Chamber Connection: VFW And American Legion Host Sept. 10 Blood Drive At Brookshire’s
By Butch Burney, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, [email protected]
Past cooks have until Friday, Sept. 23, to register for the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival and retain their site from last year.
If you have cooked stew in the past or want to for the first time, now is the time to register for Stew Fest, presented by Alliance Bank. The Stew Festival is Saturday, Oct. 22, with Friday night activities, hosted by Bob Evans Foods, will be going on the night before at Buford Park.
To register for a cook site, 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. Register now to reserve your spot from last year.
This year, stew cooks can also pre-order a T-shirt with “Stew Cook” on the back for $15.
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.
Blood Drive
American Legion Post 66 and VFW Post 8560 will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, with the Carter BloodCare bus set up in the Brookshire’s parking lot at 809 Gilmer St. As a thank you, donors will receive two pairs of socks.
For more information, contact Andy Lowen at 903-355-3733 or [email protected].
Homecoming Parade
The Dial Study Club is bringing back the Sulphur Springs High School Homecoming Parade at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22.
The parade, sponsored by Triple Crown Roofing, will begin at Buford Park, go east down Connally Street, turn north on Davis Street and then west on Houston Street to end at the park. It will not go around the square.
Ribeye Roundup
If you’re looking for a great steak, you don’t want to miss the Cattleman’s Classic and Ribeye Roundup on Saturday, Oct. 1, on the downtown plaza.
The event features a steak cook-off which will include an expected 40-plus cook teams, educational trade show, free Bobby Irwin concert and more.
Cooks have until Sept. 1 to get their entry forms in, and this year there will be a junior cook classification for youth ages 7-17. Go to the Facebook page to learn more.
You can also get a blue Ribeye Roundup T-shirt for just $14 at the Chamber of Commerce, 110 Main St. Come by to pick one up!
Quilt Show
The 21st Annual Quilt Show, presented by the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild, is set for Sept. 23-24 at First Baptist Church’s The ROC. Admission is $5 per person (under 12 are free). It will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Lisa Erlandson, AQS certified appraiser of Quilted Textiles and historian, will be the special speaker. There will be more than 100 quilts along with door prizes and vendors. For more information, go to SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.
Nurse Needed
Choice Hospice has an opening for an RN case manager and is offering a $5,000 sign on bonus. Choice is looking for a passionate and engaged nurses responsible for the overall clinical care of a caseload of seriously ill patients served in their place of residence.
To apply, go to indeed.com or visit the Choice office at 601 Airport Road, Suite 120 in Sulphur Springs.
Man Accused Of Shooting Out Back Window Of Woman’s Pickup
A 23-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday on an aggravated assault charge for allegedly shooting out the back window of a woman’s pickup earlier this week.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched 10:56 p.m. Sept. 6, 2022, to an active disturbance in northeastern Hopkins County. A woman was reported to be in a vehicle facing toward a store at the corner of FM 71 and State Highway 19 north. A man was alleged to be in the bed of her pickup, attempting to break out the back glass in the truck.
Upon arrival at the store, however, they were told the woman had turned around and headed to the residence of the man in the back of the truck. The man reportedly got out of the truck, but wouldn’t let the woman leave.
Deputies headed toward the man’s County Road 4770 residence. Upon reaching the intersection of FM 71 west and FM 3505 at 11:15 p.m., the deputies noticed a pickup matching the description of the one the female was said to be driving stationary near the intersection.
The HCSO deputies contacted the woman, who alleged Laramie Jordan Massey had shot at her pickup from the residence while she was leaving, causing the back glass of her pickup to shatter. Deputies reported the woman, who was later reported to be in a dating relationship with Massey, also lived at the CR 4770 residence. She also provided video evidence of the disturbance. Deputies found a bullet defect in the tailgate of the pickup, Deputy Thomas Patterson alleged in arrest reports.
While deputies talked with the female, she advised a vehicle that passed by them was that of the man’s mother. When the vehicle turned onto CR 4770, deputies went to Massey’s residence to ensure he did not leave before their investigation of the incident was concluded. Massey exited the residence and was placed into handcuffs, put in a patrol unit and advised of his rights, according to arrest reports.
