Chamber Connection: Thanks To Stew Contest Sponsors
By Lezley Brown, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
This year’s Hopkins County Stew Contest certainly looked different than it ever has before; 88 cooks were spread out over 14 acres, most people got their stew via the drive-through, and the park looked a bit empty. But, there was something that was the same … people had fun! The spirit of the stew contest remained in this year marked with cancellations, and we are so thankful for it.
I would like to take a moment to list the sponsors for the Hopkins County Stew Contest as they are critically important to its success. A huge thank you goes to: Jay Hodge Chevrolet, Atmos Energy, Brookshires, Chick-fil-A, City National Bank, Legacy Ag Credit, Saputo, Heritage Hospice, Interstate Body Shop, Clayton Homes, GDC Industrial, ONCOR, Dr. Liao Orthopedic Center, Legacy Ag Credit, Texas Heritage National Bank, Summit Dental, Texas Farm Credit, Circle E Western Wear, Peoples Communication, First Baptist Church and Bright Star Baking Company, Moreland Fence, Hope Family Fellowship, Professional Land and Title, Robinson Bennet Construction, C-n-C Pro AV, Hampton Inn, Jiffy Signs, State Representative Dan Flynn, Sulphur Springs Centre for Dance, Super Handy, Alliance Bank, Galyean Insurance, Latson’s.com, Southwest Dairy Museum, Travel Time RV, Central Baptist Church, Rock Creek Health & Rehab, East Texas Physical Therapy, Brian Toliver Ford, Julia Wilhite State Farm, Landers Creek Outfitters, 95.9 Star Country, KSST, Cheyenne Smithers with Preuss & Flecker, Renee Jennings with RE/MAX Advanced, ECHO Publishing & Design, Miss Behavin, RE/MAX Advanced, The Propane Company, and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department.
In the next few weeks, we will begin work on next year’s stew, and with everything in us, we hope that Stew Contest will be NORMAL! Save the date for Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, when we celebrate the 52nd Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest!
VR Social to host Halloween Event
VR Social, located at 317 Spring St. in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a ScreamFest Event for Halloween. It is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. Cost is $10 at the door and includes 15 minutes of Virtual Reality time to explore a haunted/horror experience.
Tickets are numbered, so while you wait for your ticket number to be called, you can enjoy the horror movies on their big screen with hot cider, candy, and mixing and mingling with the community.
Costumes are highly encouraged! Please bring chairs and blankets.
Ribbon Cutting, Blessing For New Ruth And Jack Gillis Women’s Center Held Oct. 27
A ribbon cutting and blessing for the new Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center was held Tuesday evening, Oct. 27, 2020 at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. Officially unveiled to the community was the new new living Donor wall. It recognizes those who have made contributions to Hopkins County Health Care Foundation over the years.
Special thanks were offered to Judy Gillis and Janet Jordan, whose contribution the Health Care Foundation was largely responsible for the renovation of the hospital area now named in honor of their parents Ruth & Jack Gillis. Thanks was also offered to Joe Bob and Linda Burgin, Paul and Jill Harvey and Cross Country Cowboy Church for helping to make the center possible.
The ICU waiting area was updated thanks to the generosity of Bob, Peggy and Preston Weaver. The OB waiting area also was updated thanks to the generosity of Markeda Price Fisher and Kayla Price Mitchell.
The idea for the Gillis Women’s Center began with a goal of raising $500,000 for the Health Care Foundation for a new 3-D Mammography machine. The project took off from there, with many people involved in the funding process, including director the Health Care Foundation, Board members and campaign chairs.
The Women’s Center offers a private waiting area with refreshments and private dressing area, breast ultrasound for screening, guided biopsy, diagnostic testing and guided cyst aspiration; 3-D mammography with very low x-ray energy during screening, which allows doctors to examine one layer of breast tissue at a time; and dual-energy X-ray Absorptiomety (DXA) that uses low-dose radiation to more safely and painlessly measure bone mineral density and produce fast T-Score results.
