Man Allegedly Threatened Stepson With Gun During County Road 2326 Disturbance
A firearm was reportedly displayed during a County Road 2326 disturbance involving a man and stepson Wednesday night, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Communications operators dispatched Deputy Isaac Foley and Sgt. Tanner Steward to a rural Sulphur Springs address, where a disturbance was reported around 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 2021.
Upon arrival at the County Road 2326 residence, deputies were informed, by several people present, that a verbal altercation between the 65-year-old Carroll Wayne Clark and his stepson devolved into a shoving match between the two. Clark then was alleged to have pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the stepson and threatened to shoot the stepson.
As a result of the gun displayed during the County Road 2326 Disturbance, deputies took Clark into custody at 8:53 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1. The Sulphur Springs man was booked into the county jail early Thursday morning, Dec. 2, 2021, on an aggravated assault with deadly weapon charge.
Clark remained in Hopkins County jail just before noon Dec. 2, 2021, on the felony assault charge.
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.
Both Basketball Teams in Tournament Play Starting Today
The Lady Cats and Wildcats basketball teams will both be away from home in tournaments this weekend.
The women’s basketball team will be a long ways from home when they travel to Glen Rose to participate in their tournament.
Thursday game day brings Coach Erica Delley’s squad against Amarillo’s Caprock High School later today at 5 P.M.
The women’s basketball team are still looking to mesh and develop more chemistry before district play in a few weeks, and tournament play is a great chance to get different looks from teams the Lady Cats would not normally play.
Once today’s tourney contest against Caprock HS concludes Friday’s tournament schedule will finalize itself and be posted here.
Moving over to the men’s basketball team, Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad will be a bit closer to home in the DFW metroplex when they travel south of Arlington to participate in the Mansfield tourney.
It will be a tough one as Coach Shaver’s squad will be taking on some tough 6A competition but will attempt to improve upon their 6-0 record.
The first game for the men’s basketball team will be against Atascocita at 1:30 P.M.
Win or lose, Sulphur Springs will play their second match later Thursday evening at 6 P.M.
They will continue to be in action in Mansfield on not only Friday but Saturday as well if they can put together wins in the tournament.
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.
Tis The Season … Be Sure To Lock Vehicles To Guard Against Burglary
Tis the season, for love, peace and good will. Unfortunately, it’s also a season in which some “shop” others’ unlocked vehicles for personal gain – taking Christmas presents and valuable items left in other’s vehicles. Thus, Sulphur Springs Police Department Chief Jason Ricketson reminds everyone to secure their belongings and lock their vehicle doors when exiting them.
“Don’t be an easy target. Help us help you by hiding your things, locking your vehicle doors, taking your keys with you,” Ricketson said. “Vehicle burglary is one of the most easily preventable crimes but often one of the hardest to prove. Don’t be a victim.”
Ricketson said SSPD has not had any reports of people’s cars being broken into, and your local law enforcement would like to keep it that way. This is, however, a time of year in which vehicle burglaries rise. Each motorist and passenger can do his or her part to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a vehicle burglary.
Many will be out shopping for just Christmas gifts for their loved ones and friends. Unfortunately, a few others also take advantage of others’ distraction, going through parking lots and residential areas, in town and in the country, trying doors for unlocked vehicles.
Those readily opened autos are easy pickings for would-be car burglars. Items are easily accessed and removed. It generally takes thieves seconds to pull at a door handle to see if it’s unlocked, then a moment or two to snatch any valuables inside and abscond with them. Ricketson reminds people to lock their vehicles doors when they exit them, regardless of where they are going or for how long.
Vehicle burglars also are known to target vehicles where pricy or easily pawnable items are clearly visible. Removing valuables from vehicles, or securing and storing them out-of-site to passersby held reduce the potential of the auto becoming a target for criminal activity.
Ricketson reminds people it’s never a good idea to leave valuables such as purses, wallets, checkbooks, jewelry or cash in unattended vehicles. When items must be left in vehicles, put them under seats, in the trunk, in closed compartments or other covered areas where they cannot be seen by anyone walking in the area. And, be sure to lock the car when leaving it.
When shopping for Christmas presents, don’t leave visible items inside your car or truck while you go in a restaurant to eat or visit another store, if possible. Conceal and stow parcels in a trunk, if possible, or covering giftbags, packages, store bags and other items out-of-site, so they do on attract attention.
Also, be sure to remove keys from vehicles when exiting them – even at home – so that others won’t be able to drive off in your ride.
If anyone witnesses what appears to be a vehicle burglary or other suspicious activity, they are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency or, if witnessing a crime in progress, call 911.