Deputies then talked briefly to Massey, the woman from the pickup and Massey’s mother about the allegedly shooting of the truck. Shell casings were found in the CR 4770 yard and Massey was determined to have fired a .22-250 firearm while the female was attempting to leave the residence, Patterson alleged in arrest reports.
Evidence, including the firearm, was collected by HCSO deputies, and Massey was transported at 1:11 a.m. Sept. 7 to Hopkins County jail. Massey was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:22 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, on an aggravated assault of a family, date or household member with a weapon.
Credited in assisting in the investigation and arrest Sept. 6 were HCSO Deputies Thomas Patterson, Justin Wilkerson, Josh Davis, Michael Chang, Bobby Osornio and Sgt. Scott Davis.
The 23-year-old rural Sulphur Springs man remained in HCSO jail Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, in lieu of the $100,000 bond set on the first degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Massey has been jailed locally on one other assault charge. He was arrested Dec. 9, 2020, for assault of a public servant as well as evading arrest or detention and public intoxication. He was accused of first running from officers, who attempted to intervene in a disturbance involving multiple individuals on Connally Street, then of swinging an elbow into the face of the officer who tackled him to the ground to detain him, police alleged in Dec. 9, 2020 arrest 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.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Aggravated Robbery And False Report To Officer
A 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused Thursday of aggravated robbery and giving a false report or statement to an officer, according to arrest reports.
Deputies were dispatched to Carter Street in Sulphur Springs to a family violence assault called in on the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 4:57 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022. A criminal trespass warning was issued to at least one inividual for that location. The address was that of by Michael Ratcliff Jr., who was involved in the incident, according to HCSO dispatch records.
HCSO reported the aggravated robbery offense alleged to have occcurred on Aug. 31, 2022, involved a cell phone being taken during a disturbance.
HCSO Deputy Chris Baumann was made aware Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, that two warrants had been issued for Michael Lee Ratcliff Jr.’s arrest. Baumann contacted Ratcliff, who also is known by MJ, Mike and Little Michael the deputy noted in arrest reports, at his residence and took the 25-year-old into custody at 2:30 p.m. on both warrants for the alleged Aug. 31, 2022 offenses.
Ratcliff was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:32 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, on the first-degree felony aggravated robbery charge and a Class B misdemeanor giving a false report or statement to an officer charge, according to arrest records.
The Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail later Sept. 8, on a $30,000 bond on the felony charge and a $2,000 bond on the misdemeanor charge, 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.
Scammers Are Using Attorney General’s Name, Seal, Signature In Email To Steal Personal Info.
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton today warned Texans of scammers attempting to use Attorney General Paxton’s name, signature, and the Office of the Attorney General seal to get their personal data.
This email “phishing” scam attempts to scare consumers by claiming they have committed identify theft and are facing prosecution and significant jail time, in an email that purports to be signed by the Attorney General. Recipients are then instructed to call a toll-free number to provide their personal data.
If you or anyone you know receives an email or any other communication like this, please report the suspected fraud to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling toll-free 1-800-621-0508, or by filing an online complaint at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint.
9/11 Memorial Observance Hosted At Hopkins County Fire Station
Local emergency responders took time to remember those who died Sept. 11, 2001 in the terrorist attacks on this country during a 9/11 Memorial Observence hosted at Hopkins County Fire Station on Friday morning, Sept. 9, 2022 (since Sept. 11, 2022 falls on a Sunday).
This is the fifth year a 9/11 Memorial Oobservance has een held at the fire station. HCFD Assistant Fire Marshal and Fire In Texas Instructor Rodney Caudle opened the ceremony, reminding those present the reason for the occassion — ensuring those emergency responders who lost their lives during the terror attacks on American soil on Sept. 11, 2001, are never forgotten for their sacrifice, giving their lives trying to save other victims.
“Times are changing, people are changing. The majority of people we encounter are glad we are here. There’s a few who have hate and resentment towards us. Let us remember that we can overcome any endeavor or feat by looking to God for help,” Caudle said “Let us remember that thy word is a lamp u ntil my feet and light untomy path. Let us stay forcused and help restore unity where evil has prevaled. God bless each and every one here.”
