Commissioners Approve ETCADA MOU, Non-Consent Towing Advisory Board Appointements, Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approve an ETCADA MOU, Non-Consent Towing Advisory Board appointments, and a home-delivered meal grant program during the regular court session conducted earlier this week.
Non-Consent Towing Advisory Board
If a driver is in the vehicle, which could be an 18-wheeler down to a passenger vehicle, is unable to consent or pick their towing company during a crash or arrest, law enforcement will call for the next towing service on the list. There are currently four towing services in Hopkins County, with a rotating list for such calls as appropriate for the type of vehicle to be towed, according to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom.
A five-member advisory board oversees this. One of the board members died. The Commissioners Court was to then consider replacing that individual with Calyn Flores.
“She has asked to be on the board and I believe she’ll be good on the board,” Newsom said, when recommending Flores to fill the open seat on the board during the regular Commissioners Court meeting on Oct. 25, 2021. “We haven’t had a meeting lately so we need ot have a meeting soon.”
The Commissioners Court approved Flores, then was asked to consider reappointing Newsom, Beth Wisenbaker, Jason Cunningham and Corley Weatherford to the Non-Consent Towing Advisory Board; the board members serve two-year terms. The court approved the reappointments.
ETCADA MOU
The Commissioners Court, at the recommendation of Newsom, approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with East Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
“This is something we do every year, because they work with our people of Hopkins County in assisting them in counseling and other areas of alcoholism and drug abuse. They are a very fine organization,” Newsom said, then asked the court to consider approving the MOU with ETCADA.
ETCADA’s mission is to provide recovery support services and reduce substance use through education and intervention. We also help young adults successfully transition into adulthood by providing services to address essential needs. ETCADA utilizes LCDCs to provide screenings and assessments. Recovery coaches focus on helping those attending recovery and group meetings reach their goals. A variety of education and pervention programs are also accessible through ETCADA.
ETCADA serves a 23-county area comprised of Anderson, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood. ETCADA has locations in Longview, Tyler, Paris and Pittsburg.
Meal Grant Program
The court also re-authorized the county grant program for Texas Department of Agriculture Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program 2022.
“We were asked about 5 years ago to take over meal provider services here in Hopkins County. We were glad to do that. If you’re not familiar, we are known as Meals On Wheels commonly throughout the area. What we do is we provide a noon-time meal to seniors and disabled individuals. The meal is served by a dietitian that is diabetic friendly,” said Cara Welch, director of operations.
Meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and Tuesday, Thursday in Hopkins County. Meals are prepared in Lamar County, delivered to drivers in Sulphur Springs, who then deliver the meals to the local residents.During the last funding year, 25,000 of the 220,000 meals prepared by the Lamar County-based program went to Hopkins County residents. In addition to providing meals, the program too provides blankets and heaters in the winter and fans in the summer for those resident recipients in need of them, Welch explained. The program provides meals for Lamar, Hopkins, Delta Red River and Rains counties.
The program has continued to operate during COVID. The only change has been in eligibility requirements. All requirements except age have been eliminated, Welch noted. To receive meals, the recipient must be 60 years or older. That made obtaining additional funding to make and deliver the meals necessary.
The $10,000 we receive from Hopkins County opens us up to receive grants like the Texans Feeding Texans from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Last year, we received about $7,000 from them, which equates to about 3,000 meals. If we did not receive that, we would not have been able to provide. So, we greatly appreciate it,” Welch said.
“It’s an amazing program for our people in Hopkins County for people in Hopkins County,” Newsom said.
The Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine And Booster Now Available
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
No Excuses – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Nothing will keep us from making your breast health a priority, whether you need a mammogram, help choosing the right physician or treatment plan, from chemotherapy to radiation to surgery. We provide safe, high-quality care in our brand new, state-of-the-art Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center.
Schedule an appointment for your local 3D mammogram today by calling 903-438-4325.
Thank you for your patience
Due to COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County, please expect “longer than usual” wait times in the Emergency Department. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to provide high quality care in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older) and Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older). This includes all three brands of boosters for fully vaccinated people. Appointments not required, but parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
Missing COVID card?
Don’t worry – We manage your medical records if you had your vaccine administered at a CHRISTUS location. You may log in to your “MyChart” account to access the record. If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can call 903-885-3181 to get that setup. You will need a working email address. Or, you may contact Health Information Management. If you need medical records, please use one of the following options:
- Please call 903-439-4045 to speak to staff members who can send your records to care providers for you or to request your medical records. You will need to complete an authorization form, complete and return, along with a copy of your identification, to our office via fax or email. The fax number is 903-439-4704.