2 Women Caught Tuesday With Methamphetamine
Two women were caught Tuesday with methamphetamine at local businesses, officers allege in arrest reports.
East Shannon Road Arrest
While in the 1500 block of East Shannon Road, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Justin Wilkerson and Zack Steward saw a person slumped over the steering wheel on a white Dodge pickup parked at a gas pump at 12:47 a.m. Nov. 30, 2021. The deputies approached the truck, Wilkerson on the driver’s side and Steward the passenger’s side, to check on the driver.
Wilkerson reported seeing a baggy in the woman’s hand. When asked about it, she allegedly admitted she had a little marijuana. The deputies ordered her out of the truck.
While she was getting out, Wilkerson reported seeing objects protruding from inside of the woman’s shirt near her bra area. When asked to remove it, she pulled out two lighters and a baggy containing a crystal-like substance the deputies suspected was methamphetamine.
Rene Lucia Grimaldi was placed into custody. A probable cause search of the truck revealed additional drug paraphernalia. The truck was impounded. The 50-year-old Pickton woman was transported to the county jail.
Jail staff reported finding a pipe of the kind used to smoke meth concealed in her bra. The substances located field-tested positive for meth; combined, the substances weighed 2.164 grams, including packaging. Grimaldi was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:05 a.m. Nov. 30, 2021, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Grimaldi was released from the county jail Dec. 1, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge.
South Broadway Street Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit Lt. Mark Estes and Sgt. Joe Scott reported being contacted to investigate a claim of a woman smoking methamphetamine in the front restroom at a South Broadway Street store Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2021.
(HCSO jail photo)
The woman had allegedly left a cell phone and suspected methamphetamine when she left the restroom. The items were found and turned over to store staff, who contacted the SCU officials.
The woman, identified in arrest reports as Marsha Michelle Whitaker, returned for the cell phone and zipper bag containing 1.4 grams of suspected meth and pipes. After she took custody of the items on video which the SCU officers were watching, the SCU officers detained her. The 49-year-old Grand Saline woman allegedly admitted to possession the items and to smoking it in the restroom.
She was taken into custody at 2:59 p.m. Nov. 30, 2021, and jailed on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance.
Whitaker was released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge.
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.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Chili Cooks Needed Dec. 10 For A Cook-Off
Chili cooks are needed Dec. 10 for a Chili Cook-Off at the Senior Citizens Center.
The contest is open to anyone who wishes to dust off their apron and whip up a crock pot full of their best chili recipe to be judged and shared with senior citizens.
At the beginning of the week, Senior Citizens Center Director Karon Weatherman sent out a request for additional cooks. At that point, only 5 had signed up to compete. Since then at least 7 others have responded their willingness to enter a crock of chili they’ve prepared at home.
The contest will feature 5 judges. The winner will not only have bragging rights for having the best chili this year as well as tokens recognizing their edible achievement.
“You will get a trophy, Certificate of Award, bragging rights and a prize from Carriage House Manor. I have 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place and 4 Honorable Mention trophies,” Weatherman said.
Anyone who would like to enter a crock pot full of chili in the Dec. 10 contest, to be judged at noon at the Senior Citizens Center, may do so by calling Weatherman at 903-885-1661.
Troutt Sentenced On Injury To A Child Charge
Rollerson To Continue On Probation, With Additional Conditions
Edward Faris Troutt Jr., a man accused of abusing a child and keeping her restrained in a closet, received a prison sentence Tuesday on an injury to a child charge, while Zavier Rollerson will remain on probation on an aggravated robbery charge, the judge ruled Monday in the 8th Judicial District Court.
Injury To A Child Sentencing
Edward Faris Troutt Jr. was sentenced shortly before lunch Nov. 30, 2021, following a brief hearing in which the alleged victim and her stepmother testified and a pre-sentence investigation packet was submitted.
Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris asked the judge to sentence Troutt to life in prison while the defense asked that Troutt be released on probation, according to court reports. The judge sentenced the 75-year-old Sulphur Springs man to life in prison.
When Harris was assigned this case, he reportedly recognized that it’d be a challenge, but he worked determinedly to pursue a life sentence. The ADA considers the sentence a win not only for the victim and her family, but for the citizens of Hopkins County
Troutt has remained in Hopkins County jail since he and two other household members – 32-year-old Elizabeth Ann Karst and 64-year-old Deborah Ann Troutt – were arrested on Feb. 24, 2021, at their rural Sulphur Springs residence on warrants alleging the injury to a child, elderly, disabled person-criminal negligence and aggravated kidnapping. Edward Trout also was charged on warrants for continuous sexual abuse of a child victim under 14 years of age and aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to jail records.
