Chamber Connection – October 8, 2025
By Butch Burney
Now’s the time to avoid the lines and get your tickets for the 56th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest, with title sponsor Alliance Bank, on Oct. 25.
Tickets are available online at HopkinsChamber.org, at the Chamber of Commerce office at 110 Main Street, and at our local lending institutions (banks and credit unions).
Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to keep tickets prices for the Stew Contest the same as the last several years — $8 for adults and teenagers, and free for all children 12 years and under!
Signature Solar is providing the Kids Eat Free sponsorship, so thanks to them for being such a great community partner.
Stew service starts at 10:45 a.m. the morning of the contest and we have more than 170 sites at Buford Park signed up to cook and serve you stew!
But wait, that’s not all you’ll get for your ticket. We also have 28 vendors who will have merchandise and baked goods for you to shop. Thank you, Red River Credit Union for being our market sponsor
But wait, that’s not all. We also have a Fun Zone, sponsored by One Church, where kids can play Gellyball and other games next to Kids Kingdom.
But wait, that’s not all. Come out Friday night for our concert from Dubb and the Luv Machines, starting at 7:30 p.m. The Friday night activities are sponsored by City National Bank.
For stew cooks, bag pickup is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the Chamber office, and our Stewcomers Meeting (for first year cooks) will be 5:30 p.m. at the Buford Park pavilion.
Window Decorating Contest
The Chamber is hosting a window decorating contest for the Stew Festival. There is no charge to enter, just let us know that your business is competing so it can be judged.
The theme for the Stew Contest this year is the Wizard of Oz and There’s No Place Like Hopkins County. The contest began on Sept. 15 and windows will be judged on Oct. 16.
If you’d like to take part in this fun contest, call us at 903-885-6515 or email us at [email protected].
The winner of the contest will get, among other things, the opportunity to ring the dinner bell on stage at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, to signal the start of the stew service!
Uncorked: Wine, Art and Music Festival
Come downtown on Saturday, Oct. 11, for Uncorked, a wine festival that is more than just tasty spirits. The festival will also include more than 30 vendors, food trucks and live music.
There will be 11 wineries downtown for tasting and bottle purchases, as well.
Visit uncorkedsstx.org for all the ticket options. The festivities start on Friday, Oct. 10, with events that include a chef’s dinner and happy hour festival kickoff.
On Saturday, in addition to general admission tickets, you can purchase tickets for a history walk, boozy brunch, flower art, mural painting and picnic, a mimosa bar, gourmet picnic and reserved tables, Main Street Theatre comedy, and a silent disco.
Help-a-Child Benefit
The 18th annual Help-a-Child Benefit is set for Oct. 17-18 at the Hopkins County Civic Center with chili, brisket, raffles and other activities.
The ag team competition build off is set for Friday, Oct. 17, at the Equine Pavilion parking lot.
On Saturday, the day opens with a chili and brisket contest. The livestock show starts at 9 a.m., followed two hours later by the ag mechanic show and silent auctions.
Chili and brisket will be served starting at 11:30 a.m. at $10 all you can eat, and auction for the project show begins at 12:30 p.m.
You can also buy chances to win a Kubota RTV X with trailer.
All proceeds benefit the NET Child Advocacy Center, Scottish Rite Hospital, Hunt County CASA, Lake Country CASA and Masonic Lodge Scholarship Program.
Sunrise Social
Join us for a networking event when Jasmine Lemons hosts a Sunrise Social on Friday, Oct. 10, at Holiday Inn Express, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is free to everyone, and a prime time to make friends and contacts.
Please make plans to attend to enjoy some breakfast foods and great conversation.
Alamo Letter Dedication
A ceremony to mark the establishment on the downtown plaza of a monument for Travis’ Letter from the Alamo will take place the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 18. Starting at 2 p.m., the ceremony will unveil the bronze plaque placed at the base of the Texas flag in front of the Courthouse.
The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Rosser Coke Newton, co-chairman of the Texas Alamo Letter Society, playing of El Deguello by Kelly Fletcher, and reenactment of the recruitment of the Gonzales Rangers (the Immortal 32) who answered Travis’ call for help.
William Barrett Travis, commander of the forces at the Alamo, sent the letter on Feb. 24, 1836 to “The people of Texas and all Americans in the world,” asking for reinforcements. He ended the letter with the famous vow, If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country – Victory or Death.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Ribbon Cutting
Glow and Go Lighting will have a ribbon cutting at the Chamber office, 110 Main St., at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15. Please join us for this event.
Rich Cavaness will have a ribbon cutting for his American National insurance office at the Chamber office at 110 Main St., at noon on Friday, Oct. 17.
Jimmy Houston Outdoors Big Bass RV and Boat Storage will have a ribbon cutting at their facility, 3944 State Highway 154 in Yantis. The event is set for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, part of their grand opening.
