Hopkins County Unemployment Continues Downward Trend
December 30, 2023 – The latest unemplyment numbers are in and Hopkins County continues to report the lowest percentages in the immediate North East Texas area. Hopkins County reported an unemplyment rate in November 2023 of 2.8% dropping from 3.2% in October 2023. The new November number was also much lower than one year ago as the November 2022 percentage was reported as 4.1%. Only 533 Hopkins County work hopefuls reported to...
Bond Set For Suspects in Fentanyl Overdose Murder Case
Bryson Lacy December 29, 2023 – Two suspects have been arraigned on murder charges stemming from a suspected fentanyl overdose. Recent Texas law that went into effect September 1st allows murder charges to be levied against those supplying fentanyl that results in death and enhances the criminal penalty for the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl. Bryson Lacy, a 2021 SSHS graduate and standout athlete, was charged along with...
Recent New Texas Law Allows Murder Charges For Fentanyl Distribution
December 29, 2023 – House Bill 6 submitted during the 88th Texas Legislature was eventually signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in June of 2023 becoming enforceable September 1, 2023. This bill along with three others were touted by Abbott as “representing a significant step in the state’s fight against the deadly opioid that will prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder, ensure death certificates reflect when...
Two Drug Dealers Charged With Murder in Wooten Overdose Death
December 28, 2023 – Two local suspects have been arrested and charged with supplying contraband to 21-year old Brayden Wooten who was found deceased on December 23rd. The suspects are identified as Xavier Hill and Bryson Lacy. Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum An investigation was conducted upon law enforcement finding pills containing Fentanyl and continuing with investigators tracking down two individuals suspected of being...
Lou Ella Maria Hollins
Born July 16, 1932 died December 27, 2023 at the age of 91. FUNERAL SERVICE – Saturday January 6, 2024 starting at 1:00 PM at West Oaks Funeral Home With our condolences.
Durwood “Pop” Smith
Funeral service for Durwood “Pop” Smith, age 84 of Sulphur Springs, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel with K.C. Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park with Ronnie Nix, Laverl Edwards, Dan Petty, Bryan Hawkins, Chris Penny, and Dustin Emerick serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Glenn Hamlin, Bailey Davis, Don Petty, and Brennan Rhoades....
Glyn Strickland, Jr.
Born March 13, 1956 died December 21, 2023 at the age of 67. MEMORIAL SERVICE will be Thursday January 4, 2024 starting at 2:00 PM at West Oaks Funeral Home With our condolences.
Brayden Wooten
Funeral service for Brayden Wooten, age 21, of Sulphur Springs, will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 2:30 P.M. at Shannon Oaks Church with Bro. Jonathan McGraw officiating. Interment will follow at Como Cemetery with Christian Ingram, Dylan Ingram, Kaden Wallace, Wiley Bennett, Braxton Hohenberger, Blayne Hohenburger, Jake Smith and Joseph Pelton serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jermond Amos, Straton...
Make Your Reservation Now For Chamber Banquet
December 27, 2023 – From Butch Burney, Chamber President/CEO It is with great pleasure that the 2024 Board of Directors invites you to the 97th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Thursday, February 15, at 6 p.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. We will host a Networking Cocktail Happy Half Hour at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30, and the awards will follow at 7 p.m. Please take this opportunity...
Ronny Earl Bailey
Ronny Earl Bailey, age 73, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023 at his residence in Cumby Texas. Born December 14, 1950 in Sulphur Springs, TX to Roy Lee Bailey and Mary Ann Gafford. He is survived by his two sons, Ronny Bailey, and Jason Bailey; two grandchildren, Daniel Brian Bailey, and Shelby Bailey; two sisters, Sharon Powell, and Brenda Moerbe; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents. As per...
