Passing Of Dan Flynn, Former District 2 Representative, Reported By His Family
Viewing & Service Scheduled Next Week In Canton, Interment To Follow Nov. 9 In Texas State Cemetery in Austin
The passing of former State Representative Dan Flynn at age 79 was announced at 12:42 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, by the Flynn family, on the Dan Flynn for Texas Facebook page.
“Sad news today. Chairman, Representative and Brigadier General Dan Flynn passed away peacefully this morning. He was a wonderful father to Josh, Tammy and Missy and dearly loved his wife Susan. He was also a great friend to many as well as a Texas hero who passed many good bills for Texans and many to protect us on the border and to keep Texas Military forces strong. Details will follow as soon as we know them.”
-The Flynn Family
Viewing for former Rep. Dan Flynn will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 3, 2022, at Eubanks Funeral Home in Canton, with a service to follow at 2 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, at Lakeside Baptist Church in Canton. Flynn will be interred during a service at 2 p.m. Nov. 9, in Texas State Cemetery in Austin.
Texas State Cemetery provides a final resting-place for individuals who have made a significant contribution to Texas. Stephen F. Austin, 11 governors, numerous legislators, judges and unique individuals throughout Texas’ history are some of the people buried at the Texas State Cemetery, according to Texas Preservation Board.
Flynn represented Hopkins, Hunt and Van Zandt Counties for 18 years, from Jan. 14, 2003-Jan. 11, 2021, as Texas House District 2 Representative. He was defeated in his bid for reelection in a very close run-off in May 2020.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Flynn,” said Rep. Bryan Slaton, who won the District 2 seat in 2022, said in a statement Friday afternoon. “My sincerest condolences go out to his family, and I offer up my prayers for comfort and peace. The news of the passing of Dan Flynn is a reminder to all of us that life is fragile. We are all grateful to Representative Flynn for the work he did to defend innocent life and for his service to our community, and I am thankful that the Lord saw fit to allow Dan to witness the ending of Roe v. Wade after a lifetime of fighting for the unborn.”
Slaton asked for “everyone to lift up Dan Flynn’s family during this time of grieving. Though Dan and I didn’t agree on everything, we both professed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and that is a glorious thing to celebrate today.”
Daniel Archie Flynn was born on Feb. 21, 1943, and was a graduate of McCallum High School in Austin. He and wife Susan have three children, and several grandchildren he was very proud of.
Dan Flynn served in the United States Army, as Texas Navy Admiral and Brigadier General of Texas Army National Guard. As a state representative, he continued to represent the interests of veterans and active duty service personnel as a member of the Defense and Veterans’ Affairs committee more than one term. In fact, he chaired the Defense and Veterans’ Affairs committee in 2017 and 2019.
While serving as state representative, Flynn served on a number of committees and held a number of leadership roles on those committees. In addition to the Defense and Veterans Affairs’ committee, he also chaired the Pension Committee in 2015. He co-chaired the TRS Health Benefit Plans committee in 2015 and the Transparency in State Agency Operations Select Committee in 2013. Flynn served as vice chair of Investments and Financial Services committee in 2013, Border and Intergovernmental Affairs committee in 2009, Financial Institutions in 2003 and 2007, Pensions and investments committee in 2005.
Before representing House District 2 at the State Capitol, Representative Flynn served as County Judge of Van Zandt County. He also served as a legislative aide in the State House of Representatives
When not serving his country in the House and Armed Forces, Flynn worked as a consultant in the financial and banking industries in Texas, nationally and internationally, and was later appointed Deputy Banking Commissioner for the State of Texas. He also was owner/partner of TFM Sound, incorporated; owner/publisher of The Area Dispatch; president and CEO for Merchants Financial Corporation and Merchants State Banks, seniors management consultant of The Blender Group, senior vice president/manager and banking correspondent for Texas Bank and Trust Company.
“On behalf of the Alonzo family we extend condolences. We thank Speaker Joe Strauss for having chosen Chairman Flynn to be Chairman of Pensions Committee and what a great job he did for police, Firefighters, state employees, teachers and many more. As his Vice Chairman I can say it was a joy to follow his leadership. Texas has lost a champion. But God welcomes him with open arms. May God bless him Retired State Representative Robert R. Alonzo posted to he Dan Flynn For Texas page.
Numerous current and past legislators, friends and Texans also offered their condolences and prayers for Flynn’s family and appreciation for his friendship, service and dedication to the residents of District 2, Texas and the United States.
