Church News
County Line Baptist Church of Point: Live Nativity
County Line Baptist Church of Point is presenting a live nativity scene, otherwise known as a crèche, on December 11, 2022. It starts at 5:30PM and will continue until 8:30PM. Hot dogs, chips and hot chocolate will be served following the event.
League Street Church of Christ: Winter Coat Giveaway
Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 in the Cash Saver Parking lot on Main, those in need can come and receive a free winter coat. Please be courteous and only take what you need.
4 Fields Discipleship Training Seminar to be Held January 2023
Blue Santa Program Kicking Into High Gear
Official Toy Drive Slated Dec. 1-2 At Walmart
Hopkins County, Texas — The 2022 Blue Santa Toy Drive has already kicked into high gear.
Working together with CANHelp, the Sulphur Springs Police Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Fire Departments, CJ Duffey, Choice Hospice, and members of numerous ministries, businesses, organizations, and individuals work to provide toys for children ages 1 to 14 years who currently reside in Hopkins County.
Sign up applications are available online at www.canhelponline.org until December 2. Distribution will be December 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at 301 Church Street in Sulphur Springs.
This year’s official Blue Santa Toy Drive will be held on December 1 and 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot located on 1750 South Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on December 1, CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice will be selling brisket lunches for $5 each and all of the proceeds will be donated to Blue Santa. These lunches will include a barbeque sandwich, a bag of chips, dessert, and a bottle of water. If you purchase five or more lunches and live within the city limits of Sulphur Springs, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse, Sulphur Springs Police and Fire Department, and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies and Fire Department will deliver them.
Word is the Cowboy Grinch will also be making his appearance too … somewhere, who knows where!
The Blue Santa Toy Program has also placed blue barrels around the community to receive new unwrapped donated toys. These blue barrels will have the Blue Santa seal and a Blue Santa QR code if you would like to make a monetary donation. Locations of these barrels are the following:
- Dollar General Stores:
- Como
- Birthright
- Highway 154
- Main Street in Sulphur Springs
- Grocery Supply
- Burgers and Fries
- Hopkins House
- Atwoods
- Guaranty Bank & Trust (919 S Broadway St)
- Fix and Feed
- City National Bank (201 Connally St)
- Alliance Bank (308 Church St)
- Cash Saver
- Jay Hodge Chevrolet (478 Wildcat Way)
- Brian Toliver Ford (1040 Gilmer St)
- Fire Side BBQ
- West Oaks Funeral Home
- Rock Creek Nursing Home
- Sunny Spring Nursing Home
- Soulman BBQ
- First Baptist Church
- The One Church
- State Farm Insurance (530 North Hillcrest)
- Professional Land and Title
- Red River Credit Union
- Head 2 Toe Nutrition
- County Club
- Cody Drug
For additional information, contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797, ext. 3, or the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4044.
Because of everyone’s generous support, we all help a child receive a toy for Christmas.
Registration For Blue Santa Toy Program Continues Through Dec. 2, 2022
Blue Santa Toy Drive Slated Dec. 1-2, At Walmart
Registration is currently under way for the Hopkins County-Sulphur Springs Blue Santa Toy Program, a partnership of city and county law enforcement and CANHelp, in cooperation with local businesses and community members.
How To Apply
Hopkins County families with a financial need may apply to the local Blue Santa program for assistance in providing toys for their children, ages 1-14 this Christmas. Registration began on Halloween and will end on Dec. 2, 2022. To apply for assistance, go online to the CANHelp website, canhelponline.org, and select “Click here to register” under the Blue Santa logo when it appears on the main banner. Then, follow the instructions to complete the application.
- When signing up online, families will need to provide:
- Proof of Hopkins County residence, such as a current utility bill;
- Birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child;
- Proof of income (help is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines);
- Proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF or CHIPS (a state benefits letter), if applicable; and
- If not the child’s parent, proof of guardianship must be shown.
All applications must be completed online and an email address is required for the parent/guardian applying for toy assistance for the children in their care. CANHelp is helping to screen applicants, and will be communicating with registered families through email. Families may also receive text reminders about the pick up, so a cell phone number is needed.
