Chamber Connection – September 3, 2025
By Butch Burney
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with two other entities to bring you a free Leadership Seminar as part of our extended Lunch and Learn series.
The seminar, to be held at the Sulphur Springs Country Club from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, will feature George Manning, Professor of Psychology and Business at Northern Kentucky University, who brings decades of expertise as an acclaimed author, consultant, and public speaker on leadership, workplace dynamics, and human behavior.
The workshop is funded by a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant, so there is no charge for the training materials or lunch.
To register, click on the link on our Facebook or Instagram post or call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Business executives, managers, and emerging leaders will all benefit from the program.
56th Annual Stew Contest
We are looking forward to a fantastic 56th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest, with title sponsor Alliance Bank, on Oct. 25, and it’s time for stew cooks to start registering.
Registration for last year’s cooks has been sent, and new and returning cooks can also register online at HopkinsChamber.org.
We are keeping the registration fee the same as in past years at $100 per stew site, with the sponsor asked to provide $150 to each cooking team for ingredients.
If you have been a Stew Cook in the past, we look forward to seeing you again and tasting your delicious stew. If you have won the contest in the past, you are eligible to enter the Super Stew competition.
Each returning stew team will have the option of keeping their 2024 site. These sites will be reserved until Friday, September 26, and then on Monday, September 29, the “unclaimed” stew sites will be open to “new cooks” and to returning cooks who would like a new site location. After Sept. 26, all sites will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. As in 2024, we will have sites open on both the north and the south side of Connally Street, where we will have a serving tent and market vendors.
Join us for the biggest event in Hopkins County!
Stew Tickets
Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to keep tickets prices for the Stew Contest on Oct. 25 the same as the last several years — $8 for adults and teenagers, and free for all children 12 years and under!
Tickets are on sale at the Chamber office, all of our local lending institutions, and online at HopkinsChamber.org.
Signature Solar is providing the Kids Eat Free sponsorship, so thanks to them for being such a great community partner.
Window Decorating Contest
The Chamber is hosting a window decorating contest for the Stew Festival. There is no charge to enter, just let us know that your business is competing so it can be judged.
The theme for the Stew Contest this year is the Wizard of Oz and There’s No Place Like Hopkins County. The contest begins on Sept. 15 and windows will be judged on Oct. 15.
If you’d like to take part in this fun contest, call us at 903-885-6515 or email us at [email protected].
The winner of the contest will get, among other things, the opportunity to ring the dinner bell on stage at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, to signal the start of the stew service!
Coffee and Conversation
Join us for our main networking monthly event when Gary’s Termite and Pest Control hosts our Coffee and Conversation on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Chamber office, 110 Main Street.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is free to everyone, and a prime time to make friends and contacts.
Please make plans to attend to enjoy some cocktails, snacks and great conversation.
Ribbon Cutting
Hopkins County United Way will host a ribbon cutting on the downtown Plaza at noon on Friday, Sept. 12. Please join us for this event.
Texas Shrimping Industry Under Siege — New Law Aims to Shore It Up
September 4, 2025 – Texas’s once-thriving shrimping industry is facing collapse, largely due to a flood of cheaper imported shrimp. Once accounting for 50% of the U.S. supply in the 1990s, Texas now contributes just around 4%, with the number of licensed shrimpers plummeting 60% over the past 25 years to fewer than 1,000 active vessels. Many shrimpers receive as little as $1 per pound, despite retail prices reaching $10–12, undercutting their livelihoods and threatening a generational way of life.
To combat this, the state passed Senate Bill 823, which takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring wholesalers, distributors, and restaurants to clearly label shrimp as imported when they are not from Texas. The law also bans the misrepresentation of imported shrimp as “Texas,” “Gulf,” “American,” or “Domestic.” State and local health authorities are empowered to enforce these rules with administrative penalties.
Shrimping advocates herald this legislation as a vital first step. Industry stakeholders hope that transparent labeling will help level the playing field and reconnect consumers with authentic Texas shrimp. While it’s an important move, many say deeper reforms and federal support may be needed to sustain the industry for future generations.
