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 We still see the same level of support, but the signs have been replaced by chili fundraisers, stews, and auctions.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!
Paris District Road Report for week of December 25, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Dec. 25, 2023. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Drive Sober
TxDOT’s Drive Sober / No Regrets statewide impaired driving campaign encourages everyone to keep the holidays cheerful and safe by never getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
Instead, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or taxi, stay put, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely. If you see someone drinking at a holiday gathering, encourage them to find a sober ride or to stay put until they are sober. We all play a part in helping keep our roads safe.
Drunk driving crashes are completely preventable, yet they can cause physical, emotional, and financial consequences that last for years. Alcohol-related crashes can cause life-altering, disabling, and permanent injuries for survivors — and they can be deadly. A DWI can cost up to $17,000 in fines and fees and lead to jail time, loss of a driver’s license, difficulty finding or keeping a job, loss of trust from loved ones and a lifetime of regret.
Visit Sober Rides online to learn about the real costs of driving impaired and tips to finding a sober ride. Follow the hashtag #DriveSoberNoRegrets to follow the campaign on social media.
Grayson County: US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
The intersection of SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) with US 75 has been reopened to traffic.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is ongoing.
Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm. Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Basin Springs Road and Brooks Lane as a detour.
US 75 full depth concrete repair. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
Fannin County: SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Work on these projects is suspended through the Christmas holiday. Drive safely, drive friendly.
Franklin County: I-30, from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
Delta County: FM 64, from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Red River County: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, from US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to FM SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County: SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has set signal poles at Live Oak Street and placed drill shafts for signal poles at University Drive. Signal work is ongoing at the various locations. The contractor is backfilling and placing sod at various locations and placing a drop inlet. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has begun preparing the right of way and placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work in ongoing. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and placing rock filter dams. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie-ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. The contractor is performing detour work and backfilling edges. The contractor has shifted traffic to the West to begin removals of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will begin soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has placed prime coat and will be placing temporary striping on the mile 6 of the 8-mile project. The contractor will be seeding and stripping grass on the next 2 miles of the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has begun demolition of the Shelby Ave existing structure and has begun work on abutments and riprap. The contractor has been placing beams on Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County and placing riprap in locations along abutment. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor will be performing eastbound mainlane widening and embankment placement. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now opened. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform mainlane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains Counties will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections have been working on bridge maintenance projects. Herbicide operations are ongoing throughout both counties.
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