March 30 – Chamber Connection: Be a Kids’ Hero At CASA Superhero Virtual Walk Promoting Child Abuse Awareness
Upcoming Chamber of Commerce Events Include Golf Tournament, School-Focused Lunch & Learn, Kids Kingdom Rehab Project, Marketing Seminar
By Butch Burney
Golfers have until noon Friday to enter the 33rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, coming to Sulphur Springs Country Club on Friday, April 8.
The tournament format is a six-person scramble, with the low net team putting their names on the trophy.
The morning tee time is 8 a.m. Registration is $750 per team, and that includes three carts, 12 mulligans, six meals, range balls, company banner on hole No. 1 and sponsor list recognition.
If you aren’t a golfer, there are also opportunities to contribute goody bag items, raffle prizes, door prizes and hole sponsorships to promote your business
To register, go to the Chamber website at HopkinsChamber.org or call the office at 903-885-6515.
School Days
Education will the be topic of the Chamber’s next Lunch and Learn, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 20.
Cumby ISD faculty will be on hand to talk about their PTECH program and how student internships can benefit businesses and students alike.
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Mike Lamb will also be on hand to discuss the $93 million bond proposal that will go before voters in May.
Cost of the Lunch and Learn is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers. To register, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email me at [email protected].
Showing Love to Kids Kingdom
Plans are coming together to re-fit and rehab Kids Kingdom in Buford Park.
This year’s Leadership Class has adopted the rehabilitation of Kids Kingdom, everyone’ favorite playground as its class project. And just like when it was constructed 25 years ago, everyone is invited to help.
The Leadership Class has designated the weekend of April 22-24 as work days to re-stain all the wood in Kids Kingdom. It will be professionally powerwashed before that weekend to prepare for the staining.
The class is also planning to replace and/or repair the equipment, such as the handicap swing, chains, swings, tires, etc. for the playground, restore the ground mulch and install lighting for safety and security.
Contact the Chamber to sign up to help that weekend!
Marketing Strategy
Marketing expert Melissa Forziat will be in Sulphur Springs on Thursday, March 31, for an in-person presentation on how to Create a Profitable Marketing Strategy. Her visit is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center at Paris Junior College.
Forziat will speak at 5 p.m. March 31 at City Hall. There is no charge for the event, but registration is requested. To sign-up, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
The session will talk about how to build a marketing funnel for your business to grow the relationships with your audience and generate more sales. You will discover how to build more sales, referrals and loyalty from your audience.
Wildcat Jazz
Wildcat Jazz Band’s 2nd Annual Jazz on the Square is coming to downtown at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21. They will feature songs from Three Dog Night, The B-52s, the Blues Brothers and more.
Living Well
Be Well, Live Well is the topic of a four-session program offered by Texas AgriLife Extension Office. The sessions are April 11, 14, 18 and 21, at 10 a.m. each day. Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 or [email protected].
Be a Kids Superhero
You can be a superhero in attire and deed with the CASA Superhero Virtual Walk to promote Child Abuse Awareness. During the month of April, you are encouraged to walk or run anytime anywhere while wearing a superhero costume, cape or simply a blue shirt. Post your photo on social media with the hasthtag #lakecountrycasa.
Spring Market
The Spring Market on Main is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, on Main Street. Come out shop, eat and purchase from vendors, booths and shops.
Patriot Sporting Challenge
Casino games and an evening of patriotism will be the closing part of the Patriot Sporting Challenge on Saturday, April 9, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
From 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., casino games and a reception with beer, wine and cocktails will be available. Additionally, there will be raffles and drawings.
Buy a Table for 8 People, just $600 (Limited Availability)
After the casino games, dinner will include four different entrees, then special guest speaker Ginger Gilbert Ravella, military wife and widow, mother of five children and recipient of Folds of Honor scholarships, writer and international, will provide an address.
She will be followed by keynote speaker SFC Greg Stube, who is a retired Army Ranger, Green Beret, Special Forces, Advanced Urban Combat training, served in Combat Operations in the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan and as a leadership consultant for the FBI.
Following that, Cooper Wade and his six-piece country and western band will provide music for the dance.
For more information, contact [email protected] or text to 817-296-8985.
