Parents of Cumby High School Volleyball And Cross Country Team Members Asked Attend July 28 Meeting
CISD FFA Plans Back To School Bash, Class of 2023 Hold Pain Your Own parking Spot Fundraiser, Cheerleaders Offer Spirit Wear For Fans
With school only 2 weeks away, Cumby ISD students, staff and friends will want to make note of several upcoming activities and dates.
Parents of Cumby High School Volleyball and Cross Country teams are asked to meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022, in the new gym in readiness for the season.
Two-a-days are salted to begin on Aug 1 for volleyball. Volleyball schedules are as follows: 8-11 a.m. Monday-Thursday, with scrimmages on Friday at a time as yet to be determined. Monday was designated ‘Merica Monday; Tuesday as Tie Dye Tuesday and Thursday as Neon Day. Wednesday was dubbed for Color Wars, with seniors instructed to wear white, juniors black, sophomores gray and freshmen maroon. Cross country practice starts at 6:30 a.m.; athletes should meet Coach Crumpton in front of the new gym. While water will be provided students are strongly encouraged to bring their own.
Cumby ISD teachers return to school next week, while students will return Aug. 10 for the 2022-2023 school year. New-to-the-district teachers will report for duty on Aug. 2. All Cumby ISD staff will report for staff development on Aug. 3-5 and Aug. 8-9. Students will begin classes Aug. 10, 2022.
Team Spirit wear is now available as well. Cumby Junior High Cheerleaders are selling caps, hats, tote bags, blankets, shorts, scarfs and shirts. Simply go online to download the form, select the desired items and either email the completed form to [email protected] or text the form to 903-742-2251 to order now. Order forms will also be available the first week of school from students. All orders are due Aug. 20, 2022.
The Class of 2023 is having a Paint Your Own Parking Spot fundraiser. For a fee of $25.00 (for Seniors) and $30.00 (for all other Cumby ISD Parking Permit holders) they will have the opportunity to paint their parking spot. All parking spot designs must be sent to Mrs. Megan Petty for approval. All details can be found by clicking this link.
School supply lists are available on the school website. Those who choose may purchase needed materials from Supply Kit, an online ordering company that packages the school supplies for participating school, then delivers them to the school before classes begin, provided they are ordered by the priority date. And a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the school’s PTO.
All students, parents or community members wishing to be part of Cumby FFA should plan to attend the Back to School Bash which begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 25, at The Ag Shop! The event will include burgers and hot dogs, important information pertinent to the 2022-2023 school years. This is open to all students in grades 3-12, their parents and community members interested in the Cumby FA program.. Students in grades 8-12 must be enrolled in an agriculture class to participate in Cumby FFA. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Megan Pruett at [email protected].
Como-Pickton Cheer Squads Earn Bid To Nationals, All American Nominations
Como-Pickton cheer squads earned honors at competition earlier this month, including All American nominations, and bids to nationals. Eagle Mascots also were recognized at the cheer event.
The CPHS Varsity Cheerleaders won an award for most improved squad, received a superior rating on their Band Chant, an excellent rating on their Game Day material, and a Spirit Stick. The squad also earned a bid to Nationals.
All American nominees included Lauren Lewellen, Katie Tifft, Brenna Patrick, Maddie Williams, Maci Glover, Sanay Diaz, Zoe Reed, Bella Romero and Valeria Gonzalez.
Big E also was named an All American Mascot, received a superior rating on the skit, Spirit Stick, and Most Improved Mascot recognition.
CP Junior High Cheerleaders also received a superior rating on their Chant and Band Chant, an excellent rating on their Cheer, A Stunt Award and Spirit Stick. The CPJHS squad too received a bid to Nationals.
All American nominees included Jaylin Gillis, Faith Gilbreath, Aubrei Gaspar, Channing Nation, Anika Fiock, Abby Williams and Brylee Moon, Pin it Forward Award. Ethel the Eagle was also nominated for All American and Ernie the Eagle made All American Mascot.
Sulphur Bluff ISD Begins Class Aug. 8, And, After 2 Weeks Will Have 4 Days of Classes Weekly
Sulphur Bluff ISD will begin classes on Aug. 8 this year, and after 2 weeks will be trying something new — classes will only be held 4 days a week after that. That’s right, students will not report for classes nor will buses run on Fridays after the second week of school.