Toy distribution will be Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Everyone will line up in their vehicle starting at the City National Bank drive-through at 201 Connally Street, then follow the officers’ directions to pick up location. Sulphur Springs Police officers will control the traffic, Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies and Sheriff’s Posse will provide security. CANHelp will be set up to distribute assigned numbers as the vehicles drive through the designated location at FUMC.
Any additional questions about registration may be directed to CANHelp at 903-885-9797.
How To Help
Blue Santa has been a holiday tradition in Hopkins County for decades. Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County law enforcement work together to see that no child goes without gifts at Christmas. The officials, however, depend on the community to help bless Hopkins County children by contributing toys and monetary donations to apply toward toys.
Toy donations may be made in the labeled Blue Santa barrels being distributed at locations throughout Hopkins County, at the annual 2-day Toy Drive or handed to Santa’s Helpers (look for the people wearing blue Christmas hats alongside Blue Santa’s ride) during the Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade.
Look for Blue Santa barrels (or other designated Blue Santa containers) at the following and other locations throughout the county:
Monetary donations to benefit the Blue Santa program may be made at the Blue Santa Toy Drive, electronically by scanning a QR code on or beside Blue Santa barrels, on the Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Blue Santa Facebook page and on flyers on this page.
Toy Drive
The Blue Santa Toy Drive is an annual event the community looks forward to every year.
Businesses, offices, agencies and sometimes even friends or families have fun challenging each other to contribute to Blue Santa. Kids enjoy going to the store, selecting items they would like or that they think kids of other ages would like, then taking them to drive to children who aren’t as financially fortunate as their families.
Children have been known to bring change they’ve saved up in their piggy banks to donate, because they can’t stand the thought of another kid not having presents to open and enjoy on Christmas. All amounts, big or small are appreciated and will be used to provide toys for Hopkins County children.
This year’s annual two-day Blue Santa Toy Drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 2022, in the corner of Wal-Mart parking lot closest to Super Handy. Look for the law enforcement tents and Blue Santa.
Another annual part of the Toy Drive is the brisket lunch, provided by CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice. Pull up, ask for a lunch, make a $5 donation (or more if you are feeling generous) and someone will bring it to you. Delivery will be available in town for those ordering a minimum of five lunches per location. To reserve a lunch or schedule delivery for 5 or more brisket lunches Dec. 1-2 during lunch time (or until they run out) call 903-366-6629.
Bring the kids to the Toy Drive. The Grinch will be making his appearance with Blue Santa himself at the Toy Drive. A QR Code will be available for purchasing lunches and making donations.
Chamber Connection – Nov. 2: Several Community Events Coming Up
By Butch Burney, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
If you like wings and networking, then take note.
Join us next Wednesday for a fun Business After Hours, hosted by Wingstop of Sulphur Springs.
The Business After Hours will be from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office, 110 Main St.
Stop by for some delicious Wingstop treats as well as a networking meet and greet.
Wingstop will also have a grand re-opening for the local restaurant at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Heritage Car Show
The Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance invites everyone to attend the 17th Annual Heritage Car Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Celebration Plaza.
This is an outstanding display of antique and classic cars set to compete in several classes.
It is a free, family-friendly event in downtown Sulphur Springs surrounded by restaurants and shops.
UPRA Rodeo
Fresh off its season-ending rodeo at the state fair, the UPRA rodeo association will get back to ropin’ and ridin’ on the weekend of Nov. 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. each night and will feature team roping, bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, ranch bronc, steer wrestling, ladies breakaway, barrel racing, and tie down roping.
You don’t want to miss the chance to see these cowboys and cowgirls in action.
University Day at TAMU-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with Sulphur Springs for the CommUniverCity Day on Saturday, Nov. 5, when the Lions football team hosts Northwestern State.
The Lions will highlight and honor local educators, youth programs and residents. There will be on-field photos, hospitality areas, team interaction and a family fun zone.
For more information, contact Chris Tobiaz at 903-468-8756 or [email protected].
