Evening Chapel CME in Sulphur Springs Holding a Plate Lunch Fundraiser August 3rd and 6th
Evening Chapel CME will hold a Plate Lunch Fundraiser Thursday, August 3rd, beginning at 11:00am, and then again on Saturday, August 6th, beginning at 12:30pm. Evening Chapel CME is located at 199 Putman Street, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The Menu includes Barbecue pulled pork, ribs, or sausage, with choice of two sides. The sides are Potato Salad, Pinto Beans, or Mac and Cheese. Cost is a $12.00 donation. They will deliver.
For more information, or to place an order, call 903-951-3558. They need orders in by Wednesday, August 2nd, at Noon for count.
Lipe Pleads Guilty
July 28, 2023 – Crystal McLin Lipe, 41, pleaded guilty on July 27, 2023, to obtaining a controlled substance by fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Aileen Goldman Durrett.
According to court documents presented in court, Lipe worked as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in the Eastern District of Texas. At various points during her time with the hospital, Lipe knowingly accessed and obtained fentanyl, a controlled substance under federal law, for personal use without the hospital’s authorization. In particular, Lipe acquired the fentanyl fraudulently, by removing the fentanyl from its original vials, replacing the fentanyl with a liquid containing sodium chloride, and failing to disclose her conduct to the hospital.
Lipe was taken into custody in the 8th District Courtroom in 2022. See that story here.
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.
Paris District Road Report for July 31, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 31, 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.
US 75, Grayson County: 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 turn right 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 eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp serves as the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the construction of the US 82 eastbound frontage road and new entrance ramp. Motorists are advised to use the eastbound frontage road and continue east through the Loy Lake intersection and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to gain access to US 82.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Work on the rehabilitation project is expected to begin July 31. 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.
SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter from near Sharp Road to the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then overlay the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Grayson County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: FM 121 from US 377 to SH 289; SH 289 from FM 120 to SH 56; and SH 5 from US 75 to Redden Road. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 11, Grayson County: from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Work on the pavement overlay project has begun. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill 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
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park, Grayson County. 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, Grayson County: 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, the bridge location 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 and occasional lane closures while this work is ongoing.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: 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.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 2729, Grayson County: from FM 697 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, Grayson County: from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Fannin County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: US 69 from the Grayson County line to the Hunt County line, and FM 409 from FM 2029 to FM 100. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, Fannin County: in Bonham at the Bois d’Arc Creek Relief Bridge. Watch for daily shoulder closures and occasional daytime lanes closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
FM 100, Fannin County: 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. Beginning Aug. 1 crews will close FM 100 to through traffic between US 82 and SH 56 in order to replace a culvert under the roadway. The signed detour will be to use US 82, FM 1396, and SH 56 to get around the closure.
FM 271, Fannin County: 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.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic-signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from FM 271 to FM 1743. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 273 to FM 2029. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform tree and brush removal work. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 100, Fannin County: from FM 273 to FM 2216. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform tree and brush removal work. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 409, Fannin County: from FM 2029 to FM 100. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform tree and brush removal work. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
I-30, Franklin County: from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
Loop 286, Lamar County: 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, Lamar County: 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.
Loop 286 / US 271 South Interchange, Lamar County: from Dawn Drive going south to the North Loop 286 turn around. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk
US 82, Lamar County: at the FM 1502 intersection. Watch for temporary lane closures, and traffic and lane shifts as crews widen the roadway to install a left-turn lane and improve drainage structures.
Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), Red River County: at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street in Clarksville, Texas. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, Red River County: From US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), Lamar County: from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SP 302: Hunt County (From SH 34 to FM 499, from FM 499 to I-30, from US 69 to SH 34, from O’Neal Street to US 69). The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Milling and paving operations have finished. Paving and milling will begin in the downtown area of Greenville on July 24. Embankment work and guardrail work on BU 69 is ongoing. Striping to begin July 31 or later. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2946, Rains County (From FM 515 to FM 2795): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. J.M. Yanez prepared and mobilized to set temporary shoring for box culvert near the end of project. The contractor is performing cross culvert work and culvert extensions at various locations on the project. The contractor will begin base repair work on next week and widening will begin the first of August Subgrade work for the first three miles is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, Hunt County (From I-30 to FM 1567): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun placing prime coat on the beginning stations of the project. Cross culvert work, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. The contractor has begun placing prime coat on areas near the beginning of the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 and CR 2132 bridge. The contractor has begun work CR 1031, they are currently preparing the ROW and preparing to demo the existing bridge. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30, Hunt County: Interchange Improvements: The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. Grading and prepping temporary ramps is underway on east-bound and west-bound to get ready for hot mix this week. Monte Stratton ramp will be closed this week for hot mix operations for temporary ramp. The contractor will be excavating on permanent ramp east-bound between SH 36 and FM 1903. Cash Water is working on utility relocation at FM 1570.The frontage road speed reduction signs and low-profile traffic barrier on frontage roads have been installed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Rains County crews will be performing safety mowing on SH 276. Hunt crews performed overlay operations on US380 and FM 2649 between IH30 and FM 513. Rains County crews addresses voids on FM 751 causeway and performed seal coat prep work on FM 2795. Herbicide operations are ongoing throughout the counties.
#
Gilreath Arrested on Warrants
July 29, 2023 – Jackson Blaze Gilreath, age 27 of Sulphur Springs, was arrested Friday afternoon at a family members home in Sulphur Springs.
Gilreath, who lists himself as unemployed, was arrested without incident and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. The warrants for Gilreath’s arrest included:
22-3413 1 DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID (MC)
22-3414 1 3070 FAILED TO DRIVE IN A SINGLE LANE
22-3415 1 3319 LEAVING THE SCENE OF ACCIDENT
22-4647 1 1020 THEFT
This is not the first time Gilreath has been in jail.
A Wood County Grand Jury indicted Gilreath in 2023 for felony burglary of a habitation.
On October 14, 2020, Gilreath was arrested in Smith County Texas and charged with:
POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=4G<200G ( Bond: 25000.00 Surety Bond )
POSS CS PG 3 < 28G ( Bond: 2500.00 Surety Bond )
POSS CS PG 4 <28G ( Bond: 500.00 Surety Bond )
In April of 2022, Gilreath was booked into Hunt County Jail on a POSS MARIJ >4OZ<=5LBS charge.
In July of 2020, Gilreath was arrested and charged with several controlled substance charges. See that story here.
In late 2020, Gilbreath was arrested and charged with multiple controlled substance related charges including manufacture and delivery. His bond on that date set at $60,000. See that story here.
In May of 2022, Gilreath was arrested after a purchase of 2.6 grams of meth involving the Special Crimes Unit. See that story here.
In 2018, Gilreath was sentenced to 4 years in prison after completing a court ordered drug rehab, then violating his parole by purchasing meth twice from the Special Crimes Unite. See that story here.
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.
Texas House District 2 Candidate Forum to be Held September 9, 2023
A Candidate Forum for Texas House District 2 will be held Saturday, September 9th, 2023, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. The event is sponsored by the Hopkins, Hunt, and Van Zandt counties. Hot Dogs will be served at 5:00pm, the Forum is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm. A Straw Poll will be taken.
Dan Froneberger And Three Others To Be Inducted Into ATAT Hall Of Fame
The Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas recognizes and honors nominated agricultural science teachers for their commendable careers with induction into the ATAT Hall of Fame. This Friday, July 28, 2023, in Dallas, four of Sulphur Springs’ finest and most respected agricultural science teachers will be inducted. These include Danny Johnson with 45 years of dedication, John Boles with 35 years, Tom Howell with 29 years, and Dan Froneberger with 25 years. Mr. Boles and Mr. Howell have passed away but their families will be present to witness this prestigious honor.
“As I was working on paperwork to get Mr. Howell, Mr. Boles, and Mr. Johnson nominated, former students, along with my son and daughter, were nominating me. I had no idea,” Mr. Froneberger shook his head, still surprised and honored. Mr. Froneberger was an ag teacher from 1990 to 2002 in Winona, Texas. He lead his ag students of SSISD from 2003 to 2015. During this time, he also taught Ag Structures at A&M Commerce and Welding at Paris Junior College at night. Mr. Froneberger continues to work for SSISD and now serves as the Maintenance Director.