“Cecilia and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Dan Flynn. Representative Flynn was a man of exceptional character, who served his constituents faithfully and fought to uphold the fundamental freedoms that Texans value. From advocating for the right of public schools to display the Ten Commandments in the classroom, to serving as the Chairman of the Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Pensions Committee, Representative Flynn leaves behind an impressive legacy of leadership and selfless service to the people of Texas. He also served as a member of the U.S. Military and as Brigadier General in the Texas State Guard. Representative Flynn will be dearly missed, and our prayers go out to his wife and family during this time of grief,” Gov. Greg Abbott stated in response to Flynn’s death.
Sulphur Springs Ladies Golf Association Donates To In My Closet
By Kayla Price, executive director, Hopkins County Health Care Foundation
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Sulphur Springs Ladies Golf Association held their annual fundraising tournament on October 26 at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Participants showed their support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, not only by raising over $5,000, but also by wearing pink.
The funds raised were donated to the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s In My Closet program which provides free wigs, prosthetics and other needs to Hopkins County women going through treatment for breast cancer.
The monies donated will be used to restock the supplies as well as to assist local, uninsured women by providing access to free mammograms at the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center, a part of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Maleta Reynolds, chair of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, expressed her gratitude to the group.
“These women are so kind to the Foundation. For several years now, they have reminded women of the need for mammograms and self-exams, and they have also raised money to help Hopkins County women get the supplies and care they need. We are so very appreciative for all that the ladies of the SSLGA have done to support In My Closet,” Reynolds said.
In My Closet was established in 2016 and has been source not only for supplies for women going through breast cancer, but also for encouragement.
Trusty Housing Facility Project Progresses, Cost Estimates Discussed
Hopkins County Commissioners Court, Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook and Sheriff Lewis Tatum met with representatives from the construction manager-at-risk, architect and others associated with the planning of the new county jail trusty housing facility Thursday afternoon to go over some cost estimates for the project.
The facility will be funded with a portion of the $7 million in American Rescue Plan money awarded to Hopkins County, as a means to separate the jail trusties from the general population, potentially reducing possible spread of contagious illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza. This keeps the inmates, who are trusted to go with others into the community to perform supervised work, from potentially spreading any germs they may have picked up with the rest of the jail. It also limits trusties’ exposure to inmates held in Hopkins County jail.
The project, as estimated during discussion between county and Sedalco officials Thursday, is currently on track to cost $4.7 million — just under the $4.9 million allocated from the ARP funding for the project.
The project had to be scaled back over the past year due to increased construction costs from chain supply issues such as limited availability of certain materials in a timely manner; the project as originally planned was projected at more than $7 million. Most products are readily available, creating a better market this year than last. The prime problem contractors and builders is that with the market wide open, some are having a hard time keeping up. Ordering as far ahead as possible, getting as many of the required materials on site, especially those that seem to take a longer time to get in, on site before beginning construction should also help reduce wait times and speed up the construction process once it begins.
A kitchen for the inmates to use to prepare meals for themselves instead of say a microwave was removed from the plan, as were some more costly mostly cosmetic materials.
While no agreements have yet to be signed with contactors yet, Sedalco representatives were able to give the county officials a pretty close estimate on actual costs, which came in at close to $4.7 million for the new building to house the trusted county jail inmates. The Sedalco representatives also pointed out some area that were expected to come in a little lower and others a little higher than originally projected, and a few areas that could be substituted, removed or downgraded to keep the project under budget.
Sedalco anticipates presenting for Commissioners’ consideration at the Nov. 14, 2022 Court meeting an amendment to their agreement with the county, to clarify the scope, drainage, a construction schedule and more specifics. Of course, the building will have to get final approval not just from the county but also from the jail standards board.
The 7,860-square foot 48-bed building will be constructed across the street from the current jail and sheriff’s offices. A county building on that property will need to be demolished or moved to another location within 6 weeks of the project mobilizing.
The project managers anticipate updating the Commissioners Court either weekly or bi-weekly on building progress and any changes required, including anything that goes over the budgeted amount, any difficulties experienced.
Tatum asked if the inmates could help with some parts of the project, perhaps tending to landscaping, like they did outside the District Court, Clerk and District Attorney’s offices, to help reduce costs.
There are still some details to be worked out or factored in, including office and communications equipment, and certain aspects of dirt work. Permits and tap fees still need to be addressed.
Tatum said the sooner construction can get going steadily the better. The jail is operating right at capacity. Housing trustees across the street from the jail would free up more cells to house other inmates, including potentially federal inmates who net $70 a day to be housed there. This would also allow the county to better meet jail standards.
