Chamber Connection – April 12 By Butch Burney
Congratulations to the golf team of Alliance Bank, the winners of the 34th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament last Friday at Sulphur Springs Country Club. We had a full field of 43 teams that competed for the tournament championship. The Alliance Bank team was composed of Kevin Monk, Carter Monk, Jason Thompson, Jase Thompson, Mike Jumper and Craig English.
Alliance Bank and Interstate Body Shop both tied with rounds of 47, and Alliance won on a scorecard playoff. Interstate Body Shop was composed of Chuck Sickles, Haden Sickles, Randy Blackmon, Kason Childress, Zac Blackmon and Brody Blackmon.
Third place was the team of Hidden Lakes Hunting Resort, made up of Cord Burnett, Joe Wolcik, Daniel Cerretani, Thomas Jenkins, JW Burnett and Chris Hass.
Thanks to all our sponsors!
Business After Hours
Join us for a Business After Hours – at your business!
If you are a Chamber of Commerce member and want to host a Business After Hours (or Before Hours), we have some openings for you!
We are scheduling our monthly networking events for the remainder of the year, and are looking for host businesses. The cost of the event is free; we just ask that you provide some refreshments.
You simply open your business from 4:30-6 p.m. on the designated day (or 7:30-8:30 a.m.), and welcome the guests.
If you’re interested, send me an email at [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
Skeet Shooting
Heart of Hope will have a Skeet Shooting Event, starting at 11 a.m. on May 11, at the Church at Klondike. Entry fee is $15 and includes lunch and a raffle ticket. The contest will be sporting clay shoot, wolf chase and buddy shoot. There will also be a kid shoot for 14 and under. Bring your own ammunition.
Proceeds benefit Heart of Hope in Sulphur Springs. For more information, call 903-440-1665.
Freedom Ball
This year’s Hopkins County Freedom Ball is going to be bigger and better than ever! Come help celebrate our local heroes at the Hopkins County Civic Center on May 20.
This years theme is “Top Gun” and Jason Walden & The Alibis will be providing the music for the evening.
Tickets are $125 each, and 200 tickets are set aside for veterans and their wingman each — first come, first serve. So, get your tickets now.
For tickets, contact Danny Davis at 903-438-4003.
Lunch and Learn
The Chamber will host its spring Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, April 18, from 11:30-1 p.m. The program will be a roundtable discussion on marketing, both conventional and social media. The seminar will be informational and practical to help business marketers increase their profile by doing it themselves. The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.
Call 903-885-6515 or email [email protected] to sign up.
Ribbon Cuttings
Beauty Grace Wellness Shop will have a ribbon cutting at its location on Connally Street at noon on Friday, April 14. Please join us for this event.
TAMUC Faculty Win Grant Award for Digital Privacy Lab on Campus
COMMERCE, TX—A collective featuring two Texas A&M University-Commerce faculty members is the recipient of a monetary award that will be used to establish a digital rhetorical privacy lab on the university campus.
Dr. Charles Woods and Dr. Gavin Johnson, both assistant professors in the Department of Literature and Languages at A&M-Commerce, are advisory board members of the Digital Rhetorical Privacy Collective (DRPC), a project Woods founded in 2022. The collective, which currently includes representatives from five universities across the U.S., describes itself as a coalitional action undertaken to continue to better understand the importance of digital privacy for ending oppression in American society and building an equitable future for all.
In February, the DRPC was honored with the Emergent Researcher Award by the National Council of Teachers of English at their Conference on College Composition and Communication. The monetary award of just under $2,000, while small, is seen as a seed to begin funding a lab space on the A&M-Commerce campus dedicated to digital rhetorical privacy research.
What is Digital Rhetorical Privacy?
“This is a concept that comes from my dissertation project,” Woods said. “It is a state of being when a user is confident their digital data is free from unauthorized observances by nefarious computer technologies and other users.”
“The rhetorical part of it comes from the way that digital privacy gets shaped by different actors,” Johnson said. “Something that we can look at as a recent, high-profile event is the banning of Tiktok. The way that the directives came from the governor’s office very much used privacy, security and data protection as the justification for banning the use of this social media platform by state entities.”
Johnson continued: “The rhetorical aspect stems from how digital privacy is being shaped and used to enact policy change. Basically, how privacy is being defined to do certain things.”