- We are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- Minor-aged visitors must be accompanied by an adult, be free of symptoms and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only.
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay. Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes.
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only.
- All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time).
- Types of Visitors:
Orthopedic | Sports Medicine
FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes of all ages continues every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. through November 13. Athletes will get an exam and free x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The clinic location is CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic Office at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs.
For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call our office at 903.885.6688.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care Hours of Operation
The CHRISTUS Urgent Care hours of operation are as follows:
- In-Person Care Hours
- Monday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, closed
- Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, closed.
- Virtual Visit Hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- To schedule a virtual visit, please visit urgentcare.christushealth.org, then select your location and click “Virtual Visit”
The Urgent Care is located at 1339 South Broadway St., and the phone number to call is 903.951.1001.
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
Hopkins County, Other Local Taxing Entities To Receive Funding From Opioid Settlements
Hopkins County Commissioners Court this week approved a Johnson & Johnson Opioid Settlement agreement. County of Hopkins Vs. Purdue Pharma L.P., Et Al Cause No. 2018-166 is one of several lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies that manufactured opioids Hopkins County has joined in previous years, according to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom.
“A number of years ago, we went into a lawsuit against the companies producing opiates that have really caused destruction across the United States. We went in as Hopkins County,” Newsom explained during the regular meeting of the Commissioners Court held earlier this week.
As part of the settlement of the suit, Hopkins County will receive $39,365 from Johnson & Johnson, as one lump sum settlement instead of multiple payments over time.
“This money has to be used for reparations of the opioid problems in Hopkins County. We did have many a few number of years ago. It’s better now. We will be working on that with the sheriff and with other county officials as well, perhaps the hospital, to use that money properly,” Newsom said. “It is a good thing. We’ve got several other companies that have been sued. This is just the first of several we will be taking up the next few months,” Newsom said during the Oct. 25, 2021 Commissioners Court session.
Paxton Announces Details of $290 Million Opioid Settlement
According to an Oct. 26, 2021, release from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the funding is part of an overall $290 million statewide opioid settlement with Johnson & Johnson to resolve opioid-related claims. The agreement will largely track the terms of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement that was announced July 23, 2021. As part of the settlement, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $291,841,754.89 into the Qualified Settlement Fund, representing Texas’s allocation of the Global Abatement Settlement.
“I am pleased that all parties have reached final agreement on this monumental settlement. This is the next step to bring much-needed funding for Texans who have fallen victim to the irresponsible and deceptive marketing practices from opioid manufacturers that spurred this epidemic,” Attorney General Paxton said. “My office will continue to aggressively work to hold those accountable for causing this crisis. These funds will bring life-changing resources to those victimized by this tragic crisis.”
In addition to the funds from Johnson & Johnson, Texas is also slated to receive up to $1.2 billion from the three distributors, which will bring to Texas up to $1.5 billion in funding for statewide opioid abatement efforts, the AG reported.
According to the 111-page Janssen Texas State-Wide Opioid Settlement Agreement and Settlement Term Sheet posted by the AG’s office Tuesday, several local entities, including Hopkins County will receive a portion of funding, which would resolve Janssen’s portion of the suits: State of Texas v. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. et al., Cause No. D-1-GN-19-005458; County of Dallas v. Purdue Pharma, L.P. et al., MDL Pretrial Cause No. 2018-77098 and County of Bexar v. Purdue Pharma, L.P. et al., MDL Pretrial Cause No. 2018-77066, both bellwether cases in In re: Texas Opioid Litigation, MDL No. 18-0358 (Harris County, Texas); Tarrant County v. Purdue Pharma, L.P. et al., MDL No. 2804, Case No. TXN/3:18-cv00518; and cases brought by Participating Subdivisions. Janssen doesn’t admit to “any violation of law, rule, or regulation, or of any other matter of fact or law, or of any liability or wrongdoing.”
Texas municipal area allocations combined account for 15 percent or $15 million of the overall settlement. County numbers refer to distribution to the county governments after payment to cities within county borders has been made. Minimum distribution to each county is $1,000, according to Exhibit B of the settlement document posted by the AG’s Office.
