Advent and Christmas at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs Texas
November 20, 2025 – November 30th, 2025, marks the beginning of Advent and Christmas activities at First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, with blessing of the Christmas tree at 9:00am and again at 11:00am. See the full calendar of events below.
Gala Prepared to Offer Nods to the Past
November 20, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – You probably know by now that the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation loves to celebrate! From fun events like the Gala, Man Bingo, and Designer Handbag Bingo to wonderful life-saving free clinics, the Foundation likes to spread joy.
As we get closer to January 24, and the 20th anniversary Gala, we asked Heather Johnson to share what we can expect at the Gala this year. Heather is a member of the Board of Directors with the Foundation and is also serving on the leadership committee that is planning the Gala.
Heather mentioned some of the annual highlights the crowd can anticipate, “We always have a great response to the live band and dancing, the heads and tails game which can take many twists before the winner is declared, and the auctions are a great way to enjoy some healthy competition…and of course the food is always delicious.”
Heather shared what attendees can look forward to during the anniversary celebration. “There will be lots of photos from years past that we will share. We have a few throwback moments sprinkled throughout the night and remind everyone of the outcomes of the past 19 Galas. And, with the help of Jordan Potts of Graceful Health and Wellness, there will be a memento of the evening for attendees to take home with them.”
Heather continues, “We really want to convey to everyone who has ever donated, sponsored, purchased tickets, underwritten a part of the Gala, or bid on auction items how appreciative we are. The committee is working hard to make sure this event adequately expresses the Foundation’s gratitude for each and every person who has kept this event going for twenty years!”
Attendees can expect the fun and excitement of the event to be even more elevated if that is possible. It really is a night to say thank you and to celebrate our community’s accomplishments.
To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets or sponsorships or to donate, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1997 by Hopkins County residents to raise funds for local people and the local hospital. With the support of the community, the Foundation has been doing just that for twenty-eight years.
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Photographed here are Heather with her husband, and former Foundation Board member, Clay Johnson at the 2010 Touch of Pink Gala.
To get your tickets or sponsor the 2026 Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com or call the Foundation at 903-438-4799.
To enjoy the 20th anniversary Gala celebration, get your tickets at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Snowflake Campaign Will Warm Local Hospital Patients
November 20, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is preparing for the generosity of the community this season as it awaits the names of individuals and organizations to be recognized with a snowflake bearing names of those being honored.
Through the Snowflake Campaign, the community is invited to pay tribute to friends or family members with a gift in their honor or memory. The Foundation will then send a notification to the honorees or designated contacts to make them aware of the gift.
Funds raised through this program, along with a grant from the CHRISTUS Foundation, will be used to purchase a $15,000 blanket warmer to be used in the new CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs surgical wing currently being expanded. Three blanket warmers are available for sponsorship, and the Foundation is planning to provide at least one through the campaign.
Snowflakes make a great Christmas present or a way to let a friend or loved one know they have been thought of during the holiday season. No need to send a Christmas card since the Foundation will take care of notifying the honoree of your thoughtful recognition.
This is a wonderful way for local businesses to celebrate their customers this holiday season. A donation to the Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign can be made for the group, and the annual business’ Christmas card can announce the gift in their honor.
The recommended donation to the Snowflake Campaign for each honored person is $25 or more. Donations may be mailed to the Foundation or made online on the Foundation’s webpage. Please include contact information for the donor as well as the individuals to whom an acknowledgment of the recognition should be sent. Additionally, include the name(s) of the individual(s) to be added to the snowflakes as well as if the gift is in honor of or memory of the person.
To learn more about the Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign visit the website at Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com or call 903-438-4799. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 28-year-old, IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization serving Hopkins County.
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CHRISTUS Health Recognizes National Rural Health Day by Celebrating Commitment to Rural Care
November 20, 2025 -(EAST TEXAS) – CHRISTUS Health recognizing National Rural Health Day on Nov. 20, honoring the dedication and resilience of rural health professionals, organizations and communities across Northeast Texas.
