Sponsorships on Sale Soon for 5th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo
May 14, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care (HCHC) Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo is set for Thursday, August 8. This popular event is expected to be a sellout.
Sponsorships will be available for purchase on Monday, May 20 at handbagbingo24.GiveSmart.com. Two levels, $2,500 and $1,500, include a reserved table for 8 players. The $500 and $250 include advertising benefits but no tickets or table.
Last year, 539 people played for designer bags. This year, organizers hope to accommodate even more players.
“We have been blessed with the popularity of this event. It has allowed the Foundation to provide lifesaving medical care in Hopkins County. In particular, it has funded the last 4 years of the free mammography clinic we host in October.” says Foundation Chair Maleta Reynolds.
Tables for 8 will go on sale on Saturday, June 22 for $575 while individual tickets will go on sale on Saturday, July 13 for $60 each.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation was founded in 1997 to support and improve local healthcare for the benefit of the residents. The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
Visit handbagbingo24.givesmart.com for more information, email [email protected], or call 903-438-4799.
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Dinner Bell for May 15th, 2024
The Dial Study Club was formed in 1951 when Junior Waverly Club realized the need for an additional study club for young women. Gretchen Dial was their sponsor and recognizing her many community endeavors caused them to name the new organization the Dial Study Club. She was a member of Waverly Club for 50 years. She served as secretary to Senator John Crawford during the first World War. At the Waverly Clubs request he was helpful in the securing of a $10,000 Carnegie Foundation Grant which enabled the city to establish the Carnegie Library in Sulphur Springs.
The Dial Study Club membership is blessed with young women who believe in community improvement and involvement in actions and activities that make Sulphur Springs an ideal place to raise their families. Being a Community Partner with the Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry attests to the club’s desire to help their neighbors. Dinner Bell is thankful they have decided to participate.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 on Wednesday.
MENU
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Zucchini
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
20 Minute Chocolate Cake (aka Texas Sheet Cake)
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN. WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED. GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Sulphur Springs Public Library’s Hope Cain sat Down Again with John Mark in this Second Cup of Coffee
In this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had another chat with Sulphur Springs Public Library Director Hope Cain. The two discuss some of the new books available to the public in the library now. They also discuss titles that have been ordered and are on their way. There’s also chit chat about a title that is so popular the library can’t keep it on the shelf. Give the video a watch and learn what’s coming to your Sulphur Springs Public Library!
*Update* Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats Take on Aubrey in Playoffs in Nevada
May 14, 2024 – KSST has been the voice of Sulphur Springs Wildcats sports since 1947. John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin will bring you the Playoffs game between the Lady Cats and Aubrey at Community High School in Nevada, Texas.
The game has now been changed to Friday, May 17, 2024. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00pm. If you can’t attend the game in person, be sure to tune in to KSST, 1230AM, for the live broadcast. We will video the game for playback at a later date and time. Go Lady Cats!
New Appraisals and How to File an Online Protest
May 14, 2024 – Most everyone in Hopkins County has received their 2024 property appraisal from the Hopkins County Appraisal District, and most everyone in Hopkins County has seen the value of their property go up. Higher valuations mean higher tax burdens, and some taxpayers will wish to file a protest to have their appraisal revisited by staff. Making an Online Protest is now available through the Hopkins County Appraisal District (HCAD) website, but doing so can be cumbersome. The deadline to file a protest in any form is May 31, 2024.
To file an Online Protest you must FIRST search for the property by either name, address, or property ID. Enter your information in the search bar at the top of the HCAD home page. Once you find the correct property continue by clicking on “View Property”. Once on the property page, click on the active link “File Notice of Protest for this Property” located on the right side of the property page. This will take you to the form to file an online protest. Answer the questions on that form including checking the appropriate box(es) in the “Reason for Protest” section. Once completed, you will be prompted to “electronically sign” the form to submit.
Although the deadline to file a protest is May 31, 2024. The Hopkins County Appraisal District staff will be working well up into October evaluating each of the protests. Some corrections to appraisals may be resolved by telephone, but in person hearings will be scheduled as well.
