Chamber Connection – Dec. 28: Award Nominations, Business Ads For Directory Are Still Being Accepted
By Butch Burney, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
The annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Banquet will be here in about seven weeks, and that means award time!
It is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
CHRISTUS Announces New Year’s Clinic Hours
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Happy New Year!
We at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and pray that you will be celebrating the New Year in good health. We feel fortunate to be able to extend the healing Ministry of Jesus Christ through our work taking care of our wonderful community. From our family to yours, Happy New Year!
New Gastroenterology Physician
CHRISTUS proudly announces the addition of Umair Sohail, M.D., to our Gastroenterology team in Sulphur Springs. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity medicine.
Dr. Sohail will be seeing patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic located at 107 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sohail, please ask your provider for a referral.
New Year’s Holiday Clinic Hours
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care in Sulphur Springs will be closed on Friday, December 30, New Year’s Eve, December 31, and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2023. However, the Urgent Care clinic will resume regular hours on January 2, 2023.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary care and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic specialty clinics will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023.
For non-emergencies, CHRISTUS Virtual Care on Demand is an available option. It is a service available to patients over the age of five and providers are available 7 a.m.-11 p.m. every day and on holidays. To schedule CHRISTUS On Demand Care visit christushealth.org/virtual-medicine or go to your MyCHRISTUS account (formerly known as “MyChart”) and click on virtual visit or On Demand Care.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Firefighters Battle Jonas Street Blaze Christmas Day
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County firefighters battled a Jonas Street blaze Christmas Day. No one was injured in the fire, but the attic and roof of the home were damaged. Aside from the area of origin, most of the contents in the living area of the home were untouched by the fire, but the structure did sustain smoke and water damage.
Sulphur Springs firefighters were dispatched at 11:35 a.m. Dec. 25, 2022 to the Jonas Street house fire. Hopkins County firefighters responded with mutual aid and, after arriving at 11:40 a.m. and assessing the situation, off-duty firefighters from another shift at SSFD were called in to assist as well. Firefighters had the fire out by 1:02 p.m. but remained on scene until 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, making sure there were no remaining smoldering embers in the walls or other parts of the structure which could easily rekindle, according to fire reports.
Sulphur Springs Assistant Fire Marshal Aaron Kager said the fire is accidental in nature.
The female resident had reportedly been cooking on the stove on Christmas Day and left for a short time, while her husband remained at home. The woman believed she’d turned the burner off. A pan on the burner on the kitchen stove caught on fire, spread through the vent hood above the stove into the attic, then continued burning across the entirety of the attic. The house began filling with smoke. The husband discovered a pan on fire on the stove and attempted to move it and extinguish the fire in the sink. Unfortunately, the fire had already spread into the attic, far beyond what one person could extinguish, fire officials reported.
The male resident was able to get out of the house without injury. Emergency services were called to he Jonas Street blaze. The woman arrived home. Although the attic and roof were destroyed, and there was smoke and water damage from the firefight throughout the home, firefighters said most of the contents of the living quarters below were untouched by the fire itself. The residents were even able to get some of their Christmas presents out. The couple reportedly relocated to a local hotel at least temporarily until other arrangements could be made.
Tuesday Following Christmas Brings Three Teams in Action
Tuesday, Dec. 27 is another busy one, as three teams play in contents. First up is Lady Cats soccer, playing in Gainesville.
Coach Brena and her squad are looking to build upon their impressive outing in their home invitational tournament, where Sulphur Springs took home the gold.
The Lady Cats outscored their four opponents in the home scrimmage tournament by a combined margin of 15-1.
They look to keep the good times rolling on Tuesday, Dec. 27 when they travel just shy of the Red River to take on Gainesville. That game kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 12:30 P.M.
On Friday Lady Cats soccer returns home to host Henderson at 7:15 P.M. That game at Gerald Prim Stadium later this week is the regular season opener for women’s soccer.
Wildcat soccer also plays in Gainesville on Tuesday, playing later this evening at 7:15 P.M.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team look to get back in the win column after a couple of close losses to very talented teams.
Sulphur Springs is 2-4 heading into their final scrimmage game of the preseason.
