“Updated” Memorial Hospital Schedules Meeting with CMS Officials
Thursday, the hospital received notice via email that it has been terminated from the Medicare/Medicaid program effective November 6th, 2015. Michael McAndrew, Hospital CEO stated, “As CEO of the hospital, I was very surprised at the notice of termination. Our hospital staff and physicians work hard to provide high quality patient-centered care. We will work diligently to resolve the issues identified during the recent CMS survey.”
We have a meeting scheduled with CMS officials on Tuesday, October 27th at 1:00 P.M. We hope to get the matter resolved at that meeting. If we are unable to do so at that time we will officially begin an appeal process. We intend to be transparent about this. We realize the gravity of the situation and have done and will do whatever it takes to address the findings. As we learn more we will disseminate the information via all media outlets.
Survey results; reactions here
“Updated” Winning Teams Named at Hopkins County Stew 2015
Rainfall and a flash flood watch did not deter the 115 cooking teams participating in the World Champion Hopkins County Stew contest Saturday at Buford Park. Although 161 teams were expected, those that did not compete did not lessen the enthusiasm for the day.
The team of LaWana and Broc Hohenberger sponsored by Buckley Trucking took first place in Super Stew Chicken. Winning first place in Super Stew Beef were David Joslin and Vern Hawkins sponsored by Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab.
Meredith Caddell, Chamber of Commerce executive, said, “We will have so many memories, so may cool memories that have been created this year.” The rain stopped just before announcement of the winning teams. A drive-thru was established on Connally Street for those who desired to purchase stew. Caddell commended the determination of the cooking teams. Problems starting fires, tents caving in, and other weather related difficulties only added to the memories made at what Caddell called a reunion for the county.
The drive-thru for stew sales did a brisk business following the awards. The rain-demanded innovation provided those who wished to purchase stew but to stay out of the rain a great opportunity to make their purchase from their auto.
A complete list of winners:
Third place beef stew winner was the team of #49 Annette & Gerald Wilburn, sponsored by Atwoods. Their $50 prize money was provided by Kelly’s Tax Service Their third place stew was purchased for $250.00 by Interstate Body Shop.
Second place beef stew winner was the team of #82 Adrian Diaz & Jeff Wallace sponsored by Autolube. Their $150.00 prize money was provided by Dr. Danny Lawrence, SS Dental. Their second place stew was purchased for $ 450.00 by Sulphur Springs Dodge.
First place beef stew winner was the team of #77 Katie Patterson & Linda Henton sponsored by Alliance Bank. Their $300.00 prize money was provided by Advantage Copy Systems. Their first place stew was purchased for $600.00 by Janet Martin Realty.
Third place chicken winner was the team of #1 Chris Anderson sponsored by Brookshires. Their prize money of $50.00was provided by Garrett & Emily Glass & Family.
Their third place stew was purchased for $250.00 by Interstate Body Shop.
Second place chicken stew winner was the team of #6 Kathy & John Lambert sponsored by First Baptist Church. Their prize money of $150.00 was provided by Guaranty Bank & Trust. Their second place chicken stew was purchased for $450.00 by A & S Air Conditioning.
First place chicken stew winner was the team of #86 Elaine Merrell & Doris Humphrey sponsored by HCMH. Their prize money of $300.00 was provided by Town & Country Cleaners. Their first place chicken stew was purchased for $600.00 by Matthew L Johnson, DDS, Summit Dental.
3rd place Super Stew Beef award was won by #62 James & Tonya Ross sponsored by Alliance Bank. Their prize money of $100.00 was sponsored by A.K Gillis. Their 3rd place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $300 by The Smiley Tooth.
2nd place Super Stew Beef award was won by 28B Steve Littlefield & James McMahan sponsored by ReMax Advanced. Their prize money of $250.00 was sponsored by Circle E Western Store. The 2nd place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $ 500.00 by Luminant.
1st Place Super Stew Beef winner was the team of #99 David Joslin & Vern Hawkins sponsored by Sulphur Springs Health & Rehab. Their prize money of $500.00 was provided by Jay Hodge Family of Dealerships. Their winning quart of Super Stew Beef was purchased for $900.00 by Farmer’s Electric Cooperative.
3rd place Super Stew Chicken award was won by # MW Dr. I.L. Balkcom & Greg Carpenter sponsored by Lazy B Ranch. Their prize money of $100.00 was sponsored by Pioneer Cafe. Their 3rd place Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $300 by a Hampton Inn, Ramey & Sheffield Attorneys at Law & Solar Nails.
2nd place Super Stew Chicken award was won by #88 Shirley Wakeman & Mike Cromer sponsored by Hometown Auto Sales. Their prize money of $250.00 was sponsored by Circle E Western Store. The 2nd place Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $ 500.00 by Ocean Spray & Gregg Price Attorney at Law.
1st Place Super Stew Chicken winner was the team of #125 LaWana & Broc Hohenberger sponsored by Bulkley Trucking. Their prize money of $500.00 was provided by Red River Credit Union & Roper & White Attorneys at Law. Their winning quart of Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $900.00 by Alliance Bank, City National Bank & Guaranty Bank & Trust.
