Constable Colyer Will Seek Re-election
Hopkins County Republican Chairman Donnie Wisenbaker stated Norman Colyer is happy to announce he will be seeking another term as Hopkins County Constable Precinct # 1. Norman has been Constable of Precinct # 1 for 5 years, and looks forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Hopkins County.
Chief Investigator Tatum Warns County Residents Regarding Unique Phone Scam
There seems to be an abundance of scam phone calls taking place in Hopkins County as we approach the holidays. A new twist to the scam is that the callers are seeking legitimacy by saying they are affiliated with county government. Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum said County Judge Robert Newsom has been receiving complaints from county citizens regarding phone calls in which the caller identifies themself as being with the county and the county is requesting a donation or is requiring a payment. Tatum urges local residents to hang up such calls.
Tatum said that if your Caller ID does identify the number of these scam call, notify the Sheriff’s office immediately so that they may trace the call. Tatum said the county will not call individuals seeking donations. He stated that Blue Santa, a Christmas gift for children program sponsored by local law enforcement, will seek donations soon but phone calls will not be placed to residents.
Summer Street Projects Nearing End
City Manager Marc Maxwell said the summer street projects are nearing an end.
Bandit Needs a Home
This week’s very adoptable dog of the week from Hearts of Life Animal Rescue is Bandit. Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Volunteer Deborah Balkcom brought Bandit by KSST on Wednesday.
Bandit is a senior citizen at the shelter. Bandit is 10-years old and a lab-mix who has been at the shelter almost all his life. According to Balkcom, Bandit is friendly and playful. She said he is healthy and has several years left in him.
To adopt Bandit or one of the many dogs at Hearts of Life Animal Rescue, call 903-439-5019.
County Finds Financial Help for Capital Murder Case to Be Heard in 2016
Several years ago, fearful that a capital murder case featuring the death penalty could bankrupt the county, the Hopkins County Commissioners Court invested in a program that would help defray costs. Now with a capital case with the death penalty being considered expected sometime in the next year, the Hopkins County Commissioners Court is seeking financial help through the program. County Judge Robert Newsom says it is an interlocal agreement between Hopkins County and Lubbock County. Any county can enter the agreement. Newsom said the program is like an insurance policy. The agreement cost the county just over $10,000 this year.
Locally, Hopkins County will have a capital murder trial that will include two defendants. The program will pay for only one defendant but that will save the county up to $300,000. The program will provide two court-appointed attorneys, an investigator, and other needs that are expensive. Newsom said the current capital murder trial should take place before the next budget year which begins in October, 2016.
Newsom said there is a small county near Hopkins that is facing difficulties due to a pending capital murder case. While a district judge, Newsom did hear a case several years ago that cost the county approximately $150,000.
In February of this year, KSST reported that Hopkins County will have to pick up the costs of attorneys for one of two men indicted for capital murder in what are expected to be a death penalty cases. County Judge Robert Newsom said an insurance policy would pay for attorneys for Cody Scott Shaw of Emory. The policy will not cover co-defendant Patrick Wayne McMahan of Sulphur Springs. The cost could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The men were indicted December 8. DA Will Ramsey has said he will seek the death penalty against both men. They are accused of murdering 66-year old Gary Maynard at his home.
In December, 2014, KSST reported that JP Yvonne King set bond at $2-million for each of two suspects arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the Saturday night slaying of 66-year old Gary Maynard. Maynard’s wife found him murdered in his bed at their County Road 2301 home. An investigation pointed toward two suspects who worked for Maynard’s tree service. Authorities arrested 31-year old Patrick Wayne McMahan at his Sulphur Springs’ home and 26-year old Cody Scott Shaw at his Emory home in Rains County. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum said both men admitted they were involved in the murder. Items stolen from Maynard’s home were also recovered.
Body of Missing Woman Found
The body of a missing woman was found by Wood County authorities in a pond on Wood County Road 1730 near Yantis Wednesday afternoon. Deceased is 60-year old Maria Garcia. She had been reported missing earlier Wednesday. It is believed she suffered from dementia. No foul play is suspected. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.
Reilly Springs Jamboree
October’s Reilly Springs Jamboree (Sat. Oct. 17) will feature the music of Alina Tatum Sanders as well as a special tribute to Hopkins County Sheriff Butch Adams who is retiring.
The Roger Reed Band will start the music at 6pm with country and gospel family entertainment. This month’s Jamboree includes cake walks, door prizes and silent auction, plus an old-fashioned Cake Auction with desserts by some of the best cooks in Hopkins County. The Reilly Springs Kitchen will be open with chili and a spaghetti supper. Uniformed law enforcement personnel will be admitted free. Door admission is $10 adult and $5 for children under 12. The November 21 Jamboree will feature Western Swing music by the Sawyer Family from Ft. Worth.