Woods speaks often on the subject as part of his podcast, “The Big Rhetorical Podcast.” The program, which has nearly 130 episodes at the time of writing, has received multiple accolades over the years. Woods and his podcast received the 2020 Service Award and the 2022 John Lovas Award from Kairos, an academic journal, as well as the 2022 Michelle Kendrick Award from the journal “Computers and Composition.”
Creating a Privacy Lab on Campus
One of the goals of the collective is to create a collaborative space dedicated to fostering research into what digital privacy truly is, as well as thinking collectively about a complex issue.
“Digital privacy is such a complex subject that I think a lot of us suffer from what Charles has called ‘privacy apathy,’” Johnson said. “How do we work to make digital privacy something people care about and not just click ‘agree’ on a privacy policy without reading through it at all?”
Woods and Johnson describe the Emergent Researcher Award as a “ringing endorsement” of their work.
“While we didn’t get a huge monetary sum to immediately start a lab space, this is still exciting because this is our seed,” Woods said. “This is the starting point for us to potentially go out and receive more grants because it shows there is value in the work we are doing.”
The proposed research lab would also be a place to work with campus and community partners on privacy issues, while valuing diverse perspectives on the issues surrounding digital privacy and fostering the work of emerging scholars.
Learn more about the Digital Rhetorical Privacy Collective and the Department of Literature and Languages.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release 4/11/2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, April 10, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Women’s Breast Health
Breast cancer affects almost 1 in 8 women in the United States and is a curable disease if detected early enough. At CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, we believe even one is too many. Scheduling your annual mammogram and speaking to your primary care physician regarding what steps you can take for preventative care establishes a legacy of optimal breast health and wellness.
We emphasize the importance of breast exams and mammograms for women and even men who have a family history of breast cancer. Our compassionate medical associates help detect breast abnormalities to ensure you receive the necessary resources, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures. The Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center inside of the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs is a state-of-the-art imaging center that includes the newest 3-D Mammography technology. We welcome you to schedule your mammogram here today. Schedule an appointment by speaking with your physician, or call 903.438.4325.
CHRISTUS Nurses Start Nurse Honor Guard
A group of CHRISTUS Nurses, known as the Founding Mothers, is starting the Northeast Texas Nurse Honor Guard. Their mission is to pay tribute to nurse colleagues that have passed away and provide comfort to their families by reading the Nightingale tribute at their funeral services. The group is voluntary; members do not have to be CHRISTUS associates but do have to be an RN or LVN. The membership is open to any active or retired (LPN or RN) in the state of Texas. To become a member of the CHRISTUS NETX Nurse Honor Guard, you may join the private Facebook page for members, and/or fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/bBKeFfeYbv.
For questions or to request a tribute for a loved one, please reach out via email at [email protected].
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Gala
Don’t miss out on this year’s Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Lights of Life Gala, from dancing to great food and prizes, it is guaranteed to be a good time. Have you bought your tickets yet? The event will be on April 22, 2023 and will include live and silent auctions. All proceeds go to healthcare projects benefiting Hopkins County. For tickets, please visit the Gala website: LOLGala2023.givesmart.com. For more information, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] or 903.438.4799.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 04-3-2023 – 04-09-2023
Arrests:
Murphy, Raymond, 59 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 4-4-2023 for Criminal Trespass.
Truett, Michael, 31 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 4-4-2023 on Wood County Warrants for Theft of Property, Issuance of a Bad Check x 4, Expired DL, Stop, Stand, or Park Traveled outside of Business of Residence District.
Charlton, Karen, 56 years of age, of Mineola, was arrested on 4-7-2023 for Driving While License Invalid with previous convictions.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 98 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 19 citations and 33warnings during this reporting period.
City Of Sulphur Springs Announces Spring Clean-up Days Less Than Two Weeks Away
April 11, 2023 – Dust off the trailers and start cleaing out the garage to get ready for hauling off all of your old junk. The annual City-Wide Spring Clean-Up has been set for Monday-Saturday, April 24-29, 2023. Sulphur Springs residents may bring large items to discard from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on clean-up days to the city collection site
To verify the person arriving with garbage is a resident, living within the city of Sulphur Springs, those bringing large items to discard will be asked to show proof of city residents by presenting a driver’s license or city utility bill (water bill) with their physical address on it.