They look to end the preseason on the right foot as they head to Gainesville for their final pre-season scrimmage. That game kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7:15 P.M.
Just like the Lady Cats, men’s soccer returns home Friday, hosting Kaufman at 7:15 P.M. And again just like women’s soccer, that game at the Prim is the regular season opener.
While not the last team in action on Tuesday, Dec. 27, men’s basketball has a busy few days ahead of them as they participate in Allen’s In-n-Out Holiday Invitational.
Their tournament following Christmas is played in Allen, in the DFW metroplex, but spans across three campuses: Allen HS, Lowery Freshman Center, and Ereckson MS.
Coach Brandon Shaver and his team play one game on Tuesday, with two more to come on Wednesday.
Sulphur Springs plays Tyler Legacy in their tournament opener on Tuesday, Dec. 27.
The Wildcats are 15-4 heading to the DFW metroplex, coming off a solid showing at home versus Bullard. Men’s basketball hit 14 shots from downtown as Wildcat basketball won handedly 76-59.
They hope for similar results on Tuesday, Dec. 27 when they take on Tyler Legacy at Allen HS at 6:30 P.M.
That game takes place in the Auxiliary Gym found within the high school.
If Sulphur Springs wins Tuesday night, they play Wednesday morning (Dec. 28) again in the Auxiliary Gym at 11 A.M. If Coach Shaver’s squad falls Tuesday night, they then would play at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, but at Lowery Freshman Center.
The silver bracket (which Sulphur Springs plays in) can be found here.
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.
Jefferson Street Traffic Stop Nets Marijuana, Pills, Arrest
A Jefferson Street traffic stop netted marijuana, pills and one arrest, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro saw a Chevrolet Colorado pass and turned on his lights to stop it for a traffic violation at 11:27 a.m. Dec. 26, 2022. As he turned around, he reported seeing a bag with what appeared to be marijuana fall in the middle of Jefferson Street.
Upon contact, the male driver claimed not to know anything about the bag in question. The passenger denied knowledge and ownership of the suspected substance as well, Castro noted in arrest reports.
SSPD Officer Sean Hoffman arrived, was advised of the bag and asked to go retrieve it. He did; it contained suspected marijuana and another bag of pills later identified as oxycodone, Castro alleged in arrest reports.
A records check showed the passenger, 43-year-old Angela Marie Childs of Sulphur Springs, to have an outstanding warrant for expired registration. She was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle yielded an open container, according to reports. Because the driver had a medical condition, officers opted to file charges on him at large, according to arrest reports.
Childs was transported to jail, where she was booked in on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge as well as the Class C warrant, according to arrest and jail reports. She remained in the county jail Tuesday morning, Dec. 27, 2022, according to Hopkins County jail records.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — Dec. 19-25, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Dec. 19-25, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Tammy Crow, 56 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Dec. 20, 2022, on two Wood County Warrants for Stalking and Harassment. (She was released from jail Dec. 24, 2022. Bond was set at $30,000 on the stalking charge and $5,00 on the harassment charge, according to Wood County jail records, available at mywoodcounty.com)
- David Soto, 47 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Dec. 21, 2022, on a Wood County Warrant for Aggravated Assault Family Violence with Deadly Weapon. (Soto, who is also known by David Soto Barron, David Barron Soto and David Rios Baskes was released from Wood County jail on Dec. 22, 2022. Bond on the charge was set at $75,000, according to Wood County jail records, available at mywoodcounty.com)
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 123 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 9 citations and 23 warnings during this reporting period.
Johanna Hicks To Retire As Extension Agent
December 26, 2022 – When Hopkins County Commissioners Court convened for what is the last scheduled meeting of 2022, County Judge Robert Newsom announced what he called a bit of sad news: it would be Johanna Hicks’ last regular Extension activity report during Commissioners Court. Hicks plans to retire at the end of January as Hopkins County’s Family and Community Health Extension Agent.
Hicks has dedicated 27 years of service to educating families and community members about consumer science, health and wellness topics. She has filled the role since Janie Crump’s retirement in 2001 as the home economics Extension Agent for Hopkins County.