Joel Tiemeyer, who has served as a local chaplain for the fire department and is pastor at The Way Bible Church, sited Psalm 91:15, then offered a prayer of thanks for God’s protection and calling upon Him, “acknowledging that we need you now more than ever.” He also prayed offering remembrance for those who lost loved ones during the terrorist attacks, all the families that were affeccts, and “all the great heroes who gave their lives that day,” and calling on the Lord to continue to be with those who have surred through the tragedy, to wrap His arms around them. Then, in prayer, Tiemeyer offered thanks for the Lord’s goodness, faithfullness, “that we can stand here today, grateful for all the heroes who stand here today.” Tiemeyer called upon God, asking him to “bless this nation once again, and Lord Father, come through for us as you always have. And, we thank you for allowing us to come together today.”
Recruits from Fire In Texas academy filed in behind bagpiper Paul Watson, lining the driveway beside and behind the flag poles. Officers raised the three flags. Those present were asked to pledge allegiance to the USA and Texas flags. The FIT Academy officers also lowered the flags in memory of the many lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, in the terror attacks.
Tribute was paid to those whose lives were lost over the emergency services radio, with all except emergency traffic asked to stop for a moment of silence and prayer for the occassion. After Watson played Amazing Grace, HCFD performed the ceremonial ringing of the bell from a fire truck, in five rounds of three. Over the radio, all were asked to take a moment to remember the firefighters, police officers and EMS responders called to action, who most will remember because they ran toward the danger when it struck on American soil on Sept. 11, 2001, for their help and sacrifice in this pivotal event in American history.
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Rodney Caudle and Joel Tiemeyer 
9/11 Memorial Observance held at Hopkins County Fire Station on Sept. 9, 2022 
9/11Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Fire In Texas recruits proceed in and Paul Watson plays bagpipes 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Fire In Texas officer recruits 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Fire in Texas officers present colors 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Fire in Texas recruit officers raise flags 
9/11 Memorial Oobservance at Hopkins County Fire Station — flags being raised 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — reciting pledges to flags 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — flagslowered in remembrance of those killed in the terror attack Sept. 11, 2001 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Tamara Williams with the Reinforcement Foundation presents a hat for Rodney Caudle to draw a name from 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Fire in Texas recruits departing 
9/11 Memorial Observance at Hopkins County Fire Station — Paul Watson plays bagpipes
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend,” EMS officials stated over the itercom system. “Twenty-one years ago, 412 emergency responders, including 343 New York City firefighters, 60 police officers , 80 emergency medical technicians from EMS services and one patrolman from New York Fire Patrol ran towards danger and did not make it home to their families. Today, we honor their courage, commitment and sacrifice with a longstanding tradition in the fire service, with the tolling of the bells … indicating a firefighter has not returned or has fallen.”
All were asked to observe radio silence during that time, unless they had emergency traffic, while the HCFD engine bell was rung.
Before the 9/11Memorial Observance was over, Tamara Williams with The Reinforcement Foundation (a charitable organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of first responders and their families, by supporing the men and women who make sacrifices every day while serving in the community) held a drawing for law enforcement. Chad Norris with Sulphur Springs Police Department’s name was drawn to receive a $125 gift card for GT Distributors.
Tiemeyer also offered a closing prayer, for peace today in this nation and His guidance, that the sacrifices that have been made never be forgotten, and that the legacy and spirt of God be caried forward in all as they go throughout the day.
Watson then played Taps as the recruits filed out to conclude the program.
Watson said it was an honor to be part of the 9/11 Memorial Observance. Fire recruits said it meant a lot to them to be asked to take part as well.
Also included among those attending the 9/11 observance Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, were members of SSPD, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, HCFD, Sulphur Springs Fire Department, Hopkins County EMS, volunteer firefighters, local judges and elected officials, and community members.
Registration at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
REGISTERING
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Director Rob Stanley works with Brandi Redden of Sulphur Springs as she registers for the fall semester at the 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.
NETBIO Cattle Sale Set for Friday, September 16th
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission
Public Information Services
NETBIO cattle sale Friday, Sept. 16
The Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) will hold its next pre-
conditioned calf and yearling sale on Friday, September 16.
Cattle producers have consigned over 6,000 head of cattle to the sale, which will be held at the
Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction Market beginning at 1 p.m. The cafe will be open, and the cattle
will be penned for viewing before the sale.
Calves consigned to the sale would have been weaned by July 16 and had their boosting shots
by August 16.
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner and NETBIO board member David Fowler
said NETBIO member-producers will have a lot of quality cattle in the sale. All the calves offered in
the sale will have been pre-conditioned through the NETBIO vaccination program and weaned at least
60 days in advance of the sale.