Among the local municipal area allocations are the following:
| Municipalities in Hopkins and Surrounding Counties | Northeast Texas Counties |
|---|---|
| Campbell – $1,116 | Bowie – $83,620 |
| Como – $415 | Camp – $28,851 |
| Commerce – $33,869 | Cass – $93,155 |
| Cooper – $362 | Collin – $1,266,721 |
| Cumby – $5,320 | Delta – $30,584 |
| Emory – $3,878 | Fannin – $131,653 |
| Greenville – $203,112 | Franklin County – $3,931 |
| Hawkins – $7,932 | Gregg – $234,744 |
| Mineola – $48,719 | Harrison – $185,910 |
| Mount Pleasant $65,684 | Hopkins – $149,518 |
| Mount Vernon – $6,049 | Hunt County – $309,851 |
| Paris – $201,180 | Kaufman – $27,607 |
| Pecan Gap – $719 | Lamar County – $141,598 |
| Pilot Point – $11,613 | Marion – $275 |
| Rockwall -$114,308 | Rains County – $53,190 |
| Sulphur Springs – $124,603 | Red River County $29,306 |
| Talco – $372 | Rockwall – $168,820 |
| Tira – $185 | Smith- $758,961 |
| Tyler – $723,829 | Titus – $70,611 |
| Winfield – $290 | Upshur – $128,300 |
| Winnsboro – $28,791 | Van Zandt – $248,747 |
| Yantis $2,072 | Wood County – $267,048 |
The Texas Opioid Council and Health Care Region Allocation plus Administrative Costs would get 70 percent or $700 million of the overall settlement announced Tuesday. That is $693 million for Health Care Region Allocations and $7 million for administrative costs.
Region 1 which includes Anderson, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Houston, Hunt, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Rains, Red, River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Upshur, Van, Zandt and Wood counties would receive $38,223,336, according to Exhibit C of the settlement document posted by the AG’s Office Oct. 26, 2021.
Wildcats A and B Middle School Football Teams 7-0 With One Game Left Tuesday
The Middle School Wildcat football teams traveled to Hallsville to face the Bobcats and all three (A, B, and C) 8th grade football teams came out with victories.
A and B teams recorded their seventh win of the season making them 7-0 with only 1 game left to go.
The A Team won a close one versus Hallsville 15-14. The A team offense scored in the final minute of the game and went for the two-point conversion to go up by 1 point, but the Bobcats got the ball with 40 seconds.
Fortunately for Coach Eddie Flores and his middle school Wildcats, the defense stopped the Bobcats offense to seal the victory.
Wide receiver Jaxson Haire had a great game and had a rushing TD, an INT, and converted the 2-pt conversion to go up by one point.
Quarterback Gage Gideon had also a great game managing the offense in the final offense drive of the game, and staying poised in the pocket delvering great passes to his wideouts.
Running back Alex King ran the ball hard all night and 1 rushing TD.
On both offensive and defensive lines Juan Reyes, Justin Strickland, Aiden Goldbolt, Jeffery Steveson, Dallin Horton, Lucas Shirley, Anthony Solis, Michael Walker, Trey Pennal, Vincient Johnson, Kase Temples, and Aiden Mccarroll had a huge game on the offense and defense sides of the ball, creating running lanes, and pass protection, and getting to the Bobcats offense backfield all night.
The middle school football coach said the Wildcat defense swarmed the football, made tackles, and made plays all night.
The B team won handedly versus Hallsville, shutting out the Bobcats 40-0.
In the trenches TJ Abron, Jermiah Robinson, Bryson Reyes, Aiden Koon, Kendrick Harris, Blaine Allen, and Jacolby Arceneaux were dominant on the offense and defense sides of the ball.
RB Logan Lowrance had a good game running the ball hard and added 1 receiving TD.
QBs Issiac Ray and Deuce Timmons both threw TD passes and both QB’s did a great job of commanding the offense.
Coach Flores said the Wildcats defense did a great job of flying around making plays and shutting out the Hallsville Bobcat offense.
The C Team also emerged victorious in Hallsville, beating the Bobcats 18-6.
On both offensive and defensive lines Rhett Williams, Emanuel Chim, J. Lopes Jones, G. Lopes Jones, Casey Moss, Gavin Roed, Douglas Corley, Tripp Mckintrye, Carter Anderson, Canyon Friddle, Nathan Cocurell, Keenan Morris, and Matthew Branderburg did a great job of executing the blocking scheme on offense and getting to the Bobcats backfield on defense.