Hicks also has aided with 4-H topics, served on a number of community planning, educational and service boards. She has earned recognition from her peers at the state level regularly and has even received national honors for several educational projects she’s created, facilitated, tweaked and led during her career.
Her passion, of course, has been diabetes education, due to her son’s diagnosis with diabetes at a very young age. She has offered the 5- lesson “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” course to help people with Type 2 diabetes better manage the disease with dietary and self-care management, increased physical activity and evidence-based interventions. She too offers the four-lesson “Cooking Well With Diabetes” course, a program that offers practical dietary and self-care management focusing on healthy cooking alternatives. She partnered with a diabetes educator and pharmacist to speak during certain sessions of these programs. Three others attended the course in support of a loved one with diabetes. Over the past year along, she consulted with six individuals on a one-on-one basis regarding diabetes and chronic disease management, participated in the National Diabetes Awareness Month Exhibit and provides regular information about the topic in her weekly columns, distributed by KSST and other media sources. Walk Across Texas was implemented throughout hte year as a way to encourage physical activity. Hicks estimates that the programs had a $261,242 economic impact for Hopkins County — a great savings in health, time and medical expenses.
She also trains Master Wellness Volunteers, who provide valuable community service throughout Hopkins County, especially for Extension-related functions; this year, three new individuals completed the MWV training, which requires a 40 hour volunteer commitment upon completion of training the first year and 10 hours each subsequent year. They contributed 1,431.5 hours of volunteer work in 2022, reaching 7,365 individuals. She estimates the volunteer hours would have a value of $27,200.
The MWVs and Community Health/Wellness Alliance identified a need to continue addressing childhood nutrition, physical activity and wellbeing. In the past, they’ve partnered with Sulphur Springs ISD to highlight some of these topics during summer day camp programs. Over the past summer, the partnership extended to Cumby ISD. where a summer day camp for youth in grades 1-5. This included partnership with numerous area, state and local organizations and agencies. Overall, 285 students and 25 adults participated in the summer programs
Additional programs with wide reaching activities she’s been involved with over the past year have included Better Living For Texans/family nutrition outreach programming, youth family and community health outreach topics, general family and community health programs, hosting Twogether in Texas marriage education workshops, partnering with other area Extension Agents and MWV to host the annual Christmas program each November, hosting a 3-day sewing workshop in the summer.
Hicks has served on school health advisory councils, Community Resource Coordination group, Community Chest Board, Eclipse 2024 Committee, Chamber of Commerce, School CTE Advisory Committees, been involved with planning and events at local fairs, the annual 55+ health fair, promotes 4-H enrollment and hosted workshops and events for the youth development program.
During Thursday’s Commissioners Court meeting, Hicks said it has been a pure pleasure to serve as a county Extension Agent.
“Thank you for your service to Hopkins County. I do not think anyone an take your place,” Newsom said, noting that the process of seeking a new agent will soon be under way, however. “I tell people we have the best Extension Office and staff in Hopkins County.”
Steve Hudson concurred. He said previously while camping, he encountered individuals from out-of-the county. They asked him if he knew Johanna Hicks, and noted that Hicks is one of the best in the state. So, Hudson noted, she is very well thought of by her peers, and represents Hopkins County very well. Hudson said he’s known Johanna since she was Johanna Easdon, before she and Jay Hicks were married.
“You’ll always be my second favorite Extension Agent. My mom is first, of course. She would be proud of you,” said Tanner Crump, the late Janie Crump’s son.
Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, said he has enjoyed working with and getting to known Hicks, and appreciates her very much.
A come and go retirement reception is planned Friday, Jan. 27, 2022, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston St. in Sulphur Springs.
Annual 55+ Health Fair Planned April 11, 2023 At The ROC
Those age 55 and older will want to be sure to mark April 11 on their calendars. That’s the day the annual 55+ Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at First Baptist Church Sulphur Springs’ Recreational Outreach Center (The ROC), 115 Putman St.
This will follow the same format as in the past, with Hopkins County marketers getting together to host a health fair. Altogether, about 50 vendors provide tons of information about health related topics.
Among the free health screenings offered will be blood pressure and blood sugar checks. Individuals can learn about hospice, home health, pre-need counseling, durable medical equipment, deaf and hearing equipment, assisted living, Medicare and Medicaid, physical therapy and insurance information and related topics.
