Here’s Just Some of the Exciting Activities Scheduled for November and December at the Senior Citizens Activity Center
Foundation Sets 2025 Funding Priorities
November 3, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has set their 2025 funding priorities. Both projects will have a positive impact on the health of Hopkins County citizens.
To address a concern for outdoor activities during the summer months, the Foundation will donate funding for two cooling tents equipped with misting sprays. These tents are estimated to cost $16,000 for the two.
The inflatable tent provides a visible station for people to cool down at outdoor events. It is equipped with a cooling mist system that fills the air with a fine spray of cool water to help regulate body temperature while providing shade. The fog instantly lowers the temperature inside the open tent, as well as in the surrounding area.
The tents will travel with the Mobile Athletic Training Room to local athletic and community events such as track meets and the Sulphur Springs Symphony League’s Independence Day Celebration.
The second funding project will be to raise $260,000 to go toward the $780,000 upgrade for the MRI machine at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. This enhancement will allow for 32% faster scans which means patients will have a better experience. Because the scans are quicker, it will allow for more patients to be accommodated each day. In addition, the quality of scans produced will increase.
The holiday Snowflake Campaign and the 19th Annual Gala will help to fund these two initiatives.
Both of these projects will help Hopkins County be an even healthier county.
The sponsorship invitation to the Gala has been mailed. Sponsorships may also be purchased online at Gala2025.GiveSmart.com. The Snowflake campaign mailing will go out in a couple of weeks, and the website will go live at the same time.
For more information about these projects or fundraisers contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. All funds raised are used to improve healthcare in Hopkins County.
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Foundation Announces New Breast Cancer Support Group
November 3, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but for many, breast cancer isn’t a topic relegated to a month. It is a fight, a reality, or a new diagnosis. For those women, a local breast cancer support group has been formed.
With the help of friends and breast cancer survivors, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has established a local breast cancer support group.
An organizational meeting was held on Oct. 29 at the Foundation office. The founding women toured the current and future In My Closet locations and discussed what the group needs to offer survivors and newly diagnosed women.
This group plans to provide support and information for those starting this journey. They want to be a sisterhood for the shared experience of breast cancer.
The group’s first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12 at 5:30 pm in the Medical Plaza conference room. The Medical Plaza (113 Airport Rd, Sulphur Springs) 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.
The theme for the evening will be “thankful.” All breast cancer survivors and those beginning or amid a breast cancer journey are invited to attend. Also welcome to attend are male breast cancer patients and survivors and women with female-related cancers. This group wants to ensure that no one fights alone.
To stay informed about the breast cancer support group and other offerings, please follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook or Instagram.
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Fairgoers Join Ken Paxton in Suing Texas State Fair for Allegedly Violating Their Gun Rights
Three fairgoers are requesting up to $1 million in damages and to allow guns at the State Fair.
BY JUAN SALINAS II – November 1, 2024 – Three fairgoers have joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in suing the State Fair of Texas and the city of Dallas over the fair’s policy banning all firearms from its properties.
Monday’s filing is the latest maneuver from Paxton in an ongoing battle surrounding the State Fair and its gun ban. In September, a day before the event kicked off, the Texas Supreme Court denied Paxton’s request to overturn the policy — stating it has no role to “decide whether the State Fair made a wise decision” — after a Dallas district court judge allowed the gun ban to stand.
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Paxton filed the update naming the newest plaintiffs in his ongoing case before the Dallas district court, which is expected to have another hearing next year.
In it, Paxton accuses State Fair and city officials of violating state law that bars most government bodies from prohibiting weapons on their properties. Paxton also says officials violated the constitutional rights to bear arms of fairgoers Maxx Juusola, Tracy Martin, and Alan Crider. They ask for up to $1 million in civil damages and to allow people to carry guns on the fairground.
After the Supreme Court ruling, Paxton said in a press release that he would continue to press the issue on “the merits to uphold Texans’ ability to defend themselves.”
Dallas owns Fair Park, where the 24-day event takes place annually, but State Fair of Texas, a nonprofit organization, operates the park and various city buildings and walkways within the property, per a 25-year agreement between the two entities. A week before the Dallas District Court hearing, Paxton withdrew an eight-year-old legal opinion that allowed private nonprofits to ban guns on land they lease from a city.
Paxton continues to argue that since Dallas owns Fair Park, the nonprofit’s policy change violates state law, which allows licensed gun owners to carry in places owned or leased by governmental entities, unless otherwise prohibited by state law, according to Paxton’s lawsuit. Texas law establishes that schools and courtrooms are considered gun-free zones and allows others, such as amusement parks or educational institutions, to institute their own bans on firearms.
