First Meeting of the Breast Cancer Support Group Scheduled
Sulphur Springs, TX –
November 7, 2024 – The first meeting of the Hopkins County Breast Cancer support group will be held on Tuesday, November 12 at 5:30 pm at the conference room of the Medical Plaza located at 113 Airport Rd. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation recently announced the group’s established to serve Hopkins County and the surrounding areas.
The group will aid in keeping survivors informed of new information and research and provide a source of support for those on a breast cancer journey.
Since the first meeting will be held in November, the organizers decided on the theme of “thankful.” The program will be a group effort with Debbie Stinson Stribling presenting a devotional and others contributing during the event. Refreshments will be served.
All breast cancer survivors and those beginning a breast cancer journey, both women and men, are invited to attend. Women with female-related cancers are also invited to participate in the group.
The Medical Plaza is the freestanding, three-story building on the southeast corner of CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. The conference room is on the first floor on the left.
To stay informed about the breast cancer support group and other offerings, please follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook or Instagram.
For more information, contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
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TxDOT Partners with DPS to Help end the Streak of Daily Deaths on Texas Roadways
Starting Nov. 7, DPS will hand out flyers with safety messages during traffic stops
Nov. 7, 2024
AUSTIN – Every day for the past 24 years someone has died on a Texas roadway. Every. Single. Day.
On the anniversary of the last deathless day on Nov. 7, 2000, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are working together to share safe driving messages in hopes to finally end this deadly streak.
The two agencies are joining forces because ending fatal crashes takes all of us. TxDOT is working to engineer safety solutions and educate drivers on safe practices while DPS enforces the laws of the road. However, drivers are the most important partners, which is why DPS troopers will be handing out tip cards during traffic stops to encourage safe driving behaviors.
“After more than two decades, it’s long past time to end the streak of daily deaths on our roadways, but it’ll take all of us to get it done,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Each life lost is a mother, father, brother, sister or friend, and we need to work together to make sure everyone can get home safely.”
Last year, 4,289 people were killed on Texas roads, and so far in 2024, Texas is averaging 10 roadway deaths a day.
Some of the top causes of crashes make up part of the card that troopers will hand out for two weeks starting Nov. 7. The messages include:
Drive safe speeds
Buckle up
Move over or slow down
Get a sober ride
Avoid distractions
Lives instantly altered
Since Nov. 7, 2000, more than 87,000 people have been killed on Texas roads.
One life lost was Aspen Blessing, a vibrant 18-year-old who was killed in March after her car was struck head-on by a drunk driver in Callahan County. Forever changed by one person’s choice to drink and drive, her family is left with a massive void.
“The hardest part is that Aspen did everything right,” said Jen Blessing, Aspen’s mother. “She was not speeding. She was wearing her seatbelt. She wasn’t distracted. One man’s bad choice cost Aspen, our family and his family everything.”
Blessing and her family are working with TxDOT to help prevent other families from suffering a similar tragedy.
Roadway safety improvements
TxDOT is committed to enhancing safety on roads throughout the state, investing $17 billion in safety improvements through the state’s 10-year plan. TxDOT also works tirelessly to develop safety innovations that can have significant impacts.
One improvement implemented this year in Fort Worth uses cameras to identify pedestrians on major roadways, targeting areas where people have been hit after trying to cross. It detects them early on, notifies law enforcement and helps them respond before they step out on the road. This has led to a drop in pedestrian crashes on these highways since they were installed in January. It’s just one example of the many innovative and engineering improvements TxDOT makes every year.
Deadly streak nearly ends
In January, Texas experienced one day with just one traffic fatality caused by a driver running a stop sign.
“A single life lost is too many, but this shows us that it can be done,” said TxDOT Deputy Executive Director Brandye Hendrickson. “We’ve been close a few times in recent years. Safety is paramount when we design, build and maintain roads, and it also must be the top priority when we’re driving on them.”
We can all do our part to #EndTheStreakTX of daily deaths.
The Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center Launches 2024 Angels of Hope Annual Holiday Campaign
More than 300 children from northeast Texas are available to sponsor for this year’s Angel Tree
November 7, 2024 – (Winnsboro, TX) – The Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center (NETCAC) invites the community to “give back” during the 2024 Annual Angels of Hope holiday campaign for more than 300 children in northeast Texas who are alleged victims of child sexual and physical abuse or neglect.
“We are grateful for how the community comes together every year to provide for these children through our Angel Tree program,” Executive Director Lauren Zastany said. “We love helping the magic of Christmas come alive for these kids.”
Anyone can “Sponsor an Angel” or “Fulfill a Wish” to make this holiday season special for a local child in need, especially during a year when the rising cost of living has burdened many families.