This auction will be broadcast on the Internet. Log onto LIVEAUCTIONS.TV. If you haven’t
registered, click on “register” and go through the steps. Internet buyers should register in advance in
order to bid. If you have questions, call the livestock market office.
For more information about the NETBIO sales and to register, call the Sulphur Springs
Livestock office at 903-885-2455 or visit their Web Site at www.sslivestockauctions.com.
SOS 101, About Voter Registration, First In Video Series About Election Administration In Texas
AUSTIN — Texas Secretary of State John Scott today released the first installment of ‘SOS 101,’ a series of videos educating voters about election administration in Texas ahead of the November 8, 2022 General Election. In the first SOS 101 video, Secretary Scott provides an overview of the voter registration process in Texas, including how eligible Texans can register to vote, how county voter registrars process voter registration applications, and how voter rolls in each of Texas’ 254 counties are maintained for accuracy. Secretary Scott also visits with Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock to discuss voter registration in her county.
“Today, you’ll be learning about one of your most important civic duties as a Texas voter – registering to vote,” Secretary Scott says in the video.
“Whether you’re registering to vote for the first time or need to update your information on your record, make sure and visit VoteTexas.gov and select ‘Voter Registration’ to learn everything you need to know about voter registration in Texas.”
“Brazos County is up to 123,000 voters,” Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock explains in the video.
“Right now, we’re having Volunteer Deputy Registrars come in dropping off new applications. We’re a college town, we have over 70,000 students here, so they’re working hard at the campus to get those young folks registered.”
Hancock joined Secretary Scott in reminding eligible Texas voters that the deadline to register for the November 8, 2022 General Election is Tuesday, October 11.
SOS 101: Voter Registration in Texas covers the following key topics:
1. Eligibility Requirements
In Texas, you are eligible to register to vote as long as you are:
- A United States citizen;
- A resident of the county where you submit your voter registration application;
- At least 18 years old on Election Day.
- Not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation, and parole); and
- Not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
2. Completing Your Application
If you’re a new voter in Texas, you have several options when registering to vote, including:
- Registering to vote when obtaining a Texas Driver License or Texas ID card at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS);
- Registering to vote online when renewing, replacing or updating your Texas Driver License or Texas ID card; or
- Complete, sign and send a voter registration application to your county voter registrar.
If you are already registered to vote and simply need to update information on your voter registration record – such as your address, name or identification number(s) – you can do so online at Texas.gov.
Remember to make sure your voter registration application is postmarked by Tuesday, October 11th to vote in the November 8th General Election.
3. How Your County Voter Registrar Processes Your Application
When your county voter registrar receives your voter registration application, the registrar will enter your information into the statewide voter registration database – the Texas Election Administration Management (TEAM) system. Some Texas counties choose to use their own third-party vendors that are responsible for communicating with the TEAM system to ensure all voter registration information is updated in a timely manner.
Once the registration information is entered in TEAM, it goes through a process called ‘Live Check’ – which verifies the Driver License, ID and/or partial Social Security number (last 4 digits) on your registration application with DPS and the Social Security Administration.
Once your registration passes the Live Check process, you should receive your voter registration certificate from your county voter registrar in the mail within 30 days.
If you don’t receive your voter registration certificate in the mail in time to vote – don’t worry, you can still vote! You aren’t required to show your registration certificate to vote in person – just be sure to bring one of 7 approved forms of photo ID for voting, and know what forms of ID you can bring if you don’t possess and can’t reasonably obtain one.
4. Verify Your Voter Registration Status
Once you’ve submitted your voter registration application, you can visit www.votetexas.gov and click on ‘Am I Registered?‘ to check your registration status.
Through the My Voter Portal, you can:
- Check your voter registration status;
- View a list of Election Day and Early Voting poll locations;
- View your registration information, including your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID);
- Start a new voter registration application;
- Update your registration information; or
- Track your ballot by mail, if you are eligible to vote by mail
5. Voter List Maintenance
The Texas Secretary of State’s office follows state and federal law in ensuring the voter rolls in each of Texas’ 254 counties stay up-to-date and accurate, and that ineligible voters are removed from the rolls.
