Lady Cats Volleyball Loses Five Set Thriller in Hallsville
The Lady Cats volleyball team fought all the way to the finish but fell just short of victory in a five set thrilling game in Hallsville.
Even though the Hallsville Lady Cats stormed out to a 10-2 lead, it did not matter as Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad came back for a come-from-behind, 25-19 set one win.
Hallsville then turned around and cruised to a 25-14 set two victory.
The home Lady Cats then took another set, 25-22 to put Sulphur Springs in danger of losing the game trailing at two sets to one.
Coach Dorner’s team did what they do best when down; they fought back with their backs against the wall and responded with a huge 25-23 set four victory to push the game to a fifth set.
Set five proved to be another back-and-fourth affair.
The deciding set tied eight times, with the final tie coming at 13-all.
Hallsville would then go on to score two straight and win the fifth set and match, 3-2.
Sulphur Springs fought all the way until the very end.
When down 2-1 they could have folded and lost to Hallsville in four, instead, they persevered and lost an extremely close match to a talented Hallsville Lady Cats team.
The loss drops the Lady Cats volleyball team’s season record to 17-11 (3-2 district).
The Tuesday night loss in Hallsville also snaps Sulphur Springs’ two game winning streak.
Next up, Coach Dorner‘s squad will be back at home on Friday looking for the rebound win versus Longview.
The varsity will get things going at 4:30 PM, followed by the freshman and JV squads.
That game, if given permission by Longview, will be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
Regardless of livestream capabilities, Friday’s volleyball matchup with the Lady Lovos will be broadcasted on 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.
Budget Amended To Cover Increased Costs Of Feeding Inmates At Hopkins County Jail
Housing Agreement With Rockwall County, Architect For New ‘Trustee Housing Facility’ Approved Too
Several jail-related items were approved this week. The jail budget required amending to balance additional food costs not factored into the 2020-21 budget. An interlocal cooperation agreement with Rockwall County and an architect to construct the new Hopkins County Jail ‘Trustee Housing Facility’ too received approval from county officials.
Jail Budget
Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook asked the Commissioners Court to approve a budget amendment moving some of the funds received from housing of federal inmates at Hopkins County jail into the jail food fund to cover the additional food costs associated with their housing.
“The food budget is over because we are full at the jail. We have more inmates. I don’t want to let the budget go out at the end of the year over. So, my recommendation is to do a budget amendment on it. My recommendation is taking $100,000 from the federal inmate revenue and moving it into the jail food budget, which will bring that budget in line. I have a spread of cash on that for you, so you can tell how they’ve come in on that money,” Aulsbrook said. “They’ve brought in, after you’ve done the two budget amendments, they’ll clear $647,918 – after you do this budget amendment.”
“We have had a lot of problems this year,” County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said. “Me and Tanner [Crump, chief deputy] looked over it. Like, our cooking oil went up from $20 to $42. I mean, everything has doubled in price that we do have to purchase. We’re still making quite a bit of money; I think it’s still worth the process
“I would say absolutely it is worth the process, but we did not increase their food budget to account for the additional feeding,” Aulsbrook said.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker noted the increase is due in part to inflation. Bartley said the court would need to keep that in mind when budgeting for next year. Aulsbrook concurred it would need to be addressed at some point.
Barker made the motion, which Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin seconded, to approved the budget amendment, moving $100,000 from the federal inmate revenue fund to the jail food budget to cover increased costs of feeding those housed inside Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center on federal charges. The court unanimously approved the jail food budget amendment.
Housing Agreement
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tanner Crump asked the Commissioners Court during their regular session Monday to renew the interlocal cooperation agreement between Hopkins County and Rockwall County for inmate housing.
“We have an agreement with Rockwall. In the past, we housed their inmates for a certain per diem or bed rate per day. Currently, we’re not housing any of their inmates,” Crump told the Commissioners Court during the regular session Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. “They are in the process of finishing building 400-600 bed facility. So, I believe it’s good that we keep the contract in case we get into a situation where we need to house there or they need to house with us in the future. As of right now, it’s just a formality to have that option.”