Interventional radiologists are onsite on Thursdays to perform various minimally invasive procedures using medical imaging guidance. The new equipment and services offered at the Gillis Women’s Center provide women in the community an option to have testing performed in Sulphur Springs. Previously a trip out of town to facilities in areas such as Tyler and Dallas was required.
A new Foundation Donor Recognition Wall was unveiled during the event as well. The Recognition Wall was constructed in a way that it can be updated to reflect additional financial contributors, includes inserts with recent news and updates at the hospital. Columns near the wall reflect donors of more than $100 to the Health Care Foundation.
Hospital district board members, foundation board members, and hospital supporters were invited to attend the blessing and ribbon cutting.
Andy Navarro, vice president of mission integration for CHRISTUS Health, Father Daniel Oghenerukevwe, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances priest/chaplain, Sisters Rose Marikudi and Micheala Tomkowiak from Tyler were involved in the blessing and dedication ceremony.
Navarro noted that the Women’s Center and updates are in keeping with CHRISTUS’ mission to extend the health ministry of Jesus Christ. As Jesus commanded His Disciples to heal the sick and care for the poor. The Women’s Center is another sign of CHRISTUS’ fidelity to that command.
Father Daniel provided introductory rites, offering prayer for God’s blessing on all who will be patients at the center and all who will devote themselves to the caring for the sick.
Matthew 4:23-25, which describes Jesus’ teaching, proclaiming of the gospel and curing of disease and illness. Prayer was offered for Jesus to pour favor on the Ruth and Jack Gillis Women’s Center for care and protection and strength for those who care for patients, a deepening of compassion to see and love all who are suffering, especially the poor and vulnerable. Father Daniel also offered concluding rites.
Scott Fossey, vice president of philanthropy for CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas, Louisiana and Southeast Texas, provided the welcome and closing comments. CMFH-SS and Winnsboro President/CEO Paul Harvey provided a message on the Sulphur Springs CHRISTUS ministry. Special guests were introduced by Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Director of Development Shannon Barker and former HCHCF director and current CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs Program and Patient Experience Director Meredith Caddell.
Following the blessing and dedication ceremony, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting signaling the official opening of the Gillis Women’s Center, Judy Gillis and Janet Jordan asked to do the cutting, and other special guests standing by for a photo. Tours of the Gillis Women’s Center, as well as updated waiting areas, were offered afterward.
Friends of NRA Fundraiser Dinner Will Benefit Local 4H Archery, Boy Scouts, Law Enforcement Youth Program
A BBQ dinner is part of a fundraising event set for Saturday evening November 14, 2020 at The Savannah venue in the North Hopkins area of Hopkins County. Fire and Company will provide the meal. The event is being put on through the charitable side of the NRA organization, which also raises money to support shooting sports. Tickets are being offered at $35 per person or $350 for a table. Diners can take part in auctions through the evening. Additionally, a raffle is being conducted now to win a bolt action rifle, with 100 raffle tickets total being offered at $20 each. For details on the November 14 event, go to www.friendsofnra.org/events or phone Stephanie Stewart at 903 439 5927.
According to committee chair Stephanie Stewart, moneys raised by the local fundraising event will be divided equally, with half going to the Friends of NRA organization and the other half to local needs of youth members of the 4H Archery Club, Boy Scout shooting and archery groups, and local law enforcement youth programs. On the local basis, Friends of NRA provide educational classes such as women’s handgun training, safety classes, and kids camps which teach outdoor skills. Stephanie began teaching archery to youth a few years ago and got them started in area shooting contests. She now has a women’s shooting team which also competes with other teams in the area. Moneys allotted to these activities will be used for arrows, targets, travel expenses to competitions. Stephanie shared that back when her son was in the 4H archery group, it lost a leader and she picked up in helping the club. She liked it, and has become a 4H Certified Coach, along with Jeremy Bridges, another archery coach in the program. Stephanie’s son has since graduated North Hopkins ISD, but she still likes helping youth who have an interest in archery. She also enjoys carrying on the legacy of her late father Paul Stewart, and his Friends of NRA involvements. “Our archery groups are growing. Now, 3rd through 7th grade girls are getting involved, and some of the older ones are competing along with members of the Women’s Archery group. It’s invigorating to see that the interest in shooting sports is growing here and across the country. This is my way of giving back to the community which I grew up in, too.”
