Hopkins County Records – December 2023
Land Deed Transactions
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 12/15/23 Thru 12/22/23
- Aaron Wayne Albert and Jessi Jo Prince
- Barth Benjamin Conrique and Cynthia Roman Latour
- Boyd Richardson Jr and Janice Marie Massey
- Christopher Geo Brookhart and Tori Denae Dorner
- James Howard Marshall and Sharon Deane Woodroof
- Michael David Baker and Terri Rene Swanson
Alliance Bank Sponsors Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Gala
December 22, 2023 – Alliance Bank is sponsoring An Evening in Tuscany Gala that the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation will host on January 27. Thank you to our friends at Alliance for their ongoing support! Gathered with the big check are representatives of Alliance Bank and the Gala Chairs. First row, left to right, Gala Chair Kim Sellers, Jessica Kultgen, Ruth Ann Crowson, Keith Shurtleff, and Gala Chair John Sellers. Back row left to right: Kevin Monk, James Law, James Worsham, and Tom Sellers.
To learn more, go to LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com
City National Bank Sponsors Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 18th Annual Gala
City National Bank is generously sponsoring the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 18th annual Gala! They are also loaning us John Sellers, who together with his wife, Kim, are chairing the Gala. Gathered around the big check are CNB representatives and the Sellers. Left to right: John Sellers, David Fenton, Michelle Haney, Kim Sellers, Tony Cook, and Don Sapaugh.
Follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook for all the latest details.
Meal-A-Day Program Closing In on Matching Donation Goal
December 23, 2023 – Amanda Dietlin, local Meal-A-Day director, has reported an update on the matching donation challenge as she has currently received $2,772 in donations to the program. Those donations will be matched by an anonymous donor, but there is still time to “double your donation” as the donor has pledged to match up to $5,000 for any donations made by the end of December. Contact Meal-A-Day at 903-885-1661
Meal-A-Day director, Amanda Dietlin shared the challenges that she and her staff face on a daily basis as they have seen some of their item’s costs double if not triple over the past 12 months. Dietlin explained how important all the support that her program receives keeps this worthwhile service in operation, as the five-day-a-week contact with these seniors is vital to the well-being of the senior community.
The Meal-A-Day program is constantly in need of volunteers to cook or deliver meals to the more than 130 recipients each day, Monday through Friday. The operation takes a constant effort of around 60 volunteers each week with cooks, cooking helpers, and drivers of the various routes. And although Meal-A-Day works from the Senior Center, it receives no direct financial support from the City Of Sulphur Springs. If you can spare a couple of hours just one day a week, call Amanda to see how you can help out. The Meal-A-Day volunteer hotline is 903-885-1661.
Ginn Selected as County Court at Law Judge
December 22, 2023 – The Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court has narrowed down their selection to replace Clay Harrison as County Court at Law Judge. The Commissioner’s have selected local attorney John Ginn to take the oath on January 2, 2024 providing no interruption as Harrison will step down on January 1st of the new year to enter private practice in the Sulphur Springs area.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said, “we received applications from several viable candidates in the area, but ultimately the Commissioner’s court determined John Ginn to be the best person to fill the position vacated by Clay Harrison.”
The Hopkins County Court at Law Judge position is described as follows:
This court serves Hopkins County by hearing and resolving cases, including the following areas of law: family; civil; criminal misdemeanors; Class C appeals; probate; guardianship and mental health. Other cases may be heard by assignment pursuant to subject matter jurisdiction.
The records of this court are maintained by both the District Clerk and County Clerk For certified copies of court documents, please contact the Clerk’s Office.
Sulphur Springs Corvette Club Donates to Dinner Bell
December 21, 2023 – Several members of the Sulphur Springs Corvette Club stopped by the First United Methodist Church to make a donation to The Dinner Bell program. The Dinner Bell has been serving a “community meal” each Wednesday since February 2012. The program now hands out more than 200 meals each Wednesday only taking off during the holidays, which they are doing so this next week but will return on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
The $500 donation will help cover the cost of the food for one week in the future as many clubs, businesses and organizations do so each week to help make The Dinner Bell an ongoing success. Reverend Peter McNabb was on hand to accept the donation and thanked the members as well as club President Tim Gee. Gee said, “It is important to our club members to help out the community when we can, and The Dinner Bell program has been providing a wonderful community service for many years.”
