The 30th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony
The community came together in a spirit of togetherness Monday night to celebrate nearly 90 people in the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County community who have demonstrated the spirit of the Reverend/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Individuals honored at the 30th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony demonstrated Dr. King’s legacy of raising public consciousness to social justices, securing progress on civil rights and loving and serving humanity. Each received a medal to commemorate their voice on social issues, outstanding achievements, personal standard of spiritual excellence and community involvement as they sought justice and total equality for everyone.
Numerous community leaders as well as elected officials and special guests had roles in the program, hosted by East Caney Missionary Baptist Church and the Hopkins County African America Leadership Conference, at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist church, Monday, Jan. 20.
Deacon Ricky Godbolt served as master of ceremony. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace B.J. Teer helped open the program with scripture. Hopkins County Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley lead a prayer.
W.C. Pryor, “mayor of Birch Creek” and HCAALC Board member, gave the official welcome.
Jatavion Hall lead the gathering in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag.
The musical selections performed by the choir had people singing, clapping, tapping their toes and praising in a shared spirit of togetherness. Sister Della Cleveland had people on their feet in response to her singing of “God Bless America.” A community member played the harmonica while an offering was taken for HCAALC, to be used to continue offering programs such as Monday’s awards night.
County Judge Robert Newsom said something that struck him recently about Dr. King was his crediting his father’s Christian character and integrity for his strong sense of justice. Newsom said there are a lot of fatherless men and women who need someone to look up to. Providing that Christian character as an example is a way all can make a difference. Newsom said all are family in Christ, and we can all make a difference by standing up for our family.
Silvesta Alexander introduced four students from Sulphur Springs Elementary selected to read essays they wrote about the Rev./Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how they plan to meet his legacy. Lindsey Hayes, Samara Clayton, Jamarion Hall and James Winnett-Moore spoke of careers which would allow them to help fight hunger, make sure everyone has a roof over their head, the medical care they need and to become a leader who encourages others to live in peace together with racial equality for all.
Mick Trusty introduce keynote speaker Dr. Mark Rudin, president and CEO of Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Rudin said Dr. King’s desire for all people to live, learn and work together was represented in the “amazing diversity in the crowd” at the awards celebration and in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, where he said diverse people are able to come together to worship one God.
Rudin said achieving more diversity by representing all people in the administration, staff and leaders on campus is a goal TAMUC is already working on. He said he met with different groups after becoming TAMUC president, to see what’s on their minds and assess voiced needs of each. He reported more women and more people of color are being placed in leadership roles as TAMUC works toward more equality. An Adversity and Equity Improvement Committee was formed.
Goals for TAMUC are for more diversity in all levels of administration, faculty and work staff, more cultural sensitivity and civility, according to Rudin.
Rudin said we should treat others with kindness, putting aside little civil matters. A person’s greatness doesn’t matter if they do not treat others with kindness. We should lead by example, working to communicate and with compassion, Rudin said.
The medallions that were presented at the celebration signify the role each played as advocates for social justice, and the job isn’t done, Rudin said. Like commencement for students, the job has just started.
Dr. Harold Nash, on behalf of Sulphur Springs City Council, recognized the late Jimmie Lurleene Harrison for a life of service. Mrs. Harrison educated numerous generations of people during her 40 years as an educator in Sulphur Springs. She died Dec. 16, 2019. Nash asked prayer for Harrison’s family. He presented the printed recognition of her excellence in education to Harrison’s family.
East Caney Missionary Baptist Church in conjunction with HCAALC established a scholarship in Mother Jimmie Harrison’s name to help a young person in Hopkins County go to TAMUC to become a teacher, HCAALC President LaVelle Hendricks announced.
Dr. Rudin pledged TAMUC will match that up to $1,000. Also Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church pledged to contribute $500 toward the scholarship in Harrison’s honor.
Hendricks Monday thanked the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County community for embracing the program, which started years ago with just nine people in attendance at East Caney Missionary Baptist Church, growing into the program it has become. He noted that approximately one-fifth of the city’s resident have been recognized during the program. That, he said speaks volumes about who the city and county are. He said while no one is perfect, people strive in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County to make a difference, a part of Dr. King’s legacy. People in larger metropolitan cities often talk about the way the community comes together for prayer, it was noted.
Before concluding, Hendricks announced Monday was his final night to put on the annual program. He is stepping down, to allow someone to “put new set of eyes on the program.” He asked the community over the next few years to collectively work on a program to address reading needs of children here, so that all children develop the effective reading skills fundamental for success in all areas of education and life.
