Pen of 3 Success For Fourteen Sulphur Springs FFA Members
This past weekend the 3rd Annual Pen of 3 Commercial Heifer Show was held at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Pictured on the left is Catherine Starzyk who won the Senior Herdsman award. She was interviewed in front of two judges and answered questions about her pen of heifers. Pictured on the right is Kohen Moss who was the Open Division Champion.
Fourteen Sulphur Springs FFA Members showed and sold a pen of heifers. They all started with 4-6 head of commercial heifers and raised them to breeding age. This is a huge financial investment for these students and families. The sale was a success this year! These fourteen students received a total of $132,000 that will go toward expenses/investing in the next set of heifers or to their college savings.
This is one of my favorite shows because it brings the true industry experience into the show world.
– John Holland, SSHS FFA Advisor
The Ninth Annual George Dorner “42” Tournament is Coming up November 4th, 2023
The Ninth Annual George Dorner “42” Tournament will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, beginning with registration at 9:00AM. Play starts at 9:30AM. The event will take place at Sulphur Bluff United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall. Proceeds go toward Bibles for Sulphur Bluff graduating Seniors. Early registration is open until October 24th, 2023, at $10.00 a person. After October 24th, registration is $25.00 per team. The top three teams will win metal plaques. Pizza, drinks, and a dessert will be offered for a donation. “If you do not play, come eat, and be a part!” For more information, please call Jimmy Dale and Jamie Fite at 903-335-3068.
Hopkins County Records – August 2023
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County
8/11/23 Thru 8/17/23
- Jason Eddie Adcock and Jennifer Ann Mars
- Jesse James Lee Brown and Cassity Leeann Egan
- Jacob Adam Crawford and Samantha Nicole Pitts
- Cody J Lewis and Kendra Lee Diehl
- Joseph Chance Loraine and Brittany Ranee Perry
- Octavio Machado and Joseline Guzman
- Anthony William Mowrer and Madison Mackenzie Beard
- Johnathan Mikel Simpson and Brooklyn Lyric Martin
Land Deed Transactions 8/31/23 Thru 9/1/23
- Angela K Harrison, and Jon Harrison Also Known As Jon E Harrison to Jordan R Grant and Leah C Grant; Tract in the Winnie Jewell Survey
- Shanti Homes Inc to Salma B HosJusain; Tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin Survey
- Ashley Hammons and Tracy Hammons Jr to Julita Hammons and Tracy Wayne Hammons; Tract in the Daniel Halbrook Survey
- Juan Guzman and Estefana Perez to Gregorio Maravillo Bello, Miriam Uveranice Maravillo, and Blanca Amaro Pineda; Tract in the Ross St Survey
- Santos Alfredo Cruz to Hunter Williams and Maison Williams; Tract in the Marianne Circle Survey
- Glenn Meisdalen to Patsene Kirby; Tract in the E Finley Survey
Paris Junior College Employees are on Hand to Help Students With Testing Preparation
October 3, 2023 – PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Testing Proctor Cathey Martin, left, helps Presley Hurley set up her computer and get ready to take her entrance tests.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Trucking In The U.S. May Not Be What You Think
October 3, 2023 – Trucking in the United States may not be what you think. Small Owner-Operators and Contract Truckers are being forced out by cheap competition provided by Mexico based carriers. These same Carriers sometimes bend the laws set by the United States and create an unfair playing field.
KSST spoke with a local truck driver and his wife, who is a Freight Agent, about the state of the industry. They were able to give personal insight into this issue.
Omar began his explanation of the issues by giving an example. Suppose a Mexico based freight company wins a bid to move a shipment from Mexico to New York. They are allowed to cross the border, and continue to New York without changing driver, truck or company. Seems logical enough. That trucker is required to return to Mexico within a 10 day window. That company is allowed to fill that same truck with freight and return to Mexico loaded. If no jobs to Mexico are available, they are allowed to move freight to another US location in the direction of the border, for example Dallas. That freight is moved at the Mexico based rate, and that money goes to Mexican based companies. This allowance is intended to improve efficiency and prevent a truck returning to Mexico empty. The problem is, during those 10 days, Mexico based companies are not recalling drivers, but instead are sending them on jobs all around the United States, moving freight at a fraction of the rate US based carriers can charge. Omar feels that often those drivers overstay their allowed 10 days, and work for months in the United States before returning to Mexico.