In his letter to the interim city manager over the summer, Paxton acknowledged that some buildings on the Fair Park premises, like the Cotton Bowl and other buildings used for scholastic events, are areas where guns are prohibited by state law.
“However, the entirety, or vast majority of the 277-acre Fair Park of Dallas is not a place where weapons are prohibited,” Paxton wrote.
The city of Dallas disagreed with Paxton’s allegations, explaining that city officials weren’t involved in the State Fair’s decision to enforce a gun ban.
“The State Fair of Texas is a private event operated and controlled by a private, nonprofit entity and not the City,” a Dallas spokesperson said in a statement.
Fair officials maintain they could enforce a gun ban as a private nonprofit.
This article first appeared here.
Grocery Supply Raises $100,000 for Charities At Golf Tournament
November 1, 2024 – On October 28, 2024, GSC Enterprises, Inc. held its 36th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Golf Clubs at the Tribute in The Colony, TX. GSC presented to local and regional organizations $100,000. Those benefiting from the 36th Annual Charity Golf Tournament were Morgan’s Mercy Mansion, Lake Country CASA, Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Community Chest, GSC Benevolence, and Sulphur Springs Independent School District Education Foundation. “We are humbled and thankful for the generosity of our network of vendor and community partners. Their kindness means the world to these local charities and to all of us at GSC,” said GSC Enterprises, Inc President/CEO, Ryan McKenzie.
Texas Hospitals Required to Report Medical Costs of Illegal Aliens
An executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott is set to go into effect November 1.
By Brandon Waltens | October 31, 2024 – Starting tomorrow, all hospitals in Texas will be required to collect and report the healthcare costs of illegal aliens.
This comes after an executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott in August directing the Health and Human Services Commission to do the following:
- Direct hospitals and additional identified providers to collect information regarding the cost of medical care provided to illegal immigrants, beginning by November 1, 2024.
- Direct covered hospitals to report such data to HHSC quarterly, with initial submissions due March 1, 2025.
- Direct those hospitals to inform the patient that federal law mandates that any response to such questions will not affect patient care.
- Report annually, beginning on January 1, 2026, to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House on the preceding year’s costs for medical care provided to illegal immigrants.
In 2021, Attorney General Ken Paxton revealed that Texans pay an average of about $152 million a year to house illegal aliens, between $62 million and $90 million to include illegals in Texas’ emergency Medicaid program, and between $579 million and $717 million for hospitals to provide uncompensated medical care.
New required reporting, however, aims to collect more accurate data.
“Due to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ open border policies, Texas has had to foot the bill for medical costs for individuals illegally in the state,” Abbott said in August after issuing the executive order. “Texans should not have to shoulder the burden of financially supporting medical care for illegal immigrants.”
This article first appeared here.
Deer in Headlights
November 1, 2024 – By Ryan LaFontaine – AUSTIN — Opening day for whitetail deer season in Texas on Saturday, Nov. 2, coincides with the time of year when deer are far more active, and drivers can follow a few safety tips to help prepare for this increase in four-legged traffic.
The rut, or deer mating season, is when bucks seemingly lose all sense of caution and the chase for a mate begins. This means roadway encounters between deer and drivers are more common.
“It is important that drivers are completely aware of their surroundings, especially this time of year,” said Michael Chacon, TxDOT’s director of traffic safety. “You can encounter a deer on the road almost anywhere in Texas. Not just rural areas.”
Texas has more than 5 million whitetail deer, inhabiting 252 of its 254 counties. While the chances of seeing deer on the road are good, there are some things drivers can do to stay safe.
Safety tips that could help motorists avoid a crash include:
- Be aware of your surroundings: Take note of deer warning signs. They are typically placed where animal crossings are more likely – but encounters could happen anywhere.
- Look out for the group: Deer seldom run alone. If you see one, others could be nearby.
- Slow down: Reduce speed if you see a deer near the edge of the roadway.
- Driving at night: Use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of the deer.
- Stay in your lane: If there is no danger of being hit by following traffic, brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near the road but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting a deer.
- If you hit a deer: If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. Move your car off the road and call 911. Remain in your vehicle. It is the safest place. Many secondary crashes occur due to pedestrians in the roadway.
In the fall months, especially from October through December, deer are beginning their natural breeding behavior and are moving around to find mates. The movement is especially pronounced in the early morning and late evening hours.
Though deer movement peaks this time of year, remember that a deer could run on or near roadways at any time of the year.
