There’s something good here . . .
    Sulphur Springs lost a good one this week. Johnie Hardgrave died at home Thursday morning after a brief illness. As most of you know, he was with Echo Publishing for over 30 years. I had the honor of working with Johnie for four years before his retirement. He was funny, sweet and loved all the fine arts. We had numerous conversations about American Idol, movies and books.

Dr. I.L. Balkcom planned to take his wife, Deborah, and two guests to see Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at the Winspear Opera House Friday, Sept. 28.

Even with all the partisan politics, talk radio and vitriol coming from both sides of the aisle, this is still the best country on the planet. For the most part, we’re hard working, honest, dependable people who support one another in good times and bad. If, for one minute, you doubt this, come to the courthouse square Saturday evening and see one of the most beautiful monuments anywhere in America. The Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Committee has been singular in the their focus to bring us a first-rate work of art that honors those who served.

Sometimes Santa needs a little help. Can you identify this merry elf?

There’s something good here . . .
Check out the photos in today’s edition. There are a lot of good people doing good – and fun – things in Hopkins County.

There’s something good here . . .

One of the reasons I started writing this column years ago was to highlight the good news in our lives. One of the forum members from www.mySSnews by the name of cduff posted the following story recently. I received permission to share it as it appeared in the forum (with some editing):

Evidently a lot of people were moved by the recent story we ran about the Meal a Day program needing a little help.

There's something good here . . .

Trice Lawrence sent me a link to a website showing what happened when a group of people in New York City got together to make a positive impact. They put a lecturn with a brass plaque that said “Say Something Nice” and a bullhorn in various places around the city and let nature take its course.

We got this email from a reader who wanted to thank the people who took time to help her out of a dangerous situation recently:

On Thursday August 4, at approximately 4 p.m. I was choking in front of Lowes at the stop sign, due to an obstructed airway from taking medication.

I could not say a word but I just grabbed my throat and coughed as much as I possibly could with no air. I could not breath. I could only look up toward heaven and utter with my lips, "Jesus, help me please." There were many cars swerving by me and honking their horns but God sent me two angels to help me.

I want to thank God first and I want to thank my two angels; Jo Marie Neal and and an off-duty police officer named Officer [Seth] McDaniel.  I am so grateful for people like them.

Sincerely, Sonia Clayton

Reminder: The ladies of the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild have worked all year to ensure that their 12th Annual Quilt Show is the best one yet.

They have 122 entries in categories ranging from bed quilts to wearable art.

They’re also raffling off a quilt called “A Nation Divided – 34 States Civil War,” adapted from a pattern by Susan McDermott (QUILT Magazine, March 2008) and quilted by guild member Doris Robers.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and can be purchased from any guild member.

The show will be from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, and from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, in the Sulphur Springs High School Gym. Admission is $3 for adults, children under 12 get in free.