Sponsorships for the 4th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo Sought
Sulphur Springs, TX – Plans for Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s ever-popular Designer Handbag Bingo are well underway. Sponsorships are now available for this event which will be held on Thursday, August 3.
A Luxury Bag Sponsorship runs $2,500 and includes a front row reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ names and logos will be displayed next to the designer bags, and the sponsors’ logos will be printed in the program. Additionally, the sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
The Tote Sponsorship is $1,500 and includes a premium reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ names and logos will be displayed next to the designer bags, and the sponsors’ logos will be printed in the program. Additionally, the sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
A Satchel Sponsorship is $500 and is a bag sponsor only, with no tickets. The sponsor’s name will appear next to the bag, printed in the program, and acknowledged from the podium. Clutch Sponsorships are $250 each and are bag sponsors only, with no tickets. The sponsor will receive the same marketing benefits as with a Satchel Sponsorship.
The various level of sponsorship determines the value of the purse being sponsored. Examples of past designers include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hobo, Fendi, Brighton, Gucci, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade.
Approximately 500 women and men will attend the event and enjoy the fun of bingo and great designer handbags.
Proceeds of the event go toward initiatives of the Foundation which is to improve Hopkins County healthcare.
To sponsor go to handbagbingo23.givesmart.com and for more information, email [email protected] or call 903-438-4799.
Governor Abbott Announces Immediate Special Session Agenda
May 31, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has announced special session #1 and issued a proclamation identifying agenda items for the Special Session that began at 9:00 PM on Monday, May 29. Governor Abbott issued the following statement:
“I will soon be signing laws that advance our state and the future of all Texans, including laws that:
- End COVID restrictions and mandates;
- Provide more than $5.1 billion to secure the border and fund the Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the border wall;
- Designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations;
- Prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder;
- Protect women’s sports and female collegiate athletes;
- Focus community colleges on preparing Texas students for high skill careers;
- Increase electric power generation to secure the Texas power grid;
- Hold rogue district attorneys accountable;
- Protect children from life-altering gender mutilation;
- Ban illegal DEI hiring practices in our colleges and universities;
- Add $1.4 billion to make Texas schools safer;
- Require armed security at all schools;
- Provide access to mental healthcare for students at all schools; and
- Require regular safety checks of school buildings.
Despite these major achievements, more must be done for the people of Texas. Many critical items remain that must be passed. Several special sessions will be required. To ensure that each priority receives the time and attention it deserves to pass into law, only a few will be added each session.
Special session #1 will focus only on cutting property taxes and cracking down on illegal human smuggling.
We must cut property taxes. During the regular session, we added $17.6 billion to cut property taxes. However, the legislature could not agree on how to allocate funds to accomplish this goal. Texans want and need a path towards eliminating property taxes. The best way to do that is to direct property tax reduction dollars to cut school property tax rates.”
Special Session #1 agenda items include:
- PROPERTY TAXES: Legislation to cut property-tax rates solely by reducing the school district maximum compressed tax rate in order to provide lasting property-tax relief for Texas taxpayers.
- BORDER SECURITY: Legislation solely for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the penalties for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
How To Prepare For Mosquito Season By Mario Villarino
Warmer temperatures and rain means mosquito season is underway in most of the state. With an increase in mosquitoes comes an increase in bites. While these insects pose a big annoyance for Texans, here are five tips on how to protect your home from mosquitoes this summer.
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes develop in stagnant water. Limiting water-filled breeding sites around the home can reduce populations in proximity. It takes an immature mosquito around 10 to 14 days to develop in water, so it is a good rule of thumb to replace or remove water that has been sitting for longer than five days. Potential areas to check for standing water include water dishes, bird baths, plant saucers, leaky faucets, and gutters. Observe your surroundings for water that is standing for more than a few days and dump the water or make sure it is free of larvae.
Utilize screens and closed doors: Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide that is emitted when we breathe. While screens on open windows and doors are an effective barrier to keep mosquitoes from entering homes, it is vital to ensure that screens do not contain holes and that doors stay closed. It is highly recommended that you use screens on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside. Mosquitoes are going to do what they have to in order to get to us.
Keep a well-trimmed yard and shrubbery : While preferences with personal property may vary, it is vital to prevent the type of habitat where adult mosquitoes thrive. Potted plants, thick, tall grass and overgrown landscape plants provide shelter for mosquitoes. By managing these types of environments around your home, you prevent the likelihood of mosquitoes following you into your home. It is important not to have too many potted plants or overgrown shrubs because those serve as harborages for adult mosquitoes to thrive in. If provided with a still water source, mosquitoes can reproduce at a rapid rate. Reducing this, in addition to managing other ideal living environments, plays a big part in protecting your home from mosquitoes.
