The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo is Back
May 9, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The dates have been set for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo. Thursday, August 7, the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center will be filled with hundreds of bingo players eager to win handbags from brands such as Louis Vuitton, STAUD, Tory Burch, Stella McCartney, Kate Spade, and more.
Sponsorships for this highly coveted event will go on sale May 19 at handbagbingo25.GiveSmart.com. The top two tiers of sponsorship are $2,500 and $1,500, both including a table for 8 players. The $500 and $250 sponsorships do not include a table or tickets, but they do include advertising benefits.
Table sales open on June 23 and cost $615 to seat 8 players. This event typically sells out through table reservations before individual tickets become available for purchase. Reserving a table shortly after reservations open is recommended to secure a spot. Any individual tickets available will be sold starting July 12 for $75 each.
For more information, visit handbagbingo25.GiveSmart.com and follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook and Instagram (@hchealthcarefoundation).
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has served Hopkins County for 28 years. It has invested millions of dollars to improve healthcare in Hopkins County since 1997.
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East Texas A&M News Release: Outstanding Alumni Honored at Awards Gala
May 9, 2025 – The 2025 Alumni Awards Gala Honors Alumni Who Inspire, Lead and Give Back.
COMMERCE, TX, May 7, 2025—
The East Texas A&M University Alumni Association hosted the 2025 Alumni Awards Gala on April 26. The formal dinner and program honored six exceptional Lions whose lives reflect a deep commitment to service, leadership and the university community.
Held at the Rayburn Student Center, this year’s gala celebrated the newest recipients of the Gold Blazer and Distinguished Alumni Awards—some of the most prestigious honors the university bestows.
University President Mark Rudin and Alumni Association President Duane Hicks welcomed the crowd, which included faculty and staff, students, family, and friends. The evening featured live music by the Student Wind Ensemble and remarks by Trent Hamilton, secretary of the Alumni Association Board.
Gold Blazer Awards
The Gold Blazer Award, first awarded in 1984, recognizes alumni who go above and beyond in service to East Texas A&M without expecting recognition or reward. This year’s honorees represent decades of dedication to their alma mater and their communities.
Rene’ K. Griffin (’75)
Hometown: Heath, Texas
Griffin’s connection to East Texas A&M began in childhood and has never wavered. He has attended every homecoming since 1960—64 years and counting. Griffin, a co-founder of Texas Book Company, has given back through decades of support, including scholarship funding, event hosting, and leadership through the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Linda D. King (’79)
Hometown: Commerce, Texas
King spent nearly 50 years serving the university, including as executive assistant to five presidents and later as chief of staff. Known for her calm leadership and passion for students, she was a Kappa Delta advisor for 17 years and is a pillar in the Commerce community.
Michael S. Lamb (’96, ’00)
Hometown: Sulphur Springs, Texas
A respected education leader, Lamb has served as superintendent for Sulphur Springs and Little Elm ISDs. He was a dedicated member of the East Texas A&M Alumni Association for nine years, half of which he spent as president. He has worked tirelessly to keep fellow alumni connected and engaged.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
The Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 1967, is reserved for those who have achieved exceptional success in their life’s work while making meaningful contributions to East Texas A&M.
George Allen (’67)
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
A trailblazer in real estate development, Allen has developed millions of square feet of retail, multifamily and mixed-use properties across the Southeast United States and Central America. Allen and his family also operate the 12,000-acre Circle A Ranch in Archer County.
Dr. Kenneth “Rock” Clinton Jr. (’65, 68)
Hometown: Cumby, Texas
Dr. Clinton, professor emeritus, spent over 40 years as a faculty member and administrator at East Texas A&M, helping launch the university’s international programs. A global leader in Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Clinton has also served the Commerce community in countless ways.
Scott Stahl (’84)
Hometown: Dike, Texas
A leader in the technology industry, Stahl continues to support future Lions as vice chair of the East Texas A&M Foundation Board and mentor to business students. Stahl embodies the spirit of service and leadership. His family’s Lion legacy spans generations.
