United Way Drive Underway
A $160,000 goal is motivating volunteers as well as companies and individual donors in the 2015-2016 Hopkins County United Way drive now underway. Wednesday at noon, lead donors, company executives, and United Way committee-persons lunched at the Sulphur Spring Country Club to hear the inspiration of a letter written in 2001 by one of the county United Fund organizers, Bill Bradford, and guest speaker for the occasion, 1991 SSHS Graduate, Retired TOPGUN Pilot and United States Navy Commander Michael Horn. The campaign this year celebrates the 60th year for the drive in Hopkins County.
Chris Voorheese, Board Chair, thanked those who have served in the past and who currently serve on various United Way boards. Price Orwosky, Campaign Chairman, introduced Horn. Commander Horn (retired) reviewed the various influences in his life that motivated and motivate him toward servant leadership and excellence.
Voorheese noted that in the 1955 drive, the goal was $29,000, the equivalent of $180,000 today. It took a total of one month to secure the donated amount. In the first United Fund, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Community Chest, USO, Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Crippled Children and the Gonzales Foundation received the funds.
This campaign will fund 20 organizations including Boy Scouts of America, NeTseO Trails Council ($750), CANHelp ($8,250), East Texas Council on Alcohol/Drug Abuse ($750), Heritage Outreach Ministry Foundation ($8,000), Hopkins County 4-H ($2,500), Hopkins County Christian Alliance ($8,250), Hopkins County Community Chest ($70,000), Lake Country CASA ($9,000), MADD ($1,000), Meal-A-Day of Sulphur Springs ($7000), Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center Inc. ($3,250), Our Place/Lakes Regional MHMR ($6,000), SAFE-T (Shelter for Families in East Texas–$3,500), Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center ($3,500), Sulphur Springs Symphony League ($750), Teen Court ($4,250), The Dinner Bell ($3,650), Winnsboro Community Resource Center ($200), and United Way Worldwide ($1,600). Also included in the fund expenses is Administrative Expenses ($17,800).
CHRISTUS Health a Lights of Life Diamond Sponsor
Pictured: (L to R) – 2015-2016 Lights of Life Campaign Chairs: Gloria Mitchel, Polly Swatsell, Donna Rudzik
CHRISTUS Health Executives: Ernie Sadau, CEO, Gene Woods, President & Chief Operating Officer,
Jeff Puckett, Executive VP Strategic Alliances and Group Operations, Jeff Potter, VP Strategic Alliances and Business Development
Donna Rudzik, Gloria Mitchell and Polly Swatsell, the 2015-2016 Lights of Life Campaign chairs, made a road trip to Irving to CHRISTUS Health corporate offices on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. As previously announced CHRISTUS Health committed to be a $20,000 DIAMOND Sponsor of the 10th anniversary campaign. “We are so grateful for their generous sponsorship commitment and especially grateful they took time out of their busy schedules to not only present us with the check but to give us a tour of their beautiful offices. We are so blessed by their commitment to the campaign, our hospital and this community” said Donna Rudzik.
“We are so thankful for this opportunity to chair the campaign and to have three DIAMOND sponsors is just amazing” added Polly Swatsell. “When we started planning the 20th anniversary of the campaign and the 10th anniversary of the gala we thought we would add the $20,000 DIAMOND Sponsorship level in celebration of this anniversary year. Our goal was to get one $20,000 sponsor. We never dreamed we would end up with three DIAMOND Sponsors” continued Swatsell.
“Carriage House Manor, Sheila and Arvis Tanton and GSC, Inc, Mickey and Barbara McKenzie, our local generous sponsors, who have contributed to the campaign since it started in 1996, are now joined by CHRISTUS Health to take the campaign to an over-the-top status” added Gloria Mitchell. We are just sorta blown away”, Mitchell continued.
“These commitment are so exciting for the Foundation. For this to be the first time we’ve offered a $20,000 sponsorship level and then to end up with three is a little overwhelming and definitely exciting” commented Jackie Thornton, Foundation Director. “These ladies are definitely overachievers and I’m just trying to stay up with them”, continued Thornton. “We are very thankful for all our sponsors who have committed their financial support to the campaign. Without the support of this generous community the Foundation would not be where it is today. We are both blessed and humbled” said Thornton.