The Hopkins County Appraisal District is located at 109 College St. in Sulphur Springs and can be reached at (903) 885-2173.
Aggravated Robbery Suspects Sought
May 14, 2024 – At approximately 10:30 p.m. on 5-13-2024, an Aggravated Robbery was committed at Super Handy, 1401 College St. Two suspects, who appeared to be black males, entered the store wearing hoodies, masks, and gloves. One of the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store clerk. The store clerk handed over the money and suspects fled the store through the adjoining neighborhood. A K9 unit was utilized, but was unsuccessful in locating suspects.
The incident was captured on video. If anyone has information about this incident, please contact Lt. Rusty Stillwagoner at 903-885-6438 or you can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1000 dollars for information leading to an arrest.
Green Pond Memorial Day Services to be held May 19th
May 13, 2024 – Green Pond Memorial Day Services to be held Sunday, May 19, 2024. Services are scheduled to begin at 10:30 am. The guest speaker will be B J Tear. A covered dish lunch will be held following the services. The public is invited.
Proper Hay Storage is Crucial for Preserving Hay from Moisture by Mario Villarino
May 13, 2024 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides comprehensive guidance on protecting hay from rain to maintain its quality and nutritional value. Proper hay storage is crucial for preserving hay from moisture, as exposure to rain can lead to mold growth, nutrient loss, and decreased palatability. Here’s an in-depth look at strategies recommended by AgriLife Extension:
Covered Storage: Utilizing covered storage facilities is the most effective way to protect hay from rain. Barns, sheds, or hay storage buildings offer excellent protection from moisture. These structures should have proper ventilation to prevent condensation buildup, which can contribute to mold growth.
Tarps and Covers: When covered storage isn’t available, using tarps or plastic covers is essential. Covering hay stacks or bales with waterproof tarps or plastic sheets can shield them from rainwater. Ensure the covers extend beyond the edges of the hay to prevent water infiltration. Proper anchoring of tarps is critical to withstand wind and prevent water pooling.
Elevated Storage: Storing hay off the ground on pallets, wooden rails, or racks can help prevent moisture absorption from the soil. Elevating hay allows for better airflow underneath, reducing the risk of mold growth. Additionally, it prevents hay from sitting in pooled water during heavy rains.
Tarp Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of tarps are necessary to ensure their effectiveness in rain protection. Check for tears, holes, or damage that could compromise waterproofing. Replace or repair damaged tarps promptly to maintain hay quality.
Timely Harvesting: Harvesting hay during periods of dry weather is crucial for minimizing moisture content. Delaying harvest until after rainfall increases the risk of wet hay, which is prone to mold and nutrient loss. Monitor weather forecasts and plan hay harvesting accordingly to avoid rain.
Properly Ventilated Storage: Adequate ventilation in storage facilities is essential for reducing moisture buildup. Proper airflow helps to prevent condensation and mold growth. Ensure vents are unobstructed and consider installing fans to improve air circulation.
Hay Tarping Techniques: When covering hay with tarps, employ proper tarping techniques to maximize rain protection. Overlap tarps sufficiently to prevent water seepage between seams. Use weights or ropes to secure tarps tightly and prevent wind displacement.
Regular Monitoring: Regularly inspect stored hay for signs of moisture or mold growth. Check underneath tarps for any water accumulation or leaks. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage to the hay.
By implementing these strategies, farmers and ranchers can effectively protect their hay from rain and preserve its quality for feeding livestock throughout the year. AgriLife Extension provides valuable resources and expertise to assist producers in implementing best practices for hay preservation. 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].
Not a Fan of School Vouchers? How About a Tax Deduction
Tax Exemption Could Be a Winning School Choice Plan for Texas
May 13, 2024
A new school choice plan by a former state education board member could be a winner when the Texas Legislature considers the hot-button topic next year.
Cynthia Dunbar is proposing the Education Emancipation Act, a tax exemption plan for school choice that she says should unite conservatives because it avoids state appropriations of funds, thus the threat of government regulations tied to such funds.
“This is the first solution that actually allows for school choice with parental rights without regulatory control and strings attached,” said Dunbar. “It’s specifically drafted for Texas… it’s ready to go,” she added.