Barker asked if the agreement is a two way agreement which not only allows Rockwall County inmates to be housed in the Hopkins County jail, but for Hopkins County inmates to be housed in the Rockwall County jail, if the need were to arise.
Crump said while it isn’t necessarily a two-way housing agreement, the continued relationship between Hopkins and Rockwall County officials would help facilitate a new agreement that would be drawn up at that time. He said he does not, based on the current Hopkins County jail facility, foresee the need arising anytime soon
“In the event of a disaster or some sort of situation where we have to evacuate our jail, this would be another place we could put people,” Crump said of the Rockwall County jail facility. “We have a great working relationship with Franklin County, Hunt County, Lamar County and Wood County, but you never know if they are going to be at capacity in those times. You never know what can happen. It’s better safe than sorry to work together to have this formalized.”
The motion, made by Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley and seconded by Barker, to approve the interlocal agreement between Hopkins and Rockwall Counties for inmate housing passed unanimously.
Trustee Housing Facility
DRG Architects, LLC, was selected to construct a new housing facility for jail trusties, to be located north of Houston Street across from the Hopkins County jail.
“We are at capacity now. Of course, it will be more than a year from now. We’ve got to get started on this contract with the architect,” County Judge Robert Newsom said.
Newsom said the county attorney and Commissioners Court have gone over the agreement, as had sheriff’s officer personnel.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum agreed, noting that while one additional meeting is still planned very soon, he believes the county is “pretty close to having everything we need to do on that.”
“DRG is the same architect that built our current facility and this contract is very similar in line with that, with very few minor adjustments. We had a very pleasant positive experience with our current facility and DRG being our architect. There was not much deviation in the contract. It’s just an operating contract for them to serve as our architect,” Crump said.
Hopkins County officials plan to use a portion of the $7-plus million the county has been awarded in American Rescue Program funding to construct the trustie housing building. The facility would keep the trusteis, who work in the community, separate from other inmates as a safety precaution against COVID-19 or any other illness being spread, and to better keep contraband such as snuff or controlled substance out of the county jail.
The new facility, officials said in a prior meeting, would be constructed to house up to 48 beds for male jail trusties, while female trusties remain in B Hall dorm at the jail. Jail trusties are utilized on work assignments daily throughout the county, including on County Commissioners’ precinct crews, some assist at Hopkins County Civic Center, others maintain the grounds at county office buildings. Female inmates clean in offices and buildings all over the county, including the clerk’s offices and courthouses. Tatum estimated 35-36 trusties can be found on any given day on work detail.
The current plan is for the f the male trusties would lodge in the new Trustee Housing Facility. Having the male inmates at a separate facility would be easier for jail staff and those individuals who pick the inmates up for their work detail. The THF would allow for better monitoring during the pick up and drop off process without causing congestion in the main booking area at the jail, which could potentially present a safety issue.
Constructing the facility too will free up space in the county jail so the inmate count remains below the count recommended by state jail standards inspectors. The inmate limit is 192, but jail standards officials recommend keeping 10 beds open, to accommodate an influx over the weekend, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum explained during a prior Commissioners Court meeting.
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Offering Short-Term Industry Readiness Course
Looking to meet the needs of local businesses, the Continuing Education Department at the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center is offering an Industry Readiness course to give students an excellent opportunity to improve their skills and become more employable.
As work practices change, new jobs have been created and the Industry Readiness course will provide the student with these skills. Industries are looking for employees with safety training; knowledge of how to safely operate a forklift; technical and applied mathematics skills; basic logistic training; electrical hazard training; blue print reading; basic shop safety and a basic knowledge of hand tools.
Many local industries are offering entry-level salaries of $15-16 per hour and, depending on the company, signing bonuses. Those with skills can expect to advance more quickly.
The course will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11 (the class will not meet Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-27). A total of 64 hours will cost $825, and scholarships are available to students to largely defray that cost. Interested local businesses have donated some of the needed course materials such as hard hats.
