Livestock and forage production is a $3.96 billion industry in the Central Region. Livestock and forage enterprises are affected by climate and market variability. Hopkins County currently has more than 100,000 head of beef cattle with 27,000 head of dairy cattle.

We welcomed this year with open arms, excited and cheerful. And now, we are a little bit wiser and little bit worn down. 2020 has taken a toll... some things will never be the same. After all of it, though, we stand ready to do it again. I’m ready to welcome to 2021 with open arms; and this time, I do it with a hope that 2021 will be kinder to us. The year 2020 taught us to appreciate time and our loved ones, too. It taught us the difference between what we thought mattered, and what actually matters. It taught us to live life without taking everyday occurrences for granted. It taught us to love differently than we did before. It did teach us some good. Let’s just focus on the good!

LOCAL BLOOD DRIVE: NEED A COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST? What is a better gift for Christmas, than to give the gift of blood? The blood supply is extremely low, and the need is great. CarterBloodcare will be hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, Dec.

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs was awarded an ‘A’ in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs’ achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

The Chamber Board of Directors has decided to postpone the Chamber of Commerce Banquet in 2021. Typically, we celebrate in mid-February, but that is a bit too soon to host a group of that size indoors. We will announce when the new date is soon, and we will announce the call for nominations as well. It’s a crazy time, you guys. What a lesson in patience this year has been. We’re going to hang in there and find a way! For now, stay tuned for more details, and enjoy Christmas!

Erasmos Sequin took his seat in the Mexican constitutional assembly on Dec. 11, 1823 as the one deputy from the province of Texas.

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs has one mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ. OFFERING THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGY IN TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT We are proud to offer the newest technology in total knee replacement treatment, Stryker’s Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Application.

Welcome to December, everyone! I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2021 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 as all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. 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. I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love. I hope you will join me in the journey!

Despite the ravages of the cancer that would take his life in two months, Ben Lee Boynton made the long and difficult trip to Boston for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 4, 1962.

FLU SHOTS: IT IS NOT TOO LATE… Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. We welcome walk-ins or by appointment; to schedule call 903-885-3181.