Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Update – December 7, 2023
December 7, 2023
Submitted by Butch Burney, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Economic Outlook Conference and Luncheon
You have until noon on Friday to register to hear Dr. Ray Perryman talk about the local economic forecast for 2024! Perryman is coming back to Hopkins County after about a five-year absence, and if you’re a business professional, you won’t want to miss what he has to say about the local economic outlook. The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation are happy to announce that the renowned economist will be headlining the Economic Outlook Conference scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Perryman is an author, syndicated columnist, consultant, financial analyst, and economic forecaster. His syndicated daily radio commentary, “The Perryman Report,” is broadcast daily on the Texas State Networks. He also appears regularly on National Public Radio’s “Marketplace” and is frequently quoted in print, broadcast, and electronic media. Perryman is a former professor at Baylor University and is currently Senior Research Fellow of the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and Distinguished Professor at the International Institute for Advanced Studies. He serves on numerous corporate and civic boards and has won many prestigious awards for his achievements in academics and public service. Sponsorships are available for $500 for a table of eight, $375 for a table for six and $250 for a table for four. Sponsorships will include corresponding recognition at the conference and leading up to the event. Individual tickets are $25 each. For more information, contact the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or [email protected].
Cocktails and Conversation
Plan now to attend our next Cocktails and Conversation, the new name for our revamped Business After Hours, at Clarion Pointe on Industrial Drive on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5-6 p.m. Cocktails and Conversation will be held the first Thursday of every month, from 5-6 p.m., and for December, the Clarion Pointe staff will welcome everyone to their meeting room on Dec. 7. This is a casual networking event and happy hour. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.
Texas Heritage National Bank
Texas Heritage National Bank will have an open house and customer appreciation day on Thursday, Dec. 7. It will start with a flag ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by a customer appreciation lunch with Hopkins County stew, Christmas treats and a hot cocoa bar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2023 Award Nominations
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. 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.
It’s also not too early to get your tables for the banquet. Tables for 10 are $500 and will include sponsorship recognition.
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].
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – December 2023
December 7, 2023 – Sulphur Springs’ City Manager Marc Maxwell presented his report to the Sulphur Springs City Council this week, as the Pacific Park Project gets even closer to completion. The Parks and Recreation department has finished their work on the irrigation system at Pacific Park, as well as planting rye grass to get the park through the winter. Bermuda sod is currently being laid out in the park as that work should wrap up by the end of December. One small pavillion remains to be built in the park area, but that project should be completed later in 2024.
The Sulphur Springs Capital Construction Crew has been busy as they have wrapped all of the work they can do on the College Street Project and moved their attention to League Street. 5W Contracting continues their work on the College Street Project pouring concrete and excavating curb & gutter to be replaced. At the current work rate, the College Street Project could finish by June 2024.
LEAGUE STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS – The drainage project at the KCS railroad was authorized for $265,000 at the August 15th City Council meeting. This project began Monday, December 4th. Expect it to last 4-6 weeks. When completed, it should resolve the flooding problems at Main & League.
City crews remained busy over the last month, as Marc Maxwell’s full report indicates below:
Red River Credit Union Employee Foils Theft Attempt
December 7, 2023 – A quick thinking employee at the Sulphur Springs Red River Credit Union knew something wasn’t quite right with a Dallas man’s identification as he tried to open an account at the Gilmer St branch.
Local law enforcement from the Sulphur Springs Police Department were dispatched to the location to sort out the matter. The man was found to be in possession of a Texas driver’s license that the State of Texas had a different name associated with the number on the license the man presented. The man also presented authorities with a social security number, but unfortunately for the man, that number did not match up with the name he was trying to use as well.
The man was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail for fingerprinting so that his true identity could be known. That information proved to be more accurate as the suspect was identified as Julian Christoper Medina-Montgomery, age 22, from Dallas, Texas. During a pat down at the jail, Medina-Montgomery’s was found to be in possession of a baggy with a white powder that was confirmed to be cocaine.
