Chamber Connection – Oct. 31, 2019
By Lezley Brown, president/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Thank you to all who attended the 50th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest! We enjoyed delicious stew, unfortunate weather conditions, and great memories. I love that we live in a community that welcomes an event of this size, allows us to think of our big dreams, and execute them. Thank you to our sponsors, our cooks, and our volunteers for a wonderful, wonderful Hopkins County tradition! See you next year for the 51tth Annual Stew Contest on Saturday, October 24, 2020!
I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2020 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her. I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love. I hope you will join me in the journey!
Fourth annual Salute the Veterans Cook-off
The fourth annual Salute the Veterans Cook-off on will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, starting at 8 a.m. at the Hopkins County Heritage Park located at 416 North Jackson St., in Sulphur Springs. All-you-can-eat BBQ begins at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12, and free for veterans, active duty, and children under 6. Proceeds will benefit Operation Victor Echo Tango.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market & Swap on Nov. 8-9
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a Flea Market & Swap event Nov. 8 and 9 beginning at 9 a.m. at 20670 Highway 11 East in Winnsboro. Vendors are wanted as well as shoppers and “junque” lovers who are ready to shop, swap, and eat. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
Veterans Day Parade scheduled for Nov. 9
A Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, in Sulphur Springs, to honor those who have served us. Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade will begin at Prim Stadium, head down Houston St., go through the downtown square, and continue out to the Brookshire’s. Grand marshall for the parade is Clayton McGraw.
Designer Bag Bingo
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is hosting a Designer Bag Bingo Night on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Doors open at 5 p.m., and tickets are for sale for $30. That ticket price gets you ten rounds of BINGO for a chance to win a designer bag by Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, and more. Tickets are available at Alliance Bank, City National Bank, and Guaranty Bank & Trust.
Wesley Methodist Church Fall Round-up
Wesley United Methodist Church is hosting their 41st Annual Fall Round Up on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be Hopkins County Stew, a silent auction, country store, and a live auction. Tickets are $6 for adults, and $3 for children. Visit www.wesleysst.org/fallroundup for more information.
Ribbon Cuttings
Miss Behavin has officially opened their second location and hosted a ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at noon. They are located at 118 Main St. in Sulphur Springs. Stop by to shop and wish them congratulations on this second location.
The Barn of Emory, located at 550 County Road 3325 in Emory, hosted their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m. In addition to the ribbon cutting, the Don Woods Jr. Band held a free concert at the venue at 7 p.m.
Hopkins County United Way 100% Club For Oct. 29, 2019
Hopkins County United Way officers, following each weekly campaign report meeting, post the campaign donation tally and a list of businesses and organizations who have either met or exceeded the goal established for that group; these groups are recognized as part of the Unite Way 100% Club.
The HCUW campaign total collected so far is $117,620.35. One additional workers campaign report meeting is planned at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Texas AgriLife Extension Service office. The goal is $165,000 for at least 20 local organizations and agencies.
Named to the HCUW 100% Club for the week of Oct. 29, 2019 are:
- Century 21 Hometown
- AE Moore Construction
- Juan Pablo
- JB Weld
- Saputo
- GSC Corporate
- Burgers and Fries
- Briley Barber Shop
- SS Muffler Center
- Nation’s Lending
- Payne Electric
- Texas Trading Co.
- Flippin Printing and New Millennium Shopper
- City National Bank Corporate
- City National Bank Employees
- Guaranty Bank and Trust Corporate
- Clarion Pointe Hotel
- Super Handy Office and Stores
- Hammond Mobile Homes
- Fieldhouse Sports
- A & S Air Conditioning
- Shoe Inn
- Financial Solutions
- Sulphur Springs Floral
- Carriage House
- Flowerland Florist
- Pioneer Café
- Tierra del Sol
- Toliver Ford
- Mitchell 24 Hour Fitness
- Northeast Texas Farmers Co-Op
- Foster’s Place
- East Texas Physical Therapy
- East Texas Gymnastics
- Nationwide – Jason Tully Insurance
- Jim McLeroy
- Como Pickton Consolidated ISD
- Miller Grove ISD
- Kiwanis
- Schlotzsky’s
- All World Travel
- Dr. Fielder
- Dr. Doughtie
- Dr. Coker
Anyone who has not been contacted who would like to contribute may mail donations to HCUW Campaign Headquarters, P.O. Box 735, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75483; or contact any campaign worker or officer, or call Susan Berning at 903-243-4066.
Veterans Will Be Honored Nov. 9 With Parade
Disabled Veterans Statue, KIA Engraving Dedication Also Planned
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County will honor veterans for their service Saturday, Nov. 9, with at least two events.
A veteran’s parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, lad by Clayton McGraw, who will serve as grand marshal.
The parade will depart from Gerald Prim Stadium on Houston Street, continuing to Church Street, to Jefferson Street at the square, then continue on Gilmer Street to Brookshire’s. More than 40 entries had been reported.