“The gala has been sold out since August 1st and people are still calling to add their names to the growing waiting list” stated Jackie Thornton, Foundation Director. “All I can say is WOW!”
“Never stopping but rather always raising the bar, we are heavy into our many mini-events. Because we have limited space at the Civic Center and in order to reach our $250,000 goal we had to create several small events” continued Thornton. In the spring we hosted our first Sassy Classy afternoon tea and will have our second one on October 8, 4-6p.m. at City Hall. On September 17th Lou Nell’s hosted a great Style Show to benefit the campaign and this Saturday, October 3rd we will have our 2nd Lights of Life Half Marathon,” continued Thornton. Then don’t forget the fun Fly Your Flag bidding on Thunder Country Radio on November 10th, where alumni can bid to have their school alma-mater’s flag flown on the courthouse flagpole. Along with bidding is the Fly Your Flag lunch, 11a.m. – 1p.m. that will be held in front of Alliance bank on November 10th after the morning flag bidding is over”, added Donna Rudzik.
On November 3rd we have the 20th anniversary of the Lights of Life Kick-off, which is where it all began. People have been making $25 donations in “honor or memory” of someone special to help light the Lights of Life Christmas tree at the hospital” added Thornton. “The first campaign was chaired by Chad and Rhonda Young and over $15,000 was raised that first year to support Hospice at Memorial. I’d say we’ve come a long way baby since that first $25 donation”.
As we continue to raise funds to help the purchase cutting edge equipment that not only benefits the hospital but the community the funds raised through the 2015-2016 campaign will be used to purchase;
- Six LUCAS CPR devices for EMS which will provide the EMS Department the tools and abilities they need to improve survival rates during cardiac arrest. The LUCAS CPR provides consistent and quality chest compressions without the need to stop compressions to perform other clinical procedures.
- And additional funds will be added to the Foundation “Leaving a Legacy” Endowment Fund.
For more information about the 2015-2016 Lights of Life campaign and gala and mini-events, please call the Health Care Foundation office, 903-438-4799. We hope you will join us as we work hard to make a difference for the hospital and the community. (Article courtesy of Jackie Thornton)
2015 Corvette Classic Rally & Show
The 2015 Corvette Classic Rally & Show is coming to Sulphur Springs, Texas on October 24th at the Celebration Plaza.
This year’s show will feature the new 2015 ZO6 Supercar as the “Feature on the Grass“. Anyone with a 2015 ZO6 that wants to enter into the feature can call Roger Elliot at 214-801-3696. There will be parking for 200 Corvette cars at this year’s show. People wishing to enter the 2015 Corvette Classic Rally & Show can do so at http://www.ssvetteclub.com
The 2014 Corvette Classic Rally & Show last year was a success with 162 total entries. The feature car last year was the C-1 model with three feature cars entered. Corvettes from Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana were entered with over 500 guests in attendance.
The participants line up as early as 8am, and should all be in place for viewing by 10am. Visitors are welcome to come and look over all of the cars until the show’s end about 2:30 pm.
New Budget, Same Tax Rate, Increased Sewer Rates
The Sulphur Springs City Council approved several ordinances affecting next fiscal year’s budget on second and final reading at a special meeting Tuesday night. The new budget goes into effect Thursday. The council approved the appropriations ordinance. They voted to keep the tax rate at 44-cents per $100 valuation. Even the tax rate was unchanged, tax revenue increased 1.35% due to increased net taxable value.
One ordinance passed will increase sewer rates by 2%. The council is phasing in sewer rate increases over five years so the $15-million Wastewater Treatment Plant renovation will not hit with a huge increase all at once. The council also authorized updated service credits for employees.
The council voted to postpone action on the Hopkins County Appraisal District Budget until they can get a presentation from them.