Easter Egg Hunt
The Children’s Museum in Commerce is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 2, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The hunt is free with an admission to the museum, located on State Highway 11. The event with include Easter crafts and all day and photos with the Easter bunny.
Night With Champions
Texas A&M-Commerce is hosting a Night With Champions, celebrating student-athlete success and the university’s transition to Division I on Friday, April 8, at the Rayburn Student Center. The event starts at 5:15 with a VIP reception and the program begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds support student-athlete scholarships. For more information, contact Lion Athletics at 903-468-8760 or email [email protected].
Business of the Week
Los Mochis Restaurant is the Business of the Week for March 30. Keep up with our Business of the Week by following the Chamber on Instagram, Facebook and by visiting our website.
Ribbon Cuttings
The city hosted a ribbon cutting at the fitness pad at Pacific Park on Friday, March 25. The pad is free and available for all to use.
Hopkins Rains Retired School Personnel will meet Tuesday, April 12 for the Program Maisey Bass and the Orphan Train Movement
Hopkins-Rains Retired School Personnel
will meet Tuesday, April 12 at 10:00 am
Location: The ROC, 115 Putman St., Sulphur Springs
All retired school employees in the area are invited & encouraged to attend.
PROGRAM: “Maisey” Bass & the Orphan Train Movement
Presenter: Gail Garmon
Gail Garmon, a retired teacher, will portray Marietta Lowry Bass, nicknamed “Maisey.”
She was an amazing woman!
From 1918 to 1933, Mrs. Bass served as the southwestern field agent for the New York Children’s Aid Society.
In addition, she served as an agent for Texas orphanages. She traveled across the Midwest,
finding homes for underprivileged children. This work became known as the Orphan Train Movement.
Join us as we step back in history to learn about the children and families who were part of the Orphan Train Movement and it’s connection to our area!
Texas Rangers Seek Assistance In Locating Homicide Suspect
Erath County – Texas Rangers are investigating a homicide that occurred in Dublin, Texas on March 27, 2022, and need your assistance locating a suspect.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a female was shot and killed in the 400 Block of West Valley Street, in Dublin, Texas, on March 27, 2022. The suspect, Jesus Manuel Deleon, is 60 years old, approximately 5’08” tall and 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Deleon was observed driving away from the residence in a black Ford F-150 pickup that was later found abandoned in Hamilton County on March 28, 2022.
If you have information on Deleon’s whereabouts, please contact Texas Ranger B. J. Hill at 254-965-5928, the Dublin Police Department at 254-445-3455, or call Erath County Crime stoppers at 254-965-CASH (2274), or submit a tip viathe online form at www.erathcountycrimestoppers.com.
Deleon should be considered armed and dangerous, do not attempt to apprehend Deleon yourself, contact law enforcement. This homicide investigation is an open investigation and no further information is available.
Submitted by Sergeant Gregg Williams, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Media Communications/Safety Education, Texarkana/ Mt. Pleasant
Deputies Arrest Three On Felony Warrants In 2 Days
Sheriff’s deputies arrested three men on felony warrants in two days, according to arrest and jail reports.
I-30 West Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Richard Brantley reported stopping a Nissan Altima at 2:58 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, on the north Interstate 30 service road near Interstate 30 mile marker 131 for an expired registration. Upon contact, the 24-year-old Hope, Arkansas man driving had an outstanding Bowie County warrant. The warrant was confirmed, and a records check showed the passenger to have no warrants.
The car was searched after the deputy smelled a burnt marijuana odor emitting from it. Driver Tremont Akeem Davis claimed the small amount of drug paraphernalia located in the car. Davis was taken into custody and to jail; the car was released to the passenger, who was instructed to wait on a licensed driver to arrive to drive it, Brantley alleged in arrest reports.
Davis was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:38 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, on the Bowie County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge; the offense, Brantley and Deputy Aaron Chaney noted in arrest reports, was alleged to have occurred on Feb. 19, 2022s.
Davis, who is also known by Tre Davis, was held in the county jail Tuesday, March 29, 2022, on the warrant, according to jail reports.
Residential Arrest
HCSO Deputies Aaron Chaney, Drew Fisher and Richard Brantley were informed of a warrant issued for Mark Douglas Kelly’s arrest. Deputies located the 18-year-old at a Peach Street address and took the Sulphur Springs youth into custody at 4:37 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022.