“It is both humbling and deeply moving to witness the profound impact our alumni continue to make in their professions, their communities and here at East Texas A&M,” said Amanda Lowe, director of Alumni Engagement. “Their legacy of leadership and generosity will continue to inspire Lions for generations to come.”
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report, May 2025
May 6, 2025 – During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday May 6, 2025, City Manager Marc Maxwell submitted his monthly report.
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER, MARC MAXWELL
SUBJ: MANAGER’S REPORT
CLAIMS – We had 1 workers compensation claim in April for a police officer who suffered abrasions while making an arrest. We had one liability claim from a driver who’s car was struck by a police cruiser. There were no injuries.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – Kimley Horn is collecting data for their baseline. They are hosting an open house at the Senior Activities Center on May 15 from 5 pm to 8 pm. They will complete the community assessment phase in May.
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD – We have received 100% construction drawings from Kimley Horn and we have submitted them to Texas Parks and Wildlife for approval. We also have a photo-op scheduled for May 12 at 5:45 at which time the Bright Star Baseball organization will present a check to assist with the construction of the field.
THERMO WATER – The Capital Construction Division installed 2,440 feet of 18’ water main in April for a total of 4,040 feet. We are replacing old 8” main. This will be the first water project of many at Thermo.
THERMO ROAD – This project is completed.
This $4.4 million project was partially funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
COLEMAN BALLFIELD LIGHT UPGRADE – This $250,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to upgrade the ballfield lights to LED is on again, off again. It’s currently on again…mostly. SECO will be here tomorrow for a site audit. They tell us that the approval to proceed is imminent.happen.
MIDFIELD APRON – All of the concrete is in place. All that remains is a bit of erosion control and painting.
This project includes drainage improvements as well as repaving the midfield apron in concrete. Total project cost is $5.28 million, of which 90% is funded by a grant through TXDOT.
WASTEWATER CHLORINE CONTACT CHAMBER – Hayter Engineering is presently designing the new chlorine contact chamber. We have encountered an obstacle that threatens to prevent us from re-rating the plant from %.4 MGD to 10 MGD. Our Primary clarifiers are only 8 feet deep. TCEQ now requires a minimum depth of 10 feet. They are applying the depth requirement to us if we want to rerate. Staff is working on the issue. We are applying for a variance. Our data shows that our clarifiers are doing a fantastic job as they are.
This $2.2 million project will repurpose a former (abandoned) sand filter turning it into a chlorine contact chamber. Chlorine contact time is a bottleneck at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP has a rated capacity of 5.4 MGD. Staff believes we can increase the capacity to 10 MGD when the project is completed. The increase will require TCEQ approval, but staff thinks it is feasible. The project is being funded from the Enterprise Fund balance.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) – Following is a list of projects for the 2025 SIP. Highlighted segments have been completed. The contractor is waiting for the school year to end before finishing the list.
| 2025 Street | Improvement | Program |
| Street | From/To | Length |
| Hodge | Davis to Fisher and Texas to Brinker | 925 |
| South Davis | Lee to Industrial | 1047 |
| Debbie/Kayla/Price | Camp thru Cul de sac | 961 |
| Foscue | Jefferson to Weaver | 808 |
| Middle | Church to Mulberry | 918 |
| Turtle Creek | Main to end | 702 |
| Village | Linda to End | 301 |
| Ponder | Connally to Van Sickle | 702 |
| Sunset | Houston to RR | 1193 |
| Sprite | End to End | 1109 |
| Stacy/Beckton/C P Alley | Fuller to College | 1244 |
| Tate | Texas to Brinker | 570 |
| Michel | College to Gena | 850 |
| McGrede | Sprite to Lemon | 1660 |
| Lilly/Bird Cir. | MLK to Cul de sac | 570 |
| Ponder | Van Sickle to Houston | 449 |
| Levi/Cottonwood | End to End | 988 |
| Ingram | Texas to Locust | 359 |
| Locust | Tate to Bellview | 449 |
| Asphalt/Concrete repairs | Various | 1000 |
| Coleman Parking | Expansion | 250 x 190 |
| Camp | Texas to Brinker | 550 |
| Kimberly | End to end | 675 |
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the monthly report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Prepped athletic fields for 137 youth games and 3 tournaments.