Brooks Named Memorial Clinic CAO
September 30, 2015 – Shelton Brooks, the new Chief Administrative Officer for Memorial Clinic attended his first meeting of the Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Board Monday night. He’s in his second week on the job. He is replacing Mike Yost. Brooks has had a 20 year career in health care in Florida. He comes from Jacksonville, FL. His wife is said to be a die hard Cowboys fan. Brooks caught some good natured grief for being an Atlanta Falcons fan.
Shelton Brooks
Brooks stated that he is becoming acquainted with staff and procedures by making rounds for 45 minutes. He is also meeting city and civic leaders locally. Praising the work of Yost, Brooks intends to continue the good work.
Calling himself detailed, organized, and a good listener, he stated he is committed to the best care for the community.
Infection Control Complaint Under Investigation; Hospital Board approves Tax Rate and Purchases
A recent patient complaint against Hopkins County Memorial Hospital has attracted the attention of CMS or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Three surveyors have visited the hospital campus to investigate the complaint’s validity. The complaint apparently involves infection control. Hospital CEO Michael McAndrew told the Board Monday night at least one of the surveyors seemed to be on a mission to find the hospital lacking. He said some minor policies and procedures had already been addressed by hospital staff. McAndrew is expected to receive a CMS report soon.
In other business Monday, the board adopted a tax rate of 25-cents per $100 valuation for next fiscal year’s budget. The tax rate is the same as the current budget. Hospital Financial Officer Donna Wallace also reported on income and expenses for August, which she characterized as a down month. She expects September to be a down month too. Ms. Wallace said cash on hand for the hospital was at 80 days of operation, well above the 60 day minimum.
The board also voted to purchase security cameras for the hospital as well as an additional camera for the Specialty Room in the Emergency Department. Both were non budgeted items. A data migration system for Radiology was deferred.
October is full of Celebrations in Hopkins County
October is full of celebrations in Hopkins County. Our fall festival festivities, stew contest and now beef day will complete a busy month. There are many activities dedicated to our community and this year, a specific set of activities will included our growing beef industry. Every so often, Texas A&M University releases beef cattle browsing, an electronic publication with the purpose of disseminating research based information related to beef. Recently, a report of a survey conducted by Kansas and Michigan State University of beef consumers on purchases of ground beef and steak. At least 2-3 times a month, 82% of consumers bought ground beef and 60% bought steak. Consumers were asked if they had bought ground beef or steak based on product with label claims for being organic, natural, animal welfare assured, locally produced, sustainably produced, guaranteed tender, antibiotic-free, or hormone-free. Depending on the claim, 25-47% didn’t know if any of these applied to their purchase. Consumers were asked what they were willing to pay for the various label claims. There was higher willingness-to-pay-extra for claims for steak than ground beef. Depending on the claim, 12-25% would not be willing to pay any extra. Willingness-to-pay-extra was higher for “natural”, “locally produced”, and “guaranteed tender” product. “Animal welfare assured” and “sustainably produced” ranked lowest. Consumers also were asked if they would pay a premium based on various production practices. Willingness-to-pay-extra was highest if cattle were “provided access to fresh, clean feed and water” and “provided adequate comfort through the use of shade, windbreaks, and ventilation assuring clean, dry, sanitary environmental conditions;” lowest willingness was expressed for “dehorning before horn tissue adheres to skull or with pain control”, “castrate either within first three months or with pain control”, and “plan transport to minimize travelling and waiting time.” Willingness-to-pay-extra tended to decrease as the cost of required premium was more expensive. Still, depending on the product and particular production practice, from 17-40% were willing to pay $3.00/lb or more. (The authors noted that previous research shows what consumers say they are willing to pay is generally about two to three times more than what they are actually willing to pay)(Complete survey can be found at www.agmanager.info/livestock/marketing). Here an overview of the activities worth to remember during October:
October 4-10, 2015: 4-H National week. County Proclamation and raise of 4-H flag at celebration plaza- October 5, 2015 at 5:00 PM. Cake will be shared with attendees. Free.