And to sweeten the day, each vendor is asked to bring a $25 door prize to be given away as a door prize during the health fair. Those who will be providing bags for seniors to put the goodies and information they receive in are asked to bring them on April 11 and place them on the table in the foyer for senior citizens to grab.
Tables are free for vendors, but those planning to set up a table or booth are asked to contact Karon Weatherman at 903-243-3255 to reserve their space. All provided tables will be round, unless the marketer provides one of their own; those planning to do so are asked to let the coordinator know that as well. If an electrical outlet will be needed, that too should be relayed to the coordinator, so the table can be located next to a wall outlet.
Do Garden Vegetable Seeds Expire?
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Seeds do expire (germination rate goes through the floor), but several factors influence “when,” and even then, that so-called expiration date is a guesstimate.
Many people mistakenly think a date written on the seed packet backside and is an expiration date. Seeds are alive and able to be stored for several years while retaining their germination viability if kept under the right conditions.
Seed storage methods are a major factor in seed life expectancy. The biggest influences are temperature and storage container. To retain viability the longest, store seeds in a refrigerator or freezer. Never, however, store tree seeds in a freezer. The seed paper packets are fine in a refrigerator, but packets should be put is a sealed contained (plastic bag or closed jar) if not refrigerated. Closed jars prevent insect, bird, or animal destruction.
Without regard to refrigeration and/or sealant, there are some generalized germination expiration dates. Seeds lasting one year include onions, parsley, spinach and parsnips, while peas, corn, okra, chives, and beans should be good for two years. Rutabagas, asparagus, carrots, turnips, and leeks should last three years, while peppers, artichokes, basil, watermelons, squash, pumpkins, and chard should be good up to four years. Finally, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, beets, brassicas, eggplant, tomatoes, and muskmelons should be good up to 5 years. Again, these are estimates.
If concerned, do a germination test like you did in HS science class. Wet a paper towel, put 10 seeds on it, roll it up and keep wet (not soaking). After several days, open the towel to see your germination rate. If germination rate is low, you can still counter this. For example, if the germination rate is 50% the expected rate, plant twice as many seeds.
Before using the seeds, let the container warm to room temperature before opening.
| Seed Type | Seed Germination Expiration Dates |
|---|---|
| Onions | 1 Year |
| Parsley | 1 Year |
| Spinach | 1 Year |
| Parsnips | 1 Year |
| Peas | 2 Years |
| Okra | 2 Years |
| Chives | 2 Years |
| Beans | 2 Years |
| Rutabagas | 3 Years |
| Asparagus | 3 Years |
| Carrots | 3 Years |
| Turnips | 3 Years |
| Leeks | 3 Years |
| Peppers | 4 Years |
| Artichokes | 4 Years |
| Basil | 4 Years |
| Watermelons | 4 Years |
| Squash | 4 Years |
| Pumpkins | 4 Years |
| Chard | 4 Years |
| Lettuce | 5 Years |
| Celery | 5 Years |
| Cucumbers | 5 Years |
| Beets | 5 Years |
| Brassicas | 5 Years |
| Eggplant | 5 Years |
| Tomatoes | 5 Years |
| Muskmelons | 5 Years |
Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Dec. 26-30, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of Dec. 26-30, 2022 includes:
- MONDAY, Dec. 26 — Smothered Beef Patties, Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
- TUESDAY, Dec. 27 — Ham & Broccoli Quiche, Hashbrowns, Fruit Salad and a Biscuit
- WEDNESDAY, Dec. 28 — Beef Goolash, Baked Beans and Broccoli
- THURSDAY, Dec. 29 — King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Black Beans & Corn Salad
- FRIDAY, Dec. 30 — Rope Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, Sauerkraut and Cornbread
Meal-A-Day program coordinators noted that the Dec. 23, 2022 meal which included a special dessert of New York cheesecake and the stocking full of apples, oranges, and candy (delivered Wednesday) to program recipients who received meals at their homes were sponsored by Hopkins Energy, a solar project of Engie. The coordinators offer thanks to the business for sponsoring the Christmas dinner on Friday.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