Julian Christopher Medina-Montgomery was charged with Fraudulent Use of Identifying Information, a state jail felony, and Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 >=1G<4G, a third degree felony. Medina-Montgomery remains in the Hopkins County Jail with a total bond amount of $15,000.
Local Teachers Have Wish Lists For Their Classroom and Students
December 5, 2023 – It’s a common occurrence with Public School Teachers, if you have an idea that can help your student learn, you will probably have to fund it out of your own pocket. Sometimes classroom supplies such as Kleenex, dry erase markers, calculators and color printers can require teachers to purchase them outright.
School budgets are always tight. Funds aren’t always available for classroom projects aimed at helping student learn.
This can be an even bigger issue in classrooms of children with extra educational needs.
Many educators say their districts simply aren’t supplying everything their students need to be engaged, comfortable, and ready to learn. Multiple surveys, including one by the U.S. Department of Education, show that 94 percent of teachers reach into their own pockets to purchase classroom necessities.
NEA
So what is a teacher to do?
The get creative… Some teachers are exploring an online ‘wish list’ website for their classrooms.
Teachers provide their plan and details about what is needed, and how it will be used. Then they let the internet work for them.
Mrs. Sanchez is one such local teacher. She is trying to get support for her students. She and other teachers in the areas are using a site called Donors Choose to generate funds and in turn help their students.
Our campus does not have a campus printer for teachers to print in color regularly. Having it for several activities or other papers needed would help to make it child-friendly. Then, laminating the printed activities guarantees they will last longer for future use.
I have found that it all helps the classroom run smoothly and they love the prizes!
From Mr.s Sanchez’s Donors Choose Page
Mrs. Sanchez stopped by KSST for an interview this week. She cares deeply for her students and hopes to spread the word about classroom needs, and generate some funds for her own project.
The website has an interactive map that you can use to locate projects like Mrs. Sanchez’s across the nation. Here is a link to Mrs. Sanchez’s Request Page.
You can hear that interview in the 8 o’clock hour.
Use of the website, Donors Choose, is endorsed by the SSISD.
Hopkins County Records – November 2023
Land Deed Transactions 11/2/23 Thru 11/3/23
- Arbala Community Center to Arbala Community Center Inc.; Tract in the Thomas Lee Survey
- Joe Kneifl Also Known As Joseph Kneifl and Sherry Kneifl to Ellen Lloyd and Jeremiah Lloyd; Tract in the L P Dikes Survey
- Linda Marie Cross, Phyllis Jan Jensen Edmonds, Allan Melton, and Jeanne Peltier Melton to Stephen Welch; Tract in the Daniel Halbrooks Survey
- Lawrence R Hall Estate, Also Known As Randy Hall Estate, Ruthmary Hall, and Ruthmary Hall Inc. Exec. to Clancy Horton and Danielle Horton; In the Tract of M A Bowlin Survey
- Elaine Vance Acker to Jonathan Grant Kennedy; Tract in the R D Gregg Survey
- Tamera Lee and Tommy Lee to David Scott Dawson and Paula Nicole Dawson; Tract in the A B Koontz Survey
- Kelly Michelle Romans and Tommy Joe Romans to JNS Investments Properties LLC; Tract in the G C Roberts Survey
- Shawn Bryan and Timmany Bryan to Julie Pace and William Pace; Tract in the Nacogdoches Univ Survey
Caddo Creek Farms LLC to Samson Acosta; Tract in the A Fitzgerald Survey - Chad Glasshoff to Delgadina Martinez and Jose S Martinez; Tract in the G Roberts Survey
- Deborah Osbourn Management Trust and Joe Don Osbourn Successor Trustee to Linda Ann Cordova and Robert Cordova; Tract in the J Ybarbo Survey
- Ivan Diosdado and Laura M Zamora Hernandez to Daniel Hanson and Shannon Desiree Standridge; Tract in the Issac Alexander Survey
Winter Cattle Feeding Can Be Challenging by Mario Villarino
December 5, 2023 – Winter cattle feeding can be challenging when forage supply is short. It is also common that during the winter feeding process that cattle has the tendency to look for green forages to consume causing challenges to fences to keep them confined. When cattle breaks loose, the nature of the consumed forage becomes unknown. It is during these circumstances when intoxication can become a problem, either by the ingestion of known toxic plants or non toxic plants with toxicans in them. Two common toxic compounds for cattle are nitrites and prussic acid. Ammonium nitrogen is the preferred form of nitrogen for plant growth, but nitrate nitrogen is the form primarily taken up by plants. Even when ammonium and urea-based fertilizers are applied, most of the nitrogen taken up by plants is in the nitrate form because soil microorganisms quickly convert ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen. Nitrates are extremely soluble in water and are easily absorbed by plant roots along with soil moisture. Normally, plants reduce nitrates to ammonium ions and then assimilate them into amino acids and other proteins. This process, called nitrate reductase, occurs in the roots of some grasses such as bermudagrass, and in the leaves, stems and stalks of plants such as corn or sorghum. When plants are stressed (for example, by drought) this process slows or stops, allowing nitrates to accumulate. Here are some conditions that cause nitrate accumulation: 1. When the temperature is high and moisture is adequate, plants may undergo a process called photorespiration. Photorespiration produces carbon dioxide rather than assimilating carbon into energy building blocks (i.e., sugars, carbohydrates, etc.). This may cause nitrates to accumulate. 2. When the soil contains nitrate nitrogen but little soil moisture, nitrates are highly concentrated in the water plants take up. Plants don’t have enough water to continue growing and nitrates accumulate. 3. Herbicide injury can limit the conversion and assimilation of nitrates in plants. After herbicide applications, check the field, especially field edges, for forage plants affected by off-target herbicide drift. Three to 5 days of active growth are needed to significantly reduce nitrate levels in plants.
Prussic acid in forages can pose a significant risk to certain grazing and barnyard livestock. Under normal conditions, when these plants are actively growing and healthy, they contain low levels of prussic acid because the compound breaks down over time, thus eliminating toxic accumulations. Unlike nitrate, prussic acid may be present for a while and then dissipate from plants properly cured for hay. Prussic acid accumulation can happen when: a) There are poor growing conditions that prevent stems from developing properly b) Recent hay harvest or grazing causes slow and stunted growth of new plant tissue c) Nitrogen fertilizers are over-used or there are other soil fertility or nutrient imbalances. C) Plants develop new growth after a prolonged drought. Livestock poisoned by prussic acid have respiratory stress similar to that caused by nitrate poisoning. A blood test can quickly distinguish between nitrate and prussic acid poisoning. If prussic acid is the toxic agent the blood will be cherry red, unlike the chocolate brown blood seen in nitrate poisoning. Horses, hogs and other nonruminant animals are less affected by prussic acid because their stomachs convert the prussic acid to less toxic formic acid and ammonium chloride. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Paris Junior College Offers Hands on Training Giving the Students the Experience They Need
Kevin Tapia, a student at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Welding Shop, is learning the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Lions Club Recognizes 2023 Parade Winners
December 5, 2023 – In addition to providing a little extra holiday cheer each year, the Sulphur Springs Lions Club’s Lighted Christmas Parade also features a friendly competition among participants, with recognition doled out to the top three nonprofit and small business entries, and a trophy and cash prize going to the top rated large business entry in the parade. This year, a Mayor’s Choice award was also given out. Entries were judged by a panel of judges from out-of-town, who notified the Lions Club of their choices for parade winners.
Sulphur Springs Lions Club recognized the 2023 parade winners during their lunch meeting Tuesday, when the prizes were awarded. This year’s parade winners included:
- Small Business
- 1st Water Oak School
- 2nd Fix and Feed
- 3rd Billboard House
- Non-Profit
- 1st Davis Street Baptist Church
- 2nd Trinity Harvest
- 3rd Middle School Cheer
- Large Business
- 1st East Texas Physical Therapy
- Mayors Choice Award
- City National Bank
North Pole Of Texas Back for 2023
December 5, 2023 – For the 25th year, the North Pole of Texas will offer free train rides each weekend leading up to Christmas. Santa’s helpers have been very busy all year making sure the wonderland of lights and sights are just right and the trains are in good working order and ready to roll.