RB Nate Adams did a great job of running the ball hard and had 2 rushing TD.
The Middle School Wildcats Football A and B teams will play their Final game on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at Gerald Prim Stadium versus the Marshall Mavericks.
The action begins at 5:30 P.M. starting with the B team, followed by the A team at 6:30.
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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Wins Second Five-Set Match of Season in Longview
The Lady Cats closed out their fall 2021 season with a huge come-from-behind five set victory in Longview versus the Lady Lobos.
Sulphur Springs lost set one after trailing at several points but ended within striking distance at 25-22.
The Lady Cats, at risk of losing their third straight game if they did not strike back did just that, winning set two 25-19 after leading by as much as seven earlier in the set.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s team followed up a 1-1 tie after set two with a late scoring run to win set three 25-18.
Longview, fighting up until the final whistle, took set four 25-20 to force a winner-take-all set five.
The final set at Lobo Coliseum was never in question as Sulphur Springs cruised to an emphatic 15-7 set five win.
The five-match win is the second on the season for the Lady Cats volleyball team. The first occurred on Oct. 1, also against Longview.
The win on Tuesday, Oct. 26 was the final game on the fall 2021 regular season. The win gives Sulphur Springs a 21-16 overall record (7-5 district) heading in to the playoffs.
Next up, Coach Bailey Dorner and her Lady Cats will be taking part in the Bi-District round of playoffs.
On Monday the Volleyball Team will be taking on the Lufkin Lady Panthers at Tyler High. That match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 P.M.
Monday’s playoff game will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
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.
Oct. 27, 2021, Chamber Connection: Halloween Activities, Wall That Heals, Antique Car Show, Charity Fundraiser Planned
By Butch Burney
What a great turnout Saturday for the 52nd Annual World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest!
We had almost 150 cook sites and around 6,000 visitors to Buford Park for the contest, which included a market with more than 25 vendors, a Friday night appetizer contest and concert.
Thanks to so many volunteers, including more than 60 high school students, who volunteered their time and energy to make the weekend truly wonderful. And thanks to our sponsors who made it possible for us to serve so many visitors.
Lastly, the cooks are the ones that make the event possible, and they were out in full force, on both the north and south sides of Buford Park, churning out 3,000-4,000 gallons of beef and chicken stew.
We’ll see you next year on Oct. 22!
Letter About Our Community
I received the following letter emailed from a couple in Virginia. I wanted to pass it along as an example of the emails we receive about our great community.
“We just concluded a 17 day trip from Virginia to Tyler, TX (Son’s wedding). On Sunday morning, October 17, we had the good fortune to pass through your wonderful town and spent an hour or so at your beautiful town center. What a gem you have in that. The courthouse is gorgeous, the war memorial is so very touching (I’m ex Navy), the beautifully bricked streets and fountain … it is all utterly beautiful and very well done. The inspirational music was very special to my wife and I, as were the bells ringing a beautiful hymn.
“Perhaps we can return one day and spend more time, and we will certainly do our very best in order to do so.”
Wall That Heals
The Wall That Heals, the Vietnam Veterans replica memorial, will be in Sulphur Springs Nov. 4-7, at the Sulphur Springs High School track. The three-quarter sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., along with a Mobile Education Center, will arrive in Sulphur Springs on Tues., Nov. 2, escorted by Patriot Guard Riders, law enforcement, and fire department personnel, and will be welcomed by citizens participating in a Yellow Ribbon & Banner Campaign.
This year 2021 has been nationally designated as the year to “Welcome Home America’s Vietnam Veterans,” and organizers are hopeful that local citizens will help do that with the Yellow Ribbon & Banner Campaign.
Below are the links for Hopkins County to sponsor The Wall That Heals and participate in The Yellow Ribbon Campaign. For more information, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, see:
Facebook: The Wall That Heals, Sulphur Springs, TX
Halloween Activities
Woods of the Dead, benefiting Operation Victor Echo Tango, is open every Friday and Saturday in October from dark to midnight at 2779 CR 2426 in Como.
The Second Annual Halloween Screamfest is hosted by VR Social, located at 317 Spring Street, from Oct. 25-31. The events will include an outdoor horror movie marathon, a ghost glow bike ride to Coleman Park, dead walking on the square, and a Halloween pet photo booth. The Screamfest benefits Let Love Live animal rescue sanctuary.