No containers or appliances with hazardous or harsh materials will be accepted at the city collection site If discarding a refrigerator for instance, the city resident must show documentation that the Freon within has been removed. No paint, batteries, tires or other household hazardous wastes will be accepted.
Residents do have to bring their own items to the clean-up site; the city will not furnish a means to do so. There are typically people on-hand to help city residents who do take advantage of the City-Wide Spring Clean-Up by bringing items to dump. They can help with some items but residents for the most part will be responsible for offloading their own items.
The drop off will be located half a mile east of the 4 way stop at Jefferson ST (HWY 67) and loop 301
Softball heads to North Lamar Tuesday
Coach David Carrillo’s squad heads to third place North Lamar on Tuesday, Apr. 11 for another district duel.
Sulphur Springs hopes to pick up another big win in Paris, last hosting Pittsburg on Thursday.
Lady Cats softball won big over the Lady Pirates, 10-0.
Coach Carrillo’s squad scored early and often in their blowout of Pittsburg.
It all started in their first at-bat, as Sulphur Springs put up five runs to go up big 5-0. Add in a two-run shot from Jadyn Harper, bouncing off the scoreboard in left field in the second inning, and before the Lady Pirates could blink twice they trailed 7-0.
Three more runs in the third saw the Lady Cats get the necessary total of points for a 10-run victory, but the Lady Cats still needed another scoreless inning to pull out the shutout.
Luckily for Coach Carrillo Crimson Bryant had another stellar outing in the circle, going four of five innings in the game and not allowing a hit nor run in her start.
The senior ace walked none and struck out 11 in her seventh straight district win starting for Sulphur Springs.
Abbey Goldsmith pitched the final inning and sent Pittsburg packing as the Lady Cats completed the 10-0 win over the visiting Lady Pirates on Thursday, Apr. 6.
Hitting highlights from the blowout over Pittsburg:
- Emmerson Thompson (SS): 2 for 2, 3R, RBI
- Jadyn Harper (CF): 3 for 3, 3R, 4RBI
- Reese Ragan (1B): 2 for 3, R, 2RBI
- Baylor Boatman (3B): 2 for 3, R, 2RBI
Friday’s win brings the softball team’s season record to 21-4 (7-0 district).
They look to keep the big wins coming when Coach David Carrillo’s squad heads to North Lamar (5-2) Tuesday for their third-to-last district game.
The Pantherettes are tied for second in 15-4A, but the last time Sulphur Springs played them the Lady Cats won big 12-2.
The softball duel tees off in Paris Tuesday, Apr. 11 at 6 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Approves A Resolution To Slow Finalization Of Jim Chapman Lake Master Plan
April 10, 2023- Hopkins County Commissioners Court met Monday to discuss a resolution of the Jim Chapman Lake and White Oak Creek Mitigation Area master plan. This resolution would postpone the finalization of the masterplan by two years to allow Stakeholders and Local Citizens to work with the Army Corp of Engineers and Texas Wildlife and Parks to maximize current assets and future possibilities for the lake.
The Army Corps defines a Master Plan as… “The strategic land use management document that
guides the comprehensive management and development of all project recreational, natural
and cultural resources throughout the life of the water resource development project.”
Jim Chapman Lake (also known as Cooper Lake) was authorized as a multipurpose project in 1955. White Oak Mitigation Area was purchased in an effort to mitigate the loss of bottomland hardwood and wildlife displaced by the creation of the Jim Chapman Lake. Due to funding delays and extensive litigation opposing the lake, the original master plan of 1988 was delayed. The Corp of Engineers proposed a new master plan to further restrict 7,200 acres as “environmentally sensitive”.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court supports the delay of the Jim Chapman Lake and White Oak Mitigation Area Master Plan .
To see the presentation created by the Corp of Engineers for Lake Chapman, click here.
