It’s Official: Second Lieutenant David Murrell Lewis Coming Home This Weekend
July 12, 2023 – The remains of 2nd Lt. David Murrell Lewis, age 20, are coming home to Texas.
Lewis gave his life for his country during World War II. His bomber, a B-24 Liberator named ‘Aire Lobo’, was shot down over Romania in August of 1943. Lewis was serving as a co-pilot.
His body has been in Europe since his death during Operation Tidal Wave. Romanian citizens collected the American dead and buried them in several cemeteries marked at the Unknown. Second Lieutenant Lewis is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery in Impruneta, Italy.
Lewis was identified via DNA in May of 2022. Once identified, the process of repatriation began. That process has many factors and was finally confirmed this week.
Here is the Plan
- Friday, July 14, 2023
- Members of the EAST TEXAS PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS will transport Lewis from DFW to Greenville TX
- They will meet NT-PGR escort at the Quick Trip, 1400 South Joe Ramsey Blvd., Greenville, Texas for a dignified transfer to the ET-PGR for final escort to West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 South Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Staging: 1:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. at Quick Trip Service Station, 1400 South Joe Ramsey Blvd., Greenville, Texas.
- Map link staging area: https://goo.gl/maps/gAKDRGb84mkF2LBD7
- Saturday, July 15, 2023
- Flag line only at West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 South Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Come and Go Reception will be held at the funeral home from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The family has requested that the PGR participate in a short program starting at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
- Set Flags: 1:30 P.M.
- Riders Meeting: 2:30 P.M.
- Program: 3:00 P.M.
- Map link staging area: https://goo.gl/maps/Qmy2qqJy1RA4RTFx7
- Sunday, July 16, 2023
- Stage at West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 South Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs, Texas, from 8:00 A.M. to 8:15 A.M. with riders meeting at 8:15 A.M. for a 9:00 A.M. escort to Old Saltillo Church & Cemetery (approximately 20 miles).
- 2nd Lieutenant Lewis will lie in State from 9:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M.
- Memorial Service: 11:15 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
- Interment will follow memorial service in the Old Saltillo Cemetery across the road from the church. We will stand a flag line at the cemetery.
- Map Link staging area: https://goo.gl/maps/Qmy2qqJy1RA4RTFx7
Blount Violates Parole; Back in Hopkins County Jail
July 12, 2023 – JAKE ADAM BLOUNT was arrested at the Rusk County Jail this week and returned to Hopkins County to face parole violation charges. His bond has not been set.
Blount was arrested in 2022 after allegedly stabbing a family member multiple times. See that story here.
Blount was arrested in 2021 after a disturbance at a local hospital. See that story here.
Blount was indicted by a Hopkins County Grand Jury for Theft Property more than $2,500 but less than $30,000 in 2018. See that story here.
Blount was arrested in 2016 after using methamphetamine and stealing a car. 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 State Parks Recognized Among the Nation’s Best
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) along with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration have selected Texas State Parks as a finalist for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
“I’m proud to have the hard work of our Texas State Park staff recognized for building one of the best state park systems in the country,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “It is an honor for Texas State Parks to be nationally recognized for our efforts to welcome all Texans and preserve the gems of Texas for all generations.”
Texas State Parks is competing against three other state park systems for the top award: Missouri State Parks, Ohio State Parks and Watercraft; and Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails. The winner will be announced in October at the NRPA conference in Dallas.
Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are separated into seven classes, with five classes based on population, one class for armed forces recreation and one class, awarded on odd numbered years, for state park systems.
Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year. For more information concerning the Gold Medal Award program, visit https://aapra.org/National-Gold-Medal-Award.
“We are especially thrilled to receive this recognition during our Centennial year,” Franklin said. “The fact that we were named a finalist among peer institutions across the country really highlights the progress we have made over the past century to fulfill then-Gov. Pat Neff’s vision of a Texas dotted with state parks ‘to be held in sacred trust by the State for the public good, now and forever.’”
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is partnering with TPWD and H-E-B to celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks. H-E-B, the presenting sponsor of the celebration, has donated $1 million to help Texas State Parks engage all Texans in discovering and enjoying their state parks throughout the yearlong celebration.