Hopkins County United Way Held Their Second Weekly Meeting October 7th
October 12, 2025 – The Hopkins County United Way members held their second meeting of the 2025-2026 Campaign October 7, 2025, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Executive Secretary Susan Berning reached out to KSST with a report on the meeting. Susan reported, “On behalf of Ashley Crump and Kaitlyn Hankins, I am very pleased to report Campaign pledges to date total $23,708.78!! If you attended our meeting …, please note the total is slightly higher than reported at the meeting. Our next meeting is this coming Tues., Oct. 14, at 9:00 a.m., at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office.” This is the 70th Anniversary of the Hopkins County United Way. Be a good neighbor and help out this great cause.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held on October 16th
October 12, 2025 – Join us Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Research Library, 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, TX , for a program by Major, (Ret.) USAF, David W. Wims: “Tools of the Trade – Captain Samuel H. Walker and the Percussion Revolvers of 1836-1860.”
David W. Wims was born in Ft. Worth, Texas and graduated from High School in Houston, Texas. He attended University of Houston and East Texas State University, where he was awarded a BA in English and History. He attended graduate school at North Texas State University.
David joined the U. S. Air Force in 1973 and in 1986 he was awarded a BS degree in Computer Science from ETSU and also Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force on the same day at ETSU. From 1986 to 2004 he served in various positions with the U.S.A.F. in Montana, South Dakota, New Mexico and Alabama. In 2000 he was awarded a MA in Military History from the University of Alabama. He was also in-service in Missouri, Tennessee and Eskan Village, Riyadh the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In 2004 David retired from active duty with the Air Force, but began teaching until 2022, when he retired from both and moved back home to Mt. Vernon, Texas. Since then he has been involved in western re-enactments, wild west shows and anything related to all periods of American history, but especially the Colonial era and early frontier post Revolution – not to mention the restoration of his grandparents natural rock house built in 1939 in Mt. Vernon, Tx.
If you cannot join us in-person, we invite you to join us via Zoom. When: October 16, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/n1YJ3LjHTzObtAa52fNTyw
With such an extensive history, how could this man not be interesting to listen to? In addition to period clothing he will bring guns and artifacts for “show and tell.” We can hardly wait to hear and see his presentation!
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day October 25
October 10, 2025 – Texans are encouraged to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25. The nationwide initiative, led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), provides secure drop-off locations at law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, and community centers across Texas. The event aims to prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental harm caused by improper disposal. Residents can find nearby collection sites through the DEA’s website. All drop-offs are free and anonymous, helping keep communities safer and medications out of the wrong hands.
Commissioner Miller Urges Swift Action After New Screwworm Case Found in Northern Mexico
AUSTIN, Texas (October 8, 2025) — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an urgent call to action Wednesday following confirmation of a new case of New World Screwworm in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico — less than 150 miles south of the Texas border.
“With a second case nearing the Texas-Mexico border, time is of the essence,” Miller said in a statement. “The time is now for our state and federal partners to get on board with the deployment of pesticide bait. When utilized right, alongside TDA Swormlure, this is a proven method for eradication.”
The affected calf was intercepted at a new livestock checkpoint, and the screwworm larvae were found dead due to mandatory treatments, including ivermectin and a larvicidal bath.
The New World Screwworm is a flesh-eating parasite that attacks warm-blooded animals, including livestock and wildlife, and can devastate ranching economies if left unchecked. Once eradicated from the United States in the 1960s through a coordinated U.S.-Mexico program, the parasite’s reemergence near Texas has sparked widespread concern among ranchers and agricultural officials.
Miller emphasized that the threat extends beyond livestock. “This isn’t just a livestock issue — it’s about protecting Texas jobs, rural communities, and our agricultural lifeblood,” he said.
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has already deployed its advanced Swormlure traps across southern Texas to monitor and contain any potential spread. These traps are designed for early detection, allowing for rapid response before infestations reach commercial herds.
TDA is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Mexican authorities to coordinate surveillance and treatment along the border region. The Commissioner said deploying pesticide bait — a key element of past eradication efforts — remains essential to preventing the screwworm from crossing into Texas.
“Our world-class Texas cattle industry is too important to take chances,” Miller said. “We are acting with force and precision now to protect the backbone of rural Texas.”
Governor Abbott Orders TxDOT to Enforce Roadway Safety and Compliance Standards
AUSTIN, Texas (October 8, 2025) — Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to intensify enforcement of federal and state roadway safety standards, warning that cities and counties failing to comply could face funding cuts and suspended agreements.
In a statement Wednesday, Abbott emphasized that taxpayer resources must be used solely to maintain safe and efficient roadways, not to promote political or social causes. “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not to advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” the Governor said. “To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a consistent transportation network across the state.”
The directive instructs TxDOT to review local compliance with roadway design and safety standards, ensuring that all surface markings, traffic signs, and lighting meet federal regulations. Under these rules, any non-standard markings or symbols—including political messages, social slogans, or ideological displays—are prohibited if they do not directly contribute to traffic control or driver safety.
Governor Abbott warned that jurisdictions refusing to comply could face serious penalties, including the withholding or denial of state and federal highway funds.
TxDOT officials are expected to begin compliance assessments immediately, working with local governments to remove any unauthorized markings or signage. The Governor’s office said the initiative aims to maintain safety, uniformity, and neutrality across Texas roads while ensuring that all transportation infrastructure meets the highest safety standards.
