United States Postal Service Job Fair in Sulphur Springs July 10th
July 3, 2025 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX — Postal officials invite job seekers to learn more about USPS employment opportunities on Thursday, July 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Sulphur Springs Post Office, 320 Church Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
For almost 250 years, the U.S. Postal Service has delivered information, connected families and friends, and powered the engines of commerce and industry. The U.S. Postal Service is an equal opportunity employer offering a fast-paced, rewarding work environment with competitive compensation packages, on-the-job training, and advancement opportunities.
Career employees can earn premium long-term benefits that complement good pay. Some of the benefits include multiple health and life insurance choices, pension benefits and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) like a 401(k), and vacation time and sick leave.
The Postal Service is an organization that promotes largely from within, offering career development to help prepare employees achieve their professional goals. Training programs including entry-level functional job-related training, technical hands-on learning, new supervisor training, and management-to-executive level development.
For those unable to attend the job fair event can find more information, and apply for available positions, at www.usps.com/careers. Jobs are uploaded every other Tuesday until filled, and postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities. Potential applicants can also visit any Post Office location for more information.
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Nomination Period for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has Started
July 3, 2025 – The nomination period for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has started and will end at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. Nominations are being accepted for six three-year terms on the Chamber Board. A Board member must be a member in good standing with the Chamber and not have served on the board in the past 12 months. Board members should be available to meet during the regular meeting of the board on the second Thursday morning of each month and be committed to attending and/or working as many Chamber activities as possible. The new term will start in December 2025 and end in November 2028.
Please send nominations to: [email protected].
CHRISTUS Health announces contract extension with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas through July 31
Keeps CHRISTUS hospitals, physicians in network while negotiating long-term agreement
(IRVING, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health announced today it has reached a month-long contract extension with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) that ensures continued in-network access to CHRISTUS Health hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and physicians through July 31.
The interim agreement allows additional time to reach a long-term contract with BCBSTX that supports high-quality, compassionate care while maintaining access to services in the communities CHRISTUS serves.
“Our priority has always been to ensure uninterrupted access to health care for our patients and communities,” said Ernie Sadau, CHRISTUS president and CEO. “This extension allows us to continue serving BCBSTX members while we work toward a sustainable, long-term solution that allows us to invest in our patients, caregivers, technology and facilities.”
Being in network means that CHRISTUS has a contract through July 31 with BCBSTX to provide services at pre-negotiated, discounted rates. Insured patients benefit from being in network with lower costs and simplified claims.
CHRISTUS Health remains committed to transparency and collaboration throughout the months-long negotiation process and will continue to provide updates to patients, providers and partners at christushealth.org/bcbstx.
Patients with questions about their BCBSTX insurance coverage and care options are encouraged to call the phone number on the back of their card.
Dinner Bell for July 9, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Grocery Supply Company
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
Grocery Supply Company (GSC) has grown from a small operation on Oak Avenue to a multi-operation business off Hillcrest Drive North.
Grocery Supply Company operates two primary business segments: Grocery Supply Company that services convenience stores with dry, refrigerated and frozen items; and Fidelity Express, a monetary service for convenience stores.
Fidelity Express, established in 1988, provides financial services such as money orders, bill pay, prepaid cards, gift cards and other walk-in cash products for independent retailers in 20 states and the District of Columbia.
GSC remains a family-owned and operated business with second and third generations of the McKenzie family at its leadership. Their family is truly devoted not only to its employees, their families and their customers, but also to the communities in which GSC Enterprises, Inc. serves.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
- Spaghetti Casserole
- Sour Cream Green Beans
- Garden Salad
- Lemon Dump Cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices!
Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Federal Grand Jury has Indicted a Sulphur Springs Woman in Connection to the Death of a Juvenile
July 1, 2025 – A federal grand jury has indicted a Sulphur Springs woman in connection to the death of a juvenile who overdosed on a drug called N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene.
Twenty-four-year old Diamon Leann Yates is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance resulting in death.