It’s extremely challenging for some of these families to create a magical Christmas for their kids – this is where our community comes in,” Zastany said, “and they have come through time and time again for the past 20 years.”
Angels of Hope are children and their siblings ages 0 – 17 who have needed NETCAC’s services this year and may have been victims of child abuse or witness to domestic violence or drug use in the home. The average demographic of a child who is served at NETCAC is a girl aged six to 12.
“This program always makes a tough job much easier and is a reminder of what this season is all about,” Zastany said.
Members of the community, including civic organizations, church groups and businesses, are encouraged to sponsor “Angels” by purchasing items on their lists or to make a financial contribution toward Wish Lists. For a full list of wish lists, please visit https://www.netcac.org/services/angel-tree.
General donations of new and handmade new items such as toys, games, pajamas, stuffed animals, sports equipment and hygiene products for teens are also welcomed.
To learn how you or your group can be part of this year’s Angels of Hope campaign this year, contact Jennifer Williams at [email protected] or visit https://www.netcac.org/services/angel-tree.
Since 1998, the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has served more than 11,000 children and families in a seven-county region including Camp, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Titus, and Wood Counties. NETCAC works with law enforcement, child protective services and prosecutors to help victims of child physical and sexual abuse find hope and healing. To learn more, visit http://www.netcac.org.
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Chamber Connection – November 7, 2024
By Butch Burney
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. 13, 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—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
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.
Please get your nominations in before the end of the year.
Ornaments and Stew Merch
Our 2024 Christmas Ornaments, featuring the Total Solar Eclipse, are on sale at the Chamber office. They are $40 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2024 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and hoodies. We are located at 110 Main St.
Master Wellness
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer a program entitled “Yesterday’s Memories … Today’s Joys,” on Monday, Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. at the Southwest Dairy Museum. Cost is $10. To reserve, call 903-885-3443.
It promises to be an afternoon of fun, door prizes, creative ideas, great recipes and cheese and dip tasting sponsored by Southwest Dairy Museum.
Christmas Activities
■ The 33rd annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League live auction is brought to you by Chad’s Media on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. The event will be streamed live via the Front Porch News Facebook page and Chad’s Media YouTube page. Expect to see incredible gifts from local businesses, handmade treasures and unique local experiences, all available for you to place your bid. And remember, everything you donate goes to funding local music enjoyment and education like the Children’s Concert, the Dallas Opera and the Independence Day concert to Sulphur Springs!
■ Christmas in the Park is set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ Lake Country CASA’s annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. There will be cookies, cakes and other treats for sale to benefit Lake Country CASA.
■ The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 6 starting at Buford Park. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main St.
Entry fee is one new unwrapped present for Blue Santa.
■ Along with the parade, the city will host the Lighted Celebration Market downtown from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. It will include lighting of the city Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m.
■ The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, downtown. You can do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
■ Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “Winter Wonderland” production at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for ticket information.
■ The Best Christmas Pageant EVER will be playing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, 8 and 12, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, 14 and 15.
Tickets are $15. Visit communityplayersinc.com for more information.
■ First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs will present Christmas at First on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, at 6 p.m. each evening. Reserve your free tickets at SSFBC.org.
City Managers Report November 5th 2024
CLAIMS –
We had 2 workers compensation claims arising out of the same incident. An animal control officer was assaulted by a resident and treated at the emergency room. A police officer suffered a dog bite in the same incident.
We also had a liability claim over $14,000 resulting from an incident wherein a police cruiser struck another auto in a parking lot on South Broadway.
We also submitted two other claims for city vehicles involved in minor accidents.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
8 firms have submitted responses to our request for qualifications. The reviewing board narrowed it down to 3 top candidates and will now conduct interviews. I expect to have a recommendation to you at the December meeting.
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD – The engineering firm, Kimley Horn has made an initial site visit to assess the project. We are considering pushing the site further to the southeast to avoid the flood plain.
THERMO ROAD – This $4.4 million project is
partially funded by a $2.4 million grant from the
Economic Development Administration (EDA). The
contractor, 5W Contracting, is moving quickly. The
project is 50% complete.
COLEMAN BALLFIELD LIGHT UPGRADE – We received a $250,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to upgrade the lights to LED. We are waiting for the executed contract from SECO.
HOLIDAY DRIVE –
This project is complete.
WASTEWATER CHLORINE CONTACT CHAMBER –
This is on tonight’s agenda to select the engineering firm.
This $2.2 million project will repurpose a former (abandoned) sand filter turning it into a chlorine contact chamber. Chlorine contact time is a bottleneck at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP has a rated capacity of 5.4 MGD. Staff believes we can increase the capacity to 10 MGD when the project is completed. The increase will require TCEQ approval, but staff thinks it is feasible. The project is being funded from the Enterprise Fund balance.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) –
The 2024 Street Improvement Plan (SIP) is complete.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES –
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the year-end report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Repaired 291 potholes.