Kelly was booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:11 p.m. Monday for insufficient bond on an aggravated sexual assault of a child charge.
The Sulphur Springs man was jailed Dec. 15, 2021 on a warrant for the aggravated sexual assault charge; he was released from jail on Jan. 24, 2022, on a $100,000 bond.
Kelly remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, March 29, 2022 on the latest warrant. His new bond was set at $250,000, according to jail reports.
Winnsboro Arrest
HCSO Deputy Bobby Osornio and Sgt. Scott Davis were made aware of a warrant for James Whitehorn’s arrest. Deputies went to and located the 49-year-old at a CR 3190 Southwest address in Winnsboro Sunday, according to arrest reports.
The deputies took Whitehorn into custody at 10:03 p.m. March 27, 2022, and transported him to the county jail, where he was booked in just before 11 p.m. Sunday night on a warrant for violation of parole. The Winnsboro remained in Hopkins County jail overnight n the felony 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.
USFDA Authorizes Second Booster Dose Of Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines For Ages 50 And Up And Immunocompromised Individuals
Today (March 28, 2022), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for older people and certain immunocompromised individuals. The FDA previously authorized a single booster dose for certain immunocompromised individuals following completion of a three-dose primary vaccination series. This makes a second booster dose of both vaccines available to other populations at higher risk for severe disease, hospitalization and death.
“Current evidence suggests some waning of protection over time against serious outcomes from COVID-19 in older and immunocompromised individuals. Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Additionally, the data show that an initial booster dose is critical in helping to protect all adults from the potentially severe outcomes of COVID-19. So, those who have not received their initial booster dose are strongly encouraged to do so.”
The FDA amended the emergency use authorizations as follows:
- A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 50 years of age and older at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
- A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.
- A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.
The FDA changes apply only to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and the authorization of a single booster dose for other age groups with these vaccines remains unchanged. The FDA plans to continue evaluating data and information as it becomes available when considering the potential use of a second booster dose in other age groups.
The FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the FDA-approved Comirnaty can be used to provide the authorized booster dose(s). Similarly, the FDA-authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the FDA-approved Spikevax are authorized to provide the authorized booster dose(s).
Hopkins County, Texas Vaccine Statistics
According to Texas Department of State Health Services, 76.52% of Texans age 5 years and older (20,634,296) had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including 17,419,881 who are fully vaccinated, and 6,502,643 Texans who’d received a booster dose of the vaccine.
In Hopkins County, 48.3% of residents ages 5 and older had received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 42.58% who were fully vaccinated. Among the population age 65 and older in Hopkins County, 70.25% of residents were reported to be fully vaccinated, and 76.36% had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Overall, that’s 16,728 people age 5 and older in Hopkins County who’ve received at least one dose of the vaccine; 14,747 reported to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and 5,250 who’ve had a booster dose of the COVID vaccine.
People ages 16-49 accounted for 5,367 of the people reported to be fully vaccinated in Hopkins County, more than any other age group. Next were people ages 50-64 (3,924), then ages 65-79 (3,645 people); ages 80 and older (1,193); ages 12-15 (420 people), and finally ages 5-11, who were fully vaccinated in Hopkins Couty, according to the March 28, 2022 Texas Health and Human Services/DSHS report.
Also, women continue to outpace men for full vaccinations in every age category except juveniles 15 and younger; 101 boys and 92 girls ages 5-11 years are fully vaccinated in Hopkins County, 215 boys and 205 girls ages 12-15 were reported to be fully vaccinated. A total of 7,869 White people in Hopkins County (53.36%) had been fully vaccinated, 3,041 people (20.52%) who listed their race or ethnicity as “Other,”2,380 Hispanic (16.14%), 816 Blacks (5.53%), 509 whose race and ethnicity was listed as “Unknown” (3.45%) and 132 Asian residents (0.9%),
Information to Support Authorization of a Second COVID-19 Booster Dose
The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of a second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose with either of these vaccines outweigh their known and potential risks in these populations. The evidence considered for authorization of a second booster dose following primary vaccination and first booster dose included safety and immune response information provided to the agency as well as additional information on effectiveness submitted by the companies.