For more information on the Centennial Celebration, including community events, the history of Texas State Parks and how to make a day visit or overnight reservation, visit the Texas State Parks 100 Years website at TexasStateParks.org/100years.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Searching For Suspects Involved In Fraud
July 12, 2023 – We are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect involved in a recent Fraud case. Attached is a photo of the suspect captured on surveillance during the crime.
If you have any information that can lead to the identification of this individual, please contact Detective Joe Scott at 903-885-7602.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Madison Back in Jail; Third Time in Three Weeks
July 11, 2023 – MICHAEL VAN MADISON is back in Hopkins County Jail with new charges. This marks the third time he has been arrested in roughly three weeks.
On June 25, Madison booked a room at a local hotel. He invited his special lady friend to the room, even though he knew she had a protective order against him. She visited him and was confirmed to be in the room with him. Hopkins County Sheriff deputies received an anonymous tip that a wanted person (Delta County Warrant) was staying at the hotel in the exact room Madison had booked.
Deputies arrived and had the receptionist call the room and ask Madison to come to the front desk. He did so and was arrested without incident. He was jailed and charged with:
1 22.01(B)(2)(A) ASSAULT FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD MEMBER PREV CONV IAT (Warrant Delta County)
1 25.07(G) VIOL BOND/PROTECTIVE ORDER
He was incarcerated for six days.
On July 6, Madison was attempting to hide in the shower during a CPS investigation at the same hotel, same room. He was sharing the room with the same woman who still had a protective order against him. He was incarcerated for two days. See that story here.
Madison was arrested July 11. Sulphur Springs Police were made know about several Delta County warrants for Madison. They knew he was living at the same hotel and went to find him. The check with the front desk and leanred he had rented a new room.
Police knocked on the door of his new room, and Madison answered the door. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. His special lady friend, with the protective order against him, was inside his room at the time of his arrest. His bond is set at $5,000 and he faces these charges:
1 25.072(E) VIOL BOND/PROTECTIVE ORDER 2+ TIMES W/I 12 MO
7963 1 22.01(B)(2)(A) ASSAULT FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD MEMBER PREV CONV IAT
7964 1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
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.
Students Learn Important Skills in a Variety of Subjects at Paris Junior College, Including Welding
STRUCTURAL WELDING
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding student Nicholas Niemirowski of Como is working on his structural welding skills he is learning in the college workforce program.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Governor Abbott Announces Over $6.5 Million In Workforce Grants
Governor Greg Abbott today announced over $6.5 million in Texas Talent Connection grants awarded to 21 workforce skills training and job placement programs in communities across the state.
“Thanks to our young, skilled, diverse, and growing workforce, Texas is the best state for business,” said Governor Abbott. “Meeting the needs of Texas employers by providing a continuing pipeline of workers with in-demand skills is paramount to ensure expanding economic opportunity in communities across the state. I am proud that Texas continues to connect more employers to work-ready skilled Texans and more Texans to in-demand skills training for higher-paying careers and career advancement—creating a brighter Texas of tomorrow for all.”
Administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council in the Governor’s Office of Texas Economic Development and Tourism, the competitive grants support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention, as well as serve workforce populations with special needs.
The $6,564,080 in Texas Talent Connection grant awards announced include:
- Alvin Community College: $350,000 for year three of the New Beginnings project; serving Angelina, Bee, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Hayes, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, Montgomery, Polk, Travis, Walker, and Wharton counties; providing recently released offenders with job placement assistance and workforce training to reduce recidivism.
- American YouthWorks: $349,929 for year three of the YouthBuild Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship project; serving Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties; providing secondary education, job skills, and job placement through paid training and certifications in manufacturing for unemployed or underemployed Texans, ages 16 to 24, who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market.
- The Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium: $254,893 for year three of the Aerospace/Space/Aviation Technician Readiness project; serving Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties; providing unemployed high school graduates, displaced workers, and other unemployed Texans with job training and job placement as certified electrical and composite technicians in the aerospace, space, and aviation industries.