When asked to talk a little about his 25 year career as an ag teacher, Mr. Froneberger mostly boasted of his former students. He explained how they made surgery tables for horses that traveled as far as California, trailers, and hydraulic equipment. He proudly talked about former students’ impressive careers. Some are now fighter pilots, U.S. Army Parachuting Golden Knights, an Army Ranger, eight American Farmers, countless students that went on to be ag teachers, and even some that ended up welding as far as Hawaii and Kuwait. He was able to travel to some amazing places with students throughout his career and grinned when thinking about the exhausting nights that projects kept them sleeping in the shop to complete on time for a show. He finished smiling in remembrance, saying, “It’s a neat career…neat career.”
Sulphur Springs ISD appreciates our past and present ag teachers. If you have never been witness to an ag teacher’s schedule throughout the year, it is difficult to understand the devotion and commitment it takes to hold this title. Congratulations and thank you to the four ATAT Hall of Fame inductees and their families. Thank you to our current ag teachers that go above and beyond each year to instill work ethic, teach trades that can form futures, foster leadership skills, and devote so much time to the students of SSISD.
Friday From The Chamber July 28, 2023
Total Eclipse Sulphur Springs… Are You Ready?!
When April 8, 2024 rolls around, get ready!
Almost weekly, we are messaged, called or visited by people who will be coming to Hopkins County for the total solar eclipse on that date. They are coming from around the country and literally around the world. Our latest message was from Karen Ridgway in the United Kingdom, who said she was coming to Sulphur Springs for the eclipse. “Can’t wait!” she wrote.
The Sulphur Springs school district has been hit up by an RV group that wants to bring 100-150 RVs to town for the eclipse and were looking for a place to park. Hotels and lodgings are being booked daily.
People, this is big.
If you and your business aren’t already thinking about what to do when literally tens of thousands of visitors will be here for that weekend leading up to the Monday eclipse, now is the time to start!
The Chamber is making plans for a weekend market downtown and is looking for sponsors to help us bring a concert to town for the Sunday evening before the eclipse. But, there are plenty of options and opportunities available for all businesses.
If you have an idea or an event, please contact us at the Chamber and we will help promote it on the website TotalEclipseSSTX.com.
It’s not only time to start planning, it’s time to start getting things ready for our visitors.
To that end, the Chamber is sponsoring a Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, Aug. 16, to explain how to get your property ready for a possible rental. AirBnB entrepreneur Callie Bradshaw will be on hand to help explain the process of putting rental property on the website.
The Lunch and Learn will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at a venue to be determined by the number of the participants. Cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non members.
Call us at 903-885-6515 or email us at [email protected] to sign up.
Adult Leadership Applications Due TUESDAY, AUGUST 1ST!
Leadership Sulphur Springs is back on this year, with applications online!
The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Upcoming Ribbon Cutting…
Date: Friday, August 4th
Time: 12:00PM
Location: Goodwill, 1320 Shannon Road West, Sulphur Springs
Join us as we celebrate the Grand Reopening of Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas! Their team is ready to welcome the community through the doors of their recently updated location. See you there!
Sponsor Shout-Out!
The 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, has been able to keep its costs down because of our generous businesses in the community, and the cost just got even cheaper for some families.
Signature Solar and the Chamber announced last week that children 12 and under will eat free at the festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, due to Signature Solar’s generous sponsorship.
Children will still need tickets, which can be obtained either online or via paper tickets. Online tickets, which are $8 each for everyone 13 years and older, will be available July 1 at HopkinsChamber.org. Paper tickets will be available Aug. 1 at the Chamber and local banks.
City National Bank will be sponsoring the Friday night festivities, Oct. 27, and we will be announcing that line-up soon.
Thanks to all of our sponsors who make the stew festival affordable for families in Hopkins County. Follow the Chamber’s Instagram and Facebook accounts for spotlights on our sponsors and updates on the stew festival.
Stew Cook Registration is NOW OPEN!
Register here: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stewcooks/
Mark these important dates on your calendar because before you know it, the festivities will be upon us:
August 8 – “Stewcomers” meeting (for anyone interested in learning more about cooking in the competition – no registration required)
September 29 – Stew cook registration deadline
October 6 – Goody bag deadline for sponsors
October 17 – Goody bag pickup and New Cooks meeting
October 27 – Friday Night Appetizer Contest
October 28 – Game Day! The Stew Contest
Now Accepting Stew Market Vendors!
We are now accepting applications for this year’s Stew Market!
Booths are $100 each or $75 for Chamber members.