A summary of safety surveillance data provided to the FDA by the Ministry of Health of Israel on the administration of approximately 700,000 fourth (second booster) doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine given at least 4 months after the third dose in adults 18 years of age and older (approximately 600,000 of whom were 60 years of age or older) revealed no new safety concerns.
The safety of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, when administered as a second booster dose, is informed by experience with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and safety information reported from an independently conducted study in which the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine was administered as a second booster dose to 120 participants 18 years of age and older who had received a two-dose primary series and a first booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at least 4 months prior. No new safety concerns were reported during up to three weeks of follow up after the second booster dose.
Immunogenicity data from an ongoing, open-label, non-randomized clinical study in healthcare workers at a single center in Israel were reported in a publication provided to the FDA. In this study, individuals 18 years of age and older who had received primary vaccination and a first booster dose with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine were administered a second booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (154 individuals) or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (120 individuals) at least four months after the first booster dose. Among these individuals, increases in neutralizing antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 virus, including delta and omicron variants were reported two weeks after the second booster as compared to 5 months after the first booster dose.
The amendments to the EUAs to include a second booster dose for these populations were granted to Pfizer Inc. and ModernaTX Inc.
County To Roll Over Funds Left In FY 2021 Road And Bridge Fund To Precincts For 2022
Sulphur Bluff Resident Complains of Unsafe Road Conditions Near His Residence
Hopkins County had a little bit of money left over in the Road and Bridge Fund Balance from fiscal year 2021 that the four Precinct Commissioners will be able to use during the 2022 fiscal year. One county resident told commissioners he would like to Precinct 3 repair what he considers unsafe road conditions near his home.
Budget Amendment
County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook noted that all together the county had $810,318 left in the Road and Bridge fund after the 2021 audit. She recommended transferring those funds in a rollover line into the 2022 budget for each precinct commissioner to spend the percent as he sees fit, as there are no rules restricting the use of that funding.
Precincts 2 and 4 had quite a bit more money left over at the end of FY 2021 than others, due largely to grant funding. Precinct 1 will be carrying over $45,000, while Precinct 2 carries over $361,640, Precinct 3 carries over $23,587 and Precinct 4 transfers $380,091 from 2021 to 2022.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said for most part, the carry over amounts are pretty much “already spent with these oil prices. ” Anglin made a motion, which Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded, to approved the budget amendments asrecommended. The entire 4-member body then, on Monday, March 28, 2022, approved the budget amendment during the regular court meeting as recommended.
Road Complaint
Frank Brown, who for the past few months has frequently expressed discontent to Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley during the public comments portion of the Hopkins County Commissioners Court meetings, Monday once again complained about road conditions near his Sulphur Bluff residence.
Brown said when he spoke to Judge Robert Newson and Commissioner Bartley on Monday, Feb. 14, he was told Bartley planned to rerock the road. After more than a month, Brown said, the road has yet to be rerocked and has, in fact, now turned to mud. He said rock was hauled the first week of March to “somewhere in Sulphur Bluff,” but was not appplied to the road in question. Brown said he on March 17, he called and left a message for Bartley regarding the road problems.
“I told him that we don’t need that red dirt – iron ore they call it – on the roads because it turns into pure mud,” Brown said. “You go look at it, go look at [County Road] 3617. It just turns into mud, and potholes and everything else on 3617. I don’t think that’s a mile. that’s eight-tenths of a mile maybe,” Brown said.
The Sulphur Bluff resident said he warned Bartley last year and as done so for the last few years that those asphalt roads are cracking and need to be sealed.
Brown held up a bag with a dark clump he said was 2 1/2 inches of oil dirt he said “dissolving off the side of the road.” He said he sstopped and collected the clump on the way to court Monday morning for elected officials to see what he’s been talking about.
“I’ve see some of the roads the other commissioners are doing. They look great – I’m not saying they all do, but some of them does. The roads out here is getting ridiculous to drive on, trees not trimmed. You pass someone on 3635, 40, 46, you pass someone there, you’re in the ditch or you’r in a tree. I mean there’s no question about it. This has got to be resolved. It’s not safe to drive that road under they conditions they are,” Brown claimed.
Newsom thanked Brown for his comments, but no further comment was made regarding the matter by the Commissioners Court during the regular March 28, 2022 meeting.
