Pavilion Construction to Begin Soon
Work will begin soon on the Pavilion project in Buford Park. The city had been awaiting delivery of beams to use for the project and they are now at the location. City Manager Marc Maxwell stated a new manufacturer had been secured and the beams have been delivered. The original proposed supplier went out of business due to bankruptcy prior to delivering the product needed.
Maxwell said the foundation work is ready to begin in the next few weeks. Bar-H Construction has donated the labor to build the foundation with concrete supplied at a reduced price by Bell Concrete. S & S Commercial Services will construct the pavilion. Grocery Supply has donated $75,000 to the project.
Maxwell expects the project to be completed prior to the end of the school year.
Commercial Dumpster Exchange Underway; Residents Asked to Observe 7 a.m. Deadline
Commercial garbage pickup in the City of Sulphur Springs will not be interupted by a change in collection companies beginning January 1, 2016, according to City Manager Marc Maxwell. Sanitation Solutions is already putting their different colored dumpsters in place at commercial collection sites. Republic will continue to collect garbage at all locations until the end of the year. Schedules for commercial collection and residential collection will remain the same when the change occurs.
Maxwell pointed out that according to both the old contract and the new contract, residential customers are to have their trash curbside by 7 a.m. The existing contract with Republic and new contract with Sanitation Solutions calls for trash to be placed in bags and no more than six bags on collection day. Maxwell requests that residents observe the 7 a.m. curbside time, especially as the new company begins pickup January 1st.
This is the first change in trash service companies in 20 years. Sanitation Solutions, the new service company, will keep the expense the at the same rate for the city.
Sulphur Springs Receives 100 Trees From Texas A & M Forest Service
Sulphur Springs is one of 100 communities across Texas to receive a special delivery of 100 trees in honor of Texas A&M Forest Service’s centennial year, capping off a full year of celebrating the agency’s commitment to conserve and protect Texas’ trees and forests. Each community may decide how to use their trees. Many communities tied the trees to last week’s Arbor Day celebrations. Sulphur Springs gave their trees to the local 4H Paws Club. The club will container grow the trees for another year before planting them in the city’s parks and neighborhoods, where many trees were lost during Memorial Day storms. The statewide Arbor Day celebration was held Nov. 6, in College Station at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Aiming to help communities expand their urban tree canopy, 10,000 seedlings were grown at the TFS-operated West Texas Nursery specifically for 100 Trees for 100 Communities. Sign up was first open to Texas’ Tree City USA communities, then expanded to other cities and towns.
Following some tough years of weather, especially this year’s flooding that occurred in much of the state, many communities are in great need of trees.
“This has been a way to assist communities in their recovery efforts, and it provides an opportunity to connect with some of our smaller communities. We don’t often have trees to give away and it’s very nice to be able to offer trees across the state,” Gretchen Riley, partnership coordinator at Texas A&M Forest Service said.
Five Parking Sites And Shuttle Service For WannaGOFAST
Wet ground conditions at the Sulphur Springs airport will force all spectator parking for the WannaGOFAST Texas ½ Mile Shootout to be relocated off airport property. We have 5 sites designated for Event Parking and spectators will be shuttled between the airport and these sites. Shuttles between the remote parking spaces and the airport will begin at 8:30am and continue thru 6:00pm. Tickets for the event are $20 per day for adults and $10 per day for children under 12.
Swatsell Memorial Fun Run Benefits Children’s Christmas
The 13th annual Hollie Swatsell Memorial Fun Run is coming up Saturday at ABC Autoplex, 1412 College Street in Sulphur Springs. The event collects new toys and money to buy toys for disadvantaged children this Christmas. Toys go to Salvation Army in Sulphur Springs and to the Winnsboro Fire Department Toys For Tots program. There will be a motorcycle and car fun run and show and lots more. Mike Davis of Saltillo is the event organizer. Davis is a member of the No Name Motorcycle Club.
Children and Youth Western Music Workshop Features Voice From Toy Story 2
During Rodeo week in Sulphur Springs, the “Sawyer Family Band” and “Miss Devon and the Outlaw” will provide quality Western musical entertainment for youngsters and grownups too.