The historic Jamboree began in October 1956 on the schoolhouse stage, and performances continue on the third-Saturday night of each month at the Reilly Springs Community Center, 109 CR 1439. For details, contact Enola Gay at 903-438-3568.
Chamber Connection October 15, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Cattleman’s Classic & Ribeye Cook-off, Friday, October 16th
NETBIO Annual Meeting, Friday, October 16th
10:00am will have the proclamation for Friday, October 16th as Beef Day
12:00 Beef Council will have a cooking demonstration in Celebration Plaza until the
The Ribeye Cook-off begins at 2:00 on the square with 30 cooking teams, including restaurants and amateurs. The event is $25 which includes a 14 oz. certified Angus Ribeye, potato all the fixins and tea. They will also be featuring a concert with Johnny Lee & the Urban Cowboy beginning at 8:00pm. The concert is open to the public. For more information, please call the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or Texas Heritage National Bank at 903-438-2000.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Aluf Plastics!
Guests were treated to a fabulous catered meal before the owner, Susan Rosenburg of Aluf Plastics greeted the crowd and expressed how welcomed they have been since moving to Sulphur Springs. Joe Rosenburg welcomed guests and introduced their executive staff along with sales reps from around the area. Then, Jason Doss, Local Manager of Operations took the guests on a tour to see how the can liners and trash bags are produced. It was fascinating! We are so happy to have them in Hopkins County and know that they will continue to grow and be successful!!!
Record # of Cooks for the Stew Contest, October 24th at Buford Park! Get your tickets NOW
Stew Cooks have been pouring in over the past few weeks and we will have the most stew cooks EVER! In 2014, we had 154 stew cooks. To date, we have 161 stew cooking teams. So, mark your calendars NOW to spend your Saturday, October 24th in Sulphur Springs for the World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest…it is going to be a GREAT event! For just $5, you can get a bowl and make your way around Buford Park and sample as many of the yummy stews you can eat! Go straight to the service tents and not have to wait in line to purchase a ticket…Tickets are on sale NOW at Alliance Bank, City National Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Pilgrim Bank, Texas Heritage National Bank and the Chamber Office!
Heritage Corvette Classic Rally & Show, October 23rd & 24th
The Heritage Corvette Classic has grown to over 200 cars since 2009. This year kicks off long term plans for an annual “Regional” event. Based on a rally format, there will be exciting activities. Both Friday & Saturday. For more information and to register, go to www.ssvetteclub.com.
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting & business after hours for Fall Festival!
Hopkins County Fall Festival will be held October 17th – 25th. The Fall Festival will kick off Saturday, October 17th with the parade. The Cover Girl competitions will be Tuesday, October 20st and Thursday, October 22nd. The carnival will begin Thursday, October 22nd. Friday, October 23th and Saturday, October 24th will be two days full of exhibits, arts and crafts, creative arts show, events, games and concerts.
For more information on Fall Festival Activities visit www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com
Hopkins Place to celebrate all Veterans with special guest speaker Derek Jameson, October 29th
With Veteran’s Day quickly approaching, Hopkins Place would like to celebrate ALL Veterans with a special guest speaker, Derek Jameson. The event will take place Thursday, October 29th from 6:00-7:00pm. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sherrie at 903-439-1202.
Hamilton Bake Sale at Sulphur Springs First United Methodist Church Friday, October 30th
The lovely ladies of the Hamilton Bible Class would like to invite you to pick up some delicious treats, Friday morning beginning at 8am, October 30 in Fellowship Hall at FUMC. They always have yummy cakes, jellies, pies, cookies and TONS more! For more information, please call 903-885-2185.
Harvest Festival, stew & chili supper Saturday, October 31st at First United Methodist Church.
Don’t miss the annual First United Methodist Church’s Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 31st. The evening begins at 4:30-7:00 with the stew and chili supper. The movie night for children begins at 6:00 (pre-registration is required). The live and silent auction begins at 7:00. For more information please call 903-885-2185.
Scream on the Square, October 31st on Main Street from 1-5pm.
Come downtown to trick-or-treat at every business. They will have a costume contest, games, prizes and more. Select businesses will be offering special discounts. They will also be showing the Nightmare before Christmas on the square at 8pm.
“A Man Called Jon” Red Carpet Premiere on November 1st at Shannon Oaks.
