Chamber Connection August 2, 2018
Tonight, is the night! The Chamber is hosting The Chamber Showcase, a night of networking that features Chamber members in Hopkins County, on Thursday, August 2nd at the Sulphur Springs Country Club from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We are sold out of booths, but we encourage you attend the event for $10 and enjoy the opportunity to do it all in one night… just imagine food show + exhibit hall + speed networking! This will be a huge value and opportunity for you and your business! You will be so glad you came! Call the Chamber to ask questions or make reservations at (903) 885-6515. We will also be selling tickets at the door, so come on out!!!
I’m just so excited about the upcoming 3rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than January 1, 2016 and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
Aaaaaaannnnd, let me not forget to mention that we are preparing to send out the Cook and Sponsor letters for the 49th Stew Contest as we speak. Check your mailboxes and our website for information about stew very soon!
Adult Leadership Class being offered for the Fall! Sign up Now!!!
Lynda Hager reported that she would be offering an Adult Leadership Class starting in August for anyone who is interested. The Adult Leadership Class is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Hopkins county Chamber of Commerce. The course was created in 1989 with the concept of offering leadership training and community involvement for emerging business and community leaders. Leadership Sulphur Springs is a nine-month session, with meetings held once a month. For more information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
Community Players presents Snow White Musicapalooza
Community Players presents Snow White Musicapalooza on Friday, August 3rd at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 4th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, August 5th at 2 p.m., with the same schedule on the following weekend. Tickets are $10 at the Main Street Theater box office or by calling the reservation line at 903-885-0107. Main Street Theater is the home of the Sulphur Springs Community Players, at 225 Main Street, in Sulphur Springs. For more information, visit www.communityplayersinc.com.
Landers Creek Outfitters has scheduled their ribbon cutting celebration
Landers Creek Outfitters, located at 214 Main Street in Sulphur Springs, has scheduled their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, August 8th at noon. Please make plans to come by, check out this brand-new business, and network with other business professionals as we welcome them to Hopkins County.
CANHelp is hosting their 2018 Back to School Fair on Friday August 10th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
CANHelp is hosting their 2018 Back to School Fair! Through the support of community and corporate sponsors, this event will be a one-stop destination to prepare the whole family for the start of school! The fair will offer free health and vision screenings, dental screenings and fluoride applications, immunizations for children and adults, haircuts, food and drinks, backpacks and school supplies (for low and moderate-income families of Hopkins County) and more. The 2018 Back to School Fair is scheduled for Friday, August 10th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. You must register for school supplies in advance. Call CANHelp at (903) 885-9797 (ext. 1) or visit www.canhelponline.org for more details.
Sulphur Springs Public Library Hosts Lone Star Legal Aid
Sulphur Springs Public Library Hosts Lone Star Legal Aid on Wednesday, August 15th. You can receive help if you meet income-based criteria and your issue is a civil, non-criminal issue like: Veterans benefits, custody and child support, divorce and family issues, employment, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid, wills, bankruptcy, income tax, housing, Social Security disability or estate planning. For more information call (Paris) Lone Star Legal Aid at 1-903-785-8711 or visit www.lonestarlegal.org.
Reilly Springs Jamboree
The Reilly Spring Jamboree will host a special concert on Saturday, August 18th at 6 p.m. featuring the world-famous Blackwood Quartet. Tickets will be $15 general admission or $25 for the Meet-and-Greet with reserved seating for the Blackwood Quartet’s “Gospel Side of Elvis” Concert, a part of their 85th Year Anniversary Tour. For tickets and information, contact Enola Gay Mathews at (903) 438-3568.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th
The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free workshop will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Engaged couples who attend the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to enroll.
Texas A&M University – Commerce hosting fair
Kick of your 2018-2019 recruiting year on Monday, August 27th by attending this part-time job, internship, and community resource fair! Make Your Connection is part of Lion’s Roar Welcome Week activities where they introduce more than 500 students looking to get hired and be inspired! This is a great way for you to promote part-time jobs, internships, and community resources to TAMU-C students. Each vendor will have a 6ft table, 2 chairs, and a tablecloth. Promotional giveaways are strongly encouraged at your booth! However, the Residential Living and Learning Department requests that no candles and/or incense be given to on-campus residents. THIS IS A FREE EVENT – come hire and inspire a Lion. Please bring a prize/gift basket worth a minimum of $25.00 for a student raffle at the conclusion of the event. Contact Assistant Director Bethany Ferrall at 903.468.3212 or [email protected] with any questions. Additional information can be found at https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/6330/employer_preview.
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
Lady Cat Volleyball Begins Two-A-Day Practice
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team began practice for this season with a two-a-day session Wednesday (August 1) in the Middle School Gym. The Lady Cats had a conditioning session from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and then a session on volleyball skills from 10 a.m. until noon.