Utilize repellents and be consistent: Texas is home to over 80 species of mosquitoes that thrive throughout the warmer months both during the day and at night. If you are outdoors, using is one of the only sure-fire ways to prevent mosquito bites. Spray products like “Off!” are recommended because they are better able to mask our scent from mosquitoes. Citronella candles are not nearly effective since the scent does not travel far enough to provide any protection in an area.
Be aware of mosquito activity: it is important to be aware that mosquito activity varies from species to species. Some are active early in the morning while others are active at dusk and during the night. Preventative measures can reduce mosquito populations in or near your home, and consistent use of repellents can reduce bites. If you see or notice a public area where mosquito populations are heavy, notify your local public health department to report sites. Action by public health professionals can reduce mosquito populations and mitigate their spread to other areas. 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].
Chamber Connection – May 31
If you have an artistic side, you can join be a large part of the annual stew festival.
While the 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival is still five months away, the annual logo contest is underway.
The theme for this year is Bowl Games, a take-off on college football bowl games along with stew bowls.
The Chamber is accepting logo submissions through 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 6. You can submit a logo on the Chamber website, HopkinsChamber.org.
The winner of the logo contest will be awarded four stew tickets, four T-shirts, a quart bowl of stew and a parking pass.
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.
Summer Storytime
Summer Storytime at Sulphur Springs Public Library is just around the corner. “Once upon a time … at the library” kickoff is 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3.
Journey Road Golf Tournament
The 3rd Annual Journey Road Ministries Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 26 at Sulphur Springs Country Club. It is a four-person scramble with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The $400 registration fee covers lunch and two golf carts.
Register at JourneyRoadMinistries.com.
Patriot Sporting Challenge
The 5th Anniversary Patriot Sporting Challenge is set for June 3, 2023 at Lake Fork, supporting Folds of Honor and Heroes Ranch.
The Challenge is limited ot 72 teams who participate in fishing and golf at Lake Fork, then meet for Casino Games at 2 p.m. at the iconic Neon Moon in Yantis.
It’s a unique opportunity to support the two military veteran organizations.
Register on the website PatriotSportingChallenge.org.
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
US Dermatology Partners had a ribbon cutting at their office at 601 Airport Road. Please welcome them to the community.
The Diamond and Star E Ranch Event Venue will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, June
2, at 13342 FM 1567 in the Miller Grove community. Please join us for the event Bubble Speech Therapy will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, June 6, at the Chamber office. Please help us welcome Kacie Crowson and her business.
Como Street Traffic Stop Lands Two in Jail
May 31, 2023 – At around 5pm Wednesday, a Sulphur Springs Police Officer observed a black Chevrolet SUV on Como Street. The Officer performed a traffic stop for a traffic violation. The SUV came to rest on Fuller St.
The driver, 43 year-old Eric Anderson Bailey, was asked to exit the vehicle. Bailey gave consent for the vehicle to be searched. The passenger, 19 year-old Faith Emily Greaves, was asked to exit the vehicle. On the passenger floorboard Officers located a cold can of beer. A bag of methamphetamine was located in the back seat of the SUV.
The bag of meth weighed approximately 1.7 grams. The traffic stop and arrest of the occupants occurred within 1,000 feet of the Douglas Early Childhood Learning Center.
Greaves, who lists herself as unemployed, is charged with:
481.115(C) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=1G<4GBailey, who gave his address as a local hotel, is charged with:
1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 FTMFR (SSPD)
1 NO DL (SSPD)
1 1020 THEFT (SSPD)
1 POSS DRUG PARA (SSPD)
1 CPF DISPLAY FICTITIOUS,ALTERED , OR OBSCURED LICENSE (JP PCT 1) Both occupants were taken to Hopkins County Jail and booked without incident. The vehicle was impounded.
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.
Governor Abbott Sets Special Election For Texas House District 2
May 31, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott last night issued a proclamation announcing Tuesday, November 7, 2023 as the special election date to fill the unexpired term in House District 2 of the Texas House of Representatives.
Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Early voting will begin Monday, October 23, 2023.