School officials in the spring held an informational presentation for parents, then in March asked SBISD families to complete an online survey to share their thoughts on the potential for a four-day school week.
Some of the”pros” noted in favor of the four-day school week included:
- Making SBISD more competitive when it comes to teacher recruitment and retention
- Reduction of transportation costs for the district
- Reduction of energy costs for the district
- Increased attendance rates
- Flexibility for doctor and dental appointments for families
- Increased job opportunities for students. (They have a full extra day they can potentially be available for work!)
- Increased time for teacher planning
- More time with family
- Boost teacher morale
Some of the “cons” or potential negatives identified regarding the program included:
- A need for parents of younger students to find and afford additional childcare for younger students on Fridays while parents work.
- Lack of transportation to Friday athletic events
- Longer school days
- Lack of food sources for families in need on Fridays
Ultimately, after all surveys were in and comments from families considered SBISD has opted to go with a four-day school week, expanding the school hours from 7:55 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday. However, students will be required to attend full five-day class weeks for the first
This will give students time to become acclimated to the new semester, then will adjust so they can use Fridays to work from home or whatever is needed. This should save the district some utility, fuel and other funds, and allow students to have three days for other activities, including catching up on school work.
This will still allow graduation to be held May 26, 2023. Student holidays will be Sept. 5, Nov. 21-25, Dec. 21-Jan. 2, Jan. 16 and March 13-17. Teachers will have in-service and work days Aug. 1-5, Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct.7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Nov. 21-22, Dec. 9, Jan. 6. Jan. 20. Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 3, March 24, April 14, April 28, May 12 and May 26.
The district will use 9-week grading periods, with the first grading period Aug. 8-Oct. 6, the second Oct. 10-Dec. 20, the third Jan. 3-March 25, and the fourth March 20-25. That will give the district 153 school days.
Parents are reminded they will need to fill out the free and reduced -price meals form this year, in order for the district to meet USDA requirements for the program.
Parents can find school supply lists for their students in grades pre-kindergarten through high school on the Sulphur Bluff School Facebook page
Meet the Teacher will be held at SBISD from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4, 2022, a the school.
Senior Cap and Gown photos are scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 7. The annual Sulphur Bluff Scholarship Banquet will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29, in the SBISD Gym.
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Supports ESA’s New Common Names For Three Hornet Species
WASHINGTON – The Entomological Society of America (ESA) announced “northern giant hornet” as the common name for Vespa mandarinia (Asian giant hornet) in their list of “Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms” on July 25. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) supports ESA’s plans to adopt this new common name, as well as new common names for two additional hornet species.
V. mandarinia is the world’s largest hornet. It is native to tropical, subtropical, and temperate mountainous regions in Asia. This invasive pest was first reported in the Vancouver Island area of Canada in August 2019 and has since been detected in the far northwest corner of Washington State. V. mandarinia preys on many types of insects, including honey bees. They also consume carbohydrates such as sap and ripe fruit.
In conjunction with “northern giant hornet,” ESA has adopted “southern giant hornet” as the common name for Vespa soror and “yellow-legged hornet” for Vespa velutina. Neither of these hornets are currently found in the United States. V. soror is a closely related—and similarly large—species to V. mandarinia, and the descriptors “northern” and “southern” refer to the species’ native geographic ranges in Asia.
APHIS will follow the scientific community’s lead in adopting the new common names. In future communications—including its research journals, ID Tools, USDA blog, website, and social media—APHIS will adopt “northern giant hornet” in reference to V. mandarinia, “southern giant hornet” for V. soror, and “yellow-legged hornet” for V. velutina.
To learn more about the northern giant hornet, click here.
To learn more about ESA, click here.
To learn more about USDA, click here.
To learn more about APHIS, click here.
