Wood County Scout Successful in Fundraiser for Vests for Law Enforcement
It all started with a mission for his community service project to achieve his Merit Badge working towards becoming an Eagle Scout. Thirteen (13) year old Jaxon “Hoss” Holland saw the need after the shooting of police officers in Dallas, TX July 8, 2016. Jaxon decided to make it his mission to start a fundraiser that he would be able to purchase 31 vests in 31 days for the Wood County Deputies and 1 K9. These vests are Level IV (Highest Grade) Protection (NIJ Certified) and his mission is that every deputy has that protection because they need to go home to their families at end of each shift.
In two weeks, this young man hustled and worked very hard and was able not only to get the deputies the vest but was able to get 4 Constables, the Fire Marshall and the town of Hawkins police officers as well. Jaxon made this selfless act for his area police officers even with so much negativity with the racial hate & criticism he had a mission & completed it.
The vests will be presented to the officers and Jaxon will be honored on September 23, 2017 at the Mineola Civic Center, 1150 N. Newsome Str. Mineola, from 3 until 6 p.m.
Video and Story: Two Hearts: Country Music Sisters Hanah and Hailee Will Steal Your Heart
“Two Hearts” Hanah Moore age 17 and Hailee Kristee age 15
Just two years apart for most of the year, sisters Hanah Moore and Hailee Nixon may look and sound like budding country music artists, and they are. But thanks to their Nana, they are miles ahead of other small-town singers their age. They already have two years experience on the family “summer tours”, with bookings from South Texas to Amarillo and from Nashville to California. And that’s not to mention the many appearances they make close to home in towns surrounding Winnsboro at festivals, pageants, benefits and oprys.
Their interest in music is a full-time endeavor, as they spend most of their free time in some phase of music from co-writing original songs , arranging harmonies and learning popular music. The sisters plan to go to the same college after high school to study Music Industry and Business to round out their interests.
This September, they will make their first trek to the Josie Awards stage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville for the red-carpet reception that precedes the awards show. The duo is nominated in three different country categories. Despite their busy school and music schedules, we carved out a few minutes to chat just prior to the Nashville trip, and this Saturday’s return to the Reilly Springs Jamboree stage where they began their performing careers eight years ago.
City Council Told Aging Infrastructure Presents Even Bigger Problems for Future
During Tuesday’s City of Sulphur Springs Council meeting, infrastructure—water and sewer lines and streets—was noted to be poised to pose huge issues for the city.
In a study of City of Sulphur Springs infrastructure, the water and sewer systems were aged to determine areas over 50 years old. Fifty years is the age at which lines and equipment should be changed. When the first study was conducted, 32% of water and sewer lines had reach a point of depletion—over 50 years old.
Now that work has begun, the city is at a point where 38% has reached depletion, according to City Finance Director Peter Karsten. He told KSST News that each year more and more of the city’s infrastructure falls into the over 50 years of age category. The reason for the continued growth in percentage of depletion is the size of the city when much of the work was done.
If the next 17 years continues at the current pace, the percentage will grow to 70% creating a deficit that no city council will be able to find the money to do the work. The estimate of deficit in water, sewer, and street needs at this time is over $100 million dollars. The council was presented with a number of options to accelerate the pace of infrastructure rework. City staff stressed that if no decision is made that is a choice. Karsten’s noted that across the country the choice to not act in light of declining structures has led to problems and will lead to more difficulties in the future.
Chamber Connection August 17, 2017
Time is running out to enter the 2nd 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, 2015, 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!
Just so you know… the Hopkins county Stew Contest is peering around the corner! Every year, the Chamber allows a non-profit organization to sell drinks at the Stew Cook-off. There are several rules and regulations to follow, but if you are interested in placing your organization’s name in the hat, please call the Chamber. You will be asked to come in and sign an understanding agreement in regards to rules and expectations. Deadline for volunteers is August 26th. Once we have all our volunteers in place, we will literally pick one out of a hat and award drink sales to that organization. Please call if you have any questions.
WIC is hosting a Fiesta for National Breastfeeding Month on Friday, August 18th
WIC is hosting a Fiesta Celebration for National Breastfeeding Month on Friday, August 18th, at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Medical Plaza. The Fiesta is
sponsored by WIC & BIBS. For more information, please contact Angela Burnich at (816) 344-2353.