Car Show
The Heritage Square Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6, rain or shine. The show, sponsored by the Downtown Business Alliance, will be held downtown for vehicles model 1987 or older. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.
For more information, email [email protected].
Mabel’s Foundation
Mabel’s Foundation, a Mexican children’s refuge, will have its second Annual Trade School Dinner to support Nuevo Progreso Trade Schools from 4:30-8 p.m. Nov. 5 at Lake Fork Baptist Church in Alba. Lasagna with all the fixings will be served, and an offering will be taken at the door. Carry out or sit down is available.
You can call 605-431-9654 ahead of time.
Ribbon Cutting
Nextlink will host a ribbon cutting at noon Wednesday, Oct. 27, at their office at 249 Heritage Court. We hope to see you there!
2021 Creative Arts Contest Results are in!
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
The beautiful weather, plus the cooler temperatures added to the success of the 2021 Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest, which took place in the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center.
In the children’s division (ages 10 and under), there were 20 entries. Youth (ages 11-29) had the most entries with 75, followed closely by the adult division (ages 20-69) with 71 entries. The Mature Texans division (ages 70 and up) brought in 47 entries, for a grand total of 213.
All judges have been through a multi-session training and are from out of the county. They thoroughly enjoyed seeing the entries and shopping at the Arts and Crafts Show afterward!
Below are the results showing Best of Show and Reserve Best of Show winners:
Art:
- Summer Posey – Best of Show, children’s division
- Addie Emerine – Reserve Best of Show, children’s division
- Callie Harvey – Best of Show, youth
- Johni McClung – Reserve Best of Show, youth
- Julie Conrique – Best of Show, adult
- Sharon Logsdon – Reserve Best of Show, adult
- Mary Gamblin – Best of Show, Mature Texan
- Gerri Miller – Reserve Best of Show, Mature Texan
Bake Show:
- Trinity Brown, Jacob Martin, Matthew Fenimore (group project) – Best of Show, Youth
- Rylie Carroll – Reserve Best of Show, youth
- Sheila Funderburk – Best of Show, Mature Texan
Clothing:
- Jaqlynn Chapman – Best of Show, youth
Creative Crafts:
- Jayci McClung – Best of Show, Children’s division
- Kaede Wolf – Best of Show, youth
- Lena Reyes – Reserve Best of Show, youth
- Patsy McClung – Best of Show, Adult
- Sharon Logsdon – Reserve Best of Show, adult
Decorated Cakes:
- Lydia Drummond, Hannah Byrd, Dace Howse (group project) – Best of Show
Food Preservation:
- Kaede Wolf – Best of Show, youth
- Patsy McClung – Best of Show, adult
- Sheila Funderburk – Best of Show, Older Texan
- Charles Bryant – Reserve Best of Show, Older Texan
Handiwork:
- Lena Reyes – Best of Show, youth
- Diego Childs – Reserve Best of Show, youth
- Joan Brennan – Best of Show, Adult
- Roelie Vellenga – Reserve Best of Show, adult
- Pat Connally – Best of Show, Older Texan
Holiday/Seasonal:
- Jayci McClung – Best of Show, Children’s Division
- Rylie Carroll – Best of Show, Youth
- Rylie Carroll – Reserve Best of Show, youth
- Pat McClung – Best of Show, adult
Horticulture:
- Jaqlynn Chapman – Best of Show, youth
- Rylie Carroll – Reserve Best of Show, youth
Photography:
- Eretria Giles – Best of Show, Children’s Division
- Penelope Deterding – Best of Show, youth
- Reese Pepys – Reserve Best of Show, youth
- Kasey Knotts – Best of Show, adult
- Kim Beck – Reserve Best of Show, adult
Quilts:
- Penelope Deterding – Best of Show, youth
- Susan Cutrell – Best of Show, adult
Woodworking:
- George Harder – Best of Show, Older Texan
Congratulations to each of these and all the talented individuals who took time to prepare something to enter. If you did not enter this year, remember that this event takes the place in late October each year.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
3 Jailed In Hopkins County For Possession Of Contraband, Related Charges
At least three people were jailed in Hopkins County for possession of contraband and related charges from Oct. 22-25, 2021, according to arrest reports.
Como Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police reported conducting a traffic stop on a Nissan Rogue at 9:25 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, on South Como Street. Upon contact, the officers observed the driver to display nervous indicators and asked the individual to exit vehicle for further investigation.