Northeast Texas WDA Unemployment Rates Rose In June 2022, But Remain Lower Than June 2021 Rates
Unemployment in Northeast Texas Workforce Development area rose for the second consecutive month, but the June 2022 unemployment rates were still below June 2021 unemployment rates for all nine counties in the WDA. Franklin and Hopkins continued in June 2022 to have the lowest unemployment rates in NETWDA and both county’s 3.5% unemployment rates are still below the overall state unemployment rate of 4.4% for June 2022, according to the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Labor Market and Career Information site (https://texaslmi.com/)
“Texas set a new all-time employment record in June by adding 82,500 jobs, the highest monthly jobs increase this year,” TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel was quoted in a Texas Workforce Commission about the June 2022 unemployment statistics released July 22, 2022.
For the eighth consecutive month, the state set new employment highs as total nonfarm employment reached 13,431,100. Texas added a total of 778,700 positions since June 2021. The seasonally adjusted Texas unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from May 2022. In terms of COVID recovery, employment has expanded by 464,900 jobs above the February 2020 level, according to TWC.
Education and health services gained 27,900 jobs over the month. Leisure and hospitality added 12,700 positions, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities, which grew by 11,400 jobs. The information industry saw the highest percentage job growth of 3.6 percent, notching an additional of 8,100 jobs from May to June 2022. Of the 11 major industries, nine saw growth in June 2022.
“The Texas civilian labor force is more than 14.5 million people – that’s a lot of Texans willing to work in the many career options available in our state,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez was quoted in the news release.
Overall, the labor force in Texas grew from by 639,455 to 14,585,252 from May to June of 2022, which is 369,117 more people across the state either employed or actively seeking employment over the last year, according to the TLMI data.
“There are more than 630,000 Texas employers and more than three million small businesses that call the Lone Star state home, and TWC offers them a number of tools and resources that assist them in retaining and increasing the skill set of their current workforce,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson was quoted in the TWC release. “In addition, we always encourage our Texas employers to look at other innovative talent pipelines, that can include hiring veterans, people with disabilities, transitioning foster youth, internships, apprenticeships and second chance individuals.”
Across the Northeast Texas WDA, the workforce consisted of 124,804 people either working or looking for jobs in June 2022, up from 124,601 in May 2021, but still slightly less than the 124,869 reported in June 2021, according to the TLMI data.
WDA Lowest Unemployment Rates
Franklin and Hopkins counties were the only counties in the Northeast Texas WDA with a June 2022 unemployment rate below 4%.
Only four more people had joined the Franklin County workforce, increasing the total labor force in Franklin County during June 2022 to 5,174, with 4,991 employed and 183 seeking employment. That’s still 14 fewer in the labor force last month than in June of 2021. Unfortunately, the number of people employed shrunk from 5,170 in May 2022 to 4,991 in June 2022. That left 183 unemployed in June 2022, up from 149 in May 2022, but still only far below 2021, when 250 members of the 5,188 member workforce were unemployed giving Franklin County a June 2021 unemployment rate of 4.8%.
Unemployment in Hopkins County (as well as many other places) typically increases at least slightly during the month of June, as school lets out and more people of working age are available and seeking jobs, and 2022 was no exception.
In fact, since 2000, unemployment in Hopkins County has only declined once during the month of June, dipping from 6.9% in 2020 to 6.5% in June2020, then continuing to decline monthly in July and August of 2020.This largely reflects the impact COVID-19 and mandated shutdowns and restricted occupancy levels at businesses and venues from the latter half of March 2020 through July 2020. In 2020, unemployment rose from 3.1% in January and February, to 4.3% in March, then 7.8% in April, when everything except the most “essential” workers were allowed to be out and about. However, the unemployment rate for April 2020 was still not as high as in Hopkins County as the in 2010 and 2011 — the last time the tanked nation-wide. (Unemployment rose to 8.1% in January 2010 2011, 8% in February 2011 and 7.9% in February 2010, and 8.4% in June and 8.2% in July of 2011.)
As building capacities began to rise in 2020 along with the definition of “essential worker” and discontent of some in wearing face coverings, more and more people each month went back to work, causing the unemployment rate to decline. Unemployment in Hopkins County remain below 5% starting in October, giving 2020 an overall average of 5.1%. 2021 ended with an annual unemployment average of 4.6%.
Unemployment in Hopkins County this year has remained below 4%, peaking at 3.8% in January and February, 31% in March and May, 2.8% in April, and back up to 3.5% in June 2022. That’s an overall 3.35% unemployment rate for the first 6 months of 2022.