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your organization would like to make a donation to The Dinner Bell, call 903-885-2185.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Helps Take Another Predator Off The Streets
December 20, 2023 – Another arrest has been made stemming from the sting operation held back in November of this year. That joint operation combined the efforts of Texas DPS, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation all participating in a two-day undercover online operation. These agencies brought resources, knowledge, and manpower to actively pursue individuals online, who are seeking to engage in sexual acts with children. The involved agencies’ operation yielded three immediate arrests during the first week of November 2023, and Sheriff Lewis Tatum reported that several “ongoing investigations” were still in the works. During the original investigation Tatum said, “We want parents to know that we are working to keep kids safe. We also want to encourage them to monitor what their children do online.” View the original story by clicking on the following link: Hopkins County Sheriff Solicitation Sting Yields Arrests
One of those ongoing investigations proved to involve Darryl Wayne Wilkins, age 42, of Longview as he was picked up in Gregg County this week and transported back to the Hopkins County Jail. Wilkins is accussed of Online Solicitation of a Minor (Sexual Contact) which is a second-degree felony. His bond has been set at $100,000 on that charge. Hopkins County Sheriff Criminal Investigation Commander Corley Weatherford said “these agencies have worked diligently to protect our children by taking these predators off our streets.” Weatherford added, “and we continue to work these cases for as long as it takes.”
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
A Year in Review- 2023 4-H Agricultural Plan
December 19, 2023 – 2023 4-H Agricultural Plan
RELEVANCE
4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources projects are an important component of the county 4-H program in Texas. Currently, sixty three percent of Texas 4-H members are enrolled in a livestock project . These projects provide youth with subject matter education , as well as valuable learning experiences , character education and leadership skills critical for youth .
RESPONSE
Adult volunteer engagement is critical to administer the program and expand the outreach . As today youth are further removed from farming , many do not understand the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives. This plan included a path to the plate program component as a standalone educational event (1,231 attendees ). The plan also included monthly veterinary science sessions using a directional specific curriculum intended to provide education to achieve Veterinary Assistant Certification . The objective of the plan was to provide 4-H members with excellent learning opportunities within the ANR project areas . This plan utilized a 4-H Livestock Project Coalition to provide direction and support for the programs and events conducted . The following activities were implemented during 2023: Livestock Clinics (beef, poultry, swine, goat/lamb) (October – January). 12 Veterinary Sessions (13 participants) (Monthly). Ag in the classroom (4 sessions, 1,231 participants). Livestock County Show (Feb, 2023). Dairy Livestock Show (June, 2023). Participation in all major livestock shows. Validation of steers, heifers, goats, lambs, swine and broilers. 42 home project visits. 25 Press release related to Livestock Youth Projects.
Evaluation Strategy: Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated programs. 100% (76/76) responded to the evaluation instrument (Path to the Plate Expo).
RESULTS
Ag in the Classroom (Using Path to the Plate Curriculum and evaluation). 83% (63/76) learned the importance of eating a healthy diet and a variety of food. 82% (62/76) learned the value of agriculture in daily life. 80% (61/76) indicated a better understanding of the path food production takes to get to our plate. 78% (59/76) indicated a better understanding of the connection between agriculture and health. 70% (53/76) Indicated a better understanding of the way farmers and ranchers produce the food that we eat.
A Natural Prescription for 2024 – First Day Hikes at Cooper Lake State Park
December 19, 2023 – As I hike the Coyote Run Trail at Cooper Lake State Park, enveloped by post oak trees, my sense of well-being soars, as I am freed from daily stress. This phenomenon, a blend of nature’s beauty and physical activity, is not just a personal revelation but a scientifically supported experience. Immersion in nature, as research and age-old wisdom affirm, rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul!
On our relentless search for health, longevity, and happiness, we might have overlooked the simplest answer – NATURE. Inspired by “The Nature Fix” written by Florence Williams, numerous articles, and scientific papers, I continue to explore how nature positively impacts our health and well-being. Decreased outdoor exposure is linked to ailments such as obesity, ADHD, depression, and vitamin D deficiency. The modern trend of indoor sedentary living has been linked to these and other health issues, contributing to a worrying decline in overall health, despite continued medical advancements.
