Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group Holds Easter Themed Meeting
April 17, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Breast Cancer Support Group had its monthly meeting Monday, April 14. The group enjoyed Easter treats prepared by Carolyn McKinney as they listened to Father Justin Wylie, Director of Pastoral Care at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, speak on survivor’s guilt.
Father Wylie gave a presentation that was both lighthearted and sincere. He shared about the importance of gratitude and how to turn crisis into catharsis. Attendees appreciated the o;ering of his time and perspective. Afterwards, the group got to know its newest visitors and caught up with familiar faces.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or any gynecologic cancer is welcome to attend. Don’t hesitate to bring a loved one while getting to know the group. Attendees are encouraged to participate however is most comfortable for them. Each meeting presents an opportunity to share a personal cancer story, take part in group discussions, and brainstorm ways to reach out to those who are homebound or newly diagnosed.
Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Medical Plaza Conference Room, 113 Airport Rd. This is the free-standing building on the southeast corner of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. The conference room is the first door on the left. The next meeting is set for May 12. Please help spread the word by sharing the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s posts on Facebook and Instagram (@hchealthcarefoundation).
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has served Hopkins County for 28 years. A local board of directors governs it.
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Chamber Connection – April 17, 2025
By Butch Burney
You don’t want to miss the next Coffee and Conversation, an after-hours business mixer, hosted by One Church on Thursday May 1, from 8-9 a.m. There will be great coffee, awesome connections, and a wonderful community!
Call the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce for any questions 903-885-6515.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend the mixer.
Blue Blazes Carnival
The SSHS Blue Blazes will have a spring carnival at Buford Park from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.
Rowdy Goose Parties and More will be there with inflatables and mini golf as well as a silent auction, vendors, food trucks and more.
Window Decorating Contest
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival is hosting a Window Decorating Contest during the month of May. Businesses can decorate between May 1 and May25, but must register before the decorating window closes. Judging will be May 26-30, with winners announced on May 31.
The theme for this year is Udder the Big Top (carnival theme).
For more information, contact Gena Prickette at 903-243-4534 or [email protected]
Claws for a Cause
Rotary Club’s annual crawfish boil is set for Celebration Plaza, Saturday, April 26. Service and live entertainment starts at 5 p.m. Click on the Clause for a Cause Facebook page for ticket links.
City Clean Up
The City of Sulphur Springs will open its dump facility the week of April 28-May 3 for the annual city wide clean up. The facility is ½ mile east of the traffic stop at Jefferson Street and Loop 301. Residents need a valid driver’s license or water bill to verify they live in the city limits.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab will host an Easter Egg Hunt for all interested children at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at their facility on Airport Road.
UPRA Spring Rodeo
The Hopkins County Rodeo Association is hosting the 45th UPRA Spring Rodeo on April 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Doors open at 6 p.m., events begin at 7:30. Easter egg hunt and a bicycle give away on Saturday, the 19th. Tickets for adults are $12 (buy advance tickets for $10 at Circle E Western Store), kids 6-12 are $5 and kids under 5 are free.
What Helps Me
The Senior Citizens Center is hosting What Helps Me: A Parkinson’s Discussion on Monday April 21, at 11 a.m. at 301 Oak Ave. Call 903-439-3720 for more information.
Coffee With CASA
Join the Credit Union of Texas for Coffee with CASA from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, at the CUTX office at 200 Main Street. You can learn more about Lake Country CASA’s mission to help children in the community and how you can become involved.
Ribbon Cuttings
Money Law and Title will have a ribbon cutting at their office at 106 College Street. Please join us for this event.
Caution Ahead: TxDOT Calls for Safe Driving in Work Zones
April 17, 2025 – Work Zone Awareness Week is April 21-25
AUSTIN – When working on the side of the road you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and driving through work zones requires the same amount of caution.
Family’s tragic loss
College student Katrina Bond slowed down for traffic in a work zone on I-35 near Fort Worth when the driver of a heavy pickup truck, who admitted he had just received a text, slammed into her car. The force of the collision pushed Katrina’s car into the path of another truck. She never made it home.