To maximize profits, Mexican Freight companies also employ two person driving teams that keep the trucks running almost constantly.
There is a also a huge difference in the cost of doing business for Mexican carriers v.s. US based firms. This can include cost of labor, repairs and parts costs.
Gabriela sees the other side of this issue when she attempts to bid on jobs. When she has to charge around $3 a mile to survive, and a Mexico based carrier can charge as little as $1.50, there is no way for her family to compete.
U.S. Inflation also cuts into their profits. The cost of diesel and meals on the road, repairs, tires.. everything is more expensive. They know several owner-operators who have sold their trucks and taken other jobs. Omar and Gabriela have also reduced their fleet of trucks in an attempt to stay afloat.
Omar has a passion for driving. He doesn’t want to consider selling his truck. He drives because he loves it, not just because it makes money.
Omar and his wife point to the laws and regulations already on the books as the first step to leveling the playing field. They feel enforcement has been very lax recently, rewarding these practices.
The demand for cheap goods, delivered as cheaply quickly as possible will continue. We all want full shelves and packages delivered quickly. Trucking makes sure all those things happen. Right now, the cost of those conveniences include hard and uncertain times for families like Omar’s.
Fire Event Encourages Young Women to Explore a Career in Wildland Firefighting
October 2, 2023 – PALO PINTO, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service hosted the third annual Sisters in Fire event Sept. 30 at Worth Ranch, a Longhorn Council BSA property. Thirty-five young women between the ages of 13 and 18 from 22 Texas counties and one Oklahoma county attended the event.
“The Sisters in Fire program was created to introduce young women to wildland firefighting and natural resource careers,” said Emily Mitchell, Sisters in Fire Incident Commander. “This year we had women from across the state of Texas and one from Kansas who are introducing their professions and passions to the young women of Texas.”
Participants were split into squads, or teams, for the day and rotated through four stations. Each station introduced them to various topics and skills relating to the wildland firefighting profession, including how to suppress wildfires with fire engines, bulldozers, chainsaws and hand tools. They also learned leadership and communication skills that are critical for wildland firefighting crews.
“My favorite part of the day was meeting new people and getting to take on a leadership role,” said Emma, Sisters in Fire participant.
At this year’s event, a Fire Boss from Dauntless Air, an amphibious aircraft frequently used on Texas wildfires, made two water drops, helping demonstrate the coordination needed between aerial firefighting resources and ground personnel during a wildfire incident.
“The Fire Boss (AT-802F) aircraft is an essential part of our air operations during wildfire season,” said Cassidy Ince, Texas A&M Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft System Program Coordinator and Sisters in Fire squad boss. “This was a great opportunity for our participants to witness this incredible aircraft and skilled pilot perform a water drop.”
Participants put everything they learned to the test during the final event of the day, a prescribed fire demonstration. While the instructors burned a small area of grass, the young women answered questions and applied what they learned to a real-world scenario.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, women account for a small percentage of career firefighters, including 5% of all career firefighters, 11% of volunteer fire service and 12% of federal wildland firefighters.
“Our program introduces young women to a variety of career opportunities associated with wildland firefighting that some may have not even realized were available to them,” said Mitchell. It also provides our leadership team opportunities to network, build relationships with other women and develop personally through training opportunities.”
The Sisters in Fire event was hosted in cooperation with Texas A&M Forest Service, USDA Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, University of Texas LBJ Wildflower Center, and Kansas Forest Service
“Having all of these agencies here shows that we are all doing similar things, and we all have a role to fill with wildfire and land management, said Ashley Samberson, United States Fish & Wildlife Service. We want to support each other during wildfire suppression and outside of wildfires on programs like this and others.”
For event photos, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAX3kn.
###
Barbara Bush Primary Will Host a Halloween Carnival October 6th
October 2, 2023 – Barbara Bush Primary School invites Students and Family to their Annual Halloween Carnival Friday, October 6, 2023, beginning at 5:30pm, at the Barbara Bush Primary Campus. You can expect Carnival Games, a Silent Auction, snacks, and more. Cost is $1 for two tickets, $5 for ten tickets, and $10 for an unlimited wristband.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 09-25-2023 – 10-01-2023
Arrests:
Wilson, Brandi, 49 years of age, of Mt. Vernon, was arrested on 09-30-2023 for Criminal Trespass and Public Intoxication.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 85 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 24 citations and 17 warnings during this reporting period.