The film, “A Man Called Jon”, was shot on location in Terrell, TX. We are hoping the city of Sulphur Springs will come out and support this film. They will be hosting the Red Carpet premiere on November 1, 2015 first screening at 3:00pm-5:00pm and another at 5:30pm-7:30pm at Shannon Oaks Church, 1113 E. Shannon Road, Sulphur Springs. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. They are hoping to pack it out to send a huge message to Hollywood. For tickets please call Eric King at 903-348-0404 or visit their website at www.kingandbrownenterprises.com.
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!!
59th Annual Reilly Springs Jamboree, Saturday, October 17th from 6-10pm
The Reilly Springs Jamboree will feature Enola Gay, Roger Reed and special guest Alina Tatum Sanders. The will have a special tribute to Hopkins County Sheriff Butch Adams, chili, cake walks, door prizes, country & gospel family entertainment, silent auction & much more. Admission is only $10/person. Uniformed Law Enforcement Admitted FREE. For more info, please contact Enola Gay at 903-438-3568 or visit reillyspringsjamboree.com
We would like to welcome our newest members to the Chamber of Commerce:
Magnolia Junction
211 Magnolia Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-243-1200
Mary Campbell
Antiques & Furniture Restoration
Meredith Caddell
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6516 (fax)
Barry Washington Announces Candidacy for Sheriff
Barry Washington announces his candidacy, Hopkins County Republican Primary for Hopkins County Sheriff. Barry will face two already announced. Barry’s twin brother Harry and County Chief Investigator Lewis Tatum have also announced their intent to seek the Republican nod.Association and for mentoring high school age young people. Barry attends First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs.
Salty Situations – Moving Beyond the Salt Shaker!
Salty Situations – Moving Beyond the Salt Shaker!
We hear many different messages about reducing the amount of sodium, salt, and sodium containing ingredients in the foods we eat. Do you ever find yourself asking whether you should focus on reducing sodium or salt? Sodium is found more often in processed foods, such as casseroles, pizza, and cold cuts, than the salt shaker. One message is clear, Americans tend to consume more sodium than what is recommended and should limit the amount of sodium eaten daily.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2010) recommends limiting daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon). Consuming too much sodium may lead to high blood pressure, which may increase the risk for a heart attack and stroke. Reducing sodium, which includes salt or other sodium containing ingredients, is beneficial in reducing risks for these health related conditions. Follow these tips to reduce daily sodium intake:
Read the nutrition label: The nutrition facts label is one way to identify foods low or high in sodium. The percent daily value listed on the nutrition facts label can help you quickly determine if a food is low or high in sodium. Remember this rule for sodium – if the percent daily value is five or less this is a good
bet! If the percent daily value is twenty percent or more leave it at the store! Be sure to choose foods with lower sodium content more often!
Know foods with sodium: Knowing common foods high in sodium can help to make choosing lower sodium options easier. Major sources of sodium include processed foods like canned products, breads, deli meats, snack foods, and mixed dishes. Look for foods labeled as “low sodium” or “reduced sodium” and choose these foods.
Choose lower sodium foods at the store: When you are at the store, compare different brands for condiments, canned foods, breads, and other sodium containing foods. Different brands of foods can have different sodium levels. Choose the lowest sodium between the foods you compare.
Reducing sodium in the foods we eat can take a little practice. The tips listed are just a few of the many ways to begin reducing sodium.
Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest Final Reminder
Fall Festival week is officially here! Join the fun by entering the Creative Arts Contest. Each year, Hopkins County residents show off their skills by entering items for judging. Entry divisions include Clothing, Food Preservation, Baked Goods, Decorated Cakes, Handiwork, Creative Crafts, Art, Scrapbooks, Photography, Quilts, Horticulture, Woodworking, Holiday/Seasonal, or Dolls. All ages are encouraged to enter! Children (ages 10 and under), Youth (ages 11-19), Adults (ages 20 to 69), and Older Texans (ages 70 and up) are all invited to enter something. We also have a division for Assisted Living and Nursing Home Residents.
Items may be entered on Thursday, October 22, between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m., or Friday, October 23 between7:30 and 9:30 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. If those times are not possible, items may be taken to the Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston (former Chamber of Commerce building), Monday thru Wednesday, October 19-21, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Cost is $1 per person to enter.
Items will be open for public viewing following judging, approximately 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, and 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. Ribbons will be awarded and Best of Show winners will have pictures made on Saturday, October 24 at 1:30 p.m. Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 if you have questions.
And BE SURE to visit the Arts & Crafts Show, held on Friday and Saturday in the Sulphur Springs High School Cafeteria, north entrance, and grounds. This is a great opportunity to do a little early Christmas shopping or to find that one-of-a-kind hand-crafted item!
Closing Thought
Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]