Upon completion of this course, students will earn the OSHA 10 Hour General Industry certification and Forklift Operator Certification. Job placement assistance is available for students successfully completing the course. Please contact PJC Continuing Education at 903-782-0447 or [email protected] for more information or to sign up for the class.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Fall Enrollment at Paris Junior College
CHECKING IN
Student David Mitchell gets some information from Advisor Stephanie Pinckard as he completed registration at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Winnsboro Police Department Sept. 20-26, 2021 Media Report
The Winnsboro Police Department’s weekly media report for Sept. 20-26, 2021, included the following:
Arrests
- Nathanal Howard, age 20, of Winnsboro, was arrested on September 24, on Harrison County warrants for burglary of a vehicle and criminal mischief greater than $2,500.
- James Kidd, age 39, of Winnsboro, was arrested on September 25, for driving while intoxicated, third or more offense.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 163 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 43 citations and 56 warnings during this reporting period.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital: News Release September 28, 2021
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
COVID Testing
Do You Need a COVID test, but are unable to get in to see your provider for testing or an appointment?
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care in Sulphur Springs is now scheduling patients who are unable to schedule an office or urgent care visit for COVID testing.
- These appointments must be scheduled by calling 903-885-3181, then press option 0.
- We will open the schedule daily by 8:30 a.m. depending on staffing availability for the COVID drive-through.
- Current tentative available times from testing are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Patients will be instructed to come to the parking lot of 100 Church Street at their scheduled appointment time and remain in their vehicle. Someone will be out shortly to check them in and begin the appointment.
- Patients will be required to sign up for MyChart.
- Results of COVID testing will be available to patients via MyChart.
Thank you for your patience
With a spike in 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). 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:
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care – Sulphur Springs 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
With 958 Texas Deaths in 2020, Local MADD Event Rounds Up Support for Mothers Against Drunk (and Drugged) Driving Campaign
Held on the breezy late-summer evening of September 25, 2021 along oak-shaded walking spaces at Shannon Oaks Church in Sulphur Springs,Texas, the local Walk Like MADD event was successful and well-attended. Serving as not only a local walk but as one of the only MADD events within the Northeast Texas region, a good response came from county law enforcement, Fire and Rescue, EMS and Tx DOT as well as sponsorship from local car dealership, business, industry and individuals.
For walkers, the visual focus was the shoe display in the Tribute Area lining an entire side of the walking track. The dozens of pairs of shoes represented the 958 deaths from drunk or drugged driving-related accidents reported in the state of Texas for 2020.
Members of the Sulphur Springs High School Blue Blazes and Wildcat cheerleaders on freshmen, JV and Varsity teams lent their talents and enthusiasm to the gathering.
Music ruled all evening, with a DJ keeping the rhythm and leading dance lines that all ages enjoyed. Other attractions during the family-style event were hand painting and rock painting, The painted rocks went into a ‘tribute rock garden’ and paper sandwich bags with children’s painted hand prints were taken home as token reminders of how far-reaching the effects of impaired driving are for families and the community.
Also present were two Superheroes with “Heroes Cops n Kids” from the Dallas Police Department. The “Tipsy Taxi” service was represented by a costumed donkey which the kids loved seeing. Also,a couple of DPS displays…a roll-over simulator and a drunk-driving test simulator….drove home the overall mission of the event most effectively. Brief videos of groups of people shouting “Don’t Drink and Drive!” were filmed and shared all through the evening.
Becky Hicks, who lost her son in a drunk-driving accident almost ten years ago,continues to head up the Sulphur Springs and Northeast Texas chapter events for Mothers Against Drunk (and Drugged) Driving. Besides this annual event, she spends untold hours in support and help to families who are experiencing the same trauma and grief that she and her family have weathered. Becky and MADD board members expressed appreciation for the strong turnout from Hopkins County for the annual Walk Like MADD event.
Lady Cats Volleyball, Wildcats Team Tennis in Hallsville For Game Day Tuesday
Both Wildcats team tennis and Lady Cats volleyball will be in Hallsville today taking on the Bobcats for the Sept. 28 edition of game day Tuesday.