- Made 26 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Replaced 26 stop signs and 7 street signs.
- Installed 10 speed limit signs.
- Demolished a house at 828 Bell.
- Hauled street sweeping spoils and sludge to the landfill.
- Responded to 187 fire/rescue calls.
- Conducted 57 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
- Responded to 1 structure fire, 2 vehicle fires, and 10 grass fires.
- Treated wastewater effluent to a total suspended solids reading of 0.41 mg/L. • Performed preventative maintenance on numerous items at the wastewater treatment plant and the water plant.
- Repaired 30 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 16 water meters.
- Unstopped 12 sewer mains.
- Washed 83,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 37 dead end water mains.
- 201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 2
- Performed preventative maintenance on numerous items at the water treatment plant.
- Responded to 196 animal control calls while achieving an adoption rate of 88%. • Made 2 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 33 accidents including 1 fatality, wrote 613 citations, recorded 33 offences and made 42 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Conducted 105 building inspections, 26 electrical inspections, 17 plumbing inspections, and 8 mechanical inspections.
- Issued 48 building permits and 62 trade permits.
- Sold 2,288 gallons of AvGas and 12,413 gallons of JetA fuel. • Accommodated 2,199 operations at the airport.
- Hosted the National Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) finals. • Checked out 4,190 items from the library including 998 eBooks. • Changed out flowers and banners downtown.
- Assisted with 71 activities at the senior citizens center.
- Rented the Grays Building 17 times.
- Purchased new scoreboards for Coleman Park.
Amber Alert for Local Girl Issued
November 7, 2024 – Jordan Maceachran, 16, of West Tawakoni was was last seen at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. She is described as 5 feet two inches with blue eyes and brown hair.
Jordan was last seen at the 600 block of Valley West Drive in West Tawakaoni. She was wearing a black t-shirt with “AC/DC” on front, black pants, with black and white shoes, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Call 903 447 3605 if you have information about this case.
2024 Big Tex Business Masterclass Produces 15 Graduates
November 7, 2024 – On the evening of November 5, 2024, the annual Big Tex Business Masterclass concluded with a graduation ceremony for 15 hardworking and dedicated entrepreneurs. The five-month cohort comprised of several small businesses provides participants with a classroom, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities for growth and exposure to the food and beverage industry.
The Big Tex Business Masterclass is a dynamic educational series for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry produced by the State Fair of Texas. The program aims to take existing businesses and educate them on implementing successful business operations and disciplines while creating an environment for networking and providing opportunities for growth and exposure. Completion of the program is not an automatic acceptance to the State Fair of Texas, but it allows a behind-the-scenes view and insight into what it takes to be a Food and Beverage Vendor at the Most Texan Place on Earth.
For the past five months, participants completed a series of curriculum, business mentoring, and vendor shadowing during the State Fair of Texas. The curriculum and sessions included topics such as Creating a Restaurant Growth Plan, Budgeting & Outsourcing, Customer Service that Excites and Engages, Marketing Your Food Business, Product Development, Franchising, Financing Options & Resources, and more. Congratulations to the 15 entrepreneurs who successfully completed and graduated from the 2024 Big Tex Business Masterclass:
- Damon Bankhead, Treat Yourself
- Lance Bounlatay, BNNV LLC
- Timothy Green, SMUPlayer17 FoodSeafood
- Antonio Guevara, Tejas BBQ + Tacos
- Ghouseuddin Mohammed (Tyler Wells), Rainbow7 LLC
- Shuntara Morris, Boudamnn
- Aisha Oladeji, KIMORA’S
- Gloria Suchil, Auroras Roasted Corn
- Tifany Swulius, Tejas BBQ + Tacos
- Lawerence Taylor, Versatile Ventures LLC
- Glenn Towery Jr., KC Seoul Kitchen
- Bryanna Watson, Bry’s Brew
- La’Tonja Williams, Tatyanna Pickle Palace & More
- Henry Woodfork, Bigg Chief Soulfood LLC
- LaToya Young, Roll Up Gourmet Egg Rolls
As mentoring plays a significant role in the Big Tex Business Masterclass program, The State Fair of Texas appreciates our 16 vendor mentors’ generosity as they provided support and guidance to the graduates throughout their journey in the cohort. Though the annual State Fair of Texas is the busiest time of year for these vendors, they were willing to allow the participants to shadow them, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience. The State Fair of Texas thanks these vendors for their continuous commitment and support to the Masterclass program:
- Tony Bednar, Tony’s Tacos
- Kerston Crawford-Thorns, Pearlie’s Southern Kitchen
- Christi Erpillo, Winter Family Concessions
- Tom Grace, TS Foodsystems
- Cody & Lauren Hays, Texas Holy Catering
- Javon Henderson, Benavides Foods
- Dwania Morris, Enjoy Foods
- Tami Nevins-Mayes, Nevins Concessions
- Greg Parish, Gourmet Royale
- Brent Reaves, Smokey John’s BBQ
- Nicole Sternes, SouthSide Steaks & Cakes
- Tammy Stiffler, Stiffler Concessions
- Kyle Wall, Eatertaining Events
- Royce West, 2-5 Concessions
- Milton & Gracie Whitley, Homestyle Foods
- Tony Woods, Wingfield
Shuntara Morris of Boudamnn conquered 75 hours of shadowing. “I entered this experience eager to learn, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. Throughout, I often reminded myself, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know,’ and as a first-generation business owner, I wasn’t sure where to find the resources I needed. The biweekly meetings were incredibly valuable, equipping us with the tools to reach our full potential,” said Morris. “Mentoring with the Fernie family was truly inspiring; the insights and lessons they shared will stay with me for a lifetime. Their guidance also prompted me to reflect on the legacy I want to create—something I hadn’t considered before. I’m leaving this experience filled with fresh ideas and excitement for what lies ahead. I’m incredibly grateful for all I gained from the Big Tex Masterclass.”