Nash also presented Hendricks an award in appreciation of his dedication, leadership and vision for HCAALC.
C.J. Duffey recognized Hendricks as a recipient of a Fruit of the Spirit Award he was unable to present to him at that annual program.
“We love you and thank you. Whoever walks behind you has big footsteps to fill,” Duffey said.
HCAALC invites the community to a special appreciation program for Dr. LaVelle Hendricks at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at East Caney Missionary Baptist Church.
Those honored during the ceremony included:
Sulphur Springs Teen Jailed On Warrant
A 17-year-old Sulphur Springs resident was jailed Monday, Jan. 20, on two warrants.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Aaron Chaney reported contacting Chanin A. “Chico” Holiness at the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center. Upon confirming Holiness to have outstanding warrants, Chaney at 11:30 a.m. escorted the teen into the jail, where he was released to jail staff for booking, according to arrest reports.
Holiness remained in the county jail Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, on the engaging in organized criminal activity and no driver’s license warrants. Bond on the criminal activity charge was set at $15,000, according to jail reports.
Other related stories on KSSTRadio.com
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The ROC Hosts Reilly Springs Jamboree and Chili Supper
The Running Creek Band and co-hosts Mike Shing and Enola Gay Mathews brought the Reilly Springs Jamboree to town on Saturday January 18, 2020. The venue attracted upwards of 100 music lovers and chili lovers! Some arrived early to enjoy Big G’s Chuckwagon Chili, beans and cornbread, and the array of homemade pies and cakes prepared by Mathews.
Jamboree producer Mathews and co-host Mike Shing fronted the Running Creek Band, made up of lead guitarist Gary Jones of Winnsboro, bass man Hal Roper of Mt. Pleasant, and on keys, Harry King of the PIttsburg area. Filling in as drummer was Joe Clark, as Bill Langley could not be present. Guest DeWayne Farrow also played guitar with the band.
Traditional country, old-time gospel and patriotic music set the theme for the talent showcase. Guests included Kenya Duffey Chaffer of Sulphur Springs. Kenya blessed the crowd with her selections of Amazing Grace and An Old Rugged Cross, and switched over to country and performed “Dont Close Your Eyes” made famous by Keith Whitley, and “Run” and “Blue Clear Sky” which were hits by George Strait. Kenya and her husband Charles are owners of Chaffer’s Place, where they teach music as well as home school students.
Janet Adams of the Winnsboro area puts on her Patsy Cline character at venues all around Northeast Texas, where she also portrays Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton and performs their signature songs. Raised in a family where music was always played, she grew up hearing the roots of country music. Janet has a strong and pure voice and loves performing at Oprys, parties, and dances. She also has adopted and is raising her four small grandchildren.
A former school band director now making his home in the Caddo Mills area, DeWayne keeps busy in his church work and in recording music for CDs. He possesses a strong baritone and multi-octave voice, plays several instruments, and specializes in Chet Atkins-style guitar and other country styles. DeWayne blessed the audience with a gospel selection called “He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Need” plus beloved country songs. DeWayne names the Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA)and the International Country Gospel Music Association (ICGMA) as a few of his favorite music involvements.
“My co-host Mike Shing and I went to great lengths to move this show to town, and were rewarded by a great turnout and lots of love from the audience. Now, the Reilly Springs Jamboree goes back to it’s home stage at the Reilly Springs Community Center for a performance each month on the third-Saturday night. On our next show, set for Saturday February 15, 2020, the music will start at 6pm with The Running Creek Band. Special guest will be R.J. Vandygriff. This cowboy artist started out in the Sulphur Springs and Paris area and reached heights with hit recordings during the 1970’s. He then did rodeo and stunt work, made over 100 appearances on Walker, Texas Ranger then did a 3-year engagement at Branson with his Joe Texas character and ‘The Cowboy An’t Dead Yet’ comedy stage play. Robert Joe is returning ‘home’ on the Valentine weekend, and the Jamboree is one of the places he will appear. Don’t miss this!” Mathews went on say that the February Jamboree will also include local DJ celebrity Norm Allen with original music and stories from the road, and Amy Asbill Patrick who sings gospel and country. Pastor Doyle Hayes of Peerless, Texas will bring his band and perform songs he’s written and recently recorded at the Brad Davis Music Studio in Commerce, Texas.
Church Appealing For Variance For Sign
Signage downtown has been a hot topic of discussion for recent city meetings. The First Presbyterian Church at 129 College Street is at the center of the debate.
The Zoning Board of Adjustments is slated tonight to consider a request to allow a variance for the downtown design guidelines sign requirements to allow a changeable or variable message ground sign to be located at 129 College St.
Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski at the Jan. 14 Downtown Revitalization meeting reported First Presbyterian Church is appealing to the Zoning Board of Adjustments the previous decision regarding their request to install a sign.
Also during this month’s regular Downtown Revitalization Board meeting, a Main Street business sought approval to have a 61.75-square foot sign painted on the outside of the building, located at 230 Main St.
Billie Ruth Standbridge also approached the DRB Jan. 14 seeking guidance on how to proceed regarding potentially adding signs which could direct people to available parking downtown and showing what businesses can be found around the downtown area.
DRB member Robin Boshears recommended coming up with proposals including plans to obtain any permissions that might be needed, goals and alternate option to present to the city board to get things started.
Downtown parking and options, including options for signs to identify for visitors available after hours options for parking, were also discussed during the regular December meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council.
The regular ZBA meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21, at City Hall, 201 North Davis St.
Prayer for Troops and 'Pack the Gym in Camo' Will Be a Feature of SSHS Wildcat Basketball Tuesday January 21st, as KSST Streams the Game
According to a KSST listener, a show of community support for our troops serving in Middle East is planned at Friday’s Wildcat Varsity Basketball game, with the permission of SSISD administration. The public is invited to ‘pack the gym’ and also to wear camo clothing to the game. A prayer for the safety of local military personnel currently deployed in Middle East, as well as all troops who have come through SSHS and Hopkins County will be offered by a local minister prior to the start of the game. The game will be held at home in Wildcat gym starting at 7:30 pm. KSST will be broadcasting and streaming both games.
Cumby Woman Jailed After Fleeing From Hospital
A 37-year-old Cumby woman reportedly ran away from the hospital before being arrested during the noon hour Monday.
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Adrian Pruitt and Cameron Robinson reported being dispatched to the area near the hospital to attempt to locate a woman who’d reportedly fled from the hospital.
While in the area, officers reported being contacted by a woman who advised a woman was on her property in the 1200 block of North Davis Street. Officers reported locating the woman, identified in arrest and jail reports as Kristi Rae Olson of Cumby, TX. A records check confirmed the woman to be wanted so the officers took Olson into custody at 12:48 p.m. on the charge, Pruitt and Robinson alleged in arrest reports.
Olson remained in the county jail Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, on the outstanding possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge; bond was set at $15,000, according to jail reports.
Live a Heart Healthy Life
By Johanna Hicks, Hopkins County Family &and Community Health AgriLife Extension Agent
Signs of the approaching Valentine’s Day are abundant – candy, decorations, hearts, stuffed animals. What about your physical heart? You knew it was coming – following a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced nutritious meals, engaging in daily physical activities, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk factors of heart disease.
Heart disease can be prevented or delayed by controlling several underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service shares a few tips to eat smart for a heart healthy life:
- Fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet. However, most people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. A person consuming 2000 calories should include about 2½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits every day. You may include them in a variety of forms—fresh, canned, dried or frozen.
- Choose low-fat dairy products. They provide the same nutrients as the regular kind but with less fat and calories.
- Avoid trans fats and limit saturated fats to less than 10% of your daily calories. Monounsaturated fats (canola, olive, peanut, and sunflower) or polyunsaturated fats (corn, sunflower, and soybean) are healthier choices. Mono- and polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and are ideal for daily cooking. Many people enjoy real butter – just use in moderation!
- Fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet. However, most people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. A person consuming 2000 calories should include about 2½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits every day. You may include them in a variety of forms—fresh, canned, dried or frozen.
- Limit refined grains by making half of your grains made up of whole grains. Whole grains are good sources of dietary fiber and many nutrients.
- Include at least 8 ounces of seafood per week. Including seafood that are high in omega 3 fatty acids may protect your heart by reducing inflammation.
- Reduce sodium intake to less than 2300 mg per day (about 1 teaspoon). However, the ideal limit for most adults and those who are at risk for heart disease is no more than 1500 mg per day. Excess dietary sodium increases blood volume and may increase the risk for high blood pressure.
- Avoid excess calories from sugar sweetened beverages. The calories from added sugars should be less than 10% of your daily calories.
- Lastly, practicing portion control is key. Excess calories may lead to weight gain. Think about MyPlate – one-half of the plate should be fruits and non-starchy vegetables, one-half should be protein and grains, and a side of dairy (low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt). Of course you don’t need all five food groups at each meal, but strive for 3 food groups at breakfast and make up for the other food groups at the other meals. If you have diabetes or other diet-related need, consult a professional to help plan your meