Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction Live at 6pm
November 18, 2023 – Listen live on KSST 1230 AM, watch with a 10 second delay on our Youtube Channel, or watch the action on Cable Channel 18.
Call in your bid to 903 885 0700.
Make Sure Your Donation is Tax Deductible
November 17, 2023 – Tis the season for holiday giving, and with the end of the 2023 Tax Season coming up, it’s also the season of giving for tax benefits.
We have all heard the phrase, “I did it for the tax deduction.” Just make sure when you give, if you really need or want a tax benefit, that you follow a few rules. First and foremost, consult a tax professional. They are the experts and their guidance can mean a happy April, or a sad sad story come tax season.
Here are some general considerations when it comes to donating to a charity.
- Gifts to a non-qualified charity or nonprofit are not deductible.
- A pledged or promised donation is not deductible, only money that is actually given.
- Money spent on fundraisers such as bingo games or raffles are not deductible.
- Cash donations without a receipt cannot be deducted. Cash donations greater than $250 must also be documented with a letter from the organization. Non-cash donations also need supporting records.
To qualify, a group must register with the IRS under section 501(c)(3) or, in some cases, section 501(c)(4).
Before you commit to a donation, just make sure your charity of choice is ready to issue a receipt. No donation will be valid, for tax purposes, without one.
Amanda Dietlin, director of Meal-A-Day in Sulphur Springs, has been issuing receipts since she was hired. “Early on, we took a look at our form, and made a few changes to reflect IRS requirements,” said Dietlin.
Meal-A-Day is a 501(c)(3) charity, and currently has an anonymous benefactor matching donations up to $5000 until the end of 2023. “We are so grateful that this person stepped up. They will match dollar for dollar, up to $5000 total, any donation made to us this year,” said Dietlin.
If you would like to donate to Meal-A-Day in Sulphur Springs, Call Amanda at 904 885 1661, or stop by weekdays at 150 Martin Luther King. Be sure to get your receipt!
Algae Overgrowth a Common Issue Plaguing Pond Owners by Mario Villarino
November 16, 2023 – When looking at the old fishing hole or stock tank, if there’s a thick mat of bubbly yellow-green substance floating on the surface of the pond, or the pond appears to be colored bright green, blue-green, or sometimes even red, then there may be an algae problem. Algae overgrowth is one of the most common issues plaguing pond owners.
The first step to effective algae management is to understand what type of algae resides in the pond. There are three different types of algae commonly found in farm ponds and small lakes: planktonic algae, filamentous algae, and macroalgae.
PLANKTONIC ALGAE (THE GOOD) Planktonic algae are the microscopic, single-celled, and free-floating algae that exist in the top few feet of a pond or lake where the sunlight penetrates. This type of algae is what gives the water a green coloration, a plant mass does not have to be visible. Planktonic algae are normal and are in fact desirable, because they are essential to the pond’s food chain. Planktonic algae (phytoplankton) provide food for the microscopic animals (zooplankton) that are eaten by fish fry, baitfish, and other pond inhabitants, which ultimately support a larger fish population. They display seasonal abundance, with explosions of growth called ‘blooms’ in the spring or summer that often change the color of the pond. Planktonic algae are also important in oxygenation of the pond as they photosynthesize during the day creating oxygen as a byproduct. Rapid die-off due to algaecide treatments or natural degradation of algal blooms can lead to oxygen depletion and fish kills in Quick Fact: In some cases planktonic algae (more specifically, protists of the genus Euglena) can turn from green to red in the pond.
Quick Facts: The quickest way to treat algae in ponds is with copper based algaecides such as chelated copper complexes or copper sulfate. However, integrated management practices are the most effective way to manage algae in ponds and prevent it from quickly returning after an algaecide treatment.
A combination of the following typically produces more effective, long term algae control: aeration; creating a 10’ to 20’ buffer zone around the pond with taller vegetation to filter excess nutrients; decreasing the amount of fertilizer used on lawns and forage fields near the pond; preventing livestock from defecating in or near the pond; locating septic fields far away from ponds; deepening the edges to a slope of 2:1 decline; or a chemical treatment followed by a fertilization program for the good planktonic algae in the pond.
For more information on this or any other agricultural or natural resources topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
17th Annual Sulphur Springs Lions Club Christmas Light Parade
November, 16 2023 – It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Sulphur Springs and we would like to invite everyone to get into the Christmas spirit with the annual Lions Club lighted Christmas parade! The seventeenth annual Sulphur Springs Lions Club Christmas Light Parade will be held on the evening of Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM. A stunning showcase of festively lit parade entries will bring Christmas cheer to the viewers of all ages. This year’s parade Chairman, Greg Cravens, stated that he “cannot think of a better community atmosphere than the downtown square with the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Downtown Market, and the Christmas Light Parade all in one night. It would be hard to not
get into the Christmas Spirit in that environment.”
