Dinner Bell for July 16, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Christus Health
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.
Christus Health can trace its history to 1866 with the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas, by the sisters of Charity. In 2016 Christus merged with Trinity Mother Frances hospital and Clinics (itself a product of a merger of two catholic based systems) in Tyler, Texas, and formed an alliance with Hopkins County Hospital District in which Christus became the leasing entity of the hospital building, its employes, and the medical services of the hospital.
The goal of Christus Health is to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves with the underlying core values of Compassion, Excellence, Dignity, Integrity, and Stewardship. Under its umbrella are 63 hospitals in the United States, Mexico, Columbia, and Chile, employing 45,000 associates.
Christus Mother Frances is a partner with Dinner Bell six times yearly. The relationship to feed those needing a meal in Sulphur Springs and its vicinity dates back to 2017. Thank you Christus Health!
Thank you to the Sulphur Springs News Telegram staff who will be with us and help serve!
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years Day.
- Mexican Lasagna
- Mexican Street Corn
- Garden Salad with a Mexican flair
- Snickerdoodles
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 !!!
Earth Kind Gardening By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
July 8, 2025 – The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension has developed the EarthKind program to teach and inform gardeners about gardening practices that are environmentally friendly. Simply explained, the EarthKind system starts with a complete and totally organic plan, and then uses a gradual step-by-step increase in the use of non-organic practices if the need or situation demands.
Many gardeners, both new and experienced, want to grow things organically, and being 100% organic is a wonderful goal. However, organic gardening is not a “plant it and forget it” endeavor. Successful organic gardening requires timely application of products and/or maintenance, and sometimes waiting a day can be disastrous. Organic practices are designed to prohibit or minimize problems in the garden, and when a problem arises, if not treated quickly, the plant suffers. Organic products use chemicals and fertilizers that are designed to be less toxic than non-organic products in order to be more friendly to our environment. The EarthKind program teaches gardeners to have success with the how, when, what, and why of organic gardening.
One example of the EarthKind approach is the treatment of insect infestations. Before insect pests are present, it is helpful to place “sacrificial” plants among or close to the desirable plants that will attract the insects, with the idea the insects will feed on them rather than the desirable plant. For example, marigolds are a diversion plant when growing tomatoes, and planting lemon grass in the garden can help repel some invaders.
Before using strong chemical pesticides, hand-picking the pests can be helpful. Squash bugs can be somewhat controlled by hand-picking, along with using simple traps. Depending on your plant and the pest to be controlled, spraying your desirable plants with a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar can help control many insect pests.
The EarthKind system does provide for the use of non-organic chemicals, but only after all the organic solutions have been tried. EarthKind gardening also includes information on planning, pest management, composting, fertilization, watering, and many other topics of interest to gardeners. Explore the websites and have a happy, EarthKind garden!!
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/training/
Sunflowers By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
July 8, 2025 – Is there any plant better suited to represent summer than the sunflower? These magnificent giants with their large, colorful flowers defy the heat and bring smiles to everyone who sees them.
An extremely hardy plant, sunflowers have been around in the USA for over a thousand years, back to the time of the Cahokia mound builders in the St.Louis area. Sunflowers are the only native major field crop grown today, and commercial crop acreage averages 2 million acres a year.
As a food crop, sunflower demand exploded in the 1970s, due to European demand for sunflower oil. Sunflower seeds contain 40-45% of their weight in oil. This oil is the largest market for sunflowers in the world.
In addition to being a human food source (sunflower seeds, sunflower oil), sunflowers have many other uses. Their flowers feed pollinators, the seeds feed song birds, the seed hulls are used as silage, and the plant’s deep taproot can help improve tight soils.
Sunflowers grow in many types of soils, but they do best in coarse, moisture-limited soil, and are fairly easy to grow in Hopkins County. In the spring, plant the seeds 1 inch deep in lightly tilled soil, and enjoy a gorgeous, majestic display of color all summer long!
Library Director Hope Cain Dropped by for a Second Cup Of Coffee
July 8, 2025 – Sulphur Springs Public Library’s Director, Hope Cain, dropped by for a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. John Mark and Hope chatted about Family Game Night at the Library, the most popular books at the library this year so far, the next Lone Star Legal Aid session being held July 21st, 2025, and so much more. Be sure to take a look at this episode and learn what your Sulphur Springs Public Library has been busy doing!
What Information In The Blackmon Murder Case Led To An Arrest?
Everything centers on a sophisticated firearm, and a once missing barrel.
July 8, 2025 – The recent break in the Blackmon murder case centers on a once missing gun part.