- Community Learning Centers, Inc.: $325,000 for year three of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration project; serving Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufmann, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties; providing job training and job placement in entry-level residential mechanic and technician positions in the construction industry for veterans, unemployed, underemployed, and low-income adults in need of upskilling.
- Goodwill of Central Texas: $244,165 for year one of the Goodwill Career and Technical Academy and Commercial Driver License project; serving Travis County; providing adults with barriers to employment the training needed to become a heavy and tractor trailer truck driver by earning an industry-recognized Commercial Driver License credential.
- Harris County Hospital District: $349,999 for year one of the Pharmacy Technician Advancement Program; serving Harris County; providing simulation center-based training at an affiliated community college, preparing students for a national certification examination and employment as a pharmacy technician within the Harris Health System.
- Houston’s Capital IDEA: $350,000 for year one of the Future-Focused Texas Workforce Pathways in Nursing and Technology project; serving Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Waller counties; providing education and training in the nursing and technology fields for unemployed or underemployed low-income adults.
- Lamar State College Port Arthur: $298,673 for year one of the Sempra LNG – Clean Energy and Fair Jobs project; serving Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, and Orange counties; providing training for minority, underserved, or rural students in high-quality transportation and construction jobs for the Sempra LNG construction project.
- Lamar Institute of Technology: $241,540 for year one of the Drive Southeast Texas Talent project; serving Jefferson County; providing online and in-person technical skills training for low-to-moderate-income, underrepresented and/or underserved, nontraditional, and bilingual individuals in need of upskilling, career counseling, and job placement for industry-based certification opportunities including clinical medical assistant, medication aide, AutoCAD draftsman, welding, and transportation.
- Lone Star College: $349,921 for year two of the Strategic Engagement for Student Career Planning project; serving Harris and Montgomery counties; providing workforce and job readiness planning to first-generation students in the areas of manufacturing, automotive, information technology, business, visual communications, and healthcare.
- My Possibilities: $350,000 for year one of the My Possibilities Employment Innovations School project; serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties; providing adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities with hands-on vocational training and certification in the retail, culinary arts, hospitality, technology, administration, and facilities industries.
- North Central Texas College: $336,357 for year three of the Logistics Program; serving North Central Texas College students in Cooke, Denton, Montague, Texoma, and Young counties; providing fast-track, accelerated training in supply chain logistics.
- NPower: $350,000 for year three of the Tech Fundamentals project; serving unemployed and underemployed veterans, veteran spouses, and reservists in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Grayson, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Rockwell, Smith, Tarrant, and Wise counties; providing tuition-free job training, credentialing, and job placement in industry-relevant digital careers.
- Project ARRIBA: $350,000 for year three of the Equitable Opportunities through Post-Secondary Access project; serving El Paso County; providing post-secondary education, job training, certification, and job placement in the healthcare industry for low-income, unemployed, or underemployed adults.
- Skillpoint Alliance: $150,000 for year one of the Launching Rural Community Economic Pathways project; serving Andrews, Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Coryell, Dawson, Fayette, Hamilton, Hays, Howard, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Milam, Pecos, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties; utilizing Skillpoint Alliance’s Rapid Employment Model to provide fast-paced skill building and placement to veterans and veterans’ spouses in rural communities to place them in the advanced trades or manufacturing industries.
- Texas State Technical College: $216,526 for year two of the Commercial Driver License Professional Driving Academy – Brownwood project; serving Brown, Coleman, Eastland, McCullough, and San Saba counties; providing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act eligible trainees, 18 years or older, with driver training to earn a Texas Class A commercial license.
- Texas Tech University: $350,000 for year one of the Data Science Training Program for Industry, University and High School Students; serving Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motely, Terry, and Yoakum counties; providing for the development of a new, region-specific, data science training program tied to occupational skills acquisition, job placement, and career enhancement for current and future industry professionals in the electric power, wind, agriculture, and petroleum industries.
- The University of Houston – Downtown: $349,957 for year two of the University of Houston – Downtown Intentionally Maximizing Workforce Skills project; serving Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton counties; providing underrepresented STEM students with career training in software development, software quality assurance, biotechnical, cybersecurity, and food security.