The 0.4% rise in unemployment from May to June 2022 in Hopkins County reflects a decrease in the overall labor force, from 18,103 to 17,993. The number of employed declined from 17,545 in May to 17,362 in June 2022, which were both better than in June 2020 when only 16,836 out of a labor force of 16,836 were employed. That left 631 people unemployed in June 20202, compared to 558 unemployed in June 2021 and 884 unemployed in Hopkins County in 2020.
Unemployment Below State and Regional Rates
Delta is the only other county in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area to post an unemployment rate below the 4.4% state unemployment average. Delta County’s 4.3% unemployment rate increased by 0.8% from May to June 2022, but was still a full percent less than in June of 2021.
The labor force in Delta County reached 2,461 in May 2022, dipped to 2,455 in June 2022 and was only reported at 2,432 in June 2021. A total of 2,302 in Delta County were reported to be employed in June 2021, leaving 130 jobless. In May 2022, a total of 2,374 were employed leaving only 87 members of the labor force without jobs. Last month, 2,349 Delta County residents were employed, leaving 106 unemployed.
Lamar County’s June 2022 unemployment rate of 4.5% was just below the overall 4.7% unemployment rate for the entire 9 county NETWDA.
In June of 2021, a total of 7,854 Northeast Texans out of the 124,869 labor pool were unemployed. The NETWDA labor pool had declined to 124,601 in May 2022, leaving 5,114 unemployed. The labor pool had risen to 124,804 in June 2022, leaving 5,894 unemployed last month in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area.
Lamar County’s labor force has continued to decline over the last year, from 24,474 in June 2021, to 24,114 in May 2022 and 24,110 in June 2022. In June 2021, 1,420 in Lamar County were unemployed, giving the county a 5.8% unemployment rate. In May 2022, only 959 in Lamar County were jobless, dropping the unemployment rate to 4%. Last month, however, 1,083 were seeking employment in Lamar County increasing the unemployment rate to 4.5% for June 2022.
Unemployment Below 5%
Bowie and Titus Counties each had a June 2022 unemployment rate of 4.9% for June 2022.
The labor force in Titus County has continued to rise over the past year, from 13,532 in June 2021 to 13,570 in May 2022 and 13,542 in June 2022. The number of employed in Titus County has fluctuated, from 12,696 in June 2021 to 13,049 in May 2022, then dipped again last month to 12,976. That left 836 unemployed (6.2%) in June 2021, 521 unemployed (3.8%) in May 2022 and 666 unemployed (4.9%) in Titus County in June 2022.
Bowie County’s unemployment rate rose 0.5% from May 2022, when 1,718 were without jobs (4.4%), to 1,955 of the 39,441 labor force unemployed in June 2022. That’s still 1.6% fewer unemployed in June 2022 than the 2,540 who were unemployed in June of 2021.
Unemployment Above 5%
Both Red River and Cass Counties’ unemployment rates came in at 5.3% for June 2022, a 0.7% increase from May 2022 and a 2.3% decrease from June 2021 for Cass County, and a 0.7% increase from May 2021 and a 0.8% increase from June 2021 for Red River County.
In June 2021, a total of 945 of the 12,428 labor force in Cass County were without jobs. By May 2022, only 564 of the 12,217 labor force were without jobs. That number rose a bit in June 20222 with 652 of the 12,244 member labor force without jobs.
Red River County’s labor force has continued to grow over the past year, with 5,295 working or seeking work in June 2021, 5,343 seeking work in May 2022 and 5,375 seeking work in June 2022. The number of unemployed dwindled from 325 in June 2021 to 245 in May 2022 and had only risen to 285 in June 2022.
Morris County’s unemployment rate continued to be the worst reported in June 2022 in the 9-county WDA. While not nearly as bad as the 11.4% unemployment rate posted in June 2021, when 524 of the 4,062 workforce were unemployed, the 7.9% unemployment rate of June 2022 reflected 344 out of 4,370 in Morris County who were unemployed in June 2022. That’s not as good as in May 2022, when Morris County’s unemployment rate dipped to 7.1%, with 313 out of 4,388 jobless.