The parade is organized by Community Seeds, a 501 (c)3 that provides housing, clothing, education and rehabilitation services for veterans.
Those interested in participating in the parade, should contact Bob Kerr at 903-304-4560 or [email protected].
Another special event scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9, will honor disabled veterans as well as local Hopkins County service personnel who were killed in actions while serving their country. The “Because of the the Brave” event will begin at 4 p.m. on Celebration Plaza.
A statue of a disabled veteran will be installed and dedicated at this event, as will the names recently etched into the caps on Hopkins County Veterans Memorial.
The statue honors those who receive permanent injuries as a result of their service. The disabled veteran statue features a veteran who lost a limb and includes his service dog. Funds for the statue were given by the Mickey McKenzie family.
The end caps on the Veterans Memorial on the square feature 144 names of local service personnel who were killed in action while serving; all listed as KIA on the end caps have been verified by the government as having been killed in action while serving.
“They range from one who was killed during the Civil War during a famous battle until the most recent. Most served in World War I and II, 15 Vietnam, Korea too, even the Gulf War on the list,” said Pam Elliott, chair of Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Committee.
Congressman John Ratcliffe will be the guest speaker for the dedication. After the dedication, those attending are invited to enjoy a free hot dog, chips and a drink.
PJC Regents Receive Report from National Trustee Meeting
Paris Junior College remains a national leader in many areas, according to Dr. Clifton Wilkerson, a PJC regent who attended the recent national meeting of the Association of Community College Trustees. He presented his report to fellow regents at a meeting held Monday, Oct. 28.
“I attended a session on enabling student success through technology collaboration,” said Wilkerson. “Once I got there I heard it was something we’re already doing so I was proud of our group.”
He also reported on initiatives for helping at-risk students, as Amarillo College does, with an emergency fund to help with unexpected emergencies such as car repair or child care, and having all faculty and staff participate in a poverty simulation.
Wilkerson passed on what he learned of a generational shift, where students who have come of age using smartphones lack basic computer skills and can’t type. Ten years ago the average college student could type 32 words a minute and now it’s below 22. That’s important because it’s below the threshold of typing fast enough to keep up with thought without having to look for the next key and lose that train of thought. This is affecting organization and writing skills.
Engaging the distracted was a session attended by all the attendees, including PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.
“The Gen Z’s and Millenials believe they can multi-task,” said Anglin. “They challenge authority, crave recognition and have a short attention span – only about 27 minutes, and they are active learners.”
In other business, the Regents:
• Received a financial report from Controller Keitha Carlton that PJC is closing out the financial year and expects the auditing team to arrive in a couple of weeks.
• Approved the 2020-2021 College Calendar, setting important dates for semester starts and other deadlines. The calendar is aligned with Texas university schedules.
• Approved private offers for two tax foreclosed properties in the City of Paris.
• Discussed lack of representation and PJC votes on the Lamar County Appraisal District Board of Directors. PJC has 229 votes out of 5,000 but 28.5 percent of collection expenses.
• Accepted the employment of Andrea Perry as Student Success Coach in Advising and Counseling effective Nov. 11.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks Has Results From Monday’s Regional Run
The Lady Cats Cross Country Team finished 17th out of 24 teams, and the Wildcats were 18th at the Region II Class 5A Championship at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex on Monday, Oct. 28.
SSHS Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said the weather was perfect for running Monday which resulted in fast times. The Lady Cats finish was two spots better than last year according to Coach Hicks.
He said senior Sydney Washburn talked with him and decided to really go for it. She was hoping to finish among the top 17 to 20 runners that would qualify for state. The strategy worked for awhile. Coach Hicks said Washburn was in 13th place after the first 3/4ths of a mile but, then, was affected by a stomach bug.
As a result, the Lady Cats were led by a pair of freshmen, Mattie Bridges and Laney Hurst. Next were a pair of juniors, Maurie Flecker and Kenia Herrera. Washburn was the fifth Lady Cats finisher, followed by freshman Makayla Jimmerson and senior Ashley Noe.
The Wildcats were led by senior Christian Palomino, who just missed out on going to state last year. Coach Hicks said qualifying for state was Palomino’s goal this year. Unfortunately, he finished 23rd with only the top 16 runners advancing to state.
Sophomore Jose Mejia was the next finisher for the Wildcats, followed by junior Camden Fuller, Price Griggs, then sophomores Evan Patrick and Alex Flecker, and senior Chase Berry.
Coach Hicks said many of his runners ran their best times at the meet.
Most of the Wildcats and Lady Cats runners will be returning next year. Coach Hicks said he would miss his seniors: Washburn, Noe, Palomino, Berry and Ricardo Torres.
Change in Location for Send Off for the Veterans Taking Honor Flight
The Veterans honor flight send off location has changed. On Thursday, October 31st, at 11:30AM, the send off for the four Veterans going on the honor flight will be held in the courthouse second floor courtroom. It will not be held in front of the courthouse steps as originally planned. Right inside the door of the courthouse is an elevator for those who have difficulty climbing stairs. The only change in the send off is the location.
