More Than 700 Lions Receiving Their Degrees This Weekend
August 6, 2025 – COMMERCE, TX, August 6, 2025— The newest crop of East Texas A&M University alums will graduate at commencement ceremonies held on August 9 and 10 at the university Field House—1804 Lee Street—in Commerce, Texas. In total, 756 graduates will receive degrees in one of three ceremonies held over the weekend. Below are the stats on this year’s summer graduating class: Youngest graduate: Age 16 Oldest graduate:...
Senior Center COOR Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey August 5th
August 6, 2025 – Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey August 5th to chat about what’s going on at the Senior Citizens Center. Dawna and John Mark talked about the 2025 Ms Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant, the next “What Helps Me” program that will feature the Red Cross being held August 18, 2025, at 11:00am, the next...
Back to School: CHRISTUS Health Reminds Parents of Required Immunizations as Kids Return to Classrooms
August 5, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – As the summer break comes to an end and students across the state prepare a return to the classroom, CHRISTUS Health is reminding parents about required immunizations and their role in limiting transmission of illness. “In the simplest of terms, immunizations are helping the body build an immune response,” said Dr. Evelyn Chou, family medicine physician with CHRISTUS...
Patsy Sue Mitchell Simons
Patsy Sue (Mitchell) Simons, age 91, of Mount Vernon, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Patsy was born May 29, 1934, in Franklin County, Texas to Madison Jack and Gertie Lee (Carpenter) Michell. A dedicated homemaker, Patsy lovingly cared for her family while also serving her community as a dietician at Mount Vernon Hospital. Her warmth and compassion touched many lives, both at home and through her work. In her later...
Kava and Kratom: A Dangerous Combination
August 5, 2025 – Kava and kratom are two herbal substances that have gained popularity for their calming and pain-relieving effects, but both carry risks of addiction when used frequently or in high doses. Kava, made from the root of a plant native to the South Pacific, is known for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. However, with prolonged use, some individuals may develop a psychological dependence. Heavy, long-term...
Sulphur Springs ISD Announced Policy to Comply With new State law Preventing Students From Using cell Phones
August 4, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs ISD has announced its policy to comply with the new state law preventing students from using cell phones and other personal communications devices in class. Included in the policy are cell phones, smart watches, tablets, radios, pagers, fitness trackers with messaging capabilties, Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, A-I glasses, personal (non-school issued) computers, gaming devices and two-way...
Betty Sue Johnson
Funeral service for Betty Sue Johnson, age 93, of Rockwall, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Tira Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Tira Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Tira Methodist Church. Ms. Johnson passed away in Garland, Texas on Friday, August 1, 2025. Arrangements are under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. The online...
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library to be Open August 9th
August 4, 2025 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society announces that their library will be open Saturday, August 9th, 2025, from 9:30am to 1:00pm. The library will be open for “all your research needs.” The Hopkins County Genealogical Society hopes “you will join us in searching for those ancestors missing from your family tree!” The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library is located at 611 North...
Cecil Wayne Rich, Jr.
Cecil W. Rich, a devoted family man and decorated U.S. Army Veteran, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Sulphur Springs, reuniting in eternity with his beloved wife, Ursula. Cecil honorably served 20 years in the U.S. Army, completing two tours in Vietnam. His courage in battle earned him three Bronze Stars and an Air Medal. He carried his patriotism and discipline with him throughout his...
Increasing Tomato Production During This Heat From Master Gardener David Wall
August 3, 2025 – Tomato production and may stop during the summer heat. Day temps of 95° and night temps not lower than 75° cause pollen to hardens to an extent that bees can’t do their job. Further, tomatoes have great difficulty manufacturing ethylene, which is necessary to trigger the ability to turn red. To get around this, one can put green tomatoes with ripe or ripening tomatoes and perhaps a ripe...
