Hopkins County Records – December 2023
Land Deed Transactions 12/4/23 Thru 12/6/23
- Areli Enriquez and Manuel Enriquez to Huantian Zhang; Tract in the Hodge Adams Survey
- John Dep Ruchanan, Admin, and Eddie Louis Buchanan Estate to Alfredo Estrada Lopez; Tract in the J Ybarbo Survey
- Angela Smith to Heather Marie White; Tract in the J W Hatchell Survey
- Mary Ann Morris to Tina Davenport; Tract in the Jesse K H Pace Survey
- R & R Ranchers LP to Gary Delayne Reamsbottom and Kristie Lee Reamsbottom; Tract in the WM H Moses Survey
- Jana Dodd to Eva Diaz Ortiz and Ruben Monarrez Ortiz; Tract in the John S Bowen Survey
- Celia Guerrero and Pedro Guerrero to Marilu Brito and Lesley Marvan; Tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin Survey
- Samantha Diane Royalty-Dennis and Jack Warren White Jr to Redemption Properties LLC; Tract in the G M Calvery Survey
- William Rogue to Medrano Hilda Mireya Hernandez; Tract in the E Melton Survey
- Vivian Brown to Jennifer Lynn Brown Cook, Alexander Lee Medina, and Joshua Ian Medina; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
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.
An investigation was conducted upon law enforcement finding pills containing Fentanyl and continuing with investigators tracking down two individuals suspected of being involved in delivering the pills to Wooten.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum activated additional resources of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department to aid in the capture and arrest of those individuals responsible for delivery of the tainted contraband. In a press release, Tatum said, “I want to remind everyone that if you deliver illegal drugs to anyone in Hopkins County and that person dies of an overdose, you will be charged with murder.”
Both suspects are charged with murder and bond has been set at 1 million dollars each. Murder charges were levied based on new laws signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
Foundation’s Gala Highlights Community’s Uniqueness
December 28, 2023 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has hosted an annual Gala for eighteen years. It has changed and grown through the years with the Foundation finally settling on a program that suits the crowd.
Yes, it is a fun night punctuated with amazing food, fine wines and beers, live music, games, and frivolity. It is also an important night of fundraising for the Foundation since proceeds are used to fund annual projects selected by the all-local Board of Directors.
The evening provides a time for attendees to celebrate the wonderful local healthcare providers and businesses that Sulphur Springs offers. It is a time for a small community, known for its philanthropic causes, to come together to celebrate its uniquity. This is a community that helped fund families with kids going through cancer by selling painted, wooden yard stakes. Long-timers remember those days. We still see the same level of support, but the signs have been replaced by chili fundraisers, stews, and auctions.
The Gala is a chance to rejoice in our wholesome, caring community that offers more to its residents than towns much larger. It offers a vibrant downtown, active churches, school employees who care, healthcare providers who go above and beyond, donors who give generously, and love and respect between neighbors. Folks, Mayberry has nothing on Hopkins County!
What may seem like just a night of fun is really a statement about who Hopkins County residents are and what we care about. By supporting local healthcare, we are helping our friends, neighbors, and family to live and thrive in an idyllic community like none other.
To be a part of the night, visit the 2024 Gala website LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com. You will find ticket options, sponsorship levels, and an opportunity to donate. Live and silent auction items and other offerings will be added, so check the site often.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Gifts may be tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS. All funds raised are used to improve healthcare in Hopkins County.
For additional information, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
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The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors gathers at the 2023 Gala for a photo. Left to right are Don Sapaugh, Jarred Pickett, Charles Helm, Mickey McKenzie, Sally Toliver, Jimmy Jones, Pam Black, Garrett Glass, Maleta Reynolds, Jessica Kultgen, and Paul Harvey.
Be Sure to Renew Your Ag/Timber Registration by December 31
Farmers, ranchers and timber producers with a valid agricultural and timber registration number must renew those by December 31, 2023
The ag/timber registration numbers are required under Texas law to claim a sales tax exemption on products used in the course of agricultural or timber production.
“This renewal process is part of helping farmers and ranchers reduce their input costs,” Brant Wilbourn, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “We want to make sure everyone is aware that it’s time for the ag/timber number renewal in order to keep claiming those valid exemptions.”
Legislation was passed in 2011 that required a uniform renewal date for all numbers regardless of when they were first registered. They must be renewed every four years.
Eligible persons must renew their registration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts by December 31, 2023 in order to continue claiming sales tax exemptions.
Anyone producing agricultural or timber products for sale can complete an application for an ag/timber number. That includes farmers and ranchers who grow agricultural products to sell to others, timber producers, custom harvesters, and aquaculture and apiculture producers. Those engaged in agricultural aircraft operations and commercial nurseries that grow stock from seed or cuttings, replant seedlings in larger containers and foster the growth of plants for sale are also eligible.
A registration number is not needed for seed, feed or livestock purchases, nor is it needed for veterinarian-prescribed items such as medication or topical products.
Items that may qualify for sales tax exemptions include fertilizers, pesticides, defoliants and desiccants used exclusively in agricultural production.