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens Discusses Kaufman Game At Weekly Media Gathering Wednesday
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens, at his weekly media gathering Wednesday before the Kaufman game Friday, said the Wildcats are disappointed about being eliminated from the playoff race. But, he said he is telling the players this week’s game is another chance to compete in a high school football game.
Coach Owens is urging the team to finish what they started. He said the Wildcats want to have a two game winning streak to end the season.
Coach Owens said the team got off to a bit of a slow start at practice Monday but, then picked up the pace at Tuesday practice. He said the Wildcats have great attitudes.
Concerning Kaufman, Coach Owens said they are coached by a former Wildcat Assistant Football Coach Jeramy Burleson. Coach Burleson was an assistant for former Wildcat Head Football Coach Brad Turner. Coach Owens said Burleson is doing a good job.
The Lions lost their starting quarterback to injury early this season. Coach Owens said the Lions are playing a lot of youngsters. The Lions starting quarterback now is Billy Pullen, listed as 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds. He also plays middle linebacker. Coach Owens said he can manage a game well and can also throw.
e said Kaufman wants to run first and then pass. Coach Owens said the Wildcats must stop the run. Coach Owens said he is impressed with the Lions’ offensive and defensive lines, and with Darius McGee, a Lion’s defensive back and wide receiver who will also take some quarterback snaps.
He said Kaufman will jump in and out of three-man and four-man defensive fronts. Coach Owens said Kaufman has some hard nosed football players.
Lady Cats Volleyball To Play Old Foe Hallsville In Bi-District Tuesday Night
Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner says the Lady Cats will be playing Hallsville in a bi-district match next Tuesday night, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Tyler Junior College.
The Lady Bobcats are on a tear. They have won 13 straight district matches after losing their very first one this season. The Lady Bobcats are 30-12 for the season.
The Lady Cats play a warm up game against Paris Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Main Gym at SSHS.
The Texas High Lady Cats surprised the SSHS Lady Cats Tuesday night on Senior Night, getting a 3-2 upset victory in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School.
Coach Dorner said she felt her team should have won the match in three sets. The Lady Cats lost close sets in set two and four dropping both 25-23.
Coach Dorner said Texas High had some athletic girls that were able to hit around and over Lady Cats’ block attempts. She said the Lady Cats fed the Lady Tigers too many easy balls. She said there were Lady Cats’ errors all over the place.
Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats did well on serve receive and passing. However, she added, the Lady Cats did not cover well and if they did, they often weren’t ready for the ball. She said the Lady Cats missed some key blocks by reading the plays late and not getting where they need to be in time. She said sometimes the Lady Cats ended up where they were not supposed to be.
With a Royse City win over Mount Pleasant Tuesday night, the Lady Bulldogs took third place in district, while the Lady Cats ended up fourth, setting up the Hallsville match up.
Tira News For Oct. 30, 2019
By Jan Vaughn
Congratulations are in order for Kim Beck, who got Best In Show in the adult photography category at the Hopkins County Fall Festival!
Jackson and Courtney Dailey came back from their road trip to visit a bit with Kim and Lee Beck and, in Kim’s words, “to pick up their dog/child.” They traveled to Tennessee, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois and Arkansas, then, home to San Antonio.
Joyce Dodd reports that the Tira Bible study group will not meet again until after the first of the new year.
Chip and I enjoyed a trip to Flagstaff, Arizona last week. The bright yellow aspens on Humphrey’s Peak were gorgeous and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument provided scenic and interesting landscapes. We enjoyed day trips to the spectacular Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, red rock region of Sedona and the desert drive to Phoenix, where the impressive, giant Saguaro cactus could be seen in abundance by the roadsides.
We returned home by way of Waco, where we met our son, Delayne, for lunch on Saturday. He had been hospitalized for a broken leg for a few days while we were gone, but his recovery is going well.
Our daughter and granddaughter, Tiffany and Jaidyn, surprised us with a visit over the weekend. They had a school holiday on Friday and Jaidyn spent time with visiting her friends, Maygan and Bella, and their family. Tiffany met her son, Landon, and grandsons, Rylan, Brailon and Slaiden, at the Fall Carnival at North Hopkins School. The kids enjoyed playing the games, while Laiken, their mother, helped with one of the carnival booths.
Morgan Joslin was in from Tulsa and he and his dad, Malcolm, went to the fly-in at Reklaw.
On Sunday, Tiffany and Jaidyn went to the early service at First Baptist Church with us, and then went to Posey Baptist Church, and came back to our house. Morgan, Malcolm, Kenden and his girlfriend Emma, and Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden joined us for lunch. Afterward, the kids enjoyed playing outside and we enjoyed watching them and visiting, before Tiffany and Jaidyn returned to Malvern, Arkansas.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