2022-2023 Back To School Events Planned At SSHS
The Sulphur Springs High School principal’s office today announced several back to school events planned to get SSHS students ready for the 2022-2023 school year. Events begin next week, and classes will begin on Aug. 17, 2022.
First, SSHS administration reminds that all students should be verified in Skyward, making the new school year ready to roll. Any who have not verified and submitted forms for 2022-2023, are asked to please do so as soon as possible. Students will not be able to access their school schedules until this is completed.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 1, SSHS office will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, with the exceptions of Aug. 4-5 and Aug. 8. The school office will be closed Aug. 4, 5 and 8 for training.
SSHS Students Activities
SSHS 2022-2023 back to school activities for students include:
- August 1-3
- 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Senior Credit Reviews with Counselors
- August 2
- 6 p.m. Freshman and new student orientation with the counselor in the cafeteria to help these students learn to navigate SSHS this year
- August 9-12
- By Appointment, Senior Portraits
- August 9-11
- 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Senior Parking Space Painting Days for those approved
- August 15
- 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. All Student Laptop Pick up at the library
- August 16
- 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fish Camp for freshmen and new students entering the campus for the first time begins in the cafeteria. Students will tour the campus and locate their classes.
- 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. All student laptop pick up at the library
- 5 p.m. Meet the Teacher at SSHS
- 7 p.m. Meet the Wildcats at Prim Stadium.
- August 17
- First day of school — Classes will be from7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for all SSISD students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The tardy bell for the first class of the day will ring at 8 a.m.
Josh Williams has returned to SSHS to serve as principal. He has been serving as an assistant principal, but said his heart is with the students and staff he’s missed desperately. When Derek Driver’s resignation was announced in May, Williams took the opportunity to return to the SSHS campus to once again serve and get to know the students in his role as principal. The move was announced at the end of the spring 2022 semester.
The campus will also have many new staff, new looks and Williams’ office anticipates, lots of new excitement.
The motto at SSHS is that “Everything Counts and Everyone Counts.”
For additional information about any of these topics or other back to school questions, visit the campus page on the district website, or contact SSHS Principal Josh Williams at 903-885-2158.
SSISD Staff/Teacher Activities
Students aren’t the only ones who will begin reporting to campus next week. Teachers and staff will begin meeting regularly in less than 2 weeks too in order to have their classrooms set up, receive the requisite training and get everything ready for the kids for meet the teacher and the start of the new school year.
The schedule for staff and teachers includes:
- Aug. 4-5
- New Teacher Orientation
- Aug. 8-12
- Back to School staff preparation days
- Aug. 15-16
- Back to School staff preparation days
Staff development and work days will be from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break. and 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. with 1 1/2 hour-long lunch, per the SSISD calendar.
Blood Sugar Woes in the Middle of the Night?
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Family and Community Health Agent
If you have diabetes, you might have encountered the dreaded “dawn phenomenon.” If your blood sugar is higher when you wake up in the morning than when you went to bed, you may be experiencing this effect. Your body naturally releases certain hormones to stimulate the body prior to waking up (beginning around 4 a.m. in order to prepare for the day. These hormones cause blood sugar to rise and the cells to be slightly more insulin resistant, thus higher readings in the morning.
Having a snack that consists primarily of healthy fat and protein is best. According to Rebecca Dugas from Diabetes Daily, some examples include:
- Small handful of nuts
- Spoonful of nut butter
- Cheese
- Avocado
- Meat and cheese roll-up
- Hard-boiled egg
- Greek yogurt
- Handful of seeds (such as sunflower kernels)
Some people, usually those who are on insulin therapy, find that their blood sugars bottom out at night. The “Somogyi effect” may require a carby bedtime snack. The Somogyi effect (also called reactive hyperglycemia) is when a low blood sugar in the middle of the night (usually 2-3 a.m.) prompts the liver to release glucagon. Glucagon converts your sugar stores into glucose to counter the hypoglycemia. However, sometimes the liver pumps out too much and your sugars rise higher than they should in response.