2023 Cattleman’s Classic & Ribeye Roundup – Event Schedule
October 3, 2023 – It all happens on Celebration Plaza on Saturday October 7, 2023. Dinner starts at 6:30PM.
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Report – October 2, 2023
October 2, 2023 – Hopkins County Chamber Connection submitted by Butch Burney
Stew Goody Bags
Businesses who want to get their message out to 400 stew cooks and judges have until noon Friday, Oct. 6, to bring their promotional items to the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce at 110 Main St. Our goody bags will go out to about 350 cooks and almost 50 judges for stew, appetizer and campsite contests. There is one catch – you must be a Chamber member to participate in the goody bag promotion. Good thing is, we can sign you up as a Chamber member in just a matter of minutes. For more information, contact [email protected] or call us at 903-885-6515.
Eclipse News
After three great meetings last week with restaurants, churches and schools regarding the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce will host a meeting with retail business owners and managers at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, in the Chamber’s Conference Room. We will talk about the Eclipse, which will happen on Monday, April 8, 2024, and their role in preparing for the thousands of visitors that will be in Hopkins County. So, if you own or manage a retail store, please make plans to attend the meeting.
Cocktails and Conversation
We will kick off our Cocktails and Conversation, the new name for our revamped Business After Hours, with The Tipsy Oak Lounge, a great new spot inside The Oaks Bed and Breakfast on Oak Avenue. Cocktails and Conversation will last from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, so drop by for a casual networking event. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.
Stew News
Tickets and shirts are now on sale, so get yours now! Tickets are $8 each for those 13 and over. Children 12 years and younger will eat free this year, thanks to Signature Solar’s sponsorship, but they still need a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at HopkinsChamber.org or at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Tickets can also be purchased at our financial institutions which include Alliance Bank, City National Bank, First National Bank of East Texas, Guaranty Bank and Trust, Pilgrim Bank, Red River Credit Union, and Texas Heritage National Bank T-shirts are now available at the Chamber office for just $25 in adult sizes S-XXL. We will also be getting in other merchandise as the Oct. 28 stew date draws closer. The 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, has been able to keep its costs down because of our generous businesses in the community, and the cost just got even cheaper for some families. Signature Solar and the Chamber announced that children 12 and under will eat free at the festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, due to Signature Solar’s generous sponsorship. Children will still need tickets, which can be obtained either online or via paper tickets. One Church announced last week that they will sponsor the Fun Zone, which includes Gellyball, bounce houses and kids’ games. That means free fun for children, thanks to One Church’s generous sponsorship!
City National Bank will be sponsoring the Friday night festivities, Oct. 27, which will include our appetizer contest and concert by Dubb and the Luv Machines! Thanks to all of our sponsors who make the stew festival affordable for families in Hopkins County. Follow the Chamber’s Instagram and Facebook accounts for spotlights on our sponsors and updates on the stew festival.
Main Street Uncorked
Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival comes to downtown on Oct. 14, from 1-7 p.m. Enjoy wine from some of the best Texas wineries, shop local vendors and enjoy talented musical artists. Jeb Brooks Band will perform from 1-3 p.m., and Nevermind will be on stage from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are available at MainStreetUncorkedSS.com from $10. Tickets at the door are $15.
Fall Festival
The Fall Festival is coming in October. The Homecoming Carnival is Oct. 11-15, while the parade (from Buford Park to Brookshire’s) will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Trade and vendor booths, a kids’ zone, creative art contest and craft show will all be conducted Friday, Oct. 27 to Saturday, Oct. 28. Ribeye Roundup Bet your appetites ready for the NetBio Cattleman’s Classic Ribeye Roundup, back on Celebration Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 7. The steak dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., with a concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at Texas Heritage National Bank. VIP tickets are $100 each.
Homecoming Parade
The Dial Study Club Homecoming Parade, presented by Triple Crown Roofing, will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. All SSISD student organizations and sports teams are encouraged to join. If your business would like to sponsor, contact any Dial member or call 903-243-4138.
Ribbon Cutting
Studio 9 Hair Designs will host a ribbon cutting at their new location, 416 Hillcrest Drive South, at noon Wednesday, Oct. 4. Please join us for their event.