Reilly Springs Jamboree presents Hanah & Hailee on August 19th at 7 p.m.
The Reilly Springs Community Center presents Hanah & Hailee, Country Duo, on Saturday, August 19th at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.00 per person, and you will surely get your money’s worth. The Jamboree is held at the Reilly Springs Community Center, 109 CR 1439, in Sulphur Springs.
Here is more big news from the Reilly Springs Jamboree: Three Reilly Springs Jamboree alumni are headed to the red carpet at the Josie Music Awards in Nashville! 12-year-old fiddler Jack Phillips from Sulphur Bluff and the “Two Hearts” high-school duo from Winnsboro have been nominated in Country categories for the new multi-genre awards organization. Jack is up for Artist of the Year in the 6-12 year-old division. Sisters Hanah and Hailee got nominations in Artist, Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year categories in the 13 and up division. The girls will also be among performers at a pre-awards event on Saturday September 16th, 2017. Families and friends of the nominees will be in the awards ceremony audience on Sunday, September 17th in Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Tickets to the event are available at josiemusicawards.com.
Clayton Law Firm is celebrating their opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 24th
The Law Firm of C. Don Clayton is celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 24th at noon. They are located at 200 Church Street, Suite B, in Sulphur Springs. Make plans to stop in and welcome Mr. Clayton!
Hunt County Regional is hosting the Mobile Mammography Coach on August 24th
Hunt County Regional Hospital is bringing the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach to town on August 24th, to the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. Most insurance accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can assist with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources, please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 ext. 21. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
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The Hopkins County Fall Festival presents Emerald City Band on Friday, August 25th
The Emerald City Band will be performing on Friday, August 25th, at the Hopkins County Civic Center Arena. The general admission to the concert is free. For VIP ticket information, call (903)243-1925 or email [email protected].
First Baptist Church is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast on September 16th
First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast called “Captivated: The Wonder of Christ on the Winding Road”. The simulcast will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church. This is a free event, but you must register at www.ssfbc.org, or in the church office, or at ROC to attend.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show is scheduled for September 15th and 16th
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their 18th Annual Quilt Show on Friday, September15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 16th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Door prizes are given away throughout the day, and children’s activities are available, too! The quilt show will be located at the ROC, 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs.
Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, September 16th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, September 16th, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets. Many local and out of town vendors will be here participating in this first-time event. You don’t want to miss this!
Texas AgriLife Extension Office is hosting many classes this month, and here they are:
Course: Free Marriage Education Workshop. This informative workshop is offered to married couples, engaged couples, and seriously-dating couples. Come and discuss ways to improve communication skills, marriage expectations, conflict resolution, money management, and more!
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Date and Time: August 26, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
There is no cost, and lunch is provided
Facilitator: Johanna Hicks
RSVP to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443
Note: Engaged couples who complete this workshop will receive a gift certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license!
Course: Cooking Well with Diabetes. Attend this series of four fun-filled, interactive classes packed with research-based information and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Dates: Series of 4 classes, September 12, 14, 19 and 24
Times: 1:30 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. (choice)
Cost: $25, payable at the first session
Call 903-885-3443 to reserve your space or if you need additional information.
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes starting in September
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes that are scheduled to begin Monday, September 18th at 5:30. Reserve your spot before they’re gone. Classes will be located at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. It will run weekly for four weeks. Cost is $75 per student, and there is a discount for siblings. Call 903-243-6222 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot!
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
Sulphur Springs City Council Discusses 2017-2018 Budget, Infrastructure
Sulphur Springs City Council discussed the $38-million budget for 2017-2018 with all department heads on Tuesday night. The budget is larger than last year thanks to the work being done at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The water plant will received the same rework in five to seven years. Planning has begun. The plants must be reworked due to EPA guidelines. Although water, sewer, and sanitation rates will see a slight cost of living increase, there is no tax rate increase in the budget. Revenues will increase thanks to a higher evaluation of properties in the city.
The work on the city waste water treatment plant will allow 10,000 additional citizens added or more food industries. Food industries send more waste water to the plant than residents. The council is looking ahead to prevent mistakes that can add a burden to the city services fee.