Head Volleyball Coach Justin Maness is in his third year. He said the Lady Cats had a team camp conducted by a coach outside the Lady Cats coaching staff Monday and Tuesday this week. Coach Maness said it was exciting to see how volleyball was growing here while watching girls develop into volleyball players. He said the Lady Cats had good energy during the conditioning session Wednesday. Coach Maness said they were excited to be back and were ready to start the season.
The Lady Cats varsity, JV and freshmen teams all captured district championships last year. Coach Maness said winning district would always to a goal for the Lady Cats at all three levels. He expects another huge challenge from Texas High. The Lady Tigers right side hitter is a Texas A&M commit.
Coach Maness said volleyball is a team game and he said the Lady Cats have a lot of really good players. He said if the Lady Cats play like they are supposed to, they would be hard to beat. Coach Maness said if the Lady Cats do what they need to do and play the best they are capable of, he would be proud of them whatever the outcome. He is hoping for a longer playoff run this season than last year.
Autumn Tanton returns for the Lady Cats. The senior was named first team all-district and all-state middle blocker by the Texas Sports Writers Association last season. Junior Erika VanBenthem, the district Newcomer of the Year, is also back. Coach Maness said senior Sadie Stroud will be returning as a libero this season. Senior Madison Vickery returns as a right side hitter. Senior Lexie Whisenhunt will be setting and hitting. Veteran senior Abbi Baier also returns. Coach Maness will also have some talented players to choose from off of last years JV and freshmen teams. He said choosing from so many good players is a good problem to have.
The Lady Cats will host a scrimmage Monday playing Cumby and Commerce. Games begin at 10 a.m. and will run through 1 p.m. Each team will have two games. The Lady Cats open the regular season next Tuesday at Sherman against North Lamar and Sherman.
2017 Scrimmage
Wildcat Football Season Ticket Sales Are Brisk
A Wildcat football season ticket holder showed up at Sulphur Springs High School at 1 a.m. Wednesday (August 1) hoping to be the first in line to get an upgrade. He was surprised to see a fan who arrived at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to start the line. Both went away happy.
Season Ticket Coordinator Lynette King said there were about 25 people in line when doors were opened Wednesday. She said everybody got what they wanted. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, there were only about 90 season tickets left for sale. About 40 are seat backs in Section C, D and E and around 50 are rail backs in Section B. Any tickets left will be available for the general public Thursday and Friday.
Hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 8:15 a.m. until noon Friday. Ms. King predicted there would be good seats available for the public Thursday morning. He encouraged people to show up early.
U T Tyler Makes Offer to Cork
Xavier Cork, a 6-foot-9 power forward who will be a senior on this year’s Wildcats’ basketball team, has received a second college scholarship offer. UT Tyler made the offer Monday (July 30). Cork has also received a scholarship offer from Texas State in San Marcos. Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta told KSST recently that Cork has also attracted the attention of Louisiana Tech, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Princeton and West Point.
Drivers License Number Too Long; Possession of Controlled Substances Leads to Arrest
When forging a Texas Driver’s License be sure you copy Texas DL numbers and not those of another state. Brandy McCullough, 33, is in Hopkins County Jail after giving a Hopkins County Deputy a falsified driver’s license that contained too many characters in the license number. She also was in possession of illegal controlled substances.
McCullough is charged with Tamper with Government Record, Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 more than 4-grams but less than 400-grams and Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram. She is also charged with Theft of Property more than $100 but less than $750.
McCullough is held on bonds totaling $50,000.
Know Where Jasso Can be Located? Contact Crime Stoppers
If you have information leading to the arrest of Lettie Delores Mosqueda Jasso, a former Part Time Clerk in the Hopkins County Justice of the Peace Office Pct 1wanted for Twenty Warrants for Tampering with Government Document by Public Servant and Credit Card Abuse, contact Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020. Local law enforcement and the Texas Rangers are seeking Jasso.
The warrants for Jasso are a result of a regular internal office audit of court records in the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace office contact Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020. After discrepancies were found and following a complaint from an individual, the cases were turned over to the Texas Rangers. J P Teer stated says he and his office are cooperating with the Texas Rangers and want to see that everything is handled in the right way and a proper conclusion to the matter is reached. Jasso has been sought for two weeks and is considered a flight risk.
Free Seminars on Medicare, VA Benefits Scheduled for Senior Citizens in August 2018
MEDICARE AND YOU on Wednesday August 1, 2018 at the Senior’s Center in Sulphur Springs, Texas
Rich Dalbey and Jay Copeland with Copeland Insurance
came to the Senior Citizens Center to answer questions
local Seniors have about Medicare. Snacks and door prizes were also part of the free event. About 20 persons attended.