To read the full proclamation click Here
6 Big Reasons to “Jump Start” College This Summer at A&M Commerce
6 Big Reasons to “Jump Start” College This Summer at Texas A&M University-Commerce
COMMERCE, TX—Starting college can feel intimidating. After all, you’re moving to a new place, meeting new people and facing big new experiences. It’s exciting but scary! With this in mind, Texas A&M University-Commerce recently introduced Jump Start College, a summer program designed to help new students smoothly transition into college life.
Six reasons to join Jump Start College:
- Start College Early: The five-week Jump Start program lets you start college early and get a “jump start” on the busy fall semester. Your classes start on July 10!
- Take Advantage of Free Tuition: The President’s Promise Scholarship is available to qualified students and pays tuition for Summer II 2023 and beyond!*
- Enjoy Free Housing and Meals: Students who receive the President’s Promise Scholarship are also eligible for on-campus housing and meals—at no cost—in Summer 2023 and one additional year* through the Regents’ Access Scholarship.
- Get Support from Caring Staff: You’ll never need to feel lost or overwhelmed during your first days in college because caring staff from several student support services are available to help you every step of the way.
- Settle in Early: If you choose to live on campus during the summer, you can settle in early, before the busy fall semester. Note: Residential living is available at the main campus in Commerce, Texas, but not at A&M-Commerce at Dallas.
- Relax and Have Fun: The Jump Start program includes a full roster of fun summer activities so you can relax and make friends before everyone else arrives in the fall. *Terms and conditions apply. See tamuc.edu/Jump-Start for complete details.
“Jump Start College will help students gently ease into college life, taking advantage of the summer months,” said Nechell Bonds, vice president of Enrollment Management at A&M-Commerce. “This program will help many new students start their education journey on the right foot!”
New, incoming first-year and transfer students are encouraged to participate in the Jump Start College experience. Learn more about Jump Start College at tamuc.edu/Jump-Start.
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Additional School for Summer Feeding
A message from SULPHUR SPRINGS ISD
Good morning SSISD Parents and Staff,
Barbara Bush Primary has been added as a site for our Summer Feeding Program. Thank you to our food services department for the effort to make this happen for the children of Sulphur Springs.
Go Cats!
Information from the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
INSTRUCTION
Ken Haley, right, English Instructor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus, gives some personal instruction to student Mario Veloz of Sulphur Springs during the final days of the semester.
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.
Texas Lawmakers Fail To Reach Last-minute Deal To Cut Property Taxes
May 30, 2023- After weeks of public bickering, chaos and a stalemate, Republicans in the Texas House and Senate ran the clock out Monday without coming to terms on a key GOP priority: using a large part of the state’s historic surplus to lower property taxes for Texas homeowners and business owners.
And then Gov. Greg Abbott immediately called lawmakers to a special session to make a deal on property taxes.
The final hours of this year’s regular legislative session came with drama on property taxes — with Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick taking negotiations public to Twitter and lawmakers waiting on a potential deal for hours after they otherwise would’ve left Monday afternoon. The last day of the session is typically more ceremonial — not filled with tough negotiations on leaders’ top priorities.
After hours of suspense, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan gaveled out Monday — adjourning the chamber for the session, though he told House members to expect Abbott to call them back soon.
Texas Republicans came to Austin this year with a big promise to use a large portion of the state’s nearly $33 billion budget surplus to cut property tax bills for homeowners and business owners. Abbott made property tax cuts a pillar of his reelection campaign last year and vowed that the state would put half of its surplus toward tax cuts. But for months, lawmakers couldn’t come to terms on just how to do so.
For much of the session, the heart of the dispute was Phelan’s proposal to tighten the state’s appraisal cap and extend the benefit to owners of business properties like grocery stores, apartment complexes and movie theaters. Phelan backed the idea in response to complaints from homeowners and business owners about their rising appraisals, which they fear will result in higher tax bills.
The appraisal cap proposal also horrified tax policy experts from across the political spectrum who warned that the idea would have substantial negative side effects while doing little, if anything, to actually lower property owners’ taxes. Tightening the appraisal cap, critics added, would lead to major inequities among homeowners and business owners, plus higher housing costs.
But the House ended up dropping the cap proposal by the last day.
The biggest stumbling block to a final deal was the Senate’s refusal of any agreement that didn’t include an increase in the state’s homestead exemption on public school taxes — the portion of a home’s value that can’t be taxed by school districts. The idea was popular in both chambers but was left out of the final proposal under the $12.3 billion plan backed by Abbott and the House.