On Saturday November 21, Devon Dawson, the singing voice of Jessi the Yodelin’ Cowgirl in Toy Story 2, will conduct a workshop with 90 minutes of musical instruction for children and youth at Wesley United Methodist Church from 1pm-2:30pm. Youngsters who have a musical instrument are invited to bring that and youngsters who like to sing can also take the class to improve vocal and performance skills. Cost for the class is $25 per child and $20 for additional sibling. The students will also perform the song they learn as a group that night at the Reilly Springs Jamboree. Contact Enola Gay to register at 903-438-3568.
All ages are invited to that night’s Jamboree starting at 7pm. Devon Dawson, also conducts a children’s music mentoring workshop sponsored by the City of Ft. Worth and tours with her partner Jesse.
The Sawyer Family Band features champion fiddlers David and Leah Sawyer (ages 10 and 12) and their parents David and Kathy Sawyer. They will perform Western and Cowboy Christian music at the Reilly Springs Jamboree on Saturday night November 21 as well as at morning worship at Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday November 22 at 9:30am.
NETLA Swine Validation By December 1
Swine exhibitors must have swine projects validated for NETLA by December 1, 2015
A very popular project in the NETLA livestock show is swine. Raising hogs for our local county junior livestock show usually brings more than 90 participants every year. Raising hogs is very different than any other project animal because hogs are very personable, respond very well to human contact and grow very fast. Swine exhibitors also get very excited about their projects and I have seen complete families getting involved raising the hogs. Just like in any other livestock project with the exception of broilers, a good start finding a good project really helps getting ready for showing. Proper raising, feeding and caring of a good project usually leads to a success during the livestock show. I have known 4-H members really dedicated to raising pigs, even helping other members or procuring projects for other families. A particular 4-H member even got involved procuring projects to 4-H families state-wide. Hogs are also funny. Because their size and temperament, chasing pigs when they get out of their pens can be challenging and even funny. The swine project teaches participants proper methods of selecting, feeding, raising, breeding and marketing swine. Either market or breeding animals can be raised. The objective of raising a swine project are: a) To attain a broad knowledge of the 4-H project and related activities as to the way they improve family and community life, b) to acquire life skills through project participation essential for becoming an active, skilled, productive and responsible citizen, c) to adopt and apply the latest practices and research findings in the project area to everyday project experiences and work d) to develop an understanding from 4-H project training and experiences which can assist you in the future for choosing and preparing for a job and to develop leadership skills that promote positive youth development. The start of the project begins by getting enrolled in 4-H or FFA and selecting a good project. You must contact me at the extension office or your FFA mentor to have it validated for the NETLA show. NETLA requires all exhibitors to take a quality counts verification. The quality counts vertification is an on-line training and test that measures their knowledge is quality assurance and character education and can be found on-line at http://agrilife.org/qualitycounts/verification/. Swine exhibitor members of Hopkins County must contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-884-3443 before November 20 to set up a time to have the projects validated.
Wesley Fall Round Up Saturday
Wesley United Methodist Church is having its’ 37th Fall Round Up Saturday at the church. The community is welcome. A country store opens at 4 p.m. and stew and chili will be served starting at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $6. Grandma’s Kitchen offers a variety of homemade goodies. A silent auction starts at 4:30 p.m. with a live auction at 6:30 p.m. Wesley is located at 614 Texas Street.
Chamber Connection – November 12, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Chamber Connection
November 12, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting for Dr. Barnes Chiropractic
Guests were treated to a nice array of hors d’oeuvres and drinks when we attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new office of Dr. Barnes Chiropractic, located at 525 Church Street. Dr. Barnes is open Monday-Friday 8-5. They also take all insurances including Medicare & Medicaid, as well as VA assistance. Not only are they a full service Chiropractic Center, but they also have a masseuse on site. Tranquility Massage with licensed massage therapist Brandy Ladika. For more information, please call Dr. Barnes Office at 903-885-4955.
Feed My Sheep Book Signing, Saturday, November 14th at The Bookworm Box
Please join us Saturday, November 14th at 10am @ The Bookworm Box on Main Street for a book launch party and cookbook signing by Chef Lyndsay Caldwell, the author of the Dinner Bell’s first cookbook FEED MY SHEEP. Don’t miss the fun event, it’s a great time to start your Christmas Shopping, as this professional hard bound cookbook will be one that every cook will want and want to give for the holidays.