October 16, 2015: Hopkins County Beef Day. Cattlemen’s Classic-NETBIO producer’s educational session- a multi speaker beef production update for beef producers members of NETBIO. Registration required by calling NETBIO. Beef Council Beef Cooking Demonstration starting at noon at the Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs followed by Rib eye cook off competition and dinner ($25.00 Rib eye plate, baked potato and drink) (tickets sold in advance at local banks and Texas AgriLife Extension Service office located at 1200B Houston street). Free Johnny Lee and urban cowboy concert starting at 8:00 PM at celebration plaza.
October 17, 2015: 5K at celebration plaza with Texas Beef Team. Registration $25 at www.racechiptimming.com
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October 27, 2015: Northeast Texas Fall Seminar for dairy producers. 5 DOPA credits for dairy producers in the DOPA regions. $10.00 lunch included. Registration required by calling 903-885-3443.
October 30, 2015: New private applicator training: 9:00 to 2:00 PM $30.00 Lunch included. Directed to new private applicators looking into getting restricted pesticides license for TDA. Mandatory training only. No testing during this date. Registration required by calling 903-885-3443.
November 4, 2015: Hopkins County Pesticide Applicator CEU’s. Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. 5 CEU’s for private applicators. Cost $30.00 lunch included. Registration required by calling 903-885-3443.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic do not hesitate to contact me at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Unique Historical Marker Honors Commerce Native, Organizer of WWII Flying Tigers
COMMERCE, TX—A ceremony honoring Lt. General Claire Lee Chennault and the Flying Tigers American Volunteer Group will take place on Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. at Chennault’s birthplace, 1509 Monroe Street in Commerce, Texas. A new historical marker in Mandarin will be unveiled at that time. The Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dan Jones, Commerce Mayor John Ballotti and Chennault’s granddaughter, Nell Calloway, are scheduled to attend the event.
This marker will be a way to celebrate this Commerce native’s heroic actions during WWII and his assistance to the people of China in the legendary fight to defend their homeland.
“I am extraordinarily proud of the role that Texas A&M University-Commerce has played in ensuring that the legacy of this native son of Commerce is properly recognized and celebrated,” said President Jones.
A marker in English was placed at this location in 1968; the new marker in Mandarin translates the original to make it accessible to a wider international audience. This historical marker in Mandarin is the first of its kind in the state of Texas.
Chennault was the organizer and commander of the famous “Flying Tigers” of the China–Burma–India theater in WWII. An outstanding air strategist, Chennault had retired from a pioneer flying career when, in 1937, he was asked by Gen. Chaing Kai-Shek to help China develop an air force to combat threatening raids by Japan.
The heroic action of Chennault and the Flying Tigers are believed to have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Chinese during the Japanese invasion of China.
Lady Cats Win Thriller; Host Mt Pleasant Friday
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team won a thriller, 3-2 over Pine Tree on the road Tuesday night. The Lady Pirates won the first set 25-22 only to see the Lady Cats capture the next two close sets, 30-28 and 26-24. The Lady Cats had a poor set four losing 25-11 but bounced back to win the match in a close set five, 19-17. The Lady Cats are 4-2 in district play and 20-11 overall. They’ll host Mt. Pleasant Friday at 4:30 p.m
Animal of the Week: Shelby
Shelby is a ten month old Vizula mix. Shelby was taken in by the Animal Shelter after she was dumped on the doorstep of the Shelter and chained to the outside post two weeks ago.
“I came back with a truck full of dogs and she was sitting there on the chain,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “I knew she was nervous because she barked at me and ran off to the end of her chain, but after she realized that I wasn’t going to hurt her she came to me.”
Shelby tested negative on heart worms. She also has a gentle and friendly disposition and loves belly rubs, but is shy of strangers. Shelby will be involved in the offsite adoption event at Tractor Supply this Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Animal dumping is considered a form of Passive Animal Cruelty in a court of law. Most forms of Animal Cruelty, both passive and active, are considered class B felonies after the passing of “Loco’s law” in September 1, 2001. These felonies could result in up to $10,000 in fines and up to two years in prison. Some passive forms of Animal Cruelty are, however, considered misdemeanors instead of felonies.