Chairman Stewart also hopes that sponsors for tables will come forward during October, so that others may plan to attend and become better informed about the Friends of NRA and meet other individuals interested in shooting skills. If you’d like to sponsor a table, contact Stephanie at 903-439-5927.
Items in the Symphony Auction 2020
The annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction will take place Saturday November 21st, 2020. During the live auction, bidders can call in their bids then listen to the results on KSST 1230AM. You can watch the event via video streaming.
Here is the growing list of items up for grabs.
Proceeds from the annual auction go toward events throughout the year. These events include the annual Independence Celebration on Celebration Plaza.
New Book On The Shelf, ‘Blind Tiger – My Time in Vietnam’ By Local Author
This memoir is available for purchase at the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Research Library, inside the public library, at 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Blind Tiger-My Time in Vietnam
By: Avery W Smith II
A “First Family” member of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society, Avery served in Vietnam as a Special Forces Advisor to the South Vietnamese Army, and finally at the U.S. Army Surveillance School at Ft Huachuca, Arizona before leaving the service in July 1970.
A Son of the Republic of Texas, Avery is a Sixth-Generation Texan from the Northeast Texas community of Sulphur Springs, Texas.
The book can be purchased at the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library, 611 N. Davis, Sulphur Springs, TX, or by emailing [email protected] or calling (903)885-8523. You may also just send your request and payment to HCGS, PO Box 624, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483-0624.
The book is priced at $25.00, plus $3.00 Shipping, if applicable.
Oct. 27 COVID-19 Update: 18 New Cases, 199 Active Cases
Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials, in the Oct. 27 COVID-19 update, reported 18 new positive COVID-19 cases, more than double Monday’s new case count.
That’s 626 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, including 265 who received positive results this month. Of the 626 residents, 427 have recovered and 199 still had the virus at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27.
HC/SSEM officials, in the Oct. 27 COVID-19 update, reported 11 patients were reported to be in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on Oct. 27, one more than on Oct. 26 but the same as on Oct. 20.
On Monday, 111 COVID-19 tests were performed at the free testing site at 128-A Jefferson St. That makes 2,129 tests conducted since the free testing site opened on Sept. 25, according to HC/SSEM’s Oct. 27 COVID-19 update.
Free molecular oral swab COVID-19 testing has been extended at the site through the end of November. To register, go online to GoGetTested.com. Symptoms or high-risk exposure are not required for testing. Anyone can be tested, even children, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Walk ups are also welcome.
Texas Health and Human Services on Oct. 27 reported Carriage House still have 2 active cases among staff and 9 active cases among residents on Oct. 13, the most recent data available from the state.
Rock Creek Health & Rehab was first reported on Oct. 12 to have tested positive for COVID-19. On Oct. 13, the facility showed one cumulative employee case but no active cases.
Sulphur Springs Health and Rehabilitation still had 3 active employee cases and Sunny Springs Health & Rehab had 16 active employee cases on Oct. 13, according to the Oct. 26 HHS nursing home report.
Wildcats Team Tennis Season Ends With Bi-District Loss At End Of A Very Long Day
Wildcats Team Tennis had their season end with a bi-district loss to Whitehouse, 19-0 Tuesday.
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said despite the score, his team played competitively. He added Whitehouse was just the better team.