Load the Wagon & Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride, Saturday, November 14th
Saddle up your horses and help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fight cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The event will take place on Saturday, November 14th at Two J Ranch, 993 CR 2331 in Como. Gates will open at 7:00am, Saddle Up at 9:30 and Ride out at 10:00am. A free lunch will be provided, but remember…it is a fundraiser to help St. Jude’s Hospital, so donations will gladly be accepted. There will be horses and mule wagon rides available. There is a $10 minimum donation for you to ride your own horse. If you would like more information, please call Jean & Jim Murray at 903-488-3030 Sandy Billodeau @ 903-488-3311 or Jr. Gregg at 903-488-3685. Others assisting in this great event are Cathi & Jim Wright 903-488-4811 Don Meeks 903-488-3456, Mike Mund, T.W. Little, Daniel Walker, Carole Hatch and Jo Marie Neal, so any of them will be able to give you more information. If you have never participated in this event, it is spectacular and you should! Not only is it raising money for an amazing hospital, but to see the hundreds of people, loaded up in their wagons, heading out for the cause…it is absolutely incredible, so please try to attend!!
History By Foot with John Sellers, Saturday November, 14th at 10:00am
The Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance presents the 10th Semi-Annual History By Foot with John Sellers. Join John for a walking tour of downtown Sulphur Springs and discover the history of some of the historical buildings and landmarks and learn what events took place where! The tour will begin by the flagpole in the center of the Celebration Plaza (square). They will stroll down College Street and will see the historic Presbyterian Church, down to Jackson Street and over to Jefferson Street by Payne Electric then back up Jefferson to the square. Lots of interesting buildings in this area that they have not explored on the tour. Did you know we had an Opera House on Jefferson Street? Transportation will be available for those of you who have trouble walking. The tour is only $10. Please make your reservations early. A second tour may be available if the first one fills up. You may make reservations at Alliance Bank, City National Bank or The Hopkins County Genealogical Society at 903-885-8523 or call 903-438-4831.
Please join us for the Ribbon Cutting for the New Hopkins County Red Cross Office, 11/18 @ Noon
We are so excited to announce the grand opening of a New Hopkins County Red Cross office, located at 1286 Texas Street, Suite C. Please join us as we host their ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 18th at Noon. Hope you can join us!
Western Rodeo Day…Friday, November 20th!!! Let’s Make the Cowboys & Cowgirls feel welcome!
Remember the old Rodeo Days? When we all dressed up western, wore our boots, hats & bandanas? Well, we want to see what business in town can take us back to those days! It is so important for us to show the rodeo cowboys and cowgirls how thankful we are that they are in Sulphur Springs for their finals rodeo. We want every business in town to welcome them to Sulphur Springs! We would like for every business to dress up, decorate the front of your business and/or windows, put “welcome rodeo fans” on your signs/marquees…anything you can do to transport Sulphur Springs back into the old rodeo days on Friday, November 20th. That is the first night of the rodeo and we want the contestants and fans to see that we support them! Come on Sulphur Springs…dust off your boots, put your cowboy hat on straight and let’s celebrate the rodeo. 59th United Finals Rodeo-Nov 20th, 21st & 22nd at the Hopkins County Civic Center
Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction, November 21st @ 6pm
The Sulphur Springs Symphony League will hold its annual fundraising auction on November 21 at 6 p.m. On that Saturday, listen to KSST Radio 1230, watch Suddenlink Channel 18 or follow on KSST.com to bid, win and enjoy the fun of the auction. This year’s auction features several new and unusual items and experiences, so be sure and tune in. The list of auction items will appear in the News-Telegram, Millennium Shopper, and frontporchnewstexas.com. Items will also listed on the Symphony League’s website at www.SulphurSpringsSymphonyLeague.org and Facebook page. Have that information available during the auction, so you can keep up with the fast-paced, all volunteer chaos that occurs for only six hours each year. To bid that evening, call 903-885-0700 and speak with our Hopkins County celebrities on the telephone bank.
Proceeds from the auction allow the Symphony League to produce the Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks show as well as the Children’s Concert. The Symphony League also supports the SSISD strings program through an annual scholarship and other endeavors.