The offenses were alleged to have occurred in 2018. An investigation was launched by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office following the February 2021 outcry of the abuse. Following an investigation, a search warrant was obtained for a rural Sulphur Springs residence, then arrest warrants were obtained, according to HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford. The alleged child victim was reported at the time to be in safe location.
According to Weatherford, Debbie Troutt, Edward Faris Trout Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Karst were “responsible for the care and custody” of an elementary-aged child in 2018. The child was alleged to have been routinely locked in a closet while in their care. The child allegedly sustained injuries, either mental or physical. When officers executed the search warrant at the residence, they found “locking devices on the closet,” Weatherford said following the trio’s arrests. Edward Trout, wife Debbie and daughter Elizabeth Ann were accused of an aggravated kidnapping by forcefully restraining the child in a place where the child was not likely to be found and causing injury to the youth. The sexual offenses were alleged to have occurred in 2018, the chief investigator said earlier this year.
Adjudication on Robbery Charge
A trial was conducted Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, before the 8th Judicial District Court on a motion to proceed with adjudication for Zavier Ahmad Rollerson, one of five suspects arrested in a home invasion robbery alleged to have occurred on Sept. 25, 2019.
Rollerson and three others were arrested in September 2019 on aggravated robbery and burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony charges. A fifth suspect was jailed in 2020 in connection with the incident.
Four masked men were alleged just before 11 p.m. Sept. 25, 2019, to have entered a Lee Street property by forcing entry to the residence. The men then allegedly robbed the three occupants at gunpoint, taking cell phones, a rifle and cash. Three pistols were reportedly used. One round was allegedly fired from one firearm during the commission of the offenses, but no one was injured, Sulphur Springs Police detective reported following the incident.
Police found Zavarion Caymond Christopher Swain and Zavier Ahamad Rollerson, both of Paris, and Dequenek Timothy Craig Shephard of Brashear on Main Street just after 11:40 pm. Sept. 25, 2019, and booked all three into the county jail Sept. 26. 2019, on two aggravated robbery charges and one burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony charge each. Dominick Maxwell Trigg of Paris was apprehended Sept. 27, 2019, in Lamar County and transported Sept. 30, 2019, to Hopkins County jail on three Hopkins County warrants, two for aggravated robbery and one for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony offense, Sulphur Springs Police detective reported in 2019, following the arrests of the four men. A fifth suspect, Tyreese Tupac Shukar Williams, was identified soon after to also be wanted in connection with the 2019 incident; he turned himself in on June 29, 2020 at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.
Patrol officers in September 2019 recovered three pistols, the stolen cell phones, a rifle and about half of the amount cash reportedly stolen from the Lee Street residence; one of the pistols recovered had been reported stolen during an earlier break-in at an address across town, according to the police detective.
Zavier Rollerson, after a contested hearing on August 3, 2020, was sentenced to 10 years of deferred adjudication probation, with jail time as a condition of probation. A little more than a year later, Rollerson was accused of assaulting his girlfriend in Mount Vernon, and reportedly pled true to the allegation, according to Assistant District Attorney Zach Blackmon.
During Monday’s trial, Blackmon asked to proceed with adjudication on for 19-year-old Rollerson to be sentenced to 30 years in prison on the aggravated robbery charge. The defense attorney asked that Rollerson be allowed to continue on probation. The judge denied the state’s motion to proceed and continued Rollerson on probation, provided he meets two new conditions. Rollerson must attend and successfully complete a dual track ISF, a 90-day substance abuse track and a 90-day cognitive track. He must also reside with a family member in Indiana until further ordered by the court, according to the ADA.
Volleyball Awards For District 18-2A Released
Earlier this week, Danna Lewis, head volleyball coach and school counselor at North Hopkins HS released the District 18-2A volleyball honors.
Bailee Miller of Boles was named the district’s MVP. Another Lady Hornet, Madelynn Gosnell was selected as the District’s MVP setter.
Offensive Player of the Year was awarded to Miller Grove’s Lainy Burrnett and Defensive Player of the Year went to Cumby’s Ashlyn Husdon.
Bella Romero of Como Pickton was named the District’s MVP Libero and finally Coach Lewis’s own Sailan Adair was chosen as Newcomer of the Year for District 18-2A.
Alyssa Auringer, head coach at Boles, was selected by her peers as Coach of the Year for leading her squad to a perfect 12-0 record in district play this year.