For example, an average of between 10-15 thousand deceased voter registration records are removed from the voter rolls statewide each month in Texas. Texas counties report monthly cancellation numbers to our office, which show how many registrations were cancelled, and for what reason.
Because Texans move often, tens of thousands of duplicate registrations are cancelled each month. This ensures that no person is registered at more than one address, in more than one county, or in more than one state.
Voter registrations can also be cancelled when a voter is found to be:
- Serving time for a felony conviction;
- A non-U.S. citizen; or
- Declared mentally incompetent.
For more information on voter registration in Texas, visit www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote.
CHRISTUS Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon
Sulphur Springs, Texas – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
New Orthopedic Surgeon
We are excited to welcome to our CHRISTUS family, Dr. Christian Douthit. Dr. Douthit graduated from medical school and did an internship in General Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He performed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Science Center before completing a Fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at the Hand Center of San Antonio. Dr. Douthit cares for patients of all ages and is particularly interested in hand-to-shoulder problems, peripheral nerve surgery, orthopedic trauma, and sports injuries. Dr. Douthit will see patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, located at 103 Medical Circle, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482. For more information, please call 903.885.6688.
Farmer’s Market
Our CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital is hosting a Farmer’s Market on Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of our cafeteria. We will have local, sustainable produce grown by Texas farmers. Our cafeteria will now be incorporating produce from Texas farmers to create a “Farm to Table” menu. Please make plans to come shop the market and have lunch while you are here!
FREE Athletic Injury Clinic for Student Athletes
CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Sulphur Springs offers a FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes. The athletic injury clinic will be held every Saturday from 9am to 11am, on August 27 through November 12. Student athletes from 7 th grade to college age will be able to get a free exam and x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The clinic will be held at our CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedics, Medical Building 5, at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call 903.885.6688.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health COVID Vaccine clinic will continue to offer Adult and Pediatric vaccines and boosters at our clinic on 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs every 3 weeks on the following dates: Sept. 19 – 23, and October 17 – 21. You may walk in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. No appointment is necessary.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Always Learning
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension educators from across the state of Texas recently met in Bryan, Texas, for a state-wide professional development conference. One of our keynote speakers really caught my interest. He was very dynamic, but not in a phony way. He encouraged each of us to find our strengths and use them in our everyday work as well as in our personal lives. He provided a website for us to explore our strengths and character traits. The outcome was extremely interesting. I learned much about my strong suits and what they mean in everyday work and personal life. My top five are listed below:
- Love of learning: mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge whether on one’s own or formally; related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond.
- Prudence: being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.
- Spirituality: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort.
- Honesty: Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense.
- Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.
Among the other top traits were: forgiveness, love, fairness, curiosity, kindness, perseverance, creativity and hope. If you would like to explore your characteristic strengths, simply go to the following website. You will find it very interesting: https://viacharacter.org/ There is no charge to take the survey, but you will need to allow a little time. Research shows that understanding and applying your strengths can help:
- Boost Confidence
- Increase Happiness
- Strengthen Relationships
- Manage Problems
- Reduce Stress
- Accomplish Goals
- Build Meaning and Purpose
- Improve Work Performance
Fall Festival Events
I’ve seen lots of excited buzz on social media about the 2022 Hopkins County fall Festival. One of the popular events is the Arts & Crafts Show. Vendor spaces are available inside the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria, north entrance, and north sidewalk leading into the cafeteria. Spaces are filling quickly, so if you have hand-made, hand-crafted items you would like to sell, please contact me soon. The event will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22. This is a great opportunity to do a little early Christmas shopping! A concession stand will be available inside the cafeteria, and vendors will be selling a great variety of items from wooden toys and puzzles to home décor and everything in between.
Another popular event is the Creative Arts Contest which is similar to the State Fair of Texas creative Arts contest (but on a slightly smaller scale.) Open to Hopkins County residents, individuals can showcase their art, photography, baked goods, food preservation, needlework, woodwork, and more! This event will take place in the Sulphur Springs High School Conference center, Oct. 21 and 22, with registration starting on Oct. 20.
Guidelines for both of these events are available at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 1200 Westt Houston St., Sulphur Springs. We hope to see you at the fair!
Closing Thought
Some people look for a beautiful place; others make a place beautiful.
— Hazrat Khan
Contact Johanna Hicks at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension at the Hopkins County Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483, 903-885-3443, [email protected]