Epilepsy Awareness
There will be an epilepsy awareness fundraiser set for Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church’s The Roc. The fundraiser will include a car show, vendors and a spaghetti lunch.
All proceeds go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas.
Be The Service
Do you know of a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Be The Service is here to help. Join the Hopkins County Christian Alliance on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they give out 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need. Each box of food comes with a turkey and other items for a Thanksgiving meal.
The food distribution starts at 10 am until 2 pm. The line for the distribution begins in the Sulphur Springs High School Parking Lot. When you arrive, follow the traffic attendant’s directions. Also, please fill out all the information on the registration card that an attendant will give you that morning.
Be The Service is an annual event sponsored by local churches right here in Hopkins County.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Vita Bella Cups and Diner hosted a ribbon cutting on Oct. 27 for the shop at 218 Main Street. Go by for boba tea, iced and hot coffee drinks and refreshments.
- Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop will host a ribbon cutting at their new address, 224 Connally St., a few doors down from their previous location, at noon on Friday, Nov. 11. Please join us for this event.
- Hampton House Jewelry and Rockshop will host a 30-year ribbon cutting at their shop on Main Street at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Please help us celebrate their achievement!
Community Invited To ‘Be the Service’ By Helping With Thanksgiving Food Program
Area churches have come together again this year, through the Hopkins County Christian Alliance, for the purpose of serving the community through the annual “Be the Service” project. The community, for a number of years, has helped provide for those in need all of the food needed to provide a Thanksgiving meal, completely free. This includes a Thanksgiving turkey with all the fixings and groceries that one might need to put on a Thanksgiving meal for their family.
“To be clear, you’re not going to receive a prepared meal. You are going to receive a frozen turkey and several bags that will go along to help prepare a Thanksgiving meal, and hopefully, some additional food as well, just to get through the season,” noted Jason Dietze, executive minister at First United Methodist Church and treasurer for the Christian Alliance.
“We don’t want anyone going hungry this holiday season, this Thanksgiving,” said Rusty Posey, pastor of Hope Family Fellowship and secretary of Hopkins County Christian Alliance. “And again, as Jason said, we hope to have food for more than a Thanksgiving meal. Last year, I believe we had some pasta and some sauce and different things in there that would provide an additional meal. That is our hope again this year, that we are able to do that.”
Participating churches are selling tickets for a $10 donation to help fund the Thanksgiving food program.
“We call them tickets. It’s just a way for us to sell and funding this project,” Dietze clarified
“They are $10 a piece but you don’t have to give $10 to help. Ten dollars is the amount we’ve kind of set to cover the cost of the food,” said Posey. “Any proceeds we collect and don’t use will actually go to help feed families all year long through the local food bank.”
Posey explained that the partnership with the Community Chest and their affiliation with the area food bank really helps the Christian Alliance procure the food provided to needy families for Thanksgiving. This helps stretch every dollar that is given even further to help even more families at the start of this holiday season. Dietze noted that the Community Chest does much of the “leg work,” another community contributor that makes the Be the Service food project a success each year.
To purchase a ticket or make a donation to Be the Service, contact a local church as nearly all are participating in this effort. Those that aren’t participating can usually help guide potential contributors to the one that is. Community Chest and the food bank can also help those wishing to make donations to Be the Service program.
Be the Service food will begin distributing Thanksgiving meals Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. Simply drive to the Sulphur Springs High School parking lot, where the line will begins. Go through the softball and baseball parking lots into Barbara Bush Parking lot. All volunteers will meet at Bush Primary at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Those who would like to help are more than welcome to meet with the other volunteers at Bush Primary to help with distribution. Children 14 and younger who arrive must be with a parent the entire time. A few people will also be donating their time to deliver meals to people they know of who are in need but are unable to get out to pick up a box of food during distribution.
The food distribution will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. or until all of the meals are gone on Nov. 19, 2022.
“We will open the line at 10. Theoretically, 10 to 2 o’clock is our scheduled time. We have close to 1,000 meals available. If we were to run out, we run out. There’s no ticket needed, no anything. Just show up in your vehicle at the high school parking lot off of Houston Street, turn right there by the Dairy Museum and they will guide you through the line,” said Dietze. “If that is something that will be of benefit to you and your family, we are honored to help with that.”