- The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement: $350,000 for year three of the Rio Grande Valley Industry Specialized Training and Workforce Innovation project; serving residents in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties; providing training and certifications for allied health, aerospace, and liquid natural gas industry entry-level positions to individuals who are 18 years or older, unemployed, or living under federal poverty guidelines.
- Volunteers of America: $350,000 for year one of the Advancing Career Pathways project; serving Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties; providing vocational training resulting in an industry-recognized certification, license, or accreditation in advanced manufacturing areas, including Commercial Driver License Class A, B, C, Defensive Flagging; electrician; welding; forklift; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; plumbing, and occupational health and safety specialist.
- Workforce Solutions of Southeast Texas: $297,120 for year three of the Southeast Texas Internship and Externship Training project; serving Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties; providing Texans, 18 to 24 years, who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market, with eight-week paid internships.
The Texas Workforce Investment Council in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism assists the Governor and the Texas Legislature with strategic planning for and evaluation of the Texas workforce system to promote the development of a well-educated, highly skilled workforce for Texas. The Council’s appointed members represent workforce system partners and stakeholders, including business and industry, organized labor, education, and community-based organizations. Ex officio members include the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Governor’s Office of Texas Economic Development and Tourism. The more than $6.5 million in Texas Talent Connection grants awarded this year by Governor Abbott are Wagner-Peyser 7(b) grant funds allocated to the Office of the Governor by the U.S. Department of Labor to encourage innovation in workforce training and job placement services.
BGC Sells Pharmacies In Texas, Louisiana And Arkansas To Walgreens
Tyler, TX – July 11, 2023 – Brookshire Grocery Co. (“BGC”) today announced an agreement whereby Walgreens will acquire BGC’s 120 pharmacies in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, which includes pharmacy customer prescription files and related pharmacy inventory. The vast majority of these locations are being converted to Walgreens pharmacies that will operate inside of BGC’s stores.
“We are excited to take this next step with Walgreens to strengthen our pharmacies and further our commitment to our employee-partners and customers that make up our BGC family,” said Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Co. “The pharmacy industry has become increasingly complex over the past few years, and it was important to us to find a business leader that has the capabilities to focus on providing exceptional pharmacy services and value to our customers.”
Eligible BGC pharmacy employees are being offered employment opportunities with Walgreens. In addition, pharmacy customers do not need to not take any action for their prescriptions to be transferred over. Customers’ prescriptions will transfer to Walgreens automatically. Customers will receive notification in the mail along with details about their prescriptions.
“Walgreens has a long history of serving communities throughout the U.S., and we look forward to providing BGC’s customers with greater access to a wide range of trusted pharmacy and healthcare services,” said Brad Ulrich, Vice President of Pharmacy and Retail Operations for Walgreens. “Our pharmacists are playing a critical role in healthcare today, and we truly value the importance of the pharmacist-patient relationship. As part of our commitment to ensuring a seamless transition, we’re excited to also be providing employment opportunities for BGC’s existing pharmacy staff.”
As part of the agreement, a select few pharmacy locations will close. Those patient files will transfer to either another in-store pharmacy at BGC’s or nearby Walgreens retail pharmacy. BGC and Walgreens are committed to finding employment opportunities for substantially all eligible pharmacy employee-partners in other BGC or Walgreens locations. Customers of these locations will be notified, and prescription files will transfer automatically in the coming weeks to nearby Walgreens or BGC in-store pharmacy locations.
The pharmacies in BGC’s Reasor’s stores in Oklahoma are not included in this transaction and will remain under BGC brand and ownership. BGC will continue to operate and invest in its retail grocery business in its more than 205 stores located across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Together with its dedicated employee-partners, BGC remains focused on its vision of being the premier regional grocery retailer in the markets it serves.
“My grandfather laid the foundation for our core values in 1928 which continue to be supported by our team providing excellent service, showing integrity and doing our best every day. With this next step, we will remain focused on creating and delivering exceptional value to our customers,” added Brookshire.