School choice is a Texas GOP priority but proved a divisive issue within the Republican House majority during the last legislative session.
Legislation backed by Gov. Greg Abbott, which included education savings accounts, failed to pass in the House, leading Abbott to target school choice opponents during the March GOP primary.
Dunbar’s plan addresses concerns of both defenders of the current public education system who claim school choice would “defund” government schools, as well as those who fear the “strings” that could be tied to ESAs or vouchers because those funds flow through government hands.
“We don’t want the government’s money,” Dunbar said Monday.
According to Dunbar, the Education Emancipation Act would allow families to claim an exemption to their school property taxes.
“A tax exemption is not government dollars… it’s your money,” she said, adding that the distinction is “hugely important” for avoiding government intrusions into how parents choose to educate their children.
“Because if it’s not that way, if it ever makes its way into the public coffers and then is appropriated as a voucher or something else into your hands, guess what can come with it? Yes, regulatory control,” she said.
And that is why the other side in this game is rushing to try to make sure that in terms of school choice, we don’t choose a good option and coalesce and get up in front of it and make sure people know that we have a way to do this where they don’t get any regulatory control.
Dunbar’s plan also includes corporate tax exemptions to fund scholarships for students to afford to go to private school or homeschool.
“It’s not a perfect fix in the sense that if you don’t own property, you can’t get an exemption… So it doesn’t hit everyone,” she explained.
She also noted it won’t be a dollar-for-dollar fix. However, it will pull dollars out of local school districts’ coffers for students they’re not educating and help countless families who are fed up with the current government school system but need help affording other options.
“I believe education is the lynchpin issue. If you don’t go after education, you lose everything… When over 90 percent of society is being effectively indoctrinated with our own tax dollars, how do we take over any issue?” she said.
She called the current system a monopoly and said local school districts don’t want to share their control.
“How do you get rid of a monopoly?” she asked. “Competition.”
“We’re not looking to the government to fix all of our problems,” she added.
Burden encouraged delegates to this month’s Republican Party of Texas Convention to approve a resolution in support of the Education Emancipation Act.
“In the 89th session, we’re going to pass school choice. The question is, which form of school choice are we going to pass,” said Burden.
Burden and Dunbar believe Abbott and lawmakers are open to a tax exemption program.
Dunbar also intends to seek support for the Education Emancipation Act at the national level but said she hopes Texas will lead the way.
Retired General McClendon Accused of Sexual Assault of Child Arrested in Sulphur Springs
May 12, 2024 – A routine traffic stop by a Hopkins County Sheriff Deputy produced a person of interest in an ongoing investigation of Sexual Assault of a Minor. Retired Air Force Brigadier General Mike Houston McClendon was found to be named as a person of interest in a sexual assault investigation. McClendon cooperated with authorities during and after the traffic stop by driving to the local sheriff’s office and being questioned by authorities. McClendon was subsequently arrested on a warrant and booked into the Hopkins County Jail on the charge of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Young Child which is a first-degree felony charge. Bail for the highly decorated Brigadier General was set at $100,000.
The following information is from McClendon’s Air Force Biography page: General McClendon is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He initially flew the A-7D fighter in Tactical Air Command, and subsequently was part of the initial cadre to introduce the A-10 into U.S. Air Forces in Europe. From USAFE, General McClendon attended the Air Force’s Experimental Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Calif., and served as Air Force chief A-10 test pilot and Director of Flight Test. He also served as the Deputy Program Manager for a highly classified special program. This was followed by consecutive tours in Air Force research and development and in senior leadership jobs in the F-22 System Program Office, Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters Directorate of Operations, Air Force Research Laboratory and the former AFC2ISR Center. General McClendon is a senior pilot with more than 10,000 hours in more than 35 types of aircraft ranging from helicopters to fighters to transports. As a civilian, he is a captain for a major airline, flying internationally.
Brigadier General Mike H. McClendon is the recipient of several military honors including a Distinquished Service Medal and Legion of Merit award.
McClendon’s Air Force Biography can be viewed here: McClendon Air Force Biography Page.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