Those receiving meals do not need a ticket. They need only show up and go through the line.
“You need nothing but a ride to get you there and they will get you through the line and hopefully bless you with some wonderful, wonderful food. If you want to help out, you are welcome to show up that morning at Barbara Bush Primary to help put boxes together, and if you want to help financially, contact ,” Dietze said.
Greater Emmanuel MBC Presents Friends and Family Day November 6th
Week 4: Hopkins County United Way Receives $16,346.42 In Donations, Pledges Toward Goal
Hopkins County United Way campaign workers turned in another $16,346.42 in donations and pledges, which were applied toward this year’s overall $150,000 goal to benefit 18 local non-profit agencies. Overall, that makes $70,181.69 HCUW had received as of the fourth weekly campaign workers’ report meeting this week, which put the campaign at just shy of 50% of the goal, with only 2 weeks left in the campaign.
“Every week, I am just blown away,” HCUW Campaign Chair Emily Glass said of the generosity shown by the community in the faithful giving, and offered thanks to each contributor for their donation to help HCUW meet the goal to provide the allocated funding to 18 local nonprofits that serve every facet of the community, from meeting basic needs to enrichment and educational programming.
Glass at the Oct. 25 meeting encouraged the many volunteers who serve as campaign workers to follow up with businesses and organizations they left donation packets with to try to get those back in over the next 2 weeks if possible, so their donations can be counted toward this year’s campaign as well.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning noted that there are still packets still out at lots of businesses, some that have traditionally been among the lead donors, that they know are being worked, but aren’t yet ready to be turned in.
For instance, one volunteer noted donations from clinics have yet to be picked up. Local banks are reported to be finishing up their campaigns and should be finished within the next 2 weeks, as should a few schools and industries.
“We are standing very strong and are so appreciative. Lots of good will be done with it,” Glass said.
While most campaign donations and pledges are made through workplaces and civic organizations, Glass reminded at Tuesday’s meeting that anyone who is not contributing through one of the traditional channels may still make a contribution to help support HCUW. Check donations may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way campaign headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made by debit or credit card or PayPal on the the United Way website, hcuw.org, by clicking “Make a Donation”, or via the Hopkins County United Way Facebook Page by clicking “Shop on Website.”
Campaign workers who have received packets but are not able to attend the weekly meetings can contact Berning by phone or text message at 903-243-4066, or by email, to arrange to get the pledges and contributions to her, contact Glass or drop them by Landers Creek Outfitters on Main Street.
Glass reported on donations turned in to her by other campaign volunteers. Andrew Yoder turned in a donation from Texas Farm Credit. Amy Glenn turned in donations from Water Oak pre-school and Water Oak Elementary. Lyndsay Palmer, a first time campaign worker, turned in donations from Sulphur Springs Vet, Broadway Vet Clinic and Hopkins County Vet Clinic. Glass picked up funds from Chad’s Media and Catacon.
Kayla Mitchell turned in donations from Hopkins County Appraisal District, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Balkcom Insurance.
Debra Evans brought in contributions from Giles Insurance, Feeders Supply, Johnson Law Firm, Craig Johnson/Ed Jones. Danny and Debra also made a personal donation.
Among the contributions Amy Griggs turned in from the Hopkins County offices of Kelly Caslon, Human Resources; Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley; Treasurer Danny Davis; Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer; Precinct 1 Constable Norman Colyer; County Court At Law Judge Clay Harrison; ; Precinct 2 Constable John Brian Beadle; Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings; and County Judge Robert Newsom. She too noted contributions from 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay Judge Eddie Northcutt.
Donations HCUW President Kristy Moseley reported turning in included those from Babe on the square, Price Pawn Shops, Marlene’s, Saltillo ISD, North Hopkins ISD.
The hospital’s contest, allowing staff to bid on a reserved parking space for a year, is ongoing. Certain departments are also allowed to pay a cash donation to be able to wear jeans to work.