Use An Annual Rye Cover Crop In Your Garden This Fall From Master Gardener David Wall
November 1, 2024 – One way to protect and enrich your garden soil for next spring is to plant a cover crop, and one of the best cover crops is cereal (annual) rye. Cereal rye is a grain crop planted/sown on bare soil immediately after removing vegetable crop residue. It grows very fast and so thick, it quickly outpaces any weeds trying to recover or newly landed weed seeds that sprout.
First off. cereal rye’s thickness of growth will protect your soil from erosion during winter winds and rain. Then, it protects the soil next spring from new weeds. On top of all this, it helps to aerate and enrich the garden soil next spring when it dies and decays. How? Well its roots can penetrate virtually any type of soil, breaking up compaction (loosening the soil), making it easier for next spring’s crops to penetrate.
When cereal rye dies back next spring, the decaying roots provide organic matter for vegetable crop roots. Hollows left by decaying roots provide channels for air and water. On the soil surface, decomposing foliage provides more nutrients, as the crop doesn’t have to be removed. Simply plant right through it! Again, the thickness of the growing cereal rye prevents from getting the other hand. Basically, it creates a barrier that outgrows and smothers weeds
A major asset is low maintenance. You don’t have to till it into the soil. Just sow it, perhaps run a rake over it, and give it some water. It will quickly sprout and start covering the soil. To terminate, just cut it back (more than one trimming may be required) and plant your vegetables right through it.
Make sure you buy a cereal (winter, annual) grain rye. Its seeds are much larger than perennial or annual rye grass seeds, which won’t die off!
Dinner Bell for November 6, 2024
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.
It was Texas’ gain (especially Sulphur Springs) and California’s’ loss when the Dollison family decided to locate Diversi fied Storage Systems (DSS) in our fair city in January, 2016. Diversified Storage Systems designs and produces dry power storage transfer equipment and silos. This equipment meets the needs of such industries as construction, mining import and manufacturing.
DSS not only enriches the local economy and provides job opportunities, but is also heavily involved in community endeavors. Since 2016 it has partnered with the Dinner Bell quarterly. It also participates in High School Soccer, the Healthcare Foundation Annual Gala, the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, and the Senior Center holiday “wish list” to name several other community endeavors.
The Dinner Bell appreciates Diversified Storage Systems and Michelle and Tim Dollison for their continued support
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years Day.
MENU:
MEXICAN LASAGNA
BROWN SUGAR TARRAGON CARROTS
TORTILLAS
GARDEN SALAD WITH GUACAMOLE RANCH DRESSING
SOPAPILLA CHEESECAKE
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 !!!
Chamber Connection – October 30, 2024
By Butch Burney
Saturday turned out to be a glorious day for stew fans as an estimated 7,500 people jammed Buford Park to take part in the 55th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest, sponsored by Alliance Bank. The weather was pleasant in the morning, when stew was served from more than 170 pots!
A big thank you to all those who attended, to our sponsors and especially to those cooks, who spent most of Friday and Saturday making stew for us all.
It’s not too late to capture some of that magic with stew merchandise, including hoodies, mugs, tumblers, stickers and more. There are on discounted sale at the Chamber of Commerce office.
Cocktails and Conversation
Join us for our next mixer at noon on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Vino Lounge at 223 Main Street, from 5-6:30 p.m.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to take part in the Cocktails and Conversation event. It is open to everyone to enjoy the atmosphere, cocktails and refreshments.
Get the first peek at this hip new hangout with interior design by Haus of Sabor and plants from The Plant Niche, and mingle with new friends, & try out all the wines.
Region 4 Rodeo
The Region 4 High School Rodeo will come to the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center the first weekend of November.
The action will start at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3.
Christmas Joys
Reservations are now being taken for the 51st Annual “Christmas Joys” Holiday Program on Monday, November 11 at the Southwest Dairy Museum.
The program will have two showings to accommodate the schedules of those wishing to attend – one at 1:30 p.m. and another at 5:30 p.m.
Contact the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat. Tickets are $10, payable at the door.
P.S. If you are a business looking for a way to get your name out there, please consider donating items for their goody bags. Donations will be accepted at the AgriLife Extension office, 1200B Houston Street in front of the Civic Center, until November 4.
Car Show
The Heritage Square Car Show is back for the 19th year! Hit the square this Saturday to check out hotrods, classic cars, muscle cars, and more. Bring your camera and the whole family for a day of fun!
Ribbon Cuttings
Join us for a ribbon cutting for Altura Homes at noon on Thursday, Nov. 7. The event will be at their development on State Highway 11 West.