Officers recognized the passenger from a previous stop. During the previous stop she was determined to have outstanding warrants but was released because the jail was not accepting Class C warrant arrests at that time. On officer leaned into the vehicle window to ask for her name, and she used it to check and verify the status of the warrants. The officer also reported smelling a strong marijuana odor coming from the SUV. The warrants for Candace Lashay Gordon‘s arrest were confirmed and the 30-year-old was told to exit the vehicle, SSPD Officers Sean Hoffman and Edward Jaime alleged in arrest reports.
When asked about marijuana, the Sulphur Springs woman allegedly admitted she had recently smoked it. She was asked several times to put her hands behind her back to complete the arrest. The officer checked the patrol unit for contraband, then asked the woman to sit down inside of it. Police alleged the woman was noticeably fidgeting with her hands. When told to show what she had in her hands, she allegedly threw what officers believed to be marijuana on ground. She then proceeded to stomped on the suspected marijuana in what police believe was an attempt to destroy the contraband. When she resisted the officers, the “least amount of force necessary was used.” Police retrieved a small amount of the substance that remained despite being stomped on.
Gordon was arrested at 9:37 a.m. on a charge of tampering with evidence, as well as warrants for one second offense failure to maintain financial responsibility charge and two expired registration warrants. She was transported to jail, the vehicle was released to driver.
She was later charged with insufficient bond on a July 2, 2021, controlled substance charge. Gordon remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the tampering with evidence charge and the new $10,000 bond set on the controlled substance charge.
Fisher Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson stopped a Mazda pickup at 4:49 p.m. Oct. 22 on Fisher Street at Linda Drive. The recognizing one occupant of the truck as Luke Hunter Shrum, a wanted Winnsboro man known to have outstanding warrants.
A records check confirmed the 27-year-old to be wanted in Wood County for surety off bond on a duty on striking fixture or highway landscape, possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, possession of less than 28 grams of a controlled substance; and driving while license invalid with previous conviction.
Officers reported finding a cigar with green leafy substance believed to be marihuana in a red cigarette pack in the passenger’s seat. It was seized and Shrum was transported to jail, where he remained until Aug. 26, 2021. Bond was set at $15,000 per charge, with a stipulation on personal recognizance bond be allowed.
State Highway 11 East Traffic Stop
HCSO Deputies Justin Wilkerson and Drew Fisher arrested Scott Arthur Gorton at 1:38 a.m. Oct. 24, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Wilkerson reported seeing the 58-year-old Sulphur Springs man driving a black Kia Forte on a Como Street heading toward SH 11 east. Aware Gorton’s license had been suspended, he attempted to confirm that. After seeing the man fail to maintain a single lane, Wilkerson initiated a traffic stop. He observed an open alcohol container between the man’s legs and the had him get out.
Deputy Drew Fisher arrived and was asked to stand with Gorton while Wilkerson searched his vehicle. Fisher searched Gorton. He noted Gorton to display signs of bruxism. When asked to search the vehicle for narcotics, he refused. Fisher retrieved K9 Maly. The dog alerted on his vehicle. Gorton allegedly admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle.
A search of Gorton revealed a bag of a substance that later tested positive as methamphetamine and weighed 0.237 gram with packaging. He was placed into custody. Further search of the vehicle revealed a marijuana cigarette, two meth pipes with burnt residue and more than one additional item of drug paraphernalia.
Gorton was booked into Hopkins County jail Oct. 24, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance. Bond on that charge was set at $20,000. He was served Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, while still in jail, with a warrant for deadly conduct.
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.
Trick Or Treating Will Still Be Held On Sunday, Oct. 31, In Sulphur Springs
It’s official – trick or treating will be held on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Sulphur Springs for anyone whose wishes for their kids to participate in the Halloween activity. The City of Sulphur Springs posted a notice Tuesday, Oct. 26, on their social media page regarding Halloween.
“We are not making a schedule change for Halloween. Oct. 31 is Sunday. Residents who wish to participate in Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 31 are certainly encouraged to do so! Several Churches will hold their Trunk-or-Treat events Saturday, Oct. 30. Perfect opportunity for kiddos to wear costumes and collect candy TWICE!”
Below are some of the seasonal activities KSST is aware of coming up this week in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins county. If your organization is hosting an event you’d like included below, submit them to KSST at [email protected].