The case was the first instance of the drug being identified in Texas and the seventh in the U.S.
Because it was the first instance of the drug being used in Texas, it was not recognized under Texas law. So Hopkins County investigators sought the help of federal prosecutors.
According to a news release from Sheriff Lewis Tatum, the case has been investigated since July 17 of last year, when a female juvenile was found dead from an overdose. The news release says an investigation revealed the pills were purchased from Yates.
The sheriff’s office released the following statement:
“The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all federal agencies involved for their invaluable collaboration and support in bringing this case to the federal level. This arrest underscores the commitment of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office to combat the distribution of dangerous narcotics and seek justice for victims of overdose.”
6th Annual Foundation Handbag Bingo Title Sponsor Announced
July 1, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is honored to announce that the Alliance Bank family of businesses (Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance) is the title sponsor for August 7’s Designer Handbag Bingo. This is the second year the Alliance Bank group has been the title sponsor, following its first year as the title sponsor last year.
Alliance Bank has been supportive of the Foundation since the latter’s founding 28 years ago. The Alliance Bank trio of businesses recognize the importance of great local healthcare for its employees, customers, and the community it serves. The Foundation is proud to partner with them on increasing healthcare opportunities in the area. Proceeds from Designer Handbag Bingo will fund a free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women over the age of 40, to be held in October at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs’ Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center.
Hopkins County Market President Jason Thompson commented, “Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance are pleased to again serve as the Title Sponsor for Designer Handbag Bingo. We love to serve our community, and being able to make lifesaving screenings available for local women means a lot to us. We are happy to work with the Foundation to bring this clinic to fruition.”
“Thank you to our friends at Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance for being our 2025 Designer Handbag Bingo title sponsor,” responded Pam Black, Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s board chair. “We are so thankful for their support as we serve Hopkins County. In particular, we appreciate the role they play in making the free mammography clinic a reality for local women.”
Designer Handbag Bingo sponsorships will go on sale on May 19, and tables will go on sale on June 23 until the event is sold out. Visit handbagbingo25.givesmart.com for all the details on the night.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit with the purpose of expanding local healthcare opportunities for the benefit of Hopkins County residents.
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Summer II Term Begins July 14 at Paris Junior College
July 1, 2025 – Summer II term begins July 14 at PJC
There is still time to register for the Summer II term at Paris Junior College. Classes begin on Monday, July 14, 2025 and it’s a good idea for students to come in ahead of time to sign up.
New students must apply to be admitted to PJC. Once admitted, they will see a student success coach or advisor and get registered for classes. Those interested in starting at PJC may email [email protected] or come by the Admissions Office in the Administration Building.
Returning students can go to the Advising and Counseling Office in the Alford Center or email [email protected].
Summer II term begins July 14 at the PJC-Greenville Center
There is still time to register for the Summer II term at the Paris Junior College – Greenville Center. Classes begin on Monday, July 14, 2025 and it’s a good idea for students to come in ahead of time to sign up.
New students must apply to be admitted to PJC. Once admitted, they will see a student success coach or advisor and get registered for classes. Those interested in starting at PJC may email [email protected] or stop by the Center at 6500 Monty Stratton Parkway in Greenville.
Returning students are welcome to come by the Center or email [email protected].
Summer II term begins July 14 at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
There is still time to register for the Summer II term at the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center. Classes begin on Monday, July 14, 2025 and it’s a good idea for students to come in ahead of time to sign up.
New students must apply to be admitted to PJC. Once admitted, they will see a student success coach or advisor and get registered for classes. Those interested in starting at PJC may email [email protected] or stop by the Center at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs.
Returning students are welcome to come by the Center or email [email protected].
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.
Rylee George Wrangles College Rodeo Finals Championship for ETAMU
George is the fourth Lion in four consecutive years to win a national championship for East Texas A&M Rodeo.