According to Peter Karsten, City Finance Director, 90% of the budget does not change year by year. However, there are some areas of change in the budget. Under the new budget, if approved, the water and sanitation rate will increase 2.25% and the sewer rate will increase by 3.5%. The rate increases are due to the city absorbing a yearly payment of $745,000 for the waste water treatment plant. The payment in the new budget will be approximately $300,000 more than the payment this year. The 2.25% increase is to keep up with inflation.
Karsten said the budget calls for a reorganization of the police and fire departments management structure. The current proposal calls for a single but does not call for a public safety division which would mean additional management. The two departments, police and fire, will remain separate although both departments will have available additional assets by efficient use of available manpower and equipment when needed. One of the key objectives is to increase the ability of all public safety elements to work together and not duplicate services. This change will call for one management position eliminated from the fire department.
Community Development will also influence the budget. The city is seeking to develop properties in the interior of the city and slow development on the edges of the city. According to Karsten, it is more expensive for a city to provide services if it spreads out as opposed to building up the interior of the city. He says there are a number of places inside the city limits that need to be developed. Developing the inner city areas will also assist in updating the aging infrastructure of the city.
Drainage and utility district projects are also being considered. Some streets and areas of the city are not served well by current drainage.
Rains County Residents Near Emory Were Evacuated Due to Gas Leak
Wednesday morning, a number of Rains County residents who live east of the City of Emory were evacuated from their homes following a gas leak in their area, according to Jon Wedeking, Rains County Environmental Office and Emergency Management Coordinator.
Wedeking said no residents were injured; however, a Rains County Deputy was transported to hospital after he inhaling the gas fumes.
Wedeking stated the gas company had responded quickly to make repairs and residents have been allowed to return to their homes Wednesday afternoon.
Team Tennis Season Begins With Loss; District Meet Set for Local Courts
The Wildcats’ team tennis squad opened the season in Tyler Tuesday (August 15) with a 17-1 loss to host John Tyler and a 18-0 loss to Jacksonville. The mixed doubles team of junior Chase Crouch and sophomore Heather Harris got a win for the Wildcats. Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said Crouch, a two-year veteran, and Harris, with one year of varsity tennis under her belt, were really confident on the court Tuesday. Coach Martinez said boys doubles players Alex Benitez and Jonah Kirkpatrick came close to victory.
Despite the scores, Coach Martinez said all his players from the top seeds to lower seeds competed and fought for every point all day long even when they were way behind. The Wildcats also played shorthanded Tuesday having only six boys and girls players instead of a full team of seven each. Coach Martinez said a seventh boy and girl would be joining the team when school starts next week. He said he expects his team to be very competitive once district play begins on September 5.
The Wildcats are hosting Tyler Lee at the Wildcats Tennis Complex Wednesday (August 16). The match has been moved up to 2 p.m. Coach Martinez also mentioned that the tennis complex will be the site of the district tournament this spring. He said all the district’s coaches voted to bring the district tournament here.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center On Campus Registration for Fall Semester is August 23rd
RETURNING FOR FALL These two students are planning their return to the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center for the fall semester with the help of advisor Carey Gable, at left. Kayla McQueen is returning to continue her studies to become a radiologist. Bryan Tovar, right, is an accounting major. Both are from Sulphur Springs. Fall on-campus registration day will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 23). For more information call l903-885-1232.
Freezer Purchased for County Jail Saves Taxpayer Dollars
The freezer purchased at a cost near $40,000 for use by Hopkins County Jail will save the county thousands of dollars and according to Sheriff Lewis Tatum, will prove storage for meat and vegetables produced by local inmates for meals at the jail. Tatum said currently some 900 chickens have been stored courtesy of a local business and those will be moved to the freezer. He also said that about $70,000 of meat has been processed since the first of the year and much of that can be stored in the freezer along with vegetables.
The purpose of the freezer is to keep items through the winter months as well as during production. A seal pack unit prepares the items for the freezer and all the work is performed by trusted inmates. The freezer is installed at the jail facility near the kitchen area.
Tatum stated that when the jail was built no one knew the freezer would be needed. However, Commissioners Court has dipped into funds secured but not used for the building of the jail facility to assist in funding the freezer.