Parade entrants will be encouraged to decorate their floats with new and unwrapped toys to be donated
to Blue Santa at the end of the parade route. Blue Santa will also be collecting toys in a booth at the
Downtown Christmas Market.
The parade route will begin at Buford Park and head east on Connally Street to the square. Then the
parade will then head north on Church Street then west on Houston St ending at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The Lions Club would like to thank this year’s parade sponsors for their support of the Christmas Light
Parade. Sponsors for this year’s parade are: Alliance Bank, Atmos Energy, City National Bank, Farmers
Electric Cooperative, Legacy Ag Credit, Signature Solar, Christus Mother Frances Hospital, and Bell
Concrete. Also sponsoring the parade are Farm Country, Inc. Brian Toliver Ford, Nor-Tex Tractor, Jay
Hodge Chevrolet, Money Law Firm, Texana Land and Asphalt, Guaranty Bank and Trust, East Texas
Physical Therapy, Tully Insurance, Sulphur Springs Dodge, 5W Construction, Discount Pipe and Steel,
Clayton Homes, Texas Farm Credit, Clarion Pointe, Northeast Texas Farmers Cooperative, Lindsey Lee with
Century 21 First Group, and the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association.
Entry forms for the lighted Christmas Parade can be picked up at the Hopkins County Chamber of
Commerce. The deadline to enter the parade is Tuesday, November 28th.
The Sulphur Springs Lions Club meets at noon every Tuesday at The Corner Grub House on Connally St.
Lions Club has a mission to serve. It’s that simple, and it has been since we first began in 1917. The Sulphur Springs Lions Club is a place where individuals join to give their valuable time and effort to improving the community. For more information, or to get involved with the Sulphur Springs Lions Club,
please visit a club meeting or look them up on Facebook.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.3 million members
in approximately 45,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since
1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, made a strong commitment to community
service and served young people throughout the world. For more information about the Lions Clubs
International please visit, www.lionsclubs.org.
No Strike at Local Starbucks for Red Cup Day
November 16, 2023 – Business was brisk at the Sulphur Springs Starbucks Store as baristas whipped up customer’s favorite holiday beverages on what is historically the company’s busiest day. Customers ordering certain beverages on Red Cup Day received a 2023 Reuseable Holiday Cup as employees were hard at work filling orders. Thousands of employees of other Starbucks’ locations chose this day to stage a walkout and strike for better hours and higher pay, but the Sulphur Springs location employees were steadfast in their committment to supplying the caffeinated bevarages to their loyal customers. No work on whether any local employees are members of the Starbucks’ Workers United union that instigated the walkout, but for now Sulphur Springs Starbucks’ customers are safe to get their Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, and other special holiday drinks.
Suspect Attempts to Flee Arrest At Stampede Solar Farm on Skid Steer
November 15, 2023 – What turned out to be a very short and slow speed chase started in Saltillo as law enforcement showed up looking for a suspect wanted on a federal warrant for violation of probation. Supervisors of the construction company, IEA Constructors, obliged law enforcement in locating the suspect who was busy at work operating a skid steer. Once the suspect, Jesus Alberto Alaniz, spotted law enforcement in the supervisor’s truck, Alaniz attempted to flee the area in his construction apparatus.
With nowhere to go and unable to evade officers, Alaniz made a large, slow-speed circle in an attempt for a few extra seconds of freedom. Supervisors of the construction company convinced the 32-year old Mount Pleasant man to stop the skid steer and surrender. Jesus Alberto Alaniz was taken into custody with no further incident and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. Alaniz remains in jail on the federal warrant.
Enel Green Power is the developer of the Stampede Solar Project in Saltillo. Zach Precopia serves as project developer and is responsible for all aspects of wind and solar energy development and project management, including land acquisition, title curative, design and engineering, environmental and permitting, and community development.
Texas A&M Forest Service Annual Meeting Honors Personnel and Service
November 14, 2023 – SAN ANGELO, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in San Angelo, Texas. Agency employees gathered from across the state to recognize accomplishments of the past year and employee achievements.
Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis emphasized his pride in the agency’s work and the annual meeting being an opportunity to highlight the agency’s progress while setting goals for 2024.
“Our agency has seen many changes and improvements throughout the year, and this year’s personnel meeting was a great opportunity to reflect on our development, recognize the hard work of the agency’s employees and look forward to the year ahead,” said Davis.
Additionally, Davis shared his anticipation about the agency’s new recruiting efforts, as the state legislature recently authorized funding for the agency to hire 40 new employees this fiscal year.
“As we look to expand Texas A&M Forest Service’s workforce, our annual meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on our agency’s values of leadership, excellence, accountability, duty and service,” said Davis. “We look forward to expanding our workforce to continue our service to the state of Texas.”
The meeting also focused on the vision Davis has for the agency. Since assuming the position of director in June 2023, after serving as interim director for two years prior, Davis plans to continue his development with agency recruiting, retention and safety. Also, Davis shared with the agency the three core values of conservation, protection and leadership.
