been right there in first place,” the golf coach said. “So this is a huge step up, starting out this year (like this). We have big goals moving down to 4A this year.”
Next up, both Wildcat and Lady Cat golf host their second competitions at Sulphur Springs Country Club on Monday, Oct. 17. A loaded competition sees most if not all of golf’s district foes, sprinkled in with a few foes Sulphur Springs may see if they make Regionals come springtime.
“It’s completely full, we’ve had to turn some teams away,” Coach Spigener said. “We’re looking at all of, if not all off our district competitions and some from the region are coming, as well some schools that were in our district last year… They’re all wanting to come because they’ve got it looking great at the country club. They’ve been putting a lot of work in, so teams want to come in and play on a nice course like that.”
Tee time for women’s golf that Monday at their lone home competition this fall is 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.
The St James Fiesta and Auction to be Held October 8th
The annual St. James Fiesta and Auction will be held Saturday, October 8th, 2022, at the Hopkins County Civic Center in Sulphur Springs, Texas. A delicious Tex-Mex meal will be prepared by the Aguilar family. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for children under 12. Meal service begins at 5:30pm. The Live Auction begins at 7:00pm. There will be a silent auction, door prizes, and much more.
HCUW Shows Appreciation To Those With A History Of Helping Others
Hopkins County United Way showed appreciation Wednesday to those with “A History of Helping Others.” The Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon, held Sept. 28 at The Venue, each year is the official kickoff of HCUW’s annual fundraiser.
In Appreciation
“United Together” the community contributed $212,000 to the 2021-2022 campaign, which benefits 17 local nonprofit agencies that serve people in every segment of local society of local society. Not only was the 2021-2022 campaign total $62,000 over the annual goal, 2021-22 collections exceeded all previous campaign highs, according to Kristy Landers Moseley and John Sellers.
“You’ve made United Way very successful, raising the money to help our organizations. I know you all probably know this, but 99% of everything raised stays right her in Hopkins County. That’s amazing,” said Moseley, who served as HCUW 2021-22 Campaign Chair and currently serving as HCUW President. “
This enabled HCUW to give additional funding to the 17 nonprofits to provide even more services or programs for Hopkins County community.
“I am extremely proud and excited about that. We are very grateful to you guys, to the companies this year and every year. Thank you, lead donors,” Moseley said.
“This year’s theme is A History of Giving. You have a history of giving,” 2022-2023 HCUW Campaign Chair Emily Glass told the room filled with representatives from companies and individuals who made outstanding contributions to the 2021-2022 campaign. “We are celebrating you.”
Glass said hanks to all local industries’ continual support, HCUW is able to help meet the immediate needs of county residents, including the 12.7% who were reported to be below the poverty line at the 2020 census, 19% of whom were under age 18, as well as the 21% of county residents under 65 who had no insurance and 63% of SSISD household who qualified for free and reduced lunches before COVID.
The agencies supported by HCUW are among those providing services which help many of these individuals meet basic needs.
Glass concluded without these and every donation made to HCUW the annual drive would not be the the success it is annually.
“Thank you very, very much. Our goal is $150,000 for the upcoming campaign. I know with your help we will be success,” Glass said.
Glass also offered thanks to Moseley for helping in any and every way possible, as well as to HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning, for approaching each campaign, meeting and person donating their time and/or funds to HCUW with an encouraging servant’s heart; the United Way Budget and Allocations Committee for their willingness to hang on through the 2-day emotional ride of hearing requests from nonprofits for funding and with true servant hearts, advocating for the nonprofits; to all past and present UW chairs, officers, board and committee members for the time they gave to make HCUW a continued success since 1955.
Acknowledged as this year’s Board of Directors were Chuck Askins, Emily Glass, Beverley Owens, Wade Bartley, Charlotte Henderson, Bill Owens, Larry Crowson, Mike Horne, Dinh Tran, Debra Evans, Sherry McGraw, Hillary Young, Markeda Fisher and Kristy Mosely.
The HCUW Budget and Allocations Committee includes David Burns, Ashley Crump, Emily Glass, Tommy Harrison, Charlotte Henderson, Mike Horne, Lindsey Johnson and Kristy Moseley.
The 2022-2023 HCUW officers offered thanks to Alliance Bank for sponsoring the lunch, Birthwright’s Barbecue for catering it, Latsons.com team for campaign materials, Lonnie Fox for sound equipment, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for allowing HCUW to hold regular meetings at the office, The Venue at 219 for hosting the lunch and VOSH Graphix for compiling the campaign video shown at the kickoffs and available to show others about HCUW.
The Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon was hosted Sept. 28, 2022, at The Venue at two nineteen 
Hopkins County United Way Boar Directors Sherry McGraw and Hillary Young prepare drinks for the The Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon 
The 2022-23 Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon was catered by Birthwright’s Barbecue 
The Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon Sept. 28, 2022 
The Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon, held Sept. 28, 2022, at The Venue 
The Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon 
The Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon 
The Hopkins County United Way Lead Donor/CEO Appreciation Luncheon
History of Giving
Glass asked fifth generation Hopkins County resident, local historian, longtime HCUW supporter and Sulphur Springs Mayor Pro Tem John Seller to be give the keynote address at the the Lead Donor/CEO Luncheon Wednesday. In addition to contributing, Sellers has served in a number of leadership positions with United Way, including as HCUW chairman 14 years ago, then president.
Sellers noted the 1950s was a pivotal time in local history. The local hospital was opened in 1949, with the physicians operating a few private hospitals closing their doors and going to work at the hospital, a show of unity and support in the community.
The city got its first dial telephone in the fall of 1954; Interstate 30, known then as the Highway 67 bypass, was opened, providing straight travel to Dallas, without any traffic lights; a zoning ordinance was adopted in 1956 by the City of Sulphur Springs was implemented ahead of a new dairy processing plant; a pledge was made to construct a new lake — Century Lake and get it done in a decade. Three counties created the Sulphur River Municipal Water District. During that era, night watchmen got their first walkie-talkie radios, according to Sellers.
The history of giving United Way goes back 67 years, to the organization’s start in 1955 as the United Fund, thanks to the work of a group of civic leaders which included KSST’s Bill Bradford and the local newspaper publisher. After research into the United Fund and approval from local businesses, the organization was formed, a way to raise more money to do the most good for so many different organizations all at one time.
The first year, the United Fund set a goal to raise $29,500 in one week (the equivalent of raising about $300,000 today) to benefit 8 local agencies in October 1955. A kickoff dinner was held Oct. 6, 1955, with a victory drive planned on Oct. 13. The local newspaper ran a front page editorial about the United Fund.
Community members were challenged to donate the equivalent of just one day’s worth of pay to help others in the community. In North Hopkins 25 rose to the challenge, and all total 108 teachers responded, contributing a day’s pay to the United Fund.
The group ended up expanding the campaign to Nov. 1, but in the end the 24 teams consisting of 350 solicitors raised $200 over the projected goal, according to Sellers, who gained access to Bradford’s notes on the topic when he asked for help in researching HCUW’s history prior to accepting the office of HCUW campaign chair 14 years ago.
“They stayed after it and by Nov. 1 they were over by $200. It was the beginning to a great start and a great tradition,” Sellers said.
A New Challenge
Sellers challenges those who wonder why give to United Way to keep in mind the parable about the Good Samaritan. Two passed the beaten, bloodied naked man. However, the enemy of the Jew, a Samaritan, stopped. Instead of asking, “‘What would it mean to me if I help him,'” the Samaritan asked ‘What would happed to him if I didn’t help him?’
Only 1% of the $150,000 campaign goal leaves Hopkins County, the amount paid to United Way Worldwide for involvement in the cooperative organization. The rest remains in the community to help people of all ages and walks of life, from those who need help with basic needs, emergency assistance, dealing with trauma from abuse or trauma, in need of therapy for disability or disabling situations, education and intervention and enrichment through the following 18 local agencies HCUW has allocated funding from the 2022-2023 campaign.
Additional Information
HCUW volunteers last week began collecting packets, which have begun going out into the community. Any new business that has not been contacted and would like to contribute or more information about HCUW is encouraged to contact Emily Glass or Kristy Landers Moseley, any campaign worker, or calling Executive Secretary Susan Berning at Campaign Headquarters at 903-243-4066, to check out the United Way website or Facebook page, or mail donations to HCUW with a name and address to campaign HQ at PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Donations are also accepted via PayPal on the HCUW Facebook page and website, https://hcuw.org/; or credit card via the United Way Worlwide website. Queries may also be sent to [email protected].
Upcoming
Report meetings will take place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office beginning at 9 a.m. on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Oct. 4
- Tuesday, Oct. 11
- Tuesday, Oct. 18
- Tuesday, Oct. 25
- Tuesday, Nov. 1
- Wednesday, Nov. 9