If you’re seeing high blood sugar readings in the morning after a low blood sugar in the wee morning hours, try having a bedtime snack that has around 15-20 grams of carbs combined with some protein and/or fiber, such as:
- Cheese and crackers
- Peanut better on a slice of whole-wheat toast
- Cottage cheese with pineapple
- Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries
- Hard-boiled egg and a medium/small banana
- Whole wheat crackers with tuna
To reiterate the three bonus tips for everyone:
Exercise portion, carb, and calorie control. Know how much you need and understand what a serving size actually looks like.
Choose healthy snacks. Again, this requires you to know what’s right for you and your particular needs. Stay away from things that are pure sugar, contain high fructose corn syrup, or have more arbs in one serving that most people with diabetes should have in an entire day.
Eat mindfully. Focus on the food and avoid distractions.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop
If you are engaged to be married, seriously dating, or already married, this workshop is for you! Topics covered are: marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goal setting. Put this date on your calendar and be sure to call our office to sign up. Registration is free and engaged couples will receive a certificate to present to the County clerk’s office to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license.
- When: Saturday, August 13
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Hopkins County, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. The certificate for engaged couples is good for an entire year, so even if you aren’t planning to marry until August 2023, the certificate is still viable.
Closing Thought
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. – Albert Einstein
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County,
P.O. Box 518, 1200-B W. Houston St., Texas, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at 903-885-3443 or [email protected]
July 27 Chamber Connection: Stew Sponsorships Letters Go Out Next Week; Vendors Market, Cook Team Apps Available
By Butch Burney, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
Registration for the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, set for Oct. 22, is open.
To register, go online to the Chamber’s website at HopkinsChamber.org/stewcooks, email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515. The cost to enter is $100 per stew pot, with $150 coming from the sponsor to pay for ingredients.
This year, stew cooks can also pre-order a T-shirt with “Stew Cook” on the back for $15.
Register now to reserve your spot from last year.
We also are taking applications for our vendor market at the stew. Cost is $75 for Chamber members, $100 for nonmembers. Go to our website at HopkinsChamber.org or call Amanda at 903-885-6515 to register.
Our sponsorship letters will go out next week, so be looking for those!
Stewcomers Meeting
For those who are interested in cooking up a pot of stew for the Stew Festival, the Chamber will have a Stewcomers meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.
Participating in the meeting does not obligate you to cook in the Stew Fest, but it will give you information on the process, including recipes, timelines and what to expect. Email [email protected] for more information on the meeting.
Leadership Apps Available
Leadership Sulphur Springs is back for another year, and registration has begun.
Leadership Sulphur Springs is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce. The course was created in 1989 with the concept of offering leadership training and community involvement for emerging business and community leaders. It is a nine-month session, with meetings held once a month.
Applicants should have lived or worked in Hopkins County for at least a year, have demonstrated a concern for the community, possesses high standards of persona quality and integrity, willing to commit the time required for the program, have the endorsement of their employer to take the necessary time away from work.
To apply, go to the Chamber’s website at HopkinsChamber.org, email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
The cost is $500, usually paid by the applicant’s employer.
Breakfast Hours
Come get some breakfast treats during the Chamber’s next Business Before Hours, hosted by Nunez Roofing, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Chamber office.
Whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not, come on for one of the best networking events.
Jet Ski Championships
Four days of championship jet ski racing is coming to Sulphur Springs on Aug. 4-7 for the Jettribe Mid-America WaterX Championship. Racers from all over the USA, and even as far away as Australia and England, will battle it out to see who takes home the championship trophy.
Spectators can watch the race action for free from the shores of Lake Coleman. Just bring some shade and chairs. There will be food, ice cream, power sports merchants, and family games. Check out www.jettribe.com/sulphursprings for more information!
Free vendor space is available. Food registrations are full, but merchant and game vendors are welcome to apply. All registration requests must be made online: www.jettribe.com/vendors.
Crowds of 400-plus racers, their families, and local spectators are expected throughout the long weekend. Vendors can attend any day(s), you do not need to be present all four days. Pre-registration is required for a FREE 10 x 10 vendor booth space. There is a limit to one vendor per sales category, and space is limited to first-come, first-served basis.