Players chosen to the first team for the district were as follows:
- Fruitvale – Hunter King
- PTAA – Isabel Olguin
- Miller Grove – Kayti Briguon and Jaci Roberson
- Alba Golden – Kaylee Anglin and Cacie Lennon
- Yantis – Liz Chitwood
- Como Pickton – Addison Monk
- Cumby – Erin Morgan and Neely Hammond
- Boles – Caroline Helberger, with Kaedence and Leigha Robison
- North Hopkins- Kelty Conner
Athletes selected to District 18-AA Second Team were:
- Como Pickton – Mattison Buster
- Yantis – Kinley Hurley
- Alba Golden – Skyler West and Kamrin Wright
- Miller Grove – Anna Culberson
- PTAA – Keyla Torres
- Fruitvale – Macy Meroney
- Cumby – Azlyn Hornby and Heather McCraw
- Boles – Lily Hathcoat and Nicole Gosnell
- North Hopkins- Natalie Perry
Honorable Mentions from the district:
- PTAA — Isabel Olguin, Ellie Higgins and Joy Ramos
- Fruitvale – Ashton Grandy and Hanna Baron
- Miller Grove – Allissa Sulk and Jamilyn Hensley
- Alba Golden – Erin Langston and Kalli Trimble
- Yantis – Bailey Pierpoint and Presley Pierpoint
- Como Pickton – Chelsey Osborne and Maggie Brown
- Cumby – Savannah Kurn, Kelci Fite, and Kaylee Boyd
- Boles – Tristen Lee, Madison Williamson, Jordan Helmberger, and Miranda Munoz
- North Hopkins- Sara Attaway, Marianna Aguilar, Mattie Pogue, Danielle Perez and Hadlee Hrable
And finally athletes chosen for Academic All-District:
- Alba Golden – Skyler West and Kamrin Wright
- Cumby – Savannah Kurn, Kaylee Bloyed, Erin Morgan, Kelci Fite, Neely Hammon, and Ashlyn Hudson
- Fruitvale – Macy Meroney, Aizhan Reynolds, Lesli Sanchez, Hanna Baron, Emily Hodges, Brooklynne Brown, Hunter King, Holly Hance, Ashton Gandy, Chastity Huber, Roynne Tull and Jaci Laprade
- North Hopkins- Chyloe Vargas Booth, Natalie Perry, Kelty Conner, Mattie Pogue, Mariana Aguilar, Danielle Perez, Seilen Adair, Harley Vaughn, Sarah Attaway, and Hadlee Hrabel
- Boles- Kaedence Robison, Bailey Miller, Caroline Helmberger, Madison Williamson, Miranda Munoz, Leigha Robison
- Miller Grove- Lainy Burnett, Kayti Brignon, Celeste Robertson, Ava Sotelo, Jamilyn Hensley, and Annalisa Culbertson
- Como Pickton- Chelsey Osborne, Dori Sales, Alyssa Corona, Mattison Buster, Lauren Lewellen, Addison Monk, Isabella Romero, Sanay Diaz, and Maragret Brown
- PTAA- Isabel Olguin, Roselin Del Angel and Anabella Wagnon
Texas HHS Seeks Entries For Mental Health Creative Arts Contest
AUSTIN – To raise awareness of mental health issues, the annual Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest is announcing its call for submissions from Dec. 1, 2021 until March 15, 2022.
The annual contest is hosted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission along with the Texas System of Care and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at the University of Texas at Austin.
Participants can submit their creative work in one of three categories—original artwork, writing, or photography—that draws on the contest theme, “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?”
“When people share their perspectives and experiences through art, it can help them process their emotions and kickstart conversations that inspire connection, provide encouragement, and give hope to others facing similar challenges,” said Dr. Courtney Harvey, associate commissioner of the Texas HHSC Office of Mental Health Coordination. “Those healthy discussions can be the push someone may need to seek support and really start taking care of their mental health, and that can save lives.”
The contest is open to Texans of all ages and is judged in four age groups: elementary, middle school, high school and adult. Last year, the contest drew 687 submissions.
The artwork will be judged on originality, creativity and how well it expresses the contest theme. Winners from each category and age group will receive prizes and have their work displayed and published on the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest website.
For more information, including past winners, rules, and how people can submit artwork, visit gallery.txsystemofcare.org.
SSPD Phone And 911 Systems Restored
Sulphur Springs Police Department’s phone and 911 systems had been fully restored at 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the police chief and communications supervisor. The police department’s communications systems were among many across the region impacted for several hours Tuesday.