For information about getting your business represented in the auction or for questions about the auction process contact Linda Galligher at 903-439-6713 or Kayla Price at 903-885-1586.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
Registration for the next workshop is now taking place. The workshop will be held on Saturday, November 21, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 1200-B W. Houston, Street, in Sulphur Springs, 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m. The workshop is free and engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year from the issue date. Topics include marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
5th Annual Hopkins County Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and Kids Fun Run, Thanksgiving Day!
Make room for your holiday meal by participating in the Turkey Trot benefitting Braden Tinsley and in honor of Micah Reed. This run/walk is presented by Mother’s Culture Club. The 5K will begin at 8am with a $30 entry fee. The 10K Run will begin at 8am with a $40 entry fee with a pace <12 minute/mile. The kids Fun Run will begin at 7:30 with a $5 entry fee for 10 years and under. It will begin at Celebration Plaza downtown Sulphur Springs. You may register at Fieldhouse Sports or register online at www.rctregister.com. Early registration ends November 5 with a t-shirt guaranteed for 5k/10k early registration. Packet pick up Wednesday, November 25 from 5-8pm at SSFBC the ROC. This event is sponsored by many caring individuals and local businesses.
Open House & Ribbon Cutting for the New Hopkins County Jail, December 1st at 5:30pm
Hopkins County cordially invites you to attend the Dedication and Open House of the new Hopkins County Jail,
Tuesday, December 1, 2015. The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 pm. The new facility will be open to the public for tours from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The Hopkins County Jail is located at 298 Rosemont
Sulphur Springs. The new facility includes, a 192 capacity jail and law enforcement offices serving the needs of Hopkins County.
CASA Cookie Walk, December 4th from 9am-Noon at FUMC Family Life Center
Please stop by the Family Life Center at First United Methodist Church, Friday, December 4th between 9:00am and Noon for a Room full of Cookies! Cookies are $5/pound and all of the proceeds benefit our local CASA program.
Christmas in the Park, Saturday 11/28 & Saturday, December 5th from 5:30-8:30pm
Each year they open the Historical Park to visitors of Christmas in the Park. The event begins at sunset and lasts for three hours. While in the park, visitors can enjoy a spectacle of lights, strolling carolers, musicians, a live nativity scene and Santa Clause. Free hot cocoa, coffee, punch, cookies and other goodies are served in various building on the grounds. Most of the historic buildings are open, with volunteers dressed in period costumes to help give the feeling of stepping into the past. The festival will run from 6 pm to 9 pm. The $5 admission ticket is eligible for one of our many door prizes to be given away, compliments of local business owners.
The blacksmith shop is alive with the glow of metal and the sparks of burning coal as the blacksmith demonstrates his trade. The general store is filled with turn of the century items and is warmed by a wood stove to warm chilly visitors. Christmas decorations, some handmade, will be for sale there. A cozy one room log house is warmed by fireplace with someone serving warm treats. The chapel is alive with the sounds live Christmas music. The Atkins House has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with hostesses serving punch and cookies. There, visitors can hear a dulcimer and violins playing Christmas music. In the Wilson House the children can tell Santa what they want him to bring them. There you can drink hot cocoa on the porch while looking at the beautiful light display. Even the 1929 fire truck is decorated with lights. Peanuts roasted on a wood stove are for sale at the servant’s quarters. Hot popcorn is also available at the print shop. Come and step back in time to enjoy the start of the Christmas season.
Lion’s Club Electric Lights Parade and Christmas on the Square, Friday, December 4th
Line the streets of Connally and around the Square for the beautiful electric lights parade. If you are interested in entering the parade, stop by the Chamber office for the rules and entry form!
Along with the parade will be Tree Lighting, Snow Slide, White Tigers, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides and Vendors All beginning at 5:30
Attention All Chamber Members….Membership Directories are being prepared NOW!!!
Chamber Members, we are going to print a little earlier than normal for the 2016 Membership Directory. We are going to have it ready for distribution the first part of January, so we need you to do a few things…
- Please go to www.sulphursprings-tx.com and click on the membership directory. Please check to make sure that we have the correct information for your business. We have been trying to check and recheck it but I’m sure we have made some errors, but we want to fix them.
- If your membership investment is past due, payment arrangements need to be made prior to
December 4th.
- If you find information that needs to be corrected, please call the Chamber at 903-885-6515!
- If you want to place an ad in the directory, please contact Lee Ann Peugh at 903-885-8663.
That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!
Meredith Caddell
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