16 People Booked Into Hopkins County Jail On Felony Warrants
At least 16 people were booked into Hopkins County jail on felony warrants Oct. 19-26, 2022.
Brandon Nicholas Carrell was served at 5:12 p.m. Oct. 26, 2022, at the county jail by Corrections Officer Courtney Steward with a warrant for insufficient bond on a manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge. The new bond on the charge was recommended to be set at $150,000, according to arrest reports. Jail records show the 40-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested on a warrant for the controlled substance charge on Aug. 1, 2022, and as released from Hopkins County jail on a $35,000 bond Aug. 16, 2022.
Carrell was already in the county jail Wednesday, Oct. 26, when the warrant was added to the list of offenses he is charged with. He was booked in on Oct. 17, 2022, for possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to jail reports.
Tony Jay Harrington was taken into custody by Officers Courtney Steward at 3:52 p.m. Oct. 26, in the District Courtroom for bond revocations on a July 20, 2022 possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge. The 34-year-old Yantis man’s bond was recommended to be set as a $200,000 surety or cash bond, according to arrest reports.
Jailer Courtney Steward also took Danny Joe Woodard into custody at 10:22 a.m. Oct. 26, 2022, in the District Court on a warrant for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B charge, according to arrest reports. The 35-year-old was arrested on the charge May 17, 2022, then released from the county jail the next day on a $10,000 bond, according to jail records.
Trenton Scott Horn was taken into custody at 3:34 p.m. Oct. 26, 2022, in District Court by Steward for bond revocation on a manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
he 21-year-old Mount Pleasant man was originally arrested Aug. 5, 2022, on a warrant for the controlled substance charge, and was released from jail the next day on a $100,000 bond. His new bond on the felony charge was recommended to be a $500,000 surety or cash bond original offense, according to jail and arrest reports.
Nicholas Lee Farmer was taken into custody at 11:45 a.m. Oct. 25, in the District Court for bond revocation on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, according to arrest reports. The 38-year-old Edgewood man was arrested on the original offense on Dec. 15, 2021; he was released later that day on a $20,000 bond, according to jail records.
HCSO Deputies Kevin Lester and Zack Steward took Howard Ray Wolf Jr. into custody at 3:20 p.m. Oct. 26, at his rural Sulphur Springs residence for insufficient bond on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge., according to arrest reports.
The 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested on the controlled substance charge on Sept. 4, 2022 and released later that day on a $5,000 bond. His new bond was recommended to be set at $25,000, according to arrest reports.
Jaime Antoni Castillo-Zavala turned himself in at 4:51 p.m. Oct. 26, at the jail lobby and was escorted into jail to serve commitment on manslaughter conviction. The offense was alleged to have occurred March 18, 2022.
Jail records show the 38-year-old was arrested on March 18, 2022, the day the offense occurred. He was released from jail the next day on a $100,000 bond on the manslaughter charge. He was sentenced Sept. 20, 2022, to 10 years in prison , a sentence that was suspended, and the Saltillo man was placed on 10 years of probation. Castillo-Zavala, however, will be required to serve 180 days in jail as a condition of that probation, according to Assistant District Attorney Zachary Blackmon.
was taken into custody Sept. 20 and held in jail until he was outfitted Sept. 26 with a SCRAM device to be worn to monitor alcohol consumption by analyzing sweat. He was released on furlough, giving him 30 days to get his affairs in order. After the 30 days, he will once again be place into custody to serve the remainder of the mandatory 180-day sentence, according to Blackmon.
After the 180 days in custody, Castillo-Zavala will be required to go to a substance abuse felony punishment facility (SAFPF) to complete a substance abuse rehabilitation program run by Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The incarceration rehab program is 6 months long, followed by a 3-month aftercare program, which can be as restrictive as a halfway house or as lenient as outpatient rehab. The aftercare would be determined by assessing the defendant’s situation during the 6 month program, according to the ADA.
After Castillo-Zavala is released from SAFPF, Castillo-Zavala will have to complete 500 hours of community service. He also was fined $5,000, the ADA reported.
Tyrone Brown Ramirez was taken into custody at 3:30 p.m. at Midland County jail and transported by HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman on an assault of family or household member-impeding breathing or circulation warrant; bond was recommended at $30,000. The offense, Huffman wrote in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on Jan. 24, 2022.