CHRISTUS Health hospitals and clinics across the region play a vital role in serving families who might otherwise travel long distances for emergency care, labor and delivery, imaging, rehabilitation and various specialties. Each hospital reflects CHRISTUS Health’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through accessible, local care.
“Our rural hospitals and clinics play a vital role in health care for so many communities around East Texas, providing much needed access to care that otherwise may not be available,” said Dr. Brent Wadle, chief medical officer for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “We never want to run into a situation where we cannot provide the care that someone needs, especially when the alternative puts a burden on patients to travel.”
Rural health disparities include limited access to health care specialists.
To attract providers to the region, CHRISTUS Health in both Jacksonville and Sulphur Springs have partnered with the Texas A&M School of Medicine Rural Engagement Program, which sees medical students serve multi-week rotations at rural facilities with a goal of having those providers return to practice in rural communities.
Studies in recent years have also shown that more than half of rural hospitals were designated as Critical Access Hospitals, having only 25 or fewer beds.
CHRISTUS Health in Northeast Texas is working to expand care to rural areas by offering the following specialties and many more:
• Advanced imaging technology
• Cardiac catheterizations
• Intensive Care Unit accessibility
• Mammography services
• OB/GYN and maternity services
• Occupational and speech rehabilitation
• Physical Therapy
In addition to expanding health care services, CHRISTUS Health, in the last fiscal year, contributed more than $120 million in community benefits, including $104 million in charity care and community benefits to strengthen the Northeast Texas communities it serves.
“We’re proud to be part of our communities’ story and we are proud to serve each and every community,” Wadle said. “Out teams across the region are not just caregivers; they’re neighbors, volunteers and leaders who keep our communities strong.”
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Commissioner Miller Alerts Texas Equine Industry of EHV-1 Outbreak
Swift detection of symptoms is key to the preservation of animal health
November 20, 2025 – AUSTIN – Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today issued an alert to Texas horsemen of an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Racing (WPRA) Finals in the Waco area on November 5-9. Commissioner Miller is urging all horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who attended or were in proximity to the event, or who have recently returned from any large equine gathering in the Waco region in the last 14 days to act swiftly, monitor their animals carefully, and implement heightened biosecurity measures.
“This virus can spread fast, it can be deadly, and the earliest signs are often so subtle they’re easy to miss,” Commissioner Miller, himself an avid horseman, said. “That’s why monitoring your horses right now is critical. The quicker we identify a potential case, the better chance we have to protect not only our animals, but the entire Texas equine community.”
A particularly aggressive strain of EHV-1 has been confirmed by veterinary clinics in Central Texas. While investigations are ongoing, the TDA believes the situation warrants immediate attention, given the rapid spread and severe outcomes in affected horses. Those who should act immediately are those who:
- Have a horse that was present at the WPRA event in the Waco area or transported one to/from that event.
- Have a horse that has mingled with those transported from that event.
- Any horse owner or facility operator who has recently participated in large multi–barn gatherings, roping jackpots, or traveled extensively enough to include the Waco region.
Clinical signs of EHV-1 can vary widely, and may include:
- Fever.
- Nasal discharge, coughing, or other respiratory changes.
- Depression or lethargy.
- Neurological signs: stumbling or incoordination, loss of tail tone, hind-limb weakness, head tilt, recumbency.
- Abortions in pregnant mares.
The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly and efficiently, making early precautions essential. Horses can transmit the virus directly through simple nose-to-nose contact, and infected animals may also release contagious aerosolized particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is equally dangerous, as shared tack, grooming tools, water and feed buckets, thermometers, and other equipment can all carry the virus from one horse to another. Even humans can unintentionally act as mechanical carriers, spreading the virus on their hands, clothing, or boots.
To protect your horses and the broader Texas equine community, the TDA recommends the following immediate steps:
- Isolate any horse that attended the Waco event for at least 14 days from other equines, or until cleared by a veterinarian.