The Lady Cats are back on the road today after their first bye (of two) in the fall 2021 district season.
Like the volleyball team, Wildcats team tennis enjoyed their bye last Tuesday.
Coach Tony Martinez’s squad has been fighting their way through their district season, with only two district matches left in their fall season before playoffs.
Team tennis got a huge match-win versus Pine Tree on Sept. 14, which Coach Martinez called a de-facto playoff game.
The Wildcats had to beat the Pirates at the Tennis Center in SSISD’s Athletic Complex in mid-September if they wished to stamp their ticket to the post-season.
They did exactly that, beating Pine Tree and clinching the #4 seed.
Now, Coach Martinez and his squad have shifted their focus to another powerhouse program, the Hallsville Bobcats, and hope to pull out their second straight win against a district foe.
If Sulphur Springs can beat the Bobcats in Hallsville this afternoon, they will move up to the #3 seed in District 15-5A.
It should be a good one between two great programs fighting for playoff positioning, with matches set to begin at 4 P.M.
As mentioned earlier the Lady Cats volleyball team enjoyed a much-needed bye Friday after competing against four district foes.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad has won five of their last six contests, including last Tuesday’s road win at Pine Tree, with the only match her volleyball team losing during that stretch was at home in a five-set classic versus Texas High on Sept. 14.
After taking some time away from the court, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be back on the road when they travel to Hallsville to take on the always-tough district foe Hallsville tomorrow.
Sulphur Springs comes in to Tuesday’s match as the two seed in District 15-5A through four games, followed by Hallsville as the current third seed in the district.
That game is set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 5 P.M. beginning with JV/Freshman squads, followed by the varsity Lady Cats game at 6 P.M.
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.
Celebrating National 4-H Week With Project Show, Paper Clover Campaign, Food Drive, Other Activities
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
4-H members all across the country will be celebrating National 4-H Week, and our Hopkins County 4-H members are no exception! County Judge Robert Newsom recognized the Hopkins County 4-H program by reading the proclamation during Commissioners’ Court and we are ready to kick things off!
The first event will be the 4-H Project Show, where 4-H members can enter Art, Baked Goods, Crafts, Clothing, Decorated Clothing/Accessories, Food Preservation, General Sewing, Holiday, Horticulture, Jewelry, Leather work, Metal work, Needlework, Photography, Poetry, Scrapbooks, and Woodworking. Items will be accepted at the Extension Office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, October 4 -7. Judging will take place on Friday, October 8, and items will be on display to the public during the week of October 11-15.
4-H’ers who would like to enter the same projects in the Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest are welcome to leave their items at the Extension Office. We will transport them to the Sulphur Springs High School the following week. The only items that should not be left behind are baked goods. A fresh batch will need to be entered. (Two-week-old homemade cookies or bread won’t score very high!)
Also taking place during National 4-H Week and beyond is the 2021 TSC Fall Paper Clover Campaign. Shoppers at our local Tractor Supply Store are encouraged to donate during checkout. Proceeds will go directly to the Hopkins County 4-H program. In the past, funds have been used to help defray expenses for 4-H camp, Youth Leadership Lab, and other events. The campaign will run from Wednesday, October 6 through Sunday, October 17.
4-H Food Drive
During the entire month of October, our 4-H clubs are sponsoring a food drive. Non-perishable items may be dropped off at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs. If any other business would like to be a drop-off site, simply let us know and we will spread the word.
These food items will be delivered to the local food bank and church food pantries. The past year-and-a-half has been difficult for many families and 4-H families want to help. After all, one of the H’s in 4-H stands for “hands for larger service.”
Another project they will be taking on is “Birthday Party to-go.” The following kit items will be accepted: cake mix (vanilla or chocolate), one can soft drink (light-colored soft drink for vanilla cake mix or dark soft drink for chocolate cake mix), can of frosting, birthday candles, disposable foil pan, and a birthday card. These will be given to those who can’t afford a birthday cake but still want to do something special for their child or loved one. Thanks to our County 4-H Council for suggesting this fantastic project!