Slaton Hires Law Firm, Remains Silent on Absence From Legislative Session
April 10, 2023 – KSST News learned early Monday morning that District 2 State House Representative Bryan Slaton has retained an attorney to respond to a potential ethics investigation by the Texas House Committee on General Investigating. Patrick Short, a Rockwall attorney has over 30 years of legal experience representing clients in East and North Texas in personal injury, wrongful death, criminal defense, and select civil litigation cases, according to his website: www.patrickshort.com
Bryan Slaton was marked “absent – excused” for the two days preceeding the Good Friday holiday missing out on the discussions of the house bill concerning the over $300 billion Texas state budget. None of Slaton’s 27 amendments were filed due to his absence. House Bill 1 received almost 400 amendments from legislators before being approved and sent to the Senate.
KSST News attempted to reach out to both Slaton’s offices located in Austin and Greenville, but calls remain unanswered. Slaton’s constituency includes most residents of Hopkins, Hunt, and Van Zandt counties which make up District 2. With a population of almost 200,000 constituents in that district, those represented by Slaton will remain unrepresented during Slaton’s absence during Texas’ 88th Legislative Session.
See related story: Slaton Absent From Legislative Session
Moore Back in Hopkins County Jail
April 10, 2023 – DeAnthony Rayon Moore was arrested last week as he returned to his residence. Moore who reports himself as unemployed, lives in Sulphur Springs.
Moore had an outstanding warrant for violation of parole on a manufacture delivery controlled substance charge. Law Enforcement report that when they contacted Moore, he initially refused to follow commands, but eventually relented and was taken into custody without further incident. His current bond is set at $75,000.
Less than two weeks ago, Moore entered a local business and confronted a man. The disturbance started at around 10AM. The confrontation escalated to assault. Moore fought both customers and employees during the disturbance. Individuals at the business eventually broke up the fight and pinned Morre to the ground. All witness to the disturbance cited Moore as the cause and primary aggressor. Moore resisted arrest when police arrived. Once restrained by police, 23 year-old Moore admitted he was intoxicated. Moore was jailed and charged with disorderly conduct.
Moore was arrested in 2019 on a warrant for manufacture or delivery of controlled substance. See that story here.
Moore recieved Defered Probation and ISF treatment on his 2020 charges. See that story here.
Moore’s probation was revoked in 2021. See that story here.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 438-4040.
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.
Wildcats Track finishes third, at district championship meet Tuesday
Wildcats track & field matched their efforts from last week’s competition, finishing third as a team at their home invitational on Thursday, Apr. 6.
It is a quick turnaround though as both track squads head to Texarkana for the 15-4A district championships this week.
It begins Tuesday, Apr. 11 at Liberty-Eylau’s Harris Field at 4 P.M.
Running Events
Malachi Roland, got the scoring underway in Sulphur Springs in the 100 M dash. The Wildcat crossed the line after 11 seconds for a fourth place finish.
200 M dash saw Trysten Hankins get fifth.
The 110 M hurdles saw the first Wildcat emerge victorious in an event, with a winning mark of 15.11 and getting 10 points for Sulphur Springs. Jackie Knuston added four more with a fourth place finish.
Bybee then went and won the 300 M hurdles, crossing the line at 42.14 and getting 10 more for the Wildcats.
In 4×100 M relays, the team of CJ Williams, Riley Hammonds, Roland, and Keyshaun John picked up another top-3 finish for Sulphur Springs. With a time of 43.52, the Wildcat team got 12 more points and earned bronze medals for their efforts.
The same squad, sub Roland and Williams for Jamorian Jeffrey and Jim Ibarra, came in just after 90 seconds for sixth place.
Field Events
The first scoring event for the Wildcats came in the long jump, as Hankins went 20’2″ for a silver medal. Hammonds got sixth in long jump, with both athletes combining for nine points in the event.
Shot put saw Sean Dial getting fourth, with Caden Spigener finishing in the same spot but in high jump.
Luke Caton proved to be the final Wildcat to emerge victorious in the Sulphur Springs meet. In discus, Caton’s winning mark of 137’1″ got the athlete a gold medal and 10 points for his team.
Bybee came up short of winning three events in a meet. His 13′ even mark in pole vault got him second and eight more for Wildcats track & field.
Sulphur Springs cumulated 78 points, getting third as a team.
Wildcats track and field matched their efforts as a team from last week’s competition, coming up third at their home invitational.
Next up, both track teams participate in the 15-4A district championships on Tuesday, Apr. 11.
The meet gets underway in Texarkana at Liberty Eylau’s Harris Field Tuesday at 4 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