Machinery and equipment, irrigation systems, seedlings for timber, electricity and natural gas, some motor fuel and certain motor vehicle sales and use tax may also be claimed if used primarily for farming, ranching or timber production.
Retailers may accept and keep on file blanket exemption certificates, but those also need to be updated after Dec. 31 to include new expiration dates.
The Comptroller’s office recently mailed renewal information to individuals who hold current registration numbers. There is a unique WebFile number located in that letter that can be used to renew the registration online.
Those who wish to renew by phone may do so by calling 1-844-247-3639.
More information regarding ag and timber sales tax exemptions can be found online at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ag-timber/.
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 to bring your family, friends, and employees to an evening of dinner and community awards including Large and Small Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, Caregiver Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Woman of the Year, Growth and Renewal Award, Community Pride Award, and Citizen of the Year. Our banquet theme is “Sweethearts Dinner” as we plan a fun evening of fine dining and awards. It will be memorable!
Individual tickets are $30, and tables of ten are available for $500, which includes preferential seating and visible labeling of your business or group.
We are excited for you and your business to join us for this memorable evening. Please make your reservation today by calling Butch, Jaci or Kelli at the Chamber of Commerce, 903-885-6515, emailing [email protected] or by stopping by to visit at 110 Main Street in Sulphur Springs.
We look forward to spending this memorable evening with you.
GSC Enterprises and the McKenzie Family are Supporters of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation
GSC Enterprises and the McKenzie family are long-time supporters of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. Barbara McKenzie was a founder of the organization and Mickey McKenzie is a current director on the board. They will be sponsoring the upcoming Gala with proceeds going toward an expansion of the Surgical Services wing at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Posing with Gala Chairs John Sellers (far left) and Kim Sellers (second from right) are Diana Cotton, Lori Ray, Mickey McKenzie, Steve Rutherford, Kerry Law, and Josh Hood.
For more information, visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com
Brad Davis will be Performing Live January 12th at the Texan Theater in Greenville Texas
Brad Davis and the Electric Guitar Trio will be performing at the Texan Theater in Greenville, Texas, January 12, 2024! Doors open at 6:30pm. The awesome show begins at 7:00pm! Kerosene Drifters and Matthew Fiock will also be performing that night. Tickets are $40. The Cafe will be open for dinner. Come and enjoy the show!
Dinner Bell Menu For January 3, 2024
A NEW YEAR for Dinner Bell, our 13th! We start 2024 with gratitude to Heilman Properties (John and Mary Heilman) for repeat performances as a Dinner Bell Community Partner. The meal is comprised of “good luck” for 2024 food items.
MENU
Ham (Progress/Prosperity) pigs root forward when going for food
Fried Cabbage (Dollars) the more the merrier
Blackeyed Peas (Pennies) to jingle in our pockets
Creamy Grape Salad (12 At Midnight) good luck for each month of the year
Cornbread Squared (Gold) a precious metal that enriches
Oeey Goeey Cake (Sweet) poetic license for a sweet year
HAPPY 2024!!!
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE STILL LURKING IN OUR MIDST!!!
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Feed the Birds, Count the Birds and Help the Birds
December 26, 2023 – Bird feeding enthusiasts can up their game and help birds world wide by uploading data on what they see at their feeders.
FeederWatch, powered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in New York, hopes that bird feeders and watchers will join their initiative and upload data on what they see. You can help too. Sign up, download the app, and watch the birds.
True there is a little more to it, like identification, rules on what animals to report etc. All those details are available before you join.
There is a fee to join, and that fee helps keep the project going and provides materials to help birders identify and care for wild birds year round. What could be a better gift for someone who loves feeding the birds?
Data collected from members provides vital info on populations and migrations. A season-end report will be available to all members.
Even if you don’t join, their website is full of information and is worth a visit.
Honey Facts From Master Gardener David Wall
December 24, 2023 – Honey contains 64 calories per tablespoon including 17.25 grams of sugar: much better sugar for you than table sugar, but sugar nevertheless. We all know that honey is good for us if sugar isn’t a problem, but did you also know:
Honey contains substances to help your brain to work better. Honey by itself can sustain human life. One spoonful of it will provide sustenance for 24 hours. It has been known to save people in Africa from starvation. Once produced, honey will literally last forever. Because it has already been digested, it has no expiration date.
Honey contains propolis, which is a very powerful antibiotic. As a result, honey contains wound-healing qualities, anticancer. anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial capabilities. In times of emergencies, it has been placed directly on wounds to provide protection.
In antiquity, Emperors were buried in gold coffins which were then covered in honey to protect the body. One of the very first gold coins invented has a bee symbol on it.
Honey contains some live enzymes. If honey comes in contact with a metal spoon, those enzymes, for reasons that I don’t understand, die. So, when handling honey, use a wooden spoon or ladle. A plastic spoon will also work.
Something I only recently learned is that the term honeymoon comes from when both the bride and groom partook of honey to ensure fertility after the marriage! I’m not sure where the “moon” portion comes in!!!
For an update or review, a honeybee only lives for around 40 days and has several jobs in the hive before graduating to gathering pollen/nectar. So, in a very short time she (all workers are female) will find a 1,000 or more flowers and produce slightly less than a teaspoon of honey. A short span for a lifetime of work!