An interested audience of Seniors learns about Medicare aspects from instructors Rich Dalby and Jay Copeland
LAW SCHOOL LUNCH Monday Aug 13, 2018 at 12 noon
ROSS AND SHOALMIRE, Elder Care Attorneys’ free Quarterly seminar will present an informative program on the subject of VA Benefits Aid and Attendance. This will include free lunch provided by Carriage House Manor. More upcoming seminars and discussions will be presented free of charge at the Senior Citizens Center in Sulphur Springs, located at 150 MLK Drive.
Applications Being Taken for Chamber’s Adult Leadership Class For Fall 2018
Lynda Mosely Hager, a long-time Ambassador for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’ many community projects, is organizing a new session of the Adult Leadership Class
Lynda Hager, a veteran ambassador for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, is encouraging applications for the 28th Class of Adult Leadership. A class is forming which will meet on August 29 for the first of nine sessions. Applications must be completed and returned by August 15 at the Chamber office, 300 Connally Street, downtown Sulphur Springs, according to Chamber Director Lezley Brown.
The concept of Adult Leadership training was introduced by the late Billy Sam Elliot in the late 80’s, when as Chamber Director, he saw the need to acquaint emerging business and civic leaders with the inner workings of local industry, city and county government, school and hospital districts, law enforcement/emergency, tourism, local economy, and the economic development and infrastructure aspects of the community. The idea has stood the test of time. Since the first class graduated in 1990, 448 men and women have graduated from Adult Leadership training and have put that training to use in parenting, committees, jobs, companies and elected positions which directly impact our community. As part of the assignments, each class is encouraged to decide on a “class project” that will benefit the present and future community. Among completed Adult Leadership projects are the Community Pride Awards, Kids Kingdom, also Pavilion seating, Walking Tracks inside Buford Park, two white stone “Welcome” signs for the north and south city limits, formation of Teen Court and the High School Leadership Class, Spring City-Wide Cleanup and the lighted Boardwalk at Peavine Pinion Pool. A three day trip to Austin to see the Capitol and attend a Graduation ceremony is also a part of the class experience.
A selection committee will choose between 20 and 23 participants for the 2018/2019 class. Find out more by calling 903-885-6515 or inquiring at [email protected]. Completed applications must be received by 5pm on August 15. The applications can be picked up and turned in at the Chamber office. Lynda Hager has applications with her, and you can phone 903-439-7231 to get one.
Lynda has served as Facilitator for the Chamber’s Adult Leadership Class since it’s inception.
Voluntary Reduction in Outdoor Burning Requested by Hopkins County Fire Chief
August 1, 2018 – Voluntary reduction in outdoor burning is requested by Hopkins County Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Andy Endsley. Endsley says the county is being boxed in by other counties that are under burn bans and Hopkins County is only two weeks out from a burn ban. Delta, Rains, and Hopkins Counties are the only counties that are not under a ban. Hunt, Fannin, Red River, and Franklin counties are under burn bans.
Endsley says the county has been blessed with rains but those rains have been too scattered to relieve concerns. Each Monday morning, he contacts the regional coordinator at the Texas Forestry Service regarding their burn rating for the county. Endsley recommends that local residents who have need of burning refuse or brush piles utilize the Texas Forestry Service website regarding burn bans in the area. According to the site many Texas counties have issued bans. Much of central and western Texas is under a ban. Southeast Texas and a thin line from Lamar to Cherokee county and four other counties in Northeast Texas have not issued burn bans.
Endsley says that it would be best to wait to burn until more saturating, full-county-coverage rainfall occurs. He noted that season rain in the Fall often provides the rainfall needed. Otherwise, there will be a strain on the system with multiple grass fires. He noted that at this time a fire call is automatically considered a First Alert with two stations responding. He noted that now by the second alarm, if the fire is near a neighboring county, a request is sent to that neighboring county for assistance. A three alarm fire automatically brings neighboring county aide.
In a farm focused county such as Hopkins, Endsley is well aware that the need to burn is present. However, he also knows that farmers need to be protected as well. He noted that using a burn barrel for trash is important but the barrel needs a heavy wire mesh over the top to keep debris from flying out while burning. He said that if a brush fire is needed, then call Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-04040 and the dispatch will inform you if you can or should not burn. He asked that one follow the suggestion of the dispatch office.
Fires are also possible when farm equipment strikes an object and causes a spark that develops into a fire. Endsley encourages farmers and others to go to Hopkins County Texas Emergency Management Facebook Page. The page contains suggestions that can assist in preventing fires. Advice including check bearings on equipment frequently and stop use if they become too hot; remove any loose hay trapped around rollers-the friction can build up heat and start a fire; keep a fire extinguisher and field sprayer nearby in case a fire breaks out.
If there is a need for a controlled burn, it is possible to have a fire department presence at the burn. The presence of a Department to observe the fire depends on the schedule for the department and volunteers. Endsley said call the local volunteer fire department or the County Fire Department at 903-439-6217, extension 5 to have a department to inquire about observation for a controlled burn.