ERCOT Can Now Cut Power to Data Centers
August 3, 2025 – A new Texas law, Senate Bill 6, took effect Monday, giving the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) expanded authority to protect the state’s power grid during high-demand emergencies. The measure specifically targets large-scale electricity users—such as cryptocurrency mining operations, data centers, and heavy industrial plants—that consume at least 75 megawatts (MW) of power, roughly equal to the demand of 19,000 homes.
Under the law, these major users must be “curtailment-ready” as a condition of connecting to the Texas grid. That means ERCOT can order them to temporarily shut down operations or switch to backup power sources when extreme heat, cold, or other demand surges threaten grid reliability. The move comes after years of concern about crypto mining and other energy-intensive industries adding stress to a grid already strained during peak weather events.
The new rules apply to any large loads connecting to the grid after Dec. 31, 2025. Existing facilities are exempt, as are critical services such as hospitals and natural gas infrastructure.
Supporters say the law strikes a balance by allowing businesses to operate while ensuring they do not compromise grid stability for millions of Texans. By requiring backup systems or shutdown capabilities, the state hopes to avoid rolling blackouts like those seen in February 2021. Industry operators, however, have raised concerns about costs and potential disruptions to business models.
Move Over for Animal Control Vehicles
August 3, 2025 – Starting September 1, 2025, Texas drivers will need to adjust their habits behind the wheel as the state’s “Move Over, Slow Down” law expands to include animal control vehicles and officers. The law, originally enacted in 2003, was designed to protect emergency responders by requiring drivers to either change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching certain stopped vehicles with flashing lights, such as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and TxDOT vehicles.
Now, animal control officers—who often work roadside responding to loose, injured, or aggressive animals—will be afforded the same protection. Supporters of the expansion say the measure was overdue, given the risks these officers face when performing duties near highways and busy streets. Stopping to assist an animal can put them in close proximity to fast-moving traffic, creating dangerous situations.
Under the law, drivers must move at least one lane away from stopped animal control vehicles displaying flashing lights, or if that isn’t possible, reduce speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted limit. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $200, or as high as $500 if property damage occurs. Violations causing injury can lead to Class B misdemeanor charges.
Paxton Wants Prayer Back in Public School
August 3, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging Texas schools to take immediate steps toward reinstating prayer in the classroom, following the passage of Senate Bill 11, which officially went into effect on September 1, 2025. The new law authorizes school boards to adopt policies creating designated time for voluntary prayer and the reading of scripture in public schools.
In a public statement, Paxton emphasized the importance of faith in education and society, declaring, “In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up.” He argued that the spiritual and moral foundation of America is rooted in biblical principles and warned against what he described as attempts by the political left to erase those values.
Senate Bill 11 requires each independent school district’s board of trustees to hold a recorded vote on adopting prayer or scripture-reading policies within six months of the law’s enactment. Participation by students will remain voluntary and subject to parental consent, ensuring compliance with existing protections of religious freedom and individual choice.
The bill further directs the Office of the Attorney General to provide legal defense for any district or charter school that adopts such policies. Paxton also has authority to recommend best practices for implementation. As part of his guidance, Paxton encouraged Texas students to begin these moments of prayer with the Lord’s Prayer, a cornerstone of Christian teaching, while reminding communities that the opportunity is open for voluntary reflection according to individual faith traditions.
It was Cloudy, But no Chance of Meatballs for the 2025 Wildcats Homecoming Parade
September 3, 2025 – Even a few clouds couldn’t stand in the way for the 2025 DIAL Study Club triple cloud roofing Sulphur Springs Wildcats Homecoming Parade! This year’s Wildcats Homecoming game will be played September 5th, 2025, against Greenville. KSST will broadcast the game, live on 1230AM, and will stream the game on our YouTube channel as well. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this exciting parade which marched through Sulphur Springs, Texas, September 2nd, 2025. . KSST’s James Terry provided commentary for the thrilling parade.
First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs Announces Opportunities for Local Youth
September 2, 2025 – First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, is announcing opportunities for local youth to engage in fellowship and give back to the community. The Youth Group, Club 345, Cross Fire Kids, designed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, will meet select Sundays at 2:00pm. The next meeting is September 21st, 2025.