Commissioners Court Approves 4 Truck Bids, John Deere Purchase
Four different truck bids were approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court, leaving the decision of which truck and bid to the individual department head. A used John Deere, was also among the items approved during the regular Commissioners Court meeting Monday morning, March 28, 2022.
Truck Bids
The county received four bids for six pickups, each different, including different trucks. County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook and HCSO Chief Deputy Tanner Crump recommended accepting all truck bids, which would allow each county entity who would be purchasing a truck work directly with each vendor to select the option that best suits their need, availability and budget.
Crump noted that the bid specifications were written in such a way to allow for some flexibility, particularly in the current market, where readily available vehicles are hard to come by, including allowing the bidder to quote a price for a used vehicle if the truck was in stock and meets bid specifications.
“All these bids are not the same. Not everyone could get six of the same vehicle. Not everything that they bid is in stock, even today because they are selling so fast. So you will probably have to contact each of these vendors that you want to deal,” Aulsbrook told the Commissioners Court.
Brian Toliver Ford’s bid for trucks in stock were for $49,968. At the time of the bid, the dealer had two trucks in stock, but as of Monday was reported to have only one.
Nottingham Sulphur Springs Chrysler Dodge Jeep for $54,232.50 per truck; the dealership had one vehicle in stock at that price at the time of the bid.
Jay Hodge Chevrolet bid $38,695 each for a 4-cylinder turbo, a base truck, although other options were also available for additional. Hodge’s bid price was the cheapest, however, upon closer inspection, the quote did not meet terms in the specifications sheet that the county asked for. Hodge’s goal, however, was to sell a truck at the cheapest possible price. The bid also includes an $8,000 fleet discount that Ford is not offering. Crump said he was told if the V8 options is preferred, that can be added for an additional price.
Morrow Brothers Ford of Illinois submitted a bid for $47,600 for F150 Fords.
All vehicles except the two mentioned above would have to be ordered. All are four-door 4-wheel drive trucks. They have power windows and locks, air conditioning and cruise control. The Chevrolet quoted would be the very base construction model. The base model Ford was in the bid quoted from the Illinois dealership. Toliver’s quote for a sport package includes storage, carpet and features that aren’t included in the work truck. Toliver’s bid included a 30-day build date, which Crump said would likely have the quickest turnaround time. The “more desirable” truck, one with more features, typically cost a bit more upfront, but also garner a higher resale value, Crump noted.
For instance, the Civic Center purchased a base package work truck, like a construction vehicle. While the truck doesn’t have a lot of miles on it, when the county sought a trade-in value, it was approximately $10,000 less than one that had more more features, Crump explained.
Crump noted that the sheriff’s office’ fleet vehicles are on a 36-month rotation for replacement through a least program with American National Leasing, and has had trouble getting the units in.
“I’m happy to report that by the end of this week I’ll have nine on the ground. That’s seven from last year that were supposed to be in by October – I’m just now getting them – then two for this coming year. So, there are vehicles coming in, but when you order them, you are at the mercy of the manufacturer to determine when you are going to get them. I think that is reflected in these bids sheets as well,” Crump said.
Crump said while only four bids were received, he had been in contact with a total of 10 dealers to whom the spec sheets were made available. While the bids received are all at least $10,000 more than the county has paid for these types of vehicles in the past, that’s on par with current market prices. A new car is currently estimated to cost about $10,000 more than pre-COVID sales prices. Attempting to give a best estimate for future markets on trucks is virtually impossible
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin made a motion, which Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded, and the four Court members present (Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker continued to be out due to illness) agreed to accept all bids as submitted.
John Deere Equipment
Hopkins County also posted notices requesting bids for a used John Deere 324L for Precinct 4. Commerce Sand and Select submitted the only bid, for $60,000.
“I’ve looked at this. It seems to be a good piece of equipment and is still in warranty,” Price said, when motioning for the bid to be accepted. Bartley seconded the motion, which was met with unanimous approval of all four members of the court members present at the March 28 meeting, for the used Compact Wheel Loader
Volunteers Needed At CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Helping Ukraine
In light of the news of the attacks on Ukraine, we would like to extend an opportunity to aid the community of Kharkov (a city in northeast Ukraine). One of the hospital associates has a spouse who is from this city, and their family is still there.