- Suspend hauling, showing, or mixing horses from the exposure group until further notice. Avoid taking exposed horses to other barns or events.
- Disinfect trailers, wash-racks, cross-ties, tie-areas, tack rooms, buckets, grooming tools, and any shared equipment. Use an appropriate virucidal disinfectant.
- Avoid sharing tack, halters, grooming equipment, buckets, water hoses, etc., between exposed and unexposed horses.
- Monitor temperatures twice daily for all exposed horses and report any fever (≥101.5 °F) or other signs to a veterinarian immediately.
- If any horse exhibits neurologic signs, coughing, or nasal discharge, isolate it immediately, wear protective gear, and call your veterinarian.
- Keep accurate records: track which horses were present at events, their movement, and who handled them for contact tracing if needed.
- Stay in contact with your local veterinarian and keep up to date on updates from state veterinary authorities.
“I’m asking every local horse rider, roper, trainer, and breeder to do their part today,” Commissioner Miller added. “Check your horses twice a day, isolate any exposed animals, tighten up your biosecurity, and call your vet the moment something looks off. If we work together and take this seriously, we can get ahead of this outbreak and keep our horses and our state’s $12.3 billion equine industry safe.”
Abbott Calls for Criminal Investigations Into Sharia Courts
November 20, 2025 – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is urging law enforcement officials to launch criminal investigations into reports that unauthorized sharia-based tribunals are operating in North Texas. The governor’s directive follows claims that an organization known as the “Islamic Tribunal” has been conducting dispute-resolution proceedings in Collin and Dallas counties while presenting itself as a legitimate judicial body.
In a letter sent to local district attorneys, county sheriffs, the Texas attorney general, and the Department of Public Safety, Abbott warned that certain groups may be “masquerading as legal ‘courts’ staffed with ‘judges’ issuing orders” under the guise of Islamic law. He emphasized that although the First Amendment allows religious institutions broad freedom to address internal theological or ecclesiastical matters, that freedom does not include the authority to operate as a parallel legal system or issue rulings that purport to carry civil or criminal force.
Abbott’s concern centers particularly on the Islamic Tribunal’s claims that it handles a wide array of disputes in the Dallas area and that it purportedly has “the approval of the Texas Judicial system.” According to Abbott, these assertions are inaccurate and potentially unlawful. He stressed that no private body may claim judicial authority or issue binding decisions outside the framework of state and federal law.
The governor’s letter underscores that Texas courts must adhere to American legal principles, including due process protections, and cannot be supplanted by religious tribunals. “Legal disputes in Texas must be decided based on American law rooted in the fundamental principles of American due process, not according to Sharia law dispensed in modern day star chambers,” Abbott wrote.
The directive calls on authorities to determine whether any entity is falsely presenting itself as a court or violating statutes related to the unauthorized practice of law. The investigations, if pursued, could clarify the boundaries between permissible religious mediation and illegal attempts to replicate judicial functions within the state.
Texas Seeks Payment for Biden Era Immigration Expenses
November 19, 2025 – Texas’ Republican congressional delegation is pressing federal agencies to release more than $11 billion they say was earmarked to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred during the Biden administration. In a letter sent this week, the lawmakers argue that Texas bore an outsized financial burden responding to what they describe as unchecked illegal immigration and escalating drug trafficking along the southern border.
According to the delegation, Texas deployed thousands of state law enforcement officers, expanded National Guard operations, built physical barriers, and launched multi-agency interdiction efforts to stem the flow of migrants and narcotics. They maintain that these actions filled an enforcement gap left by federal authorities and therefore qualify for reimbursement under funding included in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill.
The lawmakers say the bill specifically sets aside funds to repay Texas for money spent “protecting Americans” during the previous administration, and they contend that failure to release the funds would amount to ignoring both congressional intent and the state’s urgent financial needs. They also warn that without reimbursement, Texas could face significant strain as it continues to operate large-scale border enforcement initiatives.
Federal agencies have not publicly indicated when or whether the requested funds will be distributed, setting up a potential clash over how border security responsibilities—and costs—should be divided between state and federal governments.