Governor Abbott Orders DPS to Crack Down on Illegal Hemp and Vape Sales
October 8, 2025 – AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to step up enforcement against vape and smoke shops that violate state hemp and product regulations, in what he described as an effort to protect children from harmful substances.
“Texas will protect children from dangerous hemp products,” Abbott said in a statement released Monday. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase surveillance and enforcement of any vape and smoke shop violating Texas law. Texas will prioritize protecting our children.”
Under the governor’s directive, the DPS Criminal Investigations Division will launch targeted operations to identify shops of concern, working with local, state, and federal partners to perform inspections and collect evidence of potential violations. DPS special agents will also conduct undercover operations, seize illegal products for testing in the DPS Crime Lab, and pursue criminal charges against individuals or businesses found to be in violation of Texas law.
The move follows an executive order Abbott issued last month, directing multiple state agencies — including the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission — to take immediate steps to curb access to hemp-derived products such as delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
While federal law allows hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC, Texas officials have expressed growing concern over unregulated sales, particularly products marketed to minors. DPS says it will use all available partnerships to enforce compliance and prevent the distribution of illegal or mislabeled items.
The governor’s office emphasized that the state’s actions are meant to balance child safety with the rights of responsible adult consumers and legitimate businesses operating within the law.
Learn About the Texoma Gospel Music Association Fall Gathering on This Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
October 7, 2025 – Ina Gore, with the Texoma Gospel Music Association, dropped by for A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to discuss the “Fall Gathering” Gospel Festival scheduled for October 10th through 11th, 2025, at the ROC in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Ina and John Mark chat about the Texoma Gospel Music Association, Gospel Music today, Buddy Gore, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode below.
The Ultimate Girls Night Out… And It’s Free!
October 7, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Celebrate breast health with the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Monday, October 13! Johanna Hicks will lead a self-exam demonstration using a silicone prosthetic breast model in a hands-on learning experience, teaching ladies how to detect breast lumps.
Celebrate “the girls” is perfect for moms and daughters, friend groups, women’s clubs, and any other woman who wants to learn more about breast health. Door prizes and refreshments will be provided.
Self-exams and preventative screenings are powerful ways to be proactive for breast health. According to the National Library of Medicine, 25% of breast cancer diagnoses are from self-exams, 18% are accidental discoveries through other medical treatments or testing, and 57% are from screenings such as mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Stefany Walton from the Ruth and Jack Gillis Women’s Center will share information about the importance of mammograms and the Foundation’s free clinic. Uninsured Hopkins County women aged 40 and above may call (903) 438-4325 to make an appointment for a free mammogram, courtesy of the Foundation. Call Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm to schedule.
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that has expanded local healthcare since 1997 through free programs, clinics, and educational resources while also funding equipment, construction, and programs for the local nonprofit hospital CHRISTUS Mother Frances Sulphur Springs and state special district Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. For more information, follow Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on social media, email [email protected], or call (903) 438-4799.
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Can MSB Global Actually Pull Off Huge Data Center Project?
October 7, 2025 – The huge data center project in Sulphur Springs still has more questions than answers as some city residents seek to find out if MSB Global has what it takes to pull off the 3,000 MW facility. MSB Global announced (via their own website) the groundbreaking of the Matrix Data Center Campus back in June 2025 although contruction on the data center itself was not starting. Infrastructure projects for utilities has been ongoing, but these city projects are integral for any and all future commercial and residential projects that may come about on the former Thermo Mine property.
Contracts have been signed for land leases between the City of Sulphur Springs and MSB Global, again reported through MSB Global’s website and YouTube Channel. Information about the timeline and availability of the project remains unclear even on MSB Global’s own website. The first phase of the project is supposed to be open (up and running) by September 2026. That 800 MegaWatt first phase would undoubtably need an enormous amount of electricity to run, as MSB Global has stated they would need to build their own natural gas-fired generator to power the facility. KSST News has not seen any plans for that part of the project.
As with most emerging technologies, a track record of the companies or players in the ever-expanding, AI-driven data center boom has been tough to source. National news sources seem to report daily that a new huge data center is to be built somewhere in the United States with Microsoft, Oracle, or Meta behind the expanisions. MSB Global touts that it is these same companies that will be needing space in their new facility.
The big question is about money. The project would be enormously expensive, even without land costs. The overall investment could top $50 billion. Tax abatements will certainly be negotiated as the City of Sulphur Springs has hired a consultant to work out the details of how much tax revenue the facilty and equipment owners would need to contribute.
MSB Global may have realized they have put the “cart before the horse” as they recently announced some project overview meetings and a public construction site visit but quickly cancelled those events due to “unexpected high level of interest”. The City Hall meetings were only to include select groups including end users, investors, data center operators, developers, and engineers. KSST News and other press outlets were not invited to these meetings, but to the cancelled public site visit.
It remains to be seen if MSB Global has the financial backing in place to complete the project or if they are waiting to bring online the hyperscalers (customers) they claim they will need to fulfill the entire project.