(2018 HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriffs Office Deputy Richard Brantley and Sgt. Todd Evans took 42-year-old Melissa Kathleen Page of Lindale into custody at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, in court on warrants for theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 and failure to maintain financial responsibility. The offenses, deputies noted to arrest reports, are alleged to have occurred on July 13, 2022.
The 42-year-old Lindale woman’s bond on the felony theft charge was recommend to be set at $5,000, and she owed $513.50 on the charge for not having vehicle insurance, according to arrest reports.
HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans took Crystal McLin Lipe into custody in the District Courtroom at 9:32 a.m. Oct. 24, 2022, on a warrant for bond forfeiture on an April 26, 2022, possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
The 40-year-old DeKalb woman’s bond was recommended to be set at $200,000 cash on the charge, Evans noted in arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Francisco Castro and Sean Hoffman went to a WA Street residence where they were told they likely could find a wanted man. They located Dustin Wayne Wren, served the warrant and took him into custody at 8:29 a.m. Oct. 22, 2022 on the warrant.
The 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into the county jail Saturday on the warrant for violation of probation on an Oct. 22, 2019 manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Bond was recommended at $150,000, the SSPD officers noted in arrest reports
HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson took 56-year-old Kenneth John Isham into custody at 7:28 a.m. Oct. 22, 2022, at his residence on warrant for violation of probation on a June 7, 2022 third or more driving while intoxicated offense. Bond was recommended to be denied on the charge, according to arrest reports.
HCSO Deputy Terry Thompson took Isaac Clidell Woods into custody at 9 a.m. Oct. 21, 2022, at Tarrant County jail and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The 22-year-old Grand Prairie man was booked into Hopkins County jail Oct. 21, 2022, on a warrant for engaging in organized criminal activity. His bond was recommended to be a $20,000 cash only bond, according to arrest reports.
Markevus Deshun Taggart was also transported by Deputy Thompson from Tarrant County jail to Hopkins County jail Oct. 21, 2022. The Fort Worth man was booked in at 12:54 p.m. Friday on warrants for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle. Bond was recommended at $50,000 on the stolen vehicle charge and $75,000 on the evading arrest or detention charge.
HCSO Deputy Michael Chang took Cody Ray Self into custody at the Adult Probation Office. He was reported to have violated his probation for by not obeying certain conditions of his probation.
The 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into the county jail at 9 a.m. Oct. 20, 2022, for violation of probation on an Aug. 19. 2021 possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Bond was recommended to be set at $150,000, according to arrest reports.
HCSO Deputy Bobby Osornio served Charlie James Williams Oct. 19, 2022, at the county jail with a warrant for theft of property valued at less than $2,500, with two or more prior convictions, which enhances the charge to a felony offense, according to arrest reports.
The 36-year-old Sulphur Springs man had been in Hopkins County jail since his arrest Sept. 6, 2022 on a possession of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled substance charge; bond on the felony offense was set at $75,000, according to jail records.
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.
Statewide Hiring Event Connects Veterans with Career Opportunities
“Hiring Red, White & You!” Marks 11th Year of Linking Our Nation‘s Heroes With Texas Employers
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with local workforce development boards throughout the state, and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), will host hiring fairs for veterans in cities across Texas through November 15. TWC’s 11th annual Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Hiring Fair is a joint initiative supported by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Medical Center, and TVC to connect veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers seeking the exceptional skills of veterans and their spouses.
“Texas is home to 1.5 million veterans, the largest population of veterans in any state in the country,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Veterans have the skills, training, and leadership tools necessary to make significant contributions to the civilian workforce and a positive impact on the Texas economy.”
The statewide event is free to attend and assists veterans, service members, and their spouses as they seek their next career opportunity. Employers participate at no cost and are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions Office for more information. Since 2012, Hiring Red, White & You! has served 20,131 employers, connected 114,778 job seekers to meaningful job opportunities, and facilitated 3,198 same-day hires.
“Each year, more than 22,000 uniformed service members transition from the military and remain or return to Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Texas veterans honorably served our country. Through Hiring Red, White and You! TWC is serving them in the next step of their careers.”
Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows employers to receive up to $9,600 of federal business income or payroll tax benefits when they hire from certain qualified groups, including veterans.
“Texas employers participating in Hiring Red, White & You! recognize veterans have a unique skill set that contributes to the overall success of a Texas business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “This event connects employers with our nation’s heroes and provides our veterans with a chance to continue their service with pride and purpose even after the military. Thank you to all Texas employers who make hiring veterans a priority.”
Area Events
The Hiring Red, White & You! events planned around the region include:
- Northeast Texas
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10, 2022, at Texarkana Convention Center, 4610 Cowhorn Creek Road, Texarkana, TX 75503. Event Link: http://netxworkforce.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=939
- Deep East Texas
- 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Nov. 3, 2022, Veterans & their Family Members Only (for transitioning service members, military spouses, National Guard, Reserve, veterans and their family members) at CL Simon Recreation Center, 1112 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. Event Link: https://detwork.org/calendar/event/140701/
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3, 2022, Open to the Public, at CL Simon Recreation Center, 1112 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. Event Link: https://detwork.org/calendar/event/140701/
- East Texas (Tyler and Longview)
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10, 2022, at UT Tyler Ornelas Center, University of Texas at Tyler, 3402 Old Omen Rd., Tyler, TX. Event Link: https://www.easttexasworkforce.org/hr
For More Information
Find additional information on how to participate in Hiring Red, White & You! hiring fairs at https://twc.texas.gov/hiring-red-white-you.
For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit www.twc.texas.gov/veterans.
Truck Driving Instructor Bob Ashbreck Welcomed Students
A BIG CLASS
Truck driving instructor Bob Ashbreck, standing, welcomed a very large number of students into this CDL truck driving class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
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.
16 SSHS Choir Students Advancing From Region To Pre-Area Contest
Sixteen SSHS Choir students who competed Oct. 15 made the Region IV All Region Choir and are advancing to Pre Area competition.
“Many of our advancing students were first time region qualifiers for the TMEA All State process. They gave up many hours after school and on Saturdays for rehearsal. Their hard work and dedication really paid off,” SSHS Choir instructor Beth Cole said of the students efforts for the Oct. 15 contest.
Making the All Region Choir are SSHS seniors Danielle Verlander, Chloe Kerns, Solar Driver, Colbie Glenn, Sean Dial, Axel Garcia, Lausen Ost and Ashland Hooten; juniors Patti Garcia, Alan Guzman, Mika Boren and Reese Offutt; sophomores Celeste McCoy and Mars Patterson; and freshmen Kaisy Garcia-Hidalgo and Moni Finnie.
The All Region Choir Concert will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in the SSHS Auditorium.
The Pre Area Contest will be held Dec. 1, 2022, in Mount Pleasant. Vocalists will have to make the top five chairs in order to advance to the Area Contest.
The Lil 4’s Club is Having Their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner November 19th
The Lil 4’s Club is having their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and we are inviting the community kids and their families out and we are also looking for sponsors to help with this event any items will be greatly appreciated contact Letitia Conliffe 214-809-1908 for more information
Week 4: Hopkins County United Way Receives $16,346.42 In Donations, Pledges Toward Goal
Hopkins County United Way campaign workers turned in another $16,346.42 in donations and pledges, which were applied toward this year’s overall $150,000 goal to benefit 18 local non-profit agencies. Overall, that makes $70,181.69 HCUW had received as of the fourth weekly campaign workers’ report meeting this week, which put the campaign at just shy of 50% of the goal, with only 2 weeks left in the campaign.
“Every week, I am just blown away,” HCUW Campaign Chair Emily Glass said of the generosity shown by the community in the faithful giving, and offered thanks to each contributor for their donation to help HCUW meet the goal to provide the allocated funding to 18 local nonprofits that serve every facet of the community, from meeting basic needs to enrichment and educational programming.
Glass at the Oct. 25 meeting encouraged the many volunteers who serve as campaign workers to follow up with businesses and organizations they left donation packets with to try to get those back in over the next 2 weeks if possible, so their donations can be counted toward this year’s campaign as well.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning noted that there are still packets still out at lots of businesses, some that have traditionally been among the lead donors, that they know are being worked, but aren’t yet ready to be turned in.
For instance, one volunteer noted donations from clinics have yet to be picked up. Local banks are reported to be finishing up their campaigns and should be finished within the next 2 weeks, as should a few schools and industries.
“We are standing very strong and are so appreciative. Lots of good will be done with it,” Glass said.
While most campaign donations and pledges are made through workplaces and civic organizations, Glass reminded at Tuesday’s meeting that anyone who is not contributing through one of the traditional channels may still make a contribution to help support HCUW. Check donations may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way campaign headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made by debit or credit card or PayPal on the the United Way website, hcuw.org, by clicking “Make a Donation”, or via the Hopkins County United Way Facebook Page by clicking “Shop on Website.”