A large portion of the area was without 911 service, and some without any phone and internet service most of Tuesday afternoon. Sulphur Springs Police Department’s phone system went down before lunch Tuesday, but the regular lines were up and running, with 911 relaying to the regular phone system by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Wednesday morning, the phone and 911 systems were back online at SSPD.
Some officials and residents said they were told multiple cell phone towers, several AT&T towers, were down throughout Northeast Texas Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 30, taking down 911 systems across those counties as well.
The first local outage was reported at 11:20 a.m. Nov. 21, 2021, by Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson. He notified local media and posted a notice on social media, letting the community know that SSPD’s phone system was down, including 911. Anyone in the city with an emergency was told to call the Hopkins County Sheriffs Office at 903-885-2768 for assistance.
At approximately 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, Hopkins County Emergency Management and Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce also reported that 911 service was down not only for the city of Sulphur Springs and but in other areas of Hopkins County, as well as across the region. The outage spanned from Hopkins, Delta and Grayson counties across to Morris County, and included Winnsboro and the police department there.
The Chamber of Commerce around that time also noted they’ve been told numerous cell towers were down. Emergency management officials were told at that time that service could be out or disrupted across the area through about 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
Around 4:20 p.m. Nov. 30, SSPD Chief Ricketson reported the police department’s landline was once again operational, with 911 calls rerouted to the landline. However, that meant an extra step in the call process. In order to make contact with SSPD dispatch center, callers had to press 1 when the main phone switchboard option allowed.
Some phone services were reported to have been restored by 5 p.m., while others were reported to still be sporadically without service Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
The direct number to the sheriff’s office emergency landline was provided for anyone who experienced difficulties getting through on 911 in the city or elsewhere in Hopkins County. Calling 903-885-2768 would put them in direct contact with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators for emergency and non-emergency issues. HCSO dispatchers then had the capacity to transfer callers to the appropriate agency or facility to address their needs.
Ricketson reported the department’s phone communications system, including 911, had resumed operations by 9 a.m. Wednesday. No reason for so many cell phone and communications towers being down throughout the region was given, according to communications officials.
Blue Santa Toy Drive, Main Street Market, Lighted Parade, Choral Concert, Tree Raffle, Park Christmas Scheduled Over The Next Week
By Butch Burney
As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year — Beta Sigma Phi Organization — P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year — The Pilot Club — P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award — Adult Leadership Class — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year — Agri-Life Extension Office — P.O. Box 518, SS TX 75483.
- Growth and Renewal — DBA — 109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher) — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide) — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria) — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement — civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Chamber Directory
Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Christmas on Main
Christmas on Main is a Christmas market with vendors selling a variety of Christmas décor, handmade items, floral arrangements, gifts and food items along Main Street.
The market, which is sponsored by Marlen’s Sass and Class and the Downtown Business Alliance, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Parade
The local Lions Club is hosting their 15th Annual Christmas Light Parade, presented by Carriage House Manor, on Friday, Dec. 3. Every entry must be decorated with working Christmas lights. The parade will begin at Buford Park, down Connally Street to the square, north on Church Street and west on Houston Street, ending at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The parade begins at 7 p.m.
Registration is free. To register, pick up an entry form from any Lions Club member or at the Chamber, 110 Main St.
Categories for judging the entries are Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit Organizations/Churches.
The Lighted Christmas Market will also be going on downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park will have its final evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Heritage Park and Museum, 416 North Jackson St. Stop by for Christmas carols, meet Santa and visit all the buildings in Heritage Park.
Blue Santa
Sign-ups are ongoing for the Blue Santa toy program for Hopkins County. Registration can be done online at CanHelpOnline.org. Documents needed for upload are proof of Hopkins County residency, birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child ages 1-14, proof of income or proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF or CHIPS.
Shanna Martin, the executive director CanHelp, said in just five days, more than 130 families had already registered.
If you would like to donate toys or money, contact Tanner Crump or Angela Price at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. You can also message the Blue Santa/Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Facebook page.
Christmas Concert
The Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their annual Christmas Concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Golden Agers Gift Tree
You can adopt a senior citizen through the Golden Agers Gift Tree, Dec. 6-17, by choosing a name off the tree and going shopping with the senior. The tree is located at the Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Miracles Made on Connally Street
Miracles Made on Connally Street is the name of the CASA Christmas Tree Raffle that will be conducted until Dec. 6. The raffle will be held Dec. 8, with all proceeds benefitting the children served by Lake Country CASA.
Tickets are $25 each and each tickets gives you a chance to win one of 12 small decorated Christmas trees.
For more information, call 903-885-1173 or visit CASA at 218 Connally St.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Dec. 1, Tully Insurance. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