- • Prepared the Grays building for 19 rentals.
- • Mowed the airport and grass landing strip twice.
- • Assisted with 102 activities for seniors.
- • Conducted 90 building inspections, 13 electrical inspections, 17 plumbing inspections, and 13 mechanical inspections.
- • Issued 30 building permits and 60 trade permits.
- • Sold 3,136 gallons of AvGas and 4,950 gallons of JetA fuel.
- • Handled 1,495 take-offs/landings at the airport.
- • Repaired 311 potholes.
- • Cleaned out storm catch basins 6 times.
- • Replaced 9 stop signs.
- • Removed 4 fallen trees from roadways.
- • Poured a concrete slab for the Adult Leadership Class project, replacing an old pavilion in Buford Park.
- • Made 18 street repairs following utility cuts.
- • Hauled Street Sweeper spoils to the landfill.
- • Worked Spring Cleanup…1,241 vehicles, 85 roll-offs filled, 2,550 cubic yards hauled off.
- • Installed 150 feet of new curb and gutter on Alabama Street.
- • Responded to 203 animal control calls while achieving an 81% adoption rate. • Made 4 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- • Responded to 35 accidents, wrote 512 traffic citations, recorded 50 offenses and made 64 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- • Checked out 3,835 items from the Library plus 863 eBooks.
- • Responded to 228 fire/rescue calls including 3 vehicle fires and 5 grass fires. • Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
- • Conducted 42 fire inspections.
- • Produced wastewater effluent with a daily average total suspended solids reading of 2.25 mg/L.
- • Hauled 926 tons of sludge to the landfill.
- • Repaired 6 water main ruptures.
- • Replaced 20 water meters.
- • Unstopped 43 sewer mains.
- • Washed 85,000 feet of sewer mains.
Dinner Bell for May 14, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Christus Health
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
Christus Health can trace its history to 1866 with the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas, by the sisters of Charity. In 2016 Christus merged with Trinity Mother Frances hospital and Clinics (itself a product of a merger of two catholic based systems) in Tyler, Texas, and formed an alliance with Hopkins County Hospital District in which Christus became the leasing entity of the hospital building, its employes, and the medical services of the hospital.
The goal of Christus Health is to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves with the underlying core values of Compassion, Excellence, Dignity, Integrity, and Stewardship. Under its umbrella are 63 hospitals in the United States, Mexico, Columbia, and Chile, employing 45,000 associates.
Christus Mother Frances is a partner with Dinner Bell six times yearly. The relationship to feed those needing a meal in Sulphur Springs and its vicinity dates back to 2017. Thank you Christus Health!
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Bacon Infused Green Beans
- Garden Salad
- Buttered French Bread Slices
- Chocolate Cherry Cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Texas Bail Reform Bill Tougher on Suspects and Judges
May 8, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott convened a roundtable in Austin this week with law enforcement officials, policy leaders, and victims of violent crime to rally support for a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening Texas’ bail system. The event underscored Abbott’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and tightening rules around pretrial release for individuals accused of serious offenses.
“Every member of the Texas House has one question to answer. Are they going to vote to protect the citizens they represent—or the criminals who kill them?” – Greg Abbott
The governor’s proposal includes three key provisions. First, it would require judges to deny bail to individuals accused of violent crimes—including murder, rape, and human trafficking—unless there is “clear and convincing evidence” that the defendant is not a threat to the public and is likely to appear in court. Second, it mandates transparency by requiring judges to issue a written, public explanation when granting bail to violent offenders. Third, it would empower prosecutors to appeal bail decisions they believe compromise public safety.
Abbott framed the measure as a necessary response to rising concerns about repeat violent offenders being released on bail and committing new crimes. “Texans deserve to feel safe in their communities,” he said, adding that the proposal is designed to protect victims and restore accountability in the judicial process.
The Texas Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 1, which contains the amendment language, by a 28-2 vote in mid-February. However, it has remained stalled in the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence for nearly two months, frustrating supporters who see it as a critical step forward.