Cooking Well with Diabetes
Only four spaces remain for the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series. The series will take place on Mondays and Thursdays, October 4, 7, 11, and 14 at the Hopkins County Extension Office, at 6 p.m. Topics will include Carbohydrate Foods, Making Recipes with Fat Better for You, Double-pleasure Side Dishes, and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes. Recipe sampling and demonstrations will be included in the series. The fee is $20, and will be payable at the first session. Please contact our office at 903-885-3443 to leave your name and phone number.
On a different note, don’t forget to contact our office if you would like to attend the 2021 Christmas Joys holiday program, scheduled for Monday, November 8. Two sessions will be offered to accommodate everyone’s schedules: 1:30, repeated at 5:30. Please indicate which session you plan to attend. We must have a name and phone number for each person attending.
Closing Thought
Be a river of blessing – not a lake of accumulation.
– Vicki Hitzges
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]
Chamber Connection – Final Call For Stew Cooks To Get Registration Forms In For Stew Contest
By Butch Burney
This is the last chance for stew cooks to get their registration forms in for the 52nd Annual World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest, sponsored by Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services and Galyean Insurance. The contest will be Saturday, Oct. 23, at Buford Park.
We have almost 140 pots of stew already registered, but we have room for more, if you get your registration in soon.
Come by the chamber office or send us an email and we will get the registration form to you. We are expecting a big turnout for this year’s event, so be sure and get your spot. Our cooks’ meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m.
We will have the north and south sides of the park open for cooking, along with a vendor market. We are expecting a fully open stew.
Speaking of stew, tickets are now available online, at the Chamber office and at local. The cost remains the same as in the past, $6 for all-you-can-eat stew and $10 for take-home quarts.
In addition, we have Stew+75482 tumblers at the office for $20, stew mugs for $15 and T-shirts will be available soon.
Business After Hours
Join us Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber office for a Business After Hours mixer hosted by Neighbors of Sulphur Springs magazine. There will be refreshments to enjoy and business men and women to socialize with.
Heart of Hope Fundraiser
Northeast Texas Heart of Hope has a Fall Fundraiser set for 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. It will feature speaker and recording artist Caitlin Jane. Register for free at SSHOH.com.
Ribeye Roundup
The Ribeye Roundup, kids zone and evening concert are coming to Celebration Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 2. You can purchase tickets at Texas Heritage National Bank.
You can also buy t-shirts to promote the event for $12 at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Come by and pick up your shirt today.
Main Street Uncorked
Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival is set for 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, in downtown. There will be Texas wineries, local vendors and great music. Music will be by Matthew Fiock, Lincoln Goodman and Twisted Whisky.
Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.
Help A Child Benefit
The annual Help-A-Child Benefit keeps getting bigger and better. The 14th annual event is set for Saturday, Oct. 16, and will feature a chili cook-off, auction, livestock show, brisket cookoff, Dutch oven cobbler and corn hole competition.
All money raised will go toward Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, foster families and Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center.
The livestock show starts at 9 a.m., followed by the ag mechanics show at 11 a.m. and chili, brisket and Dutch oven cobbler is served at 11:30 (for $10). The auction begins at 12:30 p.m. and corn hole competition at 1:30 p.m.
Call Wade Bartley at 903-348-1878 for more information.
Arts and Crafts Show
The 2021 Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show will take place in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria and north entry way on Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23.
This event is open to anyone with hand-made, hand-crafted items to sell. Unique items, including handmade soaps and lotions, greeting cards, Christmas and seasonal decorations, jewelry, wood carvings, and much more will be available for purchase.
Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 for more information.
Ribbon Cutting
Chillax, located at 1707 South Broadway Suite 9, will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, Oct. 1. Please help us welcome them to the community.
CO323 Designs will host a ribbon cutting at noon Friday, Oct. 8, at their location, 309 Industrial Drive East. Please join us for that celebration.