“People think this kind of tragedy won’t happen to them. I didn’t think it would happen to me,” Katrina’s mom, Kathy Bond, said. “I try to show Katrina’s picture and tell her story to as many drivers as I can. I ask them to please put all their focus on the road when they’re behind the wheel.”
Work Zone Awareness Week
In 2024, there were nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones. Those crashes caused 215 deaths, a 12% increase in fatalities over the previous year. Most of the people killed in work zone crashes are drivers or their passengers.
As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21–25, TxDOT is using its Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign to promote work zone safety and help prevent these crashes and fatalities.
“Our brave and dedicated road crews work year-round across the state, and we need drivers to stay alert in work zones to help keep them and each other safe,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Work zones can mean changing and unexpected conditions as crews work on the roadway. That’s why it’s vital that all Texans plan, avoid distractions and never rush through a work zone.”
Safety tips
TxDOT reminds drivers that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and offers these tips for preventing crashes:
- Slow down. Follow the speed limit and pay attention to road conditions. What’s safe in normal conditions may not be safe in a work zone.
- Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and put your phone away.
- Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers want to get home safely too. Always follow their instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.
- Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash.
- Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Plan so you aren’t tempted to speed.
TxDOT also urges motorists to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law, which requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching TxDOT, emergency, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated.
The Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of February 10, 2025. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.
Dinner Bell for April 23, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: City National Bank, Sulphur Springs
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
The City National Bank of Sulphur Springs was chartered in 1889 making it the oldest banking institution in Hopkins County. As of June 2024 it has grown to 241 employees at 17 locations. It is the 75th largest bank in the State of Texas.
In March of 1889 the lot on the square and Connally Street was purchased for $3,350.00, and the two-story building, which housed the bank until 1968, was opened for business in June 1889. The original vault door is still in use today and is in perfect working order.
1993 saw growth in the bank outside Hopkins County with the opening of a branch in Winnsboro. The South Town Branch was opened in 1998 by acquiring First National Bank; and, a separate Mortgage Branch was opened in 2000. With acquisitions and openings the bank has a strong presence in the Northeast Texas Counties of Hopkins, Franklin, Rains, Van Zandt and Wood.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry has been blessed with a Partnership with City National Bank since June 8, 2016. For a number of years the bank has supplied financial support and personnel to serve meals on a quarterly basis.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Salads—Salads—and MORE—Salads
- Our famous Chicken, Tuna and Pimento Salads
- Green Beans Sauced with Citrus Infused Sour Cream
- Bread Stix
- Texas Sheet Cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
School Vouchers Huge Step Closer to Realty for Texas Families
April 17, 2025 – In a historic shift, the Texas House passed a major school choice bill on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first time such legislation has cleared the chamber. After years of resistance, House lawmakers voted 85–63, mostly along party lines, to advance a school choice program championed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and the Texas GOP. The vote followed hours of contentious debate that stretched past 2 a.m., with Democrats introducing numerous amendments aimed at weakening the bill—none of which passed.
The legislation would create Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), allowing families to access up to $10,000 in public funds for private school tuition, homeschooling costs, and other educational expenses. The bill now heads back to the Senate, which can either approve the House’s changes or send it to a conference committee for further negotiation.
Gov. Abbott has made school choice a key priority, especially after last year’s Republican primaries, where he helped unseat GOP incumbents who opposed similar efforts. Prior to the vote, House Republicans met privately and received a phone call from former President Donald Trump, who encouraged unity behind the measure.
Only two Republicans—Rep. Gary Vandeaver and former Speaker Dade Phelan—broke ranks to vote against the bill. Abbott has vowed to sign it into law.
Texas House Passes Year Round Daylight Saving Time Bill
April 16, 2025 – This month, Texas House Bill 1393 (HB 1393), which proposes observing daylight saving time year-round, has passed the Texas House of Representatives. The bill was placed on the General State Calendar on April 15, 2025, and subsequently passed the House on April 16, 2025.
However, HB 1393 has not yet become law. For it to take effect, the bill must pass the Texas Senate and be signed by the Governor. Additionally, its implementation is contingent upon federal legislation. Under current federal law, states may opt to observe standard time year-round but cannot adopt daylight saving time year-round without congressional approval. Therefore, even if HB 1393 is enacted at the state level, it would only take effect if the U.S. Congress passes legislation permitting states to observe daylight saving time year-round.
The debate over permanent daylight saving time continues both in Texas and at the federal level. While some lawmakers advocate for year-round daylight saving time, others support maintaining standard time throughout the year. Public opinion remains divided on the issue, and any change would require both state and federal action.
Texas School Voucher Bill Set for Vote Today
April 16, 2025 – As of Wednesday morning, the Texas House is set to vote on a significant school voucher proposal, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s education policy debate. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 2, seeks to establish a $1 billion Education Savings Account (ESA) program. This initiative would allow families to use public funds for private school tuition and related educational expenses, providing participants with approximately $10,000 annually. The bill prioritizes low-income families and students with disabilities, capping the program’s spending for its first two years.
Governor Greg Abbott has championed this initiative, making school vouchers a top legislative priority. Following the 2023 session, where a similar proposal failed in the House, Abbott actively supported pro-voucher candidates, leading to a shift in the House’s composition. Currently, 76 Republican members back the bill, just enough to pass it in the 150-member chamber.
Despite the momentum, House Democrats are employing strategic measures to influence the legislative process. Over 50 Democrats have pledged to block all constitutional amendments unless the voucher proposal is put to a statewide vote in November. This tactic could stall other legislative priorities, as constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass.
The outcome of today’s vote will determine whether the voucher program advances to a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. The decision holds significant implications for the future of public education funding and school choice in Texas.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities
April 16, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities
Attorney General Ken Paxton is expanding his investigation into EPIC City, which is affiliated with East Plano Islamic Center (“EPIC”), by demanding documents from local city officials potentially tied to the real estate development.
Records requests have been sent to city leaders in Plano, Richardson, and Wylie following Yasir Qadhi, an individual involved with EPIC City, claiming to have support from local officials. The development is being investigated due to potential violations of Texas state law. Additionally, a records request was sent to Josephine, Texas city officials.
The public records requests aim to acquire communications between city leaders and officials for EPIC, EPIC City, and Community Capital Partners, LP, as well as additional information related to the development. Attorney General Paxton previously issued a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) as part of the ongoing investigation.
“If any local official is supporting or communicating with a real estate development that is under investigation for potential violations of state law, then it’s imperative that we are made aware of exactly what’s being communicated,” said Attorney General Paxton. “We will thoroughly review these documents as part of our ongoing investigation into EPIC City and work to hold accountable anyone who breaks Texas law.”
High Speed Rail Project Plows Ahead
April 16, 2025 – Despite the federal government’s recent withdrawal of a $64 million planning grant for the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, North Texas transportation leaders remain committed to advancing the project. Michael Morris, transportation director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, emphasized that regional leaders are continuing with the environmental study for the proposed Fort Worth-to-Dallas segment and are eager to collaborate with Texas Central’s new leadership on the Dallas-to-Houston line .
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, terminated the grant, asserting that the project, initially proposed as a private venture, should not rely on taxpayer funds for planning . In response, Kleinheinz Capital Partners, a Fort Worth-based investment firm, has taken the lead in backing the project, signaling continued private sector interest .
The proposed 240-mile high-speed rail line aims to connect Dallas and Houston in approximately 90 minutes, utilizing technology based on Japan’s N700S Series Shinkansen . While the project faces challenges, including land acquisition and funding, North Texas leaders’ determination to proceed underscores their belief in the potential benefits of high-speed rail for the region.
Easter Weekend Weather Outlook
April 16, 2025 – The Easter weekend forecast for Hopkins County, Texas, including Sulphur Springs, indicates a mix of weather conditions.
Saturday, April 19: Expect a breezy and humid day with clouds giving way to some sunshine. High temperatures are anticipated to reach around 83°F (28°C), with a low of 68°F (20°C) .
Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday): The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80°F (27°C). There is a significant chance of strong afternoon thunderstorms, which could bring damaging winds, large hail, and even the possibility of a tornado .
Monday, April 21: Conditions are expected to improve, with less humidity and increasing sunshine. Highs will be around 80°F (27°C), and lows near 58°F (14°C) .
Everyone should stay informed about the latest weather updates, especially on Sunday, and be prepared for potential severe weather conditions.