Ribbon Cuttings
- We hope that you will join us for a ribbon cutting Monday, Aug. 1, at 9:15 a.m. for the CHRISTUS Mobile Athletic Training Room at Gerald Prim Stadium. There will be a ribbon cutting on Monday, with plans to do a tailgate before one of the Sulphur Springs Wildcat football home games.
- Lacy Shirley with Supreme Lending had a ribbon cutting at noon Friday, July 22, at the Chamber office. Please welcome Lacy to the business community.
- LegenDairy Heifer, an ice cream and refreshment truck, will have a ribbon cutting with its unique vehicle at the Chamber office at noon Friday, July 29. The public is invited to the event.
Business of the Week
Our Business of the Week for July 27 is Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook to find out more about this outstanding business.
2 Women Arrested On 1 Controlled Substance Charge Each
Two women were arrested by deputies over the past 4 days on 1 controlled substance charge each, according to arrest reports.
Hillcrest Drive Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson stopped a Dodge Ram pickup at 6:33 a.m. July 22, 2022, on South Hillcrest Drive south of Houston Street for a defective tail light and an expired registration. While talking with the driver, Wilkerson noticed a pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke marijuana containing burn marijuana in view in the truck.
He had Lesa Danielle Burns step out of the vehicle. A records check revealed the woman to be wanted on two local traffic warrants, so Wilkerson placed the 43-year-old Fruitvale woman into custody then conducted a probable cause search of the pickup. He reported finding items of drug paraphernalia and a small bag containing a crystal-like substance he believed based on his law enforcement training to be methamphetamine.
HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans soon arrived to assist Wilkerson by transporting Burns to jail at 6:39 a.m. The suspected contraband was taken as evidence and the woman’s vehicle impounded. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 0.054 gram, including packaging, and tested positive for meth. As a result, the woman was booked into the county jail at 8:01 a.m. Friday, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance as well as the speeding and driving while license invalid warrants. A drug-free zone enhancement was added to the controlled substance charge due to the vehicle’s proximity to an elementary school (about 78 feet away).
Burns, who jail reports show is also known by Lisa Danielle Dick and Lesa Danielle Dick, was released from Hopkins County jail later July 22, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge. Fees owed on the traffic charges totaled $877.50, according to arrest reports.
West Shannon Road Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s office Deputies Drew Fisher and Isaac Foley reported stopping a Chevrolet Equinox at 3:02 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2022, in the 1600 block of West Shannon Road for a traffic violation.
While talking to deputies, the 22-year-old Dallas woman displayed signs of nervousness and deceptiveness, Fisher alleged in arrest reports. When the deputies advised the woman of her rights, she allegedly admitted to having methamphetamine in her vehicle. Deputies looked and reported finding a clear bag containing what amounted to be 0.564 grams of what appeared to be meth.
Amy June Snyder was taken into custody at 3:13 a.m. Monday and transported to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked in at 3:47 a.m. on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge and was also charged on a city no driver’s license offense.
Snyder was released from Hopkins County jail later July 25, 2022, on a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail records.
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.
Brashear Man Jailed On Deadly Conduct Charge
A 47-year-old Brashear man was jailed Monday, July 25, 2022, on a deadly conduct charge, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Dan Turrentine and Sgt. Richard Greer responded at 3:20 p.m. Monday to check on Donnie Massey. As they arrived on the property they heard what sounded like a gunshot from the shop area. A man holding a pistol then appeared in the shop doorway. When Sgt. Greer ordered the man to drop the pistol, he complied, dropping it to the shop floor.
Greer recognized the man as Donnie Massey, who about a minute later opened the shop door and walked outside empty-handed. Greer ordered the 47-year-old Brashear man to the ground, he kept walking toward the officers. When he continued advancing after being instructed several times to get on the ground, Greer deployed his Taser. Massey then dropped to the ground.
Turrentine put handcuffs on Donnie Eugene Massey Jr. and placed him into custody at 3:30 p.m. Deputy Kevin Lester then arrived and placed the man on the back seat of Turrentine’s patrol vehicle. Turrentine transported Massey to Hopkins County jail, where the Brashear man was booked in at 4:59 p.m. July 25, 2022, with deadly conduct-discharge of a firearm.
Massey remained in jail on the charge Tuesday, July 26, 2022, according to jail reports.
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.