The hospital has been able to send some medical supplies. In addition, and thanks to the generosity of many others, we have been able to set up a fund through our Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation to raise money and send it directly to aid this city.
To donate to this effort, go to Online Giving (christushealth.org) and select ‘Helping Ukraine’ in the drop down box.
Events
Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation Lights of Life Gala 2022
The Lights of Life Gala is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight (a.m.) at the Civic Center. This year’s theme “Under the Big Top” reflects our desire for some fun and frivolity after a long season of hardship.
The gala promises to be another dazzling evening of fine dining, dancing and bidding on amazing live and silent auction items. This year’s Lights of Life Gala chairs are fourth generation Hopkins County natives, sisters Markeda Fisher and Kayla Price Mitchell.
Shannon Barker, Foundation Executive Director shared “I am thrilled to be working with Markeda and Kayla. When they arrived as the bearded ladies to reveal the theme, Under the Big Top, I knew we were in good hands! They keep everyone laughing, but also have the experience and relationships to ensure a successful event. Their impressive history and dedication to Hopkins County is evidenced by their past and present community involvement. We are thankful they feel the Healthcare Foundation is a worthy cause to invest their efforts in.”
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please call the Foundation office at 903-438-4799.
Blood Drive in Honor of Israel Lewis
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a blood drive in honor of Israel Lewis, a local community member suffering from medical complications. The drive will be held on Wednesday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Carter BloodCare Bus in the parking lot of the hospital.
**UPDATED – COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will no longer offer the COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning.
However, Net Health will be back offering Pediatric and Adult COVID vaccines. This vaccine clinic is located at the MMU tents behind the hospital. No appointment is necessary. Subsequently, Net Health will continue to come every four weeks to provide COVID vaccines.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily, Net Health will offer vaccines on the following weeks: April 4-8, May 2-6, May 31 – June 3, June 27 – July 1, July 25-29, August 22 – 26, September 19 – 23, October 17 – 21. September and October are tentative.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- An adult must accompany minor-age visitors, be free of symptoms, and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
- Types of Visitors:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We are in need of volunteers to help in various different roles throughout our hospital. We are asking for anyone willing to give his or her time, to help bring a smile to someone in our hospital!
For more information, contact Meredith Caddell at 903.438.4678.
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
- 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
Information From an English Class at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
ENGLISH CLASS LECTURE
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center English Instructor Ken Haley gives instruction to his class. Listening closely are (from left) Shelby Green, Kenia Herrera, Briseyda Rodriquez, and on back row Caroline Gibson.
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
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Dr. Balkcom: Serving Hopkins County Has Been An Honor
When honored Monday morning for decades of service as Local Health Authority for Hopkins County, Dr. Ichabod L. Balkcom IV said a heartfelt thank you, and noted simply that it has been his honor to serve.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted that Monday, March 28, 2022 was a “very special day for me and the Commissioners Court, really Hopkins County” because it was a time to honor Dr. I.L. Balkcom IV.
“He’s been here forever. As long as I can remember, Dr. Balkcom always was a Hopkins County doctor who took care of the very least of those. I am so proud to be able to honor him today,” Newsom said during the regular Commissioners Court session Monday.
Balkcom served the Hopkins County community for 28 years, 24 of which were spent in the Medical Surgical Clinic and 4 years as part of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics. He also served as Local Health Authority for Hopkins County for at least 25 years.
In a July 22, 2021 letter to patients and friends, Dr. I.L. Balkcom and wife Deborah let patients and friends know that that his association with the clinic had ended. He has not retired, but he Deborah were going in a different direction, and thanked everyone for keeping them in prayer as he continued to heal from a leg fracture.
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley noted that few in Hopkins County knew a Local Health Authority exists much less that Hopkins County had one. He admitted that until the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world he was unfamiliar with the roles and responsibilities of a LHA.
“We realized at that point how much authority Dr. Balkcom had when things were shut down and moving forward, but with Dr. Balkcom’s progressive thinking we were not locked down like a lot of other counties, our neighboring counties, things like that,” Endsley said.
The fire marshal noted that Hopkins was one of the last counties in Texas to report a death from COVID.