- The 2nd Annual Halloween ScreamFEST continues with – Horror Film Marathon. Horror movies will be shown every night behind VR Social building. Bring a blanket and chairs. Friday and Saturday, Oct 29-30 a Spooky Pet Photo Booth FUNDRAISER will be held. A $10 donation is asked with all proceeds going to LetLoveLive, to support their mission to find homes and sanctuary for all animals in East Texas with a No-Kill philosophy. Also on Friday at 6 p.m. will be a GHOST GLOW Ride, a free family bike riding event in costume that starts at VR Social in costumes and travels to Coleman Park, with a DEAD WALKING on the Square! event starting at 9 p.m. Saturday (Zombies, werewolves, ghosts, grim reapers and aliens welcome to “dead walk” in costume from VR Social to the Square and back).
- Eagle Fall Fest 2021 will be conducted from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28, at Como-Pickton CISD, 13017 State Highway 11 east. Cost is 50-cents per ticket.
- Woods of the Dead, benefiting Operation Victor Echo Tango, is open every Friday and Saturday in October from dark to midnight at 2779 CR 2426 in Como.
- Yantis ISD Fall Carnival begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, with serving of stew. Ticket sales begin at 5:30 p.m. for the carnival, which will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event offers food, games, candy, caramel apples and more for all ages. For additional information, contact the school campus offices during school hours prior to the event.
- Sulphur Bluff ISD parents are invited to the school 2 p.m. to set up in the cafeteria starting at 2 p.m. to hand out candy for students at the school. Those participating are asked to have at least 220 pieces, so that everyone gets candy.
- North Hopkins ISD’s Fall Carnival will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, in the Elementary parking lot. For $1 visitors can enjoy a bounce house, participate in the senior cake walk, purchase popcorn or cotton candy, have their face painted or a temporary tattoo. Games cost 50-cents to $1 each. There will be classroom baskets silent auction, a FCCLA pumpkin carving contest, BETA concessions (pork street tacos plate with drink and dessert for $8). Halloween Dance for grades 6-8 will be held from 7-8:30 p.m.; cost is $5. In the event of bad weather, the carnival will be cancelled.
- Main Street Theatre and Backstory Brewery will present an Inaugural Local Business Trick or Treat and Cornhole Tournament Saturday, Oct. 30, at Backstory Brewery, 211 Magnolia St.. The Tourney starts at 3 p.m.; cost is $50 per team. Trick-or-treating will be from 6 to 8 p.m.; dress up and vote for your favorite booth. A fire-pit raffle will also be hosted with chances available for $5 each or five chances for $20. Proceeds go to help with cost of renovations at main Street Theatre. Call 214-498-7771 for more information.
- Central Baptist Church will host Treat Street, a family friendly event from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in the church Family Life Center (the gym at the end of the property across from the Skate Park in Buford Park.
- Trunk Or Treat will be held on the First Baptist Church-Sulphur Springs ballfield (the fenced field across Oak Avenue from The ROC starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.
- Our Savior Lutheran Church will host Trunk or Treat from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, on Celebration Plaza on Main Street.
- Trunk or Treat will also be hosted at Church of the Nazarene, 1300 South League St. (just north of the League Street overpass) Saturday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Trunk or Treat will also be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, on the front parking lot at League Street Church of Christ. There will be candy, games and more.
- Trinity Harvest Fall Festival will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. The event will feature candy, games and bounce houses for kids to enjoy.
- The Way Bible Church, located at 674 Farm Road 2560 south of Sulphur Springs, will hold a Fall Fest, a groundbreaking event for a new building, at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct, 31. All are welcome to bring a shovel and lawn chair to participate. There will also be family fun activities for all ages and free food.
Week 4: Hopkins County United Way $24,729 Closer To Campaign Goal
Hopkins County United Way is $24,729 closer to the 2021-22 campaign goal of $150,000 to benefit 18 local non-profit agencies, thanks to the generous contributions received over the last week from local businesses, organizations and individuals.
“That brings our total to $85,283, which is amazing. We are doing really great. I thank everybody for the work you are doing, following up” 2021-22 HCUW Campaign Chair Kristy Moseley said at the conclusion of Tuesday morning’s campaign workers report meeting. “It’s great!”
“We are at a great, great place, over $84,000 after week four. We have just two weeks left,” HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning added Oct. 26, 2021. “It’s super exciting. Thank you all.”