Extra work is put in during the fall, with final touches added on Thanksgiving eve to ensure all of the treat bags are ready, one for each visitor, and Kim’s chocolate factory is fully stocked and ready for the annual community project, manned exclusively by Alan and Kim Screws family and their friends and neighbors in the surrounding Pickton-Pine Forest community – volunteer firefighters, school and church groups too.
The night is designed as a fun, family outing, down to the number and color of jelly beans in the bags train riders receive when they pass through Santa’s Toy Shop; North Pole of Texas founder Alan Screws’ mom, Maw-Maw, has packaged or overseen packaging of each bag of treats. They and the lighted “Happy Birthday, Jesus” bridge clearly state the true purpose behind the annual event, to bless others in an expression of love and celebration of Christ’s birth.
“This past year held uncertainty and unrest at times, but we can look forward with hope knowing that God is in control and His love is greater than we could ever imagine. It’s our greatest joy to brighten your Christmas season, and we’re excited to continue doing our part in providing your family an enjoyable evening celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” the founder noted.
Located off FM 269 in the heart of Pine Forest, The Screws family The North Pole of Texas is designed to offer a fun family experience, the best cup of hot chocolate around, a warm feeling in your heart.
“Our team works all year long to offer this as a blessing to our community; from dreaming up new ideas to enhance your experience, preparing an endless supply of hot chocolate mix, and checking to make sure that every twinkling light is in place are just a few things that we do to ensure ‘the Christmas train in Pickton‘ is a bright spot in your holiday season. We hope to see you this year as we celebrate another year of The North Pole of Texas!” Screws stated.
If you’ve never been, the North Pole of Texas is located at 227 County Road 3378, Pickton, TX 75471. Once you get to Pickton/Pine Forest, just look for the signs and follow them until you see the glow that would make Clark W. Griswold proud. Then, park as directed and prepare to enjoy the lights and sights as the little ones anticipate their ride; it’s also a great opportunity explain the significance of Bethlehem and reinforce the reason to exchange gifts and do for others, especially this time of the year.
Although the ride is free, those who feel led may make a donation in the designated container to help offset costs of maintaining the operation or to bless others through the designated Christian charity of the North Pole of Texas.
Join Atmos Energy in Preparing for Winter
GREENVILLE,TX – The transition from hot summer nights to cozy fall days is here. Atmos Energy remains focused on year-round preparations for the winter heating season. We also have tips to help you stay safe and conserve energy so you can be ready for winter too.
All year round, from gas supply to delivery of natural gas service at the meter, Atmos Energy is preparing for winter weather. As your household also prepares for winter, using energy wisely and making a few household changes can make a big difference in how much you spend on natural gas and other energy bills. Atmos Energy offers rebates for high-efficiency natural gas appliances, energy-saving devices, and weatherization upgrades for customers in Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas – visit
www.atmosenergy.com/rebates for details.
Remember that colder weather may impact the amount of natural gas you use. To save energy and money, please consider these energy-saving tips where safe to do so:
- Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home.
- Reduce your shower and bath time. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home’s hot water use.
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
- Do not use a pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
- Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded.
- Unless a fire is burning, close your fireplace damper to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
If your natural gas service lapsed for any reason and you need to reconnect service, contact Atmos Energy now to schedule an appointment – before cold weather sets in. The Atmos Energy customer service team is available at 888.286.6700, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time – or visit the Account Center anytime at www.atmosenergy.com.
Sign Up for Text Alerts When the forecast calls for extreme cold to arrive, Atmos Energy will closely monitor the weather and stage qualified, well-trained employees across our system. We will communicate regularly with customers and communities before, during, and after extreme weather events. To sign up for text alerts, adjust your notification preferences in the Account Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and on our website at atmosenergy.com for continued safety and weather preparedness information.
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor. We safely deliver reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find us online at
http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