It was a long, long day for both teams. They were originally planning to play their match starting at 9 a.m. in Van. The courts were wet. After waiting for several hours, the teams made plans to relocate to courts on the campus of LeTourneau University in Longview. At the time, Coach Martinez guessed courts there might be ready to begin play on by 1:15 p.m. The match was finally wrapped up at around 6:30 p.m.
The Wildcats end the season with a 4-4 record.
Next for Wildcats’ tennis players will be spring semester tennis beginning in late January or early February.
Lady Cats Win Seventh Straight, Dominating District Foe 3-0
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, the Lady Cats volleyball team hosted district foe Texas High, sweeping the Lady Tigers 3-0.
All three sets started competitive, with teams tying at least 3 times in each set. But each and every time, the Lady Tigers (6-2 district, 7-5 overall) would take the lead or tie the score, only for the Lady Cats to pull away in ferocious fashion.
Sets one and two both had a moment where Texas High led 7-8, but from there, it was all Lady Cats, all the time as they dominated early, winning sets one and two 25-14 and 25-15, respectively.
Set three was a back-and-forth affair all game long, with the two district foes tying nine separate times; 1-1, 3-3, 5-5, 7-7, 9-9, 10-10, 12-12, and 13-13. The story ended the same, albeit with a final closer score, as the Lady Cats won the set and the match, 25-20 — sweeping the Lady Tigers, 3-0.
Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner said the win feels great, seeing as how the only defeat for her squad in the 1st round of district play was against Texas High in Texarkana.
The loss in question for the Lady Cats occurred on Oct. 2, 2020, in what turned out to be the Lady Cats’ district opener, and put the Lady Cats at 3-6 on the season. The Sulphur Springs varsity squad has not lost a game since. Tuesday’s victory was the seventh consecutive win for the Lady Cats, and the second straight sweep of a district foe.
With the win as well, the Lady Cats move to 1st place in district play.
Coach Dorner hopes her team can keep the momentum going.
Luckily for Coach Dorner and the rest of her squad, the return of Sadie Washburn and Caroline Hurley (DNP), contributed a big morale boost for her squad.
“It was great when [Washburn and Hurley] came in this afternoon,” Coach Dorner said, adding that it was just good to see them.
Coach Dorner said Washburn and Hurley are good kids, and that practice, games, — life — aren’t the same without them and that the team missed them and were glad to have them back.
Sadie Washburn finished the game with 15 kills and an ace.
Next up, Coach Dorner and her squad travel out to Marshall on Friday, Oct. 30, to take on the Lady Mavs (3-4 district, 5-7 overall) at 4:30 P.M.
Lady Cats Cross Country Wins First Ever District Championship and Wildcats Are 4th at Mount Pleasant Monday
The Lady Cats Cross Country Team won their first ever district championship and is headed to the Regional Meet after the 15-5A District Championship Meet in Mount Pleasant Monday. The Wildcats finished 4th but their top finisher, junior Evan Patrick, was 8th in the race to also qualify for the regional meet.
The Lady Cats placed four runners in the top ten and all seven of their competitors were in the top 16. Once again the Lady Cats were led by freshman Haylee Shultz, who placed 3rd at 19:52.66. Sophomore Laney Hurst was 4th. Senior Kenia Herrera placed 7th. Sophomore Mattie Bridges overcame soreness to place 10th. Emily Soto was 13th. Sulphur Springs Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said Soto ran her best race ever. Senior Maurie Flecker was 15th and sophomore Rebekah Stanley placed 16th.
The Wildcats finished behind Mount Pleasant, Longview and Pine Tree. Patrick ran the 5K course in a time of 17:06.72 to earn his 8th place finish and regional berth. Junior Jose Mejia was 12th just missing the top ten. The Wildcats senior and team leader Camden Fuller valiantly finished the race in 25th place after taking a bad step at about the one mile mark. Junior Alex Flecker was 29th. Sophomore Hector Hernandez was 39th. Junior Johnathan Scott was 41st and senior Cord Mayo was 42nd.