Sidley Austin, LLP acted as lead legal advisor for Walgreens, along with Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP. The Food Partners served as strategic and financial adviser and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. and Kilpatrick Townsend, and Haynes and Boone served as legal counsel to BGC.
About Brookshire Grocery Co.
Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) is a Tyler, Texas-based regional food chain that has been providing exceptional service since 1928. BGC currently operates more than 205 store locations in [four] states under the banners of Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market, FRESH by Brookshire’s and Reasor’s. BGC is proud to be certified by Great Place to Work for the past three years. Last year, BGC was one of 25 large companies featured on the 2022 Fortune Best Workplaces in Texas list and was one of only 15 large companies featured on the 2020 Fortune Best Workplaces in Retail list. In December, BGC was named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek based on a large-scale employer study of over 350,000 company reviews. Each year, the company’s community involvement program assists hundreds of nonprofit organizations that support its primary causes of hunger relief, education, family health and wellbeing, and military heroes and first responders. Employees collectively volunteer 20,000 hours annually assisting communities and nonprofit organizations.
Chamber Connection – July 12
If you are a returning stew cook or a new cook who wants to get in on the biggest annual event in Hopkins County, it’s time to start registering.
Registration for stew cooks is now available online at HopkinsChamber.org. The cost remains the same for our cooks — $100 registration fee. You can also pre-order this year’s T-shirt with Stew Cook on the back for just $20 each.
If you are a returning stew cook, check your email account for a form sent from us, and if you don’t do email, then watch for a registration form to hit your mailbox in the next week. The 54 th 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.
Business After Hours
Join us for a fun and interactive Business After Hours next month at Red River Credit Union from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20.
Business After Hours is a great way to interact and network with other business professionals and members of the community. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend and there is no cost.
Red River Credit Union is located at 822 Gilmer St.
Real Estate Meet Up
All realtors, investors, builders, lenders and vendors who work in real estate are invited to a Meet Up and Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at Backstory Brewery. Network with industry experts and get your first drink/appetizer on the house. The event is sponsored by Money Law and Title, Supreme Lending, CK Experts and Tully Insurance Agency.
Mammography Screening
Hunt Regional Healthcare’s Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach will be at the Spring Village Shopping Center on Thursday, July 27. All insurance accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. For those not using insurance, a prepaid pricing of $200 for a 3D mammogram is available.
To schedule individual screening mammograms or bone density, please call 903-408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Leadership Sulphur Springs
Even if you think you know Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, you are sure to learn a lot through Leadership Sulphur Springs, which 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.
Hopkins County Law Enforcement
The Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association will have a Golf Tournament fundraiser at the Sulphur Springs Country Club on Aug. 21. The four-person teams will tee off at 10 a.m. For sponsor or player information, call Michael Russell at 903-438-4040 or email [email protected].
Wedding Expo
The DIY Wedding Expo is coming back to the Civic Center from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 23. For more information on sponsorships or vendor spaces, contact Tracey Treadway at 214-683-7669 or [email protected].
Ribbon Cutting
East Texas Surgery Center will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, July 14, at their office at 1402 Medical Drive. They will also have an Open House the same day from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please join us for this event.
Carriage House Manor, 210 Pipeline Road, will have a grand reopening for its Cottages at noon on Friday, July 21. Please join us for the ribbon cutting.
SSISD Approves $1.13 Million Pay Raise
Sulphur Spring ISD has approved on Monday a $1.13 million pay raise for Teachers, Nurses (RN), Librarians, and Counselors. Additionally the school board also approved a 3% of midpoint increase for all employees not on the teachers pay scale. That was approved for both hourly and exempt employees.
The teacher pay scale was adjusted to bring each step within market median. The adjustments vary on each step due to the fact that some steps were further from market median than others.
The SSISD School Board has stated that they are in the process of working with TASB to complete a salary study of our pay scales for all employees to determine market value and competitiveness.
$1,000 above for Masters, $2,000 above for Doctorate.
$1,500 above for Elementary Counselor, $2,000 above for Middle School Counselor, $3,000 above for High School Counselors.