The State Fair of Texas aims to give back through our partnerships with local organizations and initiatives while expanding outreach programs and placing a special priority on promoting community involvement. Our impact focuses on three areas of our mission – economic development, capacity building, and education, and the Big Tex Business Masterclass embodies all three. A special thank you to our partners and collaborators for continuously providing their greatest strengths and making this program possible: American National Bank of Texas, City of Dallas, Comerica Bank, SBA, SBDC of North Texas, SCORE Dallas, The Texas Mezzanine Fund, Vicky Cakes, and Wells Fargo. For more information, visit BigTex.com/Masterclass.
Governor Abbott Spotlights Growing Support For School Choice In Tyler
November 7, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott touted the growing support for school choice across Texas and outlined the next steps to ensure every Texas parent has the freedom to choose the best school for their children during a media availability at Kingdom Life Academy in Tyler.
“School choice is wanted by all demographic groups in the state of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Hispanics and African Americans in the state of Texas, they strongly support school choice. Those parents want an option. They know their child better than any government employee does, and they want to put their child on the pathway toward success. School choice improves educational opportunities for minority and low-income students. Texas is going to make sure they have that opportunity. With last night’s election results, Texas will finally be able to provide school choice for every Texan, while continuing to support our public schools and enhancing job training education to ensure our students are going to be successful in their future careers.”
“We are excited about the fact that Texas is moving in the direction of school choice,” said Joel Enge, Founder and Director of Kingdom Life Academy. “As a Black founder of schools, I can speak to the issue on how important school choice is for Black and Hispanic students in our communities. We desperately need school choice to open opportunities for schools like Kingdom Life Academy to provide practical education. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to fight and see school choice open up doors for more students and more families who need an alternative education.”
Watch the Governor’s full media availability here.
Joined by Kingdom Life Academy board members and teachers, including one who graduated from the school, Governor Abbott pointed to last night’s election results and mentioned that Texas has the support to pass school choice in the upcoming legislative session. The Governor also outlined the next steps the Texas Legislature should consider, including continuing to fully fund public education, increase teacher pay and incentives, and enhance job training opportunities in schools.
Joel Enge recently wrote on the importance of our nation’s leaders advancing policies that ensure universal school choice and how it will benefit students from all walks of life, including Black and Hispanic students.
The Elections Results Are In – Texas School Vouchers Have Enough Support
November 6, 2024 – Every candidate that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott backed in the 2024 Texas House general election won. He now has more than enough support for his school voucher program, which uses taxpayer dollars to help parents pay for private school tuition.
Abbott will discuss the plan on Wednesday afternoon while visiting a private school in Tyler.
“Every candidate that I backed in Texas House general election races won tonight,” said Abbott. “There are more than enough votes to pass school choice in Texas.”
While Republicans held a majority in the Texas Legislature before this election cycle, many rural Republicans and Democrats banded together to vote against Abbott’s plan during the last session.
Wreaths Across America – Reilly Springs – Saturday, December 14th
November 6, 2024 – REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.
On December 14, 2024 at 11:00 am, TX1434 – REILLY SPRINGS, TX VETERANS GROUP will be helping REILLY SPRINGS CEMETERY to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.
Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you.
Thank you so much for supporting the TX1434 – REILLY SPRINGS, TX VETERANS GROUP and Wreaths Across America!
Nationwide 2.7 million wreaths were placed at 3,702 participating locations last year. The mission of Wreaths Across America is Remember, Honor, Teach – remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