Carolyn McKinney reported the Extension office staff made a contribution. Not only does Extension benefit from the fund drive through funding allocated to the 4-H program, but Extension staff also serve as campaign workers.
Mary Ferguson turned in packets for All State and Pizza Inn.
Susan Berning reported among donations picked up by Sara Goggans were Hampton House, Sulphur Springs Muffler, Blacklands Railroad Inc., Apex Supply, The Pawn Shop.
Mike Jumped turned in contributions from Dr. Will Longino and Dr. Matth Johnson’s offices.
Tina Phillips turned in packets from at least 3 different businesses, including Julia Wilhite State Farm.
Helen Sapaugh made a generous personal donation; she faithfully gives annually..
Larry and Carrie Crowson reported on contributions from Lou Nell’s and Sulta Manufacturing.
The last two campaign report meetings are slated for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at Hopkins County AgriLife Extension.
Chamber Connection: The 53rd Annual Stew Festival Was Fantastic
By Butch Burney, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Wow, what a great day at the park!
Despite some gusty winds and a little bit of a warm day, the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, sponsored by Alliance Bank, was fantastic!
Thanks to our 167 cook sites, our adult volunteers and student volunteers, about 7,500 people were able to enjoy beef and chicken stew, with crackers and cheese, while also shopping the vendor market while kids played Gellyball and jumped in the bounce houses provided by Jerry’s Jump Zone.
On Friday night, we had a great concert from Dubb and the Luv Machines, sponsored by Bob Evans Farms, and great food from many sites that were cooking for friends, family and the public.
This was one of the largest stew festivals ever, both in the number of cook sites and the number of visitors to the park.
Congratulations to our stew winners, and thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed the day. Put it on your calendar for next year – Oct. 28!
Heritage Car Show
The Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance invites everyone to attend the 17th Annual Heritage Car Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Celebration Plaza.
This is an outstanding display of antique and classic cars set to compete in several classes.
It is a free, family-friendly event in downtown Sulphur Springs surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Free Mammography Clinic
Due to demand, additional appointments were added to the Free Mammography Clinic hosted by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation in partnership with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. A few openings are still available. If you are an uninsured woman over 40 years of age that lives in Hopkins County, you are eligible for a free mammogram through this program.
The staff of the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center, a part of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, will be welcoming women to the clinic on October 29.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a good time to schedule an annual mammogram. If you are eligible for a free mammogram, call 903-438-4325 to schedule an appointment.
LEAP Youth Expo
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas is sponsoring a LEAP (Learning Endorsements and Professions) Youth Expo at the Hopkins County Civic Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 28.
The expo is sponsored by Pilgrim’s Bank, RPM Staffing Professionals and the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County EDC.
Halloween Costume Contest
Goodwill Industries is having a DIY Show Us Your Halloween Costume Contest that began Oct. 25 and continued through Oct. 31, for a chance to win a $50 gift card to any of the Northeast Texas Goodwill stores.
Use items from Goodwill to make the costume, then upload a photo to their Facebook page.
University Day at TAMU-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with Sulphur Springs for the CommUniverCity Day on Saturday, Nov. 5, when the Lions football team hosts Northwestern State.
The Lions will highlight and honor local educators, youth programs and residents. There will be on-field photos, hospitality areas, team interaction and a family fun zone.
For more information, contact Chris Tobiaz at 903-468-8756 or [email protected].
Epilepsy Awareness
There will be an epilepsy awareness fundraiser set for Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church’s The Roc. The fundraiser will include a car show, vendors and a spaghetti lunch.
All proceeds go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas.
Be The Service
Do you know of a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Be The Service is here to help. Join the Hopkins County Christian Alliance on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they give out 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need. Each box of food comes with a turkey and other items for a Thanksgiving meal.
The food distribution starts at 10 am until 2 pm. The line for the distribution begins in the Sulphur Springs High School Parking Lot. When you arrive, follow the traffic attendant’s directions. Also, please fill out all the information on the registration card that an attendant will give you that morning.
Be The Service is an annual event sponsored by local churches right here in Hopkins County.