The caliber of weapon used to kill Geraldine Blackmon in 1996 has been known since her death. It was a very common caliber known as .308. Many sporting rifles fire that cartridge.
The .308 Winchester is a popular, versatile rifle cartridge known for its use in hunting, target shooting, and military applications. It’s often considered a “do-it-all” cartridge due to its balance of power, accuracy, and availability.
During the 1996 investigation, Magness was the prime suspect. He was questioned and his home searched. During that initial search, a sophisticated and quite uncommon firearm was found in his possession. That gun featured interchangeable barrels for firing several different calibers. One would use the same trigger group, stock etc, and simply ‘swap’ other barrels on as desired.
Most, but not all of the ‘kit’ was located. Several barrels were found, but the .308 barrel was mysteriously absent. The barrel in the ‘set’ capable of firing the same caliber as the murder weapon had simply vanished.
That missing piece is what prevented Magness from being charged in 1996. In essence, there was no ‘murder weapon’.
The case is reopened
When the case was reopened, Investigators Shea Shaw and Chris Bauman worked with several members of law enforcement. It took the efforts of many to help bring this cold case back to light. The team included Cherry Rice, the original lead investigator. Dennis Findley who worked the case while Hopkins County Sheriff. Texas Rangers Warren Williamson and David Stewart.
The team determined that locating and re-interviewing Magness was critical. Magness was found to be living about 90 minutes away in Midlothian, TX
Warrants obtained and served
With with help of the Texas Rangers, a search warrant for the accused’s home was served. During that search, a bare .308 barrel was found.
A forensic match was attempted and the 1996 bullet and the 2025 barrel’s rifling matched perfectly. Law Enforcement confirmed the barrel was used to fire the fatal shot in 1996.
An arrest warrant for murder was served and Magness was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Texas.
Magness in currently in custody in the Hopkins County Jail. He is charged with murder, and bond is set at $1,000,000.
Break In The Blackmon Cold Case Comes At Last
The murder of Geradline Blackmon was cold for decades, now the missing piece in the case may have been found.
July 8, 2025 – Law Enforcement gathered at the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center today to welcome William Doyle Magness back to Sulphur Springs, TX.
Magness has officially been charged with the 1996 murder of Blackmon. Magness was living in Midlothian, TX at the time of his arrest. He was arrested without incident.
During his walk into the Hopkins County Jail, Magness asserts his innocence. He is also introduce to the investigators who worked in case in 1996.
CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Ken Paxton is Warning Texans to be Aware of Scammers Amid the Catastrophic Flooding in Texas
Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert to protect Texans against bad actors looking to take advantage of the devastating flooding in Texas by perpetrating scams.
“There are no words for how wrong it is that morally bankrupt people are trying to take advantage of Texans by using this tragedy to scam them. Anyone engaging in these scams will face the full force of the law, and I will not rest until they are brought to justice,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will continue to work to defend those impacted by this tragedy and also urge everyone to join me in praying for those affected by this terrible natural disaster.”
Texans harmed by this devastating flooding should be wary of bad actors trying to take advantage of this tragedy and be wary of anyone seeking monetary funds from them. To that end, the Office of the Attorney General would like to caution everyone in any area affected by storms and flooding to be extremely careful with people offering to help you rebuild or reconstruct.
Scams involving contractors failing to perform work they were paid to do are not uncommon following such tragic disasters. Flood victims are reminded to be wary of contractors from out of the area, don’t rush into signing a contract, ask for references, and check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure they’re working with a trustworthy business. In addition, under state law, once the governor issues a disaster declaration, vendors are prohibited from charging exorbitant prices for necessities during and after the crisis.
Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in the following Texas Counties: Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson.
For additional guidance to help spot disaster scams, visit the Attorney General’s website here.
Texans in affected counties who believe they have been scammed or encountered price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at 1-800-621-0508 or file an online complaint here.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s Genealogy Lock-In is July 26th
July 7, 2025 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s next Genealogy Lock-In is scheduled for Saturday, July 26th, 2025. The event will begin at 10:00am. Register for after-hours genealogy research with exclusive access to data bases, books, and much more. Call 903-885-8523, or email [email protected], or stop by 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Cost is a $15 donation per person. There will be a complementary lite supper and door prizes.
Governor Abbott Provides Update On State’s Ongoing Response To Severe Flooding In Texas
Urges Texans To Remain Weather Aware As Heavy Rain Continues
Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference at the State Operations Center (SOC) in Austin to provide an update on the state’s ongoing response to severe flooding impacting Texas. The Governor also urged Texans to remain weather aware as potential heavy rain may continue in areas including the Big Country, Concho Valley, Central Texas, and Kerr County.