Also, the Cross Fire Kids of First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will help out in the community with their project, “Mission Possible: kids” … These projects will give kids experience with hands-on community-based projects that expose children to various needs. This group meets select Sundays at 2:00pm. The next opportunity is September 14th, 2025.
Foundation’s Free Mammography Clinic Now Taking Appointments
September 2, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Scheduling for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s free mammography clinic has just begun. Uninsured Hopkins County women age 40
and older may call (903) 438-4325 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment.
The clinic is in its 6th year and spots fill faster each time. Appointments for 75 women to schedule are open now until all are claimed. Screenings will take place in October, the month of Breast Cancer Awareness, and will be conducted locally in the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center in CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
The Women’s Center is equipped with up-to-date technology, 3D imaging, and kind staff to ensure a comfortable experience. It is located next to the Johnnie Masters Gift Shop.
This free clinic was made possible by every sponsor, volunteer, player, and person who directly contributed to the cause during Designer Handbag Bingo, one of the Foundation’s biggest fundraising events.
The Foundation funds free clinics, educational resources, and programs for the community as well as equipment, construction, and programs for the local hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs, and the governmental agency Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. All money raised is used to benefit healthcare in Hopkins County. For more information, contact the Foundation at (903) 438-4799 or
[email protected].
The Foundation’s free mammography clinic is providing 75 screenings free to uninsured
Hopkins County women age 40 and up. Call (903) 438-4325 to schedule. Melissa
Hastings, Stefanie Walton, and Carol Stillwagoner are there to ensure a comfortable
experience.
What’s New Under SB 541: “Texas Food Freedom Act” Broader Food Categories Allowed
September 2, 2025 – Texas is shifting from a limited permission-based model to an exclusion-based model. Starting September 1, cottage food operators may sell almost any food produced at home, except:
- Meat or poultry products (though eggs are allowed)
- Seafood
- Ice or frozen desserts (like ice cream or popsicles)
- Low-acid canned goods
- CBD or THC-containing items
- Raw milk and related products
This opens the door to items previously excluded—like cheesecakes, cream pies, banana pudding, vegetarian casseroles, cut fruits/vegetables, and other refrigerated or hot prepared foods.
Higher Sales Limit & Inflation Adjustment
The revenue cap for cottage food sales leaps from $50,000 to $150,000 per year, and will be indexed for inflation going forward.
Sales Through Third-Party Vendors Now Allowed
Ahead of SB 541, cottage operations could only sell directly to consumers. Now, non-TCS (non-refrigerated) foods may also be sold via “cottage food vendors”—such as local farmers markets, cafes, restaurants, or retail stores. The vendor—not the producer—must register with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and display a notice:
“THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENTAL LICENSING OR INSPECTION.”
New Requirements for TCS (Refrigerated) Foods
Foods needing refrigeration—called Time and Temperature Control for Safety (TCS)—are now permitted direct-to-consumer, but with extra safety rules:
- Producers must register with DSHS
- Labels must include the production date
- Labels or receipts must contain, in at least 12-point font:
- “SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria, keep this food refrigerated or frozen until the food is prepared for consumption.”
- Proper storage and delivery temperatures must be maintained.
More Flexible Labeling Options
Home address no longer needs to appear on the label—DSHS will issue a unique ID number that can be used instead. Labels must also include a statement noting that the product comes from a private residence not subject to inspection.
No Local Licensing or Permit Fees Allowed
SB 541 explicitly prohibits local governments—including health authorities—from requiring permits, licenses, or fees from cottage food producers or vendors. Officials attempting to impose such requirements may be disciplined.
Books was the Topic on This Episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
September 1, 2025 – On this episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with author Sharon Feldt. John Mark and Sharon chatted about the books, Go As A River by Shelley Read, and Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The two discuss these books in detail, and also share some facts about the authors. They also share the information that both of these books are being considered to be made into movies. Learn about these books and their authors, and much more, on this segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee.