During the meeting, agency leadership recognized 52 employees with more than five years of service, including five employees with 25 years of service or more: Kevin Matthews, Resource Specialist in Pittsburg, for 25 years of service; Dina Nutall, Business Associate in College Station, for 25 years of service; Tina Yount, business associate in Lufkin, for 25 years of service; Robert Edmonson, Biologist in Johnson City, for 30 years of service; and Tammy Russell, Business Associate in Conroe, for 30 years of service.
Scharise Phariss, Business Assistant in Merkel, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Field. Phariss plays an instrumental role in the hiring, onboarding and development of new employees in the Merkel branch. Phariss has been known to create impactful relationships within the agency and with its external partners, all while being a full-time college student.
Jason Calvet, Regional Fire Coordinator in Houston, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Professional. Calvet serves as a prominent ambassador for the agency within his community, as he has responded to fires throughout the Texas panhandle. Calvet is also responsible for successful internal employee development by introducing West Texas agency employees to the forestry practices of East Texas.
Tana Chappell, Administrative Associate in College Station, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Office. Chappell has been an employee of Texas A&M Forest Service for more than 16 years and is an employee that works far beyond the title of her position. By rarely saying “no,” Chappell has created an efficient and caring environment for the purchasing department.
Jacey Tosh, Program Coordinator in Dallas, received the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Outreach and Education Award for her passion for forest conservation education which she has helped make more accessible throughout Texas. Tosh aided in the development and promotion of the Texas Forest Literacy Plan, a forest and nature-based education curriculum in Texas public schools.
Dan Gaskins, Staff Forester in Kerrville, received the Bruce Miles Natural Resource Professional Award. Gaskins routinely conducts forest inventory and analysis throughout the state, and serves as a leading mentor for many employees under him and come in contact with him.
Seth Morris, Resource Specialist in Merkel, received the Charles Krenek Award for Resource Specialist. Morris has provided substantial support to internal training for new employees by co-developing a new employee job-aid. Externally, Morris has formed strong relationships with more than 30 fire departments, assisting with volunteer fire department grants, equipment allocation and the rural volunteer fire department insurance program.
The Virtually Wild! Texas program was recognized as the agency’s best interdivisional project with the Director’s Award for Team Effort. The program provides accessible forest conservation and natural resource education for classrooms and students learning from home and in healthcare facilities with virtual field trips. One of the most successful sessions included a presentation on the use of drones in forest management, reaching more than 350 students and teachers across the state.
Team members are Mike Carter, Resource Specialist; Matt Ford, Regional Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator; Stuart Morris, Regional Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator; Connor Murname, District Forester; Mike Sills, Staff Forester; Shruthi Srinivasan, Geospatial Analyst; and Donna Work, Biologist.
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The Sulphur Springs FFA 2023 Stew and Auction will be Held Thursday, the 16th
November 14, 2023 – The Sulphur Springs FFA 2023 Annual Stew and Auction will take place Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Sulphur Springs High School Cafeteria. Doors and Stew Lines open at 5:30pm. The Auction will be held following the Stew. Entry is free, but donations will be accepted.
The Texas Farm Bureau 90th Annual Meeting Will be Held December 1st Through 3rd
Farmers and ranchers from across the Lone Star State will meet in Frisco in December as part of the 90th annual meeting of the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), the state’s largest general farm and ranch organization.
WHERE: Embassy Suites and Convention Center
Chamber Connection for November 14
Chamber Connection – Nov. 14
By Butch Burney
Dr. Ray Perryman is coming back, 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 Dr. Ray Perryman, a renowned economist, will be headlining the Economic Outlook Conference scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Perryman was a regular speaker at the conference but hasn’t appeared here in five years. It’s time for his return.
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].
Energy at No Cost
Due to government cash payouts and tax incentives, Hopkins County businesses can see if their facility can get alternative energy, such as solar, for free. The Chamber is partnering with Signatech Solar to offer a Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to inform business owners of the financial incentives that are now offered through the USDA REAP program and tax programs.
The Lunch and Learn is free to businesses, but registration is required so meal arrangements can be made. To sign up for the Lunch and Learn, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [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.
Ornaments and Stew Merch
Our 2023 Christmas Ornaments, featuring the Dairy Festival, are on sale at the Chamber office. We also have a limited supply of 2022 ornaments if you missed last year’s sale. They are $40 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2023 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and hoodies. We are located at 110 Main St.
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 75483.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
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.
Christmas Activities
■ The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 1, starting at Buford Park. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main St.
■ Christmas in the Park is set for Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown. You can do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
■ Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “A Celtic Christmas” production 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for ticket information.
Ribbon Cuttings
Owens Insurance hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 1335 Shannon Road East, Suite A. Please welcome them to the business community.
The new county jail trustees’ facility on Houston Street, across from the county jail, hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Monday, Nov. 13.
Southern Glam Boutique hosted a ribbon cutting on Monday, Nov. 13, at their new shop located at 206 Church St. They have a wide variety of clothing and accessories.