“I had the opportunity yesterday to visit Camp Mystic to see firsthand what happened there,” said Governor Abbott. “It was nothing short of horrific. We’re here in Austin today because there have been lives lost in this greater region. We are broadening the area that we’re focused on, but we are not reducing our focus in the Kerrville area. There are dangers over the next 24-48 hours that could pose public safety threats. If there’s any water on the road, the most important thing you can do is to protect your lives. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Texas continues our 24/7 operations to search for anybody who was affected by these deadly storms.”
Watch the Governor’s full press conference here.
The Governor was joined by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Lower Colorado River Authority General Manager Phil Wilson, and other state officials.
During the press conference, Governor Abbott thanked President Donald Trump for swiftly approving a Major Disaster Declaration. He also commended U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem for visiting Kerr County yesterday to get critical updates from local officials and first responders so the federal government can keep providing all necessary resources to assist in response and recovery efforts.
Additionally, Governor Abbott emphasized the need to be cautious as heavy rainfall that could lead to potential flash flooding is expected in large parts of Texas. Texans are encouraged to remain weather aware, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and regularly monitor road conditions at DriveTexas.org.
The State of Texas has deployed over 1,500 personnel and more than 925 vehicles and equipment assets. More than 20 state agencies are currently responding to flooding threats across the state.
At the Governor’s direction, the following resources remain engaged and available to support local flood response and recovery operations:
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state, Incident Support Task Force and Disaster Recovery Task Force including Voluntary Agency Liaisons to support recovery efforts, regional field staff who remain tied in with local officials
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
- Texas National Guard: High profile vehicles to aid stranded motorists, Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues, Personnel to assist with damage assessments and shelter operations
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews to assist with clearing of roadways
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
- Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team: Veterinary medical support for animals impacted by flooding
- Texas Department of Agriculture: Coordination of agricultural disaster response and support for affected producers
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC): Assistance with law enforcement coordination and support
- Texas Department of Insurance: Providing guidance on flood-related insurance claims and support to affected policyholders
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Coordination with regulated industries and licensed professionals involved in response and recovery operations
- Lower Colorado River Authority: River monitoring, floodgate operations, and support to regional flood response
- Texas A&M Public Works Response Team: Assessing and assisting with public works infrastructure needs
Officials continue to review disaster damage information self-reported by Texans through TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. When it is safe to do so, impacted Texans are encouraged to submit information about damage to homes or businesses by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov. These details are vital to help officials identify impacted areas and connect Texans with resources.
Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all necessary resources to local officials as they continue to respond to flooding impacting Texas, including:
- Obtaining approval from President Trump on federal disaster assistance as part of a Major Disaster Declaration
- Amending the state’s disaster declaration to include additional impacted counties and providing an update on the state’s emergency response in affected areas
- Providing an update on the state’s response to severe flooding in Kerr County and surrounding communities
- Increasing the readiness level of the Texas SOC to Level II (Escalated Response) and activating additional state emergency response resources as portions of West and Central Texas prepared for heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats
- Deploying state emergency response resources ahead of the rain and flooding threat
Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials and can find flood resources online in the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.
Are You Ready for a New Political Party?
July 7, 2025 – Elon Musk is reportedly laying the groundwork for a new political force in American politics: the “America Party.” Designed to appeal to the growing number of voters disillusioned with both major parties, the America Party positions itself as a centrist movement grounded in pragmatism, innovation, and national renewal. According to Musk and emerging sources close to the initiative, the party’s platform will embrace fiscal conservatism, with a strong emphasis on reducing the federal deficit and curbing government overspending.
One of the cornerstones of the America Party is the modernization of the U.S. military, particularly through the strategic use of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology. Musk, known for his ventures in AI, aerospace, and infrastructure, sees national defense as an area in dire need of forward-thinking innovation. Additionally, the party is expected to push for significant regulatory rollbacks, aiming to streamline bureaucracy and foster entrepreneurship, particularly in energy, space, and biotech sectors.
The America Party also champions pro-family policies aimed at encouraging higher birth rates — a response to concerns over demographic decline in the U.S. and other developed nations. These policies may include expanded parental leave, child tax credits, and support for affordable childcare.
Perhaps most notably, Musk envisions the America Party as representing “the 80% in the middle” — those who feel alienated by the extremes of left and right. By focusing on practical solutions rather than ideological purity, the party hopes to unite Americans across traditional political divides. While still in its early stages, the America Party could disrupt the entrenched two-party system by offering a new vision centered on innovation, stability, and a future-forward agenda. Whether it succeeds will depend on Musk’s ability to translate tech-world disruption into political momentum.