Law enforcement officials at the roundtable voiced strong support, describing instances where repeat offenders exploited lenient bail policies. Victims and their families also spoke emotionally about the consequences of system failures.
“If we pass good, strong legislation, it will save innocent human lives. This bill belongs to the victims and families of these people. If we are successful, and we will be successful, that victory goes to those families.” — Representative John Smithee
As pressure builds on House lawmakers to act, the proposed amendment represents a defining moment in Texas’ criminal justice reform debate, with public safety and judicial transparency at the center of the conversation.
Texas Attorney General Paxton Takes on Chinese Companies
May 7, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched legal action against several Chinese companies, including TP-Link, Alibaba, and CapCut, accusing them of violating Texans’ privacy rights under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA). These companies, which Paxton links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have been given thirty days to comply with the state’s privacy laws or face further legal consequences.
The TDPSA requires businesses to be transparent about how they process consumer data, give users the ability to opt out of data collection, and allow them to delete their personal information. Paxton emphasized that noncompliance, especially by foreign entities tied to the CCP, poses a significant risk to Texan citizens’ digital privacy.
“I have notified several Chinese-owned companies that they must stop violating Texas’s privacy laws and protect Texans’ data from falling into the hands of the CCP,” Paxton said. This action builds on his broader efforts to combat data misuse, including a recent investigation into the CCP-affiliated AI company DeepSeek, which has since been banned from all Texas Attorney General’s Office devices.
Paxton’s initiative reflects growing national concern over foreign influence in tech and data security. Texans are encouraged to report potential TDPSA violations to the Attorney General’s Office.
‘DART Killer’ Bill Advances
May 6, 2025 – After weeks of debate and testimony, Texas lawmakers on the House Transportation Committee voted 9 to 2 on Tuesday to advance House Bill 3187, a measure that could significantly reshape public transit funding in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Authored by Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano), the bill proposes reducing the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system’s one-cent sales tax collection from member cities by 25%. That reduced portion would instead be funneled into a new general mobility fund, allowing cities to invest in alternative transportation and infrastructure projects.
DART serves Dallas and 12 surrounding cities with multimodal public transit services and customer facilities tailored to make exploring North Texas easy. DART buses, trains, GoLink On-Demand, Paratransit Services, Dallas Streetcar and the TRE make riding DART the fast and reliable way to travel.
Supporters of the bill argue that cities need more flexibility in how they spend transit-related funds, especially as local needs evolve beyond traditional rail and bus systems. Shaheen and others claim the legislation would empower municipalities to invest in broader mobility solutions, such as road improvements, bike lanes, or emerging technologies.
However, DART officials warn the consequences could be severe. Spokesperson Jeamy Molina said the proposed funding cut could result in service reductions of up to 30%, impacting daily riders who rely on buses and trains for work, school, and essential travel. DART serves 13 member cities, and a sharp reduction in services would disproportionately affect low-income and transit-dependent communities.
Critics also argue the bill undermines regional cooperation and threatens long-term investments in public transit infrastructure. As the legislation moves to the full House for consideration, the debate is likely to intensify, with public transit advocates, city leaders, and riders watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how Texas—and potentially other states—balance the needs of public transportation agencies with the push for local spending autonomy. With so much at stake, HB 3187 is shaping up to be one of the session’s most consequential transportation policy battles.
Sr. Center COOR Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup of Coffee to Discuss What the Center has Planned for a Mother’s Day Celebration
Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor stopped by for A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to share what the Center has in store for the community in the upcoming weeks. John Mark and Dawna chatted about the Mother’s Day Celebration the Senior Citizens Activity Center will host May 9th, 2025. The two also talked about the upcoming talk CNB will have on avoiding fraud, the Senior Prom, and so much more. Don’t miss this episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee!
ETAMU to Celebrate Largest Graduating Class of All Time on May 9 & 10
May 6, 2025 – Students will receive their degrees in one of five ceremonies across two days.
COMMERCE, TX, May 6, 2025— More than 1,600 East Texas A&M University students are poised to break a record as the largest graduating class in the 135+ year history of the university at commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10.