COMMERCE, TX, July 1, 2025—East Texas A&M University cowgirl Rylee George joined the ranks of Lion champions after capturing a national title in the Breakaway Roping event at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) held in Casper, Wyo.
George’s victory gives the Lion Rodeo program its fifth individual national championship in four years among four different riders.
Taking the Championship Crown
Five Lions qualified for the CNFR after finishing in the top three in their events in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Region standings. This year’s CNFR qualifiers included George, Jill White, Mayce Marek, Trace Harris and Garrett Freeman.
George and Harris finished the three qualifying rounds in the top 12, sending them to the rodeo’s championship final. Harris finished twelfth in the Steer Wrestling event.
George, who entered the final round of Breakaway Roping with a total time of 7.7 seconds across three attempts, roped the calf in 2.3 seconds to finish with a four-round total of 10 seconds flat. This was good enough to put her in a tie for first with Kate Eiland of Pearl River Community College. The championship was awarded to both riders.
Additionally, the American Quarter Horse Association named George’s horse, “Royce,” the Breakaway Roping Horse of the Year.
A Solid Finish for Lion Rodeo
Here’s how the rest of the Lion CNFR qualifiers fared:
- Freeman and team partner Teyton Barton of Northeast Texas Community College finished 19th in Team Roping.
- Marek finished 22nd in the overall standings for Goat Tying but boasted a round one victory with a time of six seconds.
- White finished 34th in Breakaway Roping but won round three with a time of 1.8 seconds, just a tenth of a second slower than the fastest time of the entire week.
In addition to individual success, the East Texas A&M Women’s team finished fourth in the overall standings with just three competitors, matching its highest-ever finish at the CNFR. This is also the team’s second-highest season finish after it finished first in the NIRA overall standings during the shortened 2020 season.
Head Rodeo Coach Dameon White applauded the team’s success during the 2024-25 season.
“I am super proud of each team and the way they competed throughout this year,” White said. “Everyone gave 110% and that is all we can ask for.”
The previous four CNFR National Champions for East Texas A&M Rodeo are as follows:
- 2025: Rylee George, Breakaway Roping
- 2024: Kaden Profili, Team Roping
- 2023: Kincade Henry, Tie Down Roping
- 2022: Bryana Lehrmann, Breakaway Roping and Women’s All-Around Champion
Learn more about Rodeo at East Texas A&M.
Texas A&M Forest Service Urges Caution During Fourth of July Holiday
July 1, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas— As Texans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service urges everyone to use caution with outdoor activities that could ignite a wildfire.
“Wildfire potential is not expected to be high across Texas this Fourth of July weekend,” said Luke Kanclerz, Predictive Services Department Head. “Widespread rainfall in May and early June has improved fuel conditions across much of the state. While small wildfires remain possible in the eastern half of Texas as hot, dry conditions settle in, any fires that do occur are expected to remain small and exhibit low resistance to control.”
Nearly 90 percent of wildfires in Texas are human-caused, and Independence Day consistently ranks among the top days for wildfire starts. Simple precautions can help prevent holiday celebrations from turning dangerous.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show hosted by professionals. If you plan to set off your own fireworks, please follow these safety tips:
- Before you celebrate, always check with local government officials for any burn bans or other restrictions. Be sure to comply with all restrictions.
- Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks.
- Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush.
- Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
To help prevent wildfires during hot and dry conditions, follow these additional tips:
- Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
- Ensure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle—they throw sparks.
- Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.
Note: Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county government. Texas A&M Forest Service does not determine, set or lift these restrictions.
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Church of the Nazarene to Hold Vacation Bible School July 16th Through the 18th
July 1, 2025 – Be prepared to experience the jaw-dropping beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, the arid temperature of outback afternoons, the architectural marvels of Australia’s modern cities, and the fascinating eucalyptus forest, home of the koalas.
At Zoomerang, the newest Answers VBS, you’ll marvel at the unforgettable wildlife, culture, and beauty of Australia while exploring the wonder and value of life, from the lives of preborn babies to eternal life in the kingdom of God.