Campaign workers who have received packets but are not able to attend the weekly meetings can contact Berning by phone or text message at 903-243-4066, or by email, to arrange to get the pledges and contributions to her, contact Glass or drop them by Landers Creek Outfitters on Main Street.
Glass reported on donations turned in to her by other campaign volunteers. Andrew Yoder turned in a donation from Texas Farm Credit. Amy Glenn turned in donations from Water Oak pre-school and Water Oak Elementary. Lyndsay Palmer, a first time campaign worker, turned in donations from Sulphur Springs Vet, Broadway Vet Clinic and Hopkins County Vet Clinic. Glass picked up funds from Chad’s Media and Catacon.
Kayla Mitchell turned in donations from Hopkins County Appraisal District, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Balkcom Insurance.
Debra Evans brought in contributions from Giles Insurance, Feeders Supply, Johnson Law Firm, Craig Johnson/Ed Jones. Danny and Debra also made a personal donation.
Among the contributions Amy Griggs turned in from the Hopkins County offices of Kelly Caslon, Human Resources; Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley; Treasurer Danny Davis; Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer; Precinct 1 Constable Norman Colyer; County Court At Law Judge Clay Harrison; ; Precinct 2 Constable John Brian Beadle; Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings; and County Judge Robert Newsom. She too noted contributions from 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay Judge Eddie Northcutt.
Donations HCUW President Kristy Moseley reported turning in included those from Babe on the square, Price Pawn Shops, Marlene’s, Saltillo ISD, North Hopkins ISD.
The hospital’s contest, allowing staff to bid on a reserved parking space for a year, is ongoing. Certain departments are also allowed to pay a cash donation to be able to wear jeans to work.
Carolyn McKinney reported the Extension office staff made a contribution. Not only does Extension benefit from the fund drive through funding allocated to the 4-H program, but Extension staff also serve as campaign workers.
Mary Ferguson turned in packets for All State and Pizza Inn.
Susan Berning reported among donations picked up by Sara Goggans were Hampton House, Sulphur Springs Muffler, Blacklands Railroad Inc., Apex Supply, The Pawn Shop.
Mike Jumped turned in contributions from Dr. Will Longino and Dr. Matth Johnson’s offices.
Tina Phillips turned in packets from at least 3 different businesses, including Julia Wilhite State Farm.
Helen Sapaugh made a generous personal donation; she faithfully gives annually..
Larry and Carrie Crowson reported on contributions from Lou Nell’s and Sulta Manufacturing.
The last two campaign report meetings are slated for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at Hopkins County AgriLife Extension.
Winter Squash – Delicious & Nutritious
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
This time of year, many folks are gathering for football-watching parties, high school sporting event celebrations (by the way, congratulations to the Sulphur Springs Lady Wildcats Cross Country team for qualifying for state!), and autumn get-togethers with friends and families. And of course, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! Many of these celebrations include food of some sort.
When teaching my diabetes classes, I explain that summer squashes (yellow straight or crookneck and zucchini) are low in carbohydrates, while winter squashes (butternut, acorn, kabocha, and pumpkin) have more carbs. Both types are delicious and contain vitamins and minerals that are helpful for the body. One of my personal favorites is butternut squash. Butternut Squash is not only low in calories, but packed with fiber and loaded with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, magnesium, and potassium.
Who knew squash could be creamy and cheesy? Just add a little spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for your new favorite fall recipe. Add these ingredients to your list for an easy and healthy appetizer that will tempt all your guests. Enjoy this recipe to share with your friends or family!
Butternut Squash Dip
Ingredients
(Credit: Dinner Tonight – Texas AgriLife Extension)
- 2 cups butternut squash cubed, steamed
- 4 sundried tomato halves in olive oil drained
- 2 cups spinach leaves frozen, thawed, and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese low-fat
- 1 Tablespoon Ranch Dip Mix
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese nonfat, shredded
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Put cooled steamed squash, sundried tomatoes, drained spinach leaves, ricotta cheese, ranch dip mix, and water into a blender. Combine until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Stir ½ cup of mozzarella cheese into the dip.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the dip.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated, and the cheese is browning on top.
This recipe makes six ½ cup servings. Nutrition information: calories 60; total fat 1.5 g; sodium 260 mg; carbs 6 g; protein 7 g
Enjoy this recipe and enjoy the cooler temperatures!
Closing Thought
Good friends are the rare jewels of life…difficult to find and impossible to replace!
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]