Texas Governor Abbott Labels CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood ‘Foreign Terrorist Organizations’
November 19, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on November 18, 2025, that he is designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations” and transnational criminal organizations. Under a newly enacted state law (Senate Bill 17), the move bans both groups from buying or acquiring real estate in Texas.
Abbott said the organizations pose a threat to the state, accusing them of trying “to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world.’” He directed the Texas attorney general to investigate any property transactions tied to the groups and, if necessary, pursue court orders to force divestment or impose civil penalties as high as 50 percent of a property’s market value.
The proclamation cites long-standing concerns about national security. Abbott points to documented links between former CAIR figures and the now-defunct Holy Land Foundation — a charity that was prosecuted and convicted for financing Hamas.
CAIR strongly rejected the designation, calling it a “publicity stunt” rooted in conspiracy theories and anti-Muslim bias. The group threatened legal action, insisting the move has no basis in U.S. law.
Critics also note that federal law, not state law, typically governs the formal designation of foreign terrorist organizations. Under U.S. law, only the Secretary of State can make that call — and neither CAIR nor the Muslim Brotherhood is currently listed on the U.S. State Department’s official list of terrorist organizations.
This action from Abbott comes amid increased scrutiny of Muslim-led initiatives in Texas. Among the flashpoints is a planned community near Dallas, formerly called EPIC City (now rebranded as The Meadow), which some state officials have criticized as an attempt to create an Islamic enclave.
As legal challenges loom and activists raise serious First Amendment concerns, the move by Abbott is shaping up to be a highly contested battle over property rights, religious freedom, and state-level power.
Texas Braces for Flooding Threat as Heavy Rains Target Central and Southern Regions
November 19, 2025 – Texas is preparing for several rounds of heavy rainfall over the next week, raising concerns for potential flooding across parts of the state. Meteorologists warn that a slow-moving storm system will interact with deep Gulf moisture, producing clusters of thunderstorms capable of dropping significant rainfall in a short period of time.
The highest threat is expected in south-central and central Texas, particularly along the Interstate-35 corridor from San Antonio to Austin. Rainfall totals in these areas may reach 1 to 3 inches, with localized pockets receiving up to 6 inches if storms repeatedly track over the same locations. The Hill Country and Edwards Plateau are considered especially vulnerable due to steep terrain and rapid runoff, which can overwhelm creeks, streams, and low-water crossings.
Urban centers, including the San Antonio–Austin metro area, may experience flash flooding in poor-drainage zones, low-lying neighborhoods, and roadways prone to ponding. Officials caution that rapidly rising water levels could make travel hazardous, urging residents to check forecasts frequently and avoid driving through flooded roads.
Impact on Southern Texas
Southern portions of the state may also see heavy rainfall as deep tropical moisture moves inland. Thunderstorms may train over the same areas, increasing the chance of flash flooding in both rural and urban communities. Low-water crossings, especially common in southern and central Texas, are expected to be among the first areas affected.
Flooding Concerns for Hopkins County
While the most intense rainfall is forecast farther south, Hopkins County in northeast Texas is not completely in the clear. Scattered storms are expected throughout the week, and although totals may be lower than in central Texas, brief periods of heavy rain could still trigger localized flooding—particularly in low-lying areas near small creeks, farm roads with poor drainage, and rural crossings west and south of Sulphur Springs.
Residents are advised to remain alert, especially during overnight storms, and to monitor local forecasts for any sudden changes.
A&M CEA Mario Villarino Visited on A Second Cup Of Coffee to Discuss the NETBIO Annual Meeting November 21st
November 19, 2025 – Texas A&M AgriLife Hopkins County Extension Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez visited on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to talk about the next NETBIO Annual Meeting taking place November 21st, 2025, at 12:00pm, at the Sale Barn in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Mario and John Mark also chatted about the beef industry and it’s future, the dairy industry, and much more. Be sure to check out this interesting episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey.