“In fact, Dr. Balkcom argued and won the first case because that patient happened to be his own patient. So, he go that death removed from our county as a COVID death. Any death from COVID is one too many, but we’ve done very well throughout the whole county,” Endsley said. 2020. March 3 marked the 24th confirmed COVID death in 2022.)
Endsley attributed that to positive thinking and moving forward with Balkcom, who attended many meetings with county officials, interjecting his thoughts and knowledge.
In addition to having his own practice, while serving as the LHA, Balkcom also worked with the sheriff’s office, providing care regularly to inmates in the county jail. Endsley expressed appreciation for Balkcom for “what all he’s done for the sheriff’s office over the years.” Dr. Balkcom and his family’s service to the community doesn’t end there, Endsley noted
“All of the Balkcoms here, they are humble people. They don’t brag on theirself. You’ve really got to drag out of them what they all are involved in. They are involved in a lot of animal rescues, things like that. I can’t express how much we appreciate Dr. Balkcom and his family,” Endsley said.
The list of community activities they have participated is long and diverse.
Balkcom has served on the Hopkins County Hospital Board and as president of Texas Academy of Family Medicine. His civic involvement has included being part of the Northeast Texas Choral Society for over 20 years, serving on the Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission, the United Way selection of benefits committee. He too has served as a Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church and been a member of First Baptist Church.
His wife Deborah has served on the Chamber of Commerce Committee, Hopkins County Civic Center Board, Adult Leadership and was the chief volunteer for Hearts of Life for several years.
The Balkcoms are also known for their support of many local organizations, especially those supporting youth and the local health care community, including Northeast Texas Livestock Auction; school FFA, band, athletic departments; and the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
In fact, the Lights of Life Campaign Committee selected Dr. I.L. IV and Deborah Balkcom as 2018-2019 campaign honorees for their exceptional service, commitment and passion for Hopkins county, specifically for their 25-years of support of the hospital.
During Monday’s Commissioners Court, Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley expressed appreciation to Balkcom for “being my health doctor for many, many years.” He too complimented Dr. Balkcom and wife Deborah for the assets they have been as citizens of Hopkins County, to the organizations too numerous to mention the Balkcoms have supported over the years.
“I hate to see y’all leave Hopkins County. Y’all were just such a great asset when y’all lived here and served this county. I am so grateful for that. You raised a mighty fine son too,” Bartley said with a laugh.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price expressed appreciation to Balkcom for being his family doctor.
“You’ve been a great asset to the county and we all appreciate you,” Price said.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said he did not have as much experience with Dr. Balkcom as his fellow Commissioners Court members, but Balkcom was his grandmother’s doctor. He expressed appreciation to Balkcom for his time served in Hopkins County.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum said he’s been friends with the Balkcoms for a long time, longer even than he’s been sheriff or even a sheriff’s deputy.
“They were very good to my children,” Tatum said, adding with a grin that Dr. Balkcom was picky about his fish, but did allow him to fish on his property. He’s worked with the Balkcoms on dog rescues as well. “They’ve always been there for me and my family and we always appreciate and will always be there for them.”
“It has been my honor, thank you,” Dr. Balkcom said simply.
“Hopkins County, Texas honors and appreciates Dr. Ichabod L. Balkcom, MD, for his decades of service as Hopkins County Local Health Authority. The citizens of Hopkins County thank you for going beyond the call of duty many times over the last 25 years,” Newsom read as he presented the plaque to Dr. Balkcom on behalf of the Hopkins County Commissioners Court, during the regular court session March 28, 2022.
“Thank you very much. It was a lot of fun taking care of the jail. We could write a book about my time in jail,” Balkcom said to laughter. ” I’ve seen everything that you can imagine. I’ve seen tattoos that I didn’t know you could put ’em there. The thing I wanted to tell everybody is, anytime you have an opportunity to serve your community, do it.”
The Balkcoms have two sons, including Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife Capt. I.L. Balkcom V, who was among those present to when Dr. Balkcom was recognized Monday morning by the county officials.
“I am his biggest fan, in stature and standing here. He’s done a lot for this place and we appreciate,” Capt. Balkcom said.
“Even though we reside in Smith County, we still are Hopkins Countians and I’m still here twice a week taking care of my animals, still,” Deborah Balkcom said.