Nature, however, offers a potent potential remedy. Studies emphasize the unique benefits of nature walks over urban ones. Researchers like Dr. Art Kramer and Dr. Miyazaki highlight how these nature walks boost brain health and lower stress. Liisa Tyrvainen’s work further reveals a correlation between time spent in nature and enhanced mood and cognition. Nature is a natural antidepressant!
The power of nature isn’t limited to physical activity. Experiences of awe, from witnessing a lakeside sunset to dark sky stargazing, can bring profound joy and the feeling of connection to something greater. Texas State Parks, with their diverse and majestic landscapes, are ideal for such awe-inspiring moments.
Cooper Lake State Park caters to various fitness levels with paths like the level Cedar Creek Trail or the more undulating and demanding Coyote Run Trail; to short cement paths that run through our day use areas. We have miles and miles of low-speed park roadways (20 MPH) for those who prefer road biking, plus trails perfect for mountain bikes. Regular visits to these natural settings can significantly boost your mental and physical health. Make activities in nature a habit, creating a better future you!
Joining Cooper Lake State Park in offering these amazing benefits are other awe-inspiring Texas State Parks in our region:
– Atlanta State Park
– Bonham State Park
– Caddo Lake State Park
– Daingerfield State Park
– Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
– Cedar Hill State Park
– Ray Roberts Lake State Park
– Martin Creek Lake State Park
– Purtis Creek State Park
– Lake Tawakoni State Park
– Tyler State Park
Embark on your journey to better health, mood, and happiness with a prescription of nature on January 1st, 2024, at Cooper Lake State Park! Both park units, South Sulphur and Doctors Creek, will host guided and self-guided trail adventures. Most of our other 87 Texas State Park will also host First Day Hikes. Explore, destress, and rejuvenate in these awe-inspiring settings at a Texas State Park. Happy hiking and biking await you in 2024!
Doctors Creek Unit
Monday, January 1 – DC
First Day Self-Guided Hike and or Bicycle Ride! – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Doctors Creek Cedar Creek Loops – Want to hike or ride on your own schedule? Try out our trails for your first day hike or ride! **Stop by Headquarters after your hike/ride to pick up your First Day Hike memento while supplies last.
Guided First Day Hike! – 2 p.m. @ Doctors Creek Cedar Creek South Loop – Join us on a First Day guided hike to celebrate the New Year in nature!
South Sulphur Unit
Sunday, January 1 – SS
First Day Self-Guided Hike, Horseback Ride, and or a Bicycle Ride!
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ South Sulphur Trails – Want to hike or ride on your own schedule? Try out our trails for your first day hike or ride! **Stop by Headquarters after your hike/ride to pick up your First Day Hike memento while supplies last.
Guided First Day Hike! – 10 a.m. @ South Sulphur Buggy Whip Equestrian trail – Join us on a First Day guided hike to celebrate the New Year in nature!
##
Chamber Connection – December 19th
By Butch Burney
December 18, 2023 – Now is the time to get your nominations in for the Annual Community Awards, presented at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Nominations need to be in by Tuesday, Jan. 2.
To nominate, the committees ask that you not just list a name but go into detail about why the person or business deserves the award. This is not a voting contest, but a nomination process.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Woman of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Banquet Sponsorship
It’s also not too early to get your tables for the annual Chamber banquet. Tables for 10 are $500 and will include sponsorship recognition. This banquet is usually a sell out, so get your sponsorships and tickets early!
First Responders Banquet
The annual First Responders Appreciation Banquet, presented by One Church, is set for Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
All first responders in the county are invited to attend, and the community is encouraged to help show their appreciation with gift cards and door prizes. Prizes will be given to those in attendance.
For more information on how to help sponsor the appreciation banquet, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Merry Christmas
To everyone throughout Hopkins County, we hope that your Christmas and holidays are a time spent with family and friends, a time to refresh and a time to renew your energy and spirit. We are blessed to live, work and raise our families in a community that supports one another. God bless you and yours this season. – The Chamber staff: Butch, Jaci and Kelli