Campsite and costume winner this year was site #130 Rachel Beggs & Sarah Northcutt sponsored by Gentiva Hospice. Their $200 prize was provided by Super Handy
The John Chester Award for Super Campsite winner was site # 7 Chris Gibbins & Carolyn Gibbins sponsored by Texas Heritage National Bank . Their $250 prize was provided by East Texas Physical Therapy.
Honorable Mention in the Stew Contest were:
Super Campsite # 118 Tina & Larry Cox sponsored by Rock Creek Health & Rehab
Campsite/Costume #95 Joseph Crist & Wesley Crist sponsored by 1st Choice Home Health
Chicken # 147 Richard & Angela Allen sponsored by Joel Dougan Taxidermy
Beef # 124 Nathan Crist & Calvin Berry sponsored by Classic Lanes
Super Stew Chicken # 117 John Mark & Patsy McAfee sponsored by McAfee Farms
Super Stew Beef # 53 Michael& Vanetta Mund sponsored by Lone Star Milk Products
Corvette Show Success Despite Rain
With dismal weather forecast for last Friday and Saturday, expectations were not high for attendance at this year’s local Corvette show. Local Corvette Club members were pleasantly surprised when 68 cars showed up. There were Corvettes from 13 model classes from a Class 1 1958 model to .some new Z06’s in a SIC Class.
Tim Gee, Vice President of the local Corvette Club, stated, “We were really pleased…We were thrilled this many showed up with this kind of weather.” Gee noted that with water on the highways and the Corvette riding low to the ground, many would not want to drive in for the show. He stated that last year around 160 entered the event.
Gee stated the local club now has 55 members and continues to grow.
Atwood’s Pet Show Stars
First place..under 10#…Guinea pig ‘Rikki’ owner Kason Williams
10-20# Schnauzer ‘Inspector Grayson’ owner Gaynell Daniel
Over 20# Boxer ‘Marley’, owner Alexis Karpinski
Black Oak’s Famous Hospitality on Saturday October 24, 2015
About 200 diners enjoyed fried catfish and delicious sides and desserts along with Black Oak’s famous hospitality on Saturday October 24. The event was a fundraiser for a building project. Due to growth, the congregation needs more Sunday School rooms and Fellowship space. Pastor Charlie Belliew was honored by Raynell Frost for his role in growing the congregation.
Volunteers cooked the fish which was caught by church members and the dessert table was laden with homemade delicacies.
Aleigh Bessonett Named Cover Girl
The new Fall Festival Cover Girl is Aleigh Bessonett of Miller Grove. Aleigh’s mother was also a Cover Girl. Aleigh will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a $100 Wal-Mart Gift Card. First runner up is Ashleigh Purser of Miller Grove. Outgoing Cover Girl is Miranda Rushin of North Hopkins.
Burger Grind Named One of Texas’ Top Burger Spots
Burger Grind in Sulphur Springs has been named one of the top five burger locations in Texas according to a Texas travel magazine. The owner/operator of Burger Grind told KSST News:
Local Businessman Arrested for Theft of Property
Dan Hamiter, 79, has been charged with theft of property over $1500 but less than $20,000 in a magistrates hearing Saturday morning at Hopkins County Jail. Hamiter was arrested Friday morning just after 9 a.m. at his home. A two time candidate for Sulphur Springs City Council and a local businessman know by his nickname “Dan the Man”, Hamiter purchased items at an auction conducted recently in Hopkins County at an auction house on State Highway 154. However, his check bounced. He was allegedly given time to make the check good but failed to do so.
Hopkins County Criminal Investigator Jace Anglin obtained a warrant for Hamiter’s arrest. Theft of property at this amount is a state jail felony. Bond for Hamiter was set at $10,000 by Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer.
November Election Early Voting Open Saturday October 24 at SSISD Admin Building
Early voting for the November 3rd General Election continues Saturday, October 24th from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m at the Sulphur Springs ISD Administration Building Board Room on Connally Street in the city. The board room may be accessed from the northside parking lot. Early voting at that location is open to all county residents. With early voting Saturday, residents have the opportunity to combine the Hopkins County Stew Contest at Buford Park, just blocks away to the west of the voting site, and the Corvette Show just blocks away to the east on Celebration Plaza.
There will be lots of changes for voters in Hopkins County, according to County Clerk Debbie Shirley. Beginning with the November 3 State Proposition Election, voters can cast ballots at any of the county’s 14 voter centers, six in the county and eight in Sulphur Springs. There will be no more paper ballots. All voting will be done electronically. Workers certified by the county will be present to assist voters as needed.
Voter centers will allow registered voters to cast a ballot at any one of the vote centers in the county. A sign “Vote Here” designates the sight. All county schools will house a voter center as will the county courthouse and regional civic center. Six other centers will be located inside the city limits of Sulphur Springs.
Propositions are on the general election ballot this year. North Hopkins trustee election will also be on the ballot. Those voting in the trustee election may vote at any of the polling places.