HCUW had scheduled two more campaign workers report meetings. The next will depart from the normal schedule, to be held a day later because Tuesday is Election Day. The next meetings, then will be conducted at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, and the final meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.
Campaign workers went around the table giving updates on the donations they have collected over the last week or turned in for other campaign volunteers.
HCUW Board President Mike Horne reported a nice donation was received from the Rotary Club.
Carolyn McKinney, having previously collected and turned in all of her packets, last week was made aware of a couple that had not been delivered and volunteered to do so. After the Oct. 25 meeting, she again asked for a few extra packets for new businesses that have not previously been contacted to request a donation for HCUW.
Beverley Owens turned in donations from the Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs, Miss Behavin’, and Summit Dental.
Mary Ferguson turned in donation packets from Tierra del Sol, VIP Nails, All State-Tim Halcomb, Venus Nails, Uptown Cuts and Danna’s. Four of those businesses gave 100 percent or more of the requested pledge to HCUW.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs has extended payroll pledges to Dec. 9. As of Friday, associates were reported to have pledged $8,265 in payroll, which is about 72-73 percent of last year’s total contribution. Last year, CHRISTUS’ corporate also provided a 100 percent match up to $5,000. Daniel Tapia said he feels good about receiving a match this year as well, and called the pledges a good start to their HCUW campaign.
Markeda Fisher turned in donation packets collected over the last week from Tully Insurance, new business Hillcrest Resale and Slaughter’s BBQ, which all gave 100 percent of the goal for their business.
Hillary Young turned in donations from McKay Law and Dr. Sharon Hatcher, which each met their goal.
Amy Griggs turned in donations from the offices of County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook, Justices of the Peace Brad Cummings and B.J. Teer, Constables Norman Colyer and John Beadle, Human Resources/Administration Kelly Kaslon, Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Mitchell, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley. Kaslon also contributed a donation from Flowerland Florist.
Bill Owens reported Scott Nottingham Sulphur Springs Dodge gave a 100 percent goal donation to HCUW and Big Smith’s Bar-B-Q each gave 100 percent of the goal. Katie Koon from Rail 19 gave a donation that was about 500 percent of the goal. Jay Hodge Chevrolet gave another donation from the month-long give-back event – the dealership is contributing $100 for each new vehicle sold at the dealership. Although smaller this week than the previous three weeks, Jay Hodge Chevy contributed $1,900, which increases the total amount contributed so far this month by the dealership to $7,400. He said the business is hoping to be able to contribute $10,000 to United Way.
Moseley reported Abboe’s Collision Center exceeded the goal, and Water Oak Preschool went above and beyond their goal, The Pawn Shop well exceeded the goal. Money Law Firm-Amanda Wallis well exceeded their goal.
Hammond Mobile Home Park, TCI Construction, Pioneer Memorial and Bright Star Veterinary Clinic each met the goal for their business.
Berning reported a “super generous donation” from Atmos Energy and a very generous donation from the Helms and Clarion Pointe, as well as donations from Juan Pablo’s and Bright Star Floors.
To illustrate how blessed he feels at the giving of so many to United Way to benefit people of all ages and segments of the community, Bill Owens placed a cup in a saucer then filled the cup until it overflowed to fill the saucer.
“I saw this on the Internet. You may have seen it going around. It got me thinking about how grateful I am for what I’ve got and it got me to thinking about United Way there at the end,” Owens said. He then asked the campaign workers present to help him out by saying, “my cup has overflowed” as he read “Drinking From My Saucer,” by John Paul Moore. The poem says when times get tough the sun comes out, allowing one to drink from their cup from the blessings they’ve received and to keep going, sowing more than is reaped. He said like United Way, “May I never be too busy to help others with their loads, then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed.”
Berning also presented Horne with a platter of cookies, including his favorite lemon white chocolate cookies. One contained a candle which he blew out after the campaign workers wished him a belated happy birthday. He shared the cookies with the workers in celebration of the donations which have been contributed so far toward the2021-22 campaign goal, while Berning counted the week’s donation total.
Donations may also be mailed from individual contributors to HCUW Campaign Headquarters, at PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may be made in cash or by check, or online via PayPal or debit/credit card by clicking the Shop Now button on the Hopkins County United Way Facebook page
Questions about HCUW, including to have a donation packet dropped off or a HCUW campaign worker or officer stop by any business or organizations who has not been contacted but is interested in making a donation to HCUW, may be directed to Berning by phone call or text to 903-243-4066.