Coach Hicks said the races were run in light sprinkles. The UIL Region II-5A Championship will take place Monday, November 9 at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex in Dallas.
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.
Now is a Perfect Time to Add a New Tree or a Grouping of Shrubs to the Landscape by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Finally, fall is here. The weather is becoming slightly cooler, and gardeners are slowly migrating back outdoors after record-breaking heat this summer. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, now is a perfect time to add a new tree or a grouping of shrubs to the landscape. Or perhaps you have an area in the landscape that needs ‘remodeling’ or rejuvenating. The fall may be the best season to plant, surpassing even the spring. Many people prefer January through March for planting, but the fall months of September through December have distinct advantages. Fall planting follows the heat of summer, before a cool winter season, and trees and shrubs planted in the fall use this to good advantage. Plant roots grow anytime the soil temperature is 40 degrees or higher, which may occur all winter in Texas. During the winter months, the root systems of the fall-planted specimens develop and become established. When spring arrives, this expanded root system can support and take advantage of the full surge of spring growth. Fall is the optimum time to plant balled and burlapped trees and shrubs. Balled and burlapped plants have ample time to recover from transplanting and proliferate roots before spring growth begins. Remember, however, all bare root plants, including roses and pecan and fruit trees, should be planted in late winter when they are completely dormant. When buying plants for your landscape, be sure to get healthy, well-grown plants. Always buy from a reputable dealer. Those in the plant-selling business year-round depend on repeat customers, and only by selling customers quality plants can there be assurance of future business. Beware of plant bargains. They can easily turn out to be real headaches. A bargain is no good if it dies. The price tag, especially the cheapest one, is not the best guide to quality. All plants have growing requirements. Think about the plant’s needs before you invest. Is it adapted to your area’s soil? Will it grow in sun or shade? Does it need a wet or dry location? Is it cold hardy? Some nurseries have this type of information on tags beside the plant. ‘Plan before you plant’ is always a good rule of thumb. Whether you are planting a single plant or an entire landscape, plan first, then plant. Good planning is a worthwhile investment of time that will pay off in greater enjoyment of attractive and useful home grounds, and in increasing the value of your home. It’s much easier to move plants on paper then to dig them after planting in the wrong place. A plan saves many planting mistakes. Every plant in the landscape should serve a purpose. Ask yourself if you want a plant for screening, for privacy, or for shade. How large will it be five years from now? Plants, like people, grow up. Remember, that a small one-gallon-size plant will look entirely different after a few years of growth in your landscape.
Plant properly for success. Here are a few guidelines on getting the job done right:
- Dig a hole large enough in diameter so that the root system has at least six inches of clearance on all sides. The root ball should rest on a solid soil foundation, so don’t dig the hole much deeper than the ball.
- Plant the tree or shrub slightly above the level of the surrounding soil, to allow for settling and increased soil drainage.
- Carefully place the tree or shrub in the hole. Handle the plant by the root ball, not by the trunk. A broken ball of earth can mean a dead plant. Always remove any container before you plant.
- Backfill the hole, using only the native soil removed from the hole; do not use soil amendments when planting large shrubs and trees. Fill the hole, and firm the soil around the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and to eliminate any air pockets.
- Do not fertilize your tree or shrub after planting. Wait until early in the spring to do this, and even then, go lightly. Heavy applications of fertilizer may burn and injure the root system, and could possibly kill the plant.
- Watering has been and remains paramount in transplanting. At the time of transplanting, soak the root ball and surrounding soil. A thorough watering every 7 to 10 days dramatically increases the success ratio. More frequent watering may encourage root rot. Remember more trees and shrubs fail from over watering then from under watering.
- Before calling it a day, add 4 to 6 inches of mulch around the base of newly planted trees and shrubs. This helps to keep down weeds and conserve soil moisture. Use pine bark, compost, grass clippings, or leaves.
Fall is for planting. Visit your nursery today, and beautify and add value to your home.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