In total, 1,646 graduates will receive their degrees across five ceremonies—two for graduate-level students and three for undergraduates—at the university Field House located at 1804 Lee Street in Commerce.
University President Mark Rudin congratulated the record-breaking Spring 2025 graduating class.
“Graduation is always an occasion worth celebrating, but being a part of the largest graduating class in our university’s long history must be a special feeling for our students,” Rudin said. “I couldn’t be prouder of these Lion graduates and their hard work and perseverance to reach this moment.”
Rudin continued: “I am confident that these 1,600+ Lion alumni will go out into the world and demonstrate how we fulfill our mission to transform lives.”
Graduate Fast Facts
Out of the more than 1,600 upcoming graduates, here are a few highlights
- Age of youngest graduate: 14
- Age of oldest graduate: 75
- U.S. states represented: 34
- Countries represented: 4
- First-gen graduates: 599
- International student graduates: 150
- Students graduating with academic distinction: 578
Commencement ceremony schedule
See our schedule below:
Graduate School – Master’s
Friday, May 9 at 1 p.m. | Livestream
College of Business
College of Science and Engineering
Graduate School – Doctoral and Master’s
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 4 p.m. | Livestream
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Education and Human Services
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. | Livestream
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Business
College of Science and Engineering
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, May 10 at 11:30 a.m. | Livestream
College of Education and Human Services
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m. | Livestream
College of Innovation and Design
Guest information
Tickets
- Each graduate received an allotted number of tickets to share with family and friends. A ticket must be presented for each guest, including infants and toddlers.
- Guests should ensure they have their tickets BEFORE arriving at the ceremony and have them ready to be scanned BEFORE entering the building.
- Guests without tickets may view a live stream of the ceremony via the links above.
Parking
- The closest parking lots are 1, 2, 3, and 5.
- Guests with disabilities (with proper vehicle identification) may park in Lot 4. The entrance to Lot 4 is on Bois D’Arc St.
- Shuttle buses are free of charge and will rotate throughout the parking areas approximately every 15 minutes.
Bags
- A clear bag policy is in place.
- ALLOWED: Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags- no larger than 12”x 6”x 12”
- NOT ALLOWED: Clear bags with buckles, hardware, or décor concealing the bag, backpacks, regular-size purses, large totes, diaper bags, or other similar items
Accessibility
- The bottom two rows of bleachers are reserved for guests with disabilities. Representatives from the Student Disability Services office will be available to assist. For ADA accommodations, please contact [email protected].
For additional guest information, please visit tamuc.edu/Graduation. Follow East Texas A&M on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and check out the University Photo Archive for upcoming graduation photos!
Photo by Matt Strasen, East Texas A&M Marketing and Communications | The university’s 1,600+ Spring graduates represent 34 total U.S. states and four countries.
Mt. Vernon Set to Become Nation’s Lithium Capitol
April 6, 2025 – GeoFrame, a Houston-based energy and mining company, has announced bold plans to turn Mount Vernon, Texas — a small town with a population of just 2,500 — into the nation’s largest single-source lithium producer. The company’s ambitious initiative promises to inject new economic life into the rural community, bringing over 100 new jobs and positioning the area at the forefront of the U.S. energy transition.
The project centers on a newly discovered lithium-rich brine deposit just outside Mount Vernon. GeoFrame intends to use advanced direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to produce the mineral more efficiently and sustainably than traditional methods. Once operational, the facility is expected to triple current domestic lithium output, reducing America’s reliance on foreign imports and supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy storage systems.
Local officials have expressed optimism about the project’s potential, emphasizing not just job creation, but also improvements in infrastructure, tax revenue, and long-term economic diversification. Critics, however, have raised concerns about environmental impact and water use — issues GeoFrame says it will address through strict oversight and innovative, low-impact extraction techniques.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2028. If successful, the Mount Vernon site could significantly reshape both the local economy and the U.S. lithium supply chain. For a small East Texas town, the promise of becoming a critical player in a global energy market marks a dramatic and potentially transformative shift. As GeoFrame moves forward, all eyes will be on whether it can deliver on its promises — and turn Mount Vernon into a new symbol of American clean energy independence.