A few things to keep in mind: we do not allow food vendors or food trucks (other than baked goods and these spaces are fully booked).
Spaces are 10×15, outdoor and located on the south side of Buford Park with no access to power.
This year we have chosen to no longer accept marketing / promotional booths other than our “Market Sponsor.”
For more information or to apply visit: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stew-market/
Please email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515 with any questions.
Governor Abbott Names Chair, Appoints Three To Texas Board Of Criminal Justice
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Bill Welch, Nate Sprinkle, and Sydney Zuiker to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. Additionally, he named Eric Nichols as chair. The Board provides confinement, supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the state’s convicted felons.
Bill Welch of Austin is a retired United States Air Force Brigadier General and Austin-area businessman. He has held a variety of senior leadership positions in the security and law enforcement fields and had a long Air Force flying career. He is a founder and past chief executive officer of Apptronik, Inc., an Austin-based advanced robotics company. Additionally, he has held leadership positions in numerous business and civic organizations and has served as an elected member of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and as the board vice president. He received a degree in Criminal Justice from Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Boston University, and a Master of Science in Technology Commercialization from The University of Texas at Austin.
Nate Sprinkle of Richmond is senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Rosenberg. He is a board member of Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, Nevertheless Missions, Scripture Memory Fellowship International, and Paisano Baptist Encampment. Additionally, he is a member and moderator of San Felipe Baptist Association Administrative Team and board president of Fort Bend Chargers Homeschool 6-man football program. He volunteered in pre-release rehabilitation programs in North and South Texas and currently assists and counsels individuals in the Fort Bend County area after release. Sprinkle received a Bachelor of Science in Math and Computer Science from Sul Ross State University and a Master of Mission Science from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Sydney Zuiker of Houston is director of the Safe Community Institute for Crime Stoppers of Houston. She is a board member of Demand Disruption, an advisory board member for University of Houston Bauer College of Business Managing HR Program, and a committee member for Advocates for the Children of Texas, Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, and 2026 FIFA World Cup Human Rights Stakeholders Bid Committee. Additionally, she was recognized in 2021 as one of Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honorees for her public safety work in the community. Zuiker received a Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Legal Forensic Psychology from the University of California, Irvine.
Eric Nichols of Austin is a partner at Butler Snow LLP. Previously, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas and as Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice for the Office of Texas Attorney General. He is a past president of the American Inns of Court – Barbara Jordan Inn and has served as chair of the Texas Supreme Court’s Grievance Oversight Committee. Additionally, he is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Texas Bar Foundation, and Austin Bar Foundation. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the State Bar of Texas and is a trustee of The University of Texas Law School Foundation. Nichols received a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law.
Meal A Day And Senior Citizen Center Calendar July 31st-August 4th, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of July 31st-August 4th, 2023 includes:
MONDAY, July 31 – Stuffed Bell Peppers, Cantaloupe and Bread
TUESDAY, August 1 – Mexican Chicken Spaghetti, Grapes and Bread
WEDNESDAY, August 2 – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Bread
THURSDAY, August 3 – Taco Salad, Chips, Salsa and Sour Cream
FRIDAY, August 4 – Hot Dogs (2), Mac & Cheese, and Coleslaw
Rural Texas May Lose Out On Billions In Broadband Infrastructure Funding Due To Federal Regulations
When Texas was awarded $3.3 billion in federal money last month toward expanding broadband infrastructure across the state, government leaders and telecommunication companies celebrated the news.
With over 7 million residents disconnected from the rest of the World Wide Web, Texas’ broadband needs were no secret. With the federal funds, along with $1.5 billion from the state’s wallet, rural and underserved Texas communities finally saw a chance to catch up with technology in the rest of the country.
One month later, as the state prepares to submit a five-year plan to federal agencies on broadband deployment, the finer details of who may qualify for federal money in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program has come into sharper focus.
And rural Texas advocates and owners of smaller telecommunication companies worry the communities they serve will be shut out of the historic investment.
The regulations require each telecommunication company applying for a grant to provide a letter of credit from a major bank that covers at least 25% of the proposed project — essentially putting millions of dollars on the table to apply for a grant it isn’t guaranteed to receive.
The Texas Broadband Development Office has until Aug. 28 to submit its five-year plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for funding.
The Broadband Development Office is hosting public meetings through Aug. 16 throughout the state to get local input on the state’s broadband needs.
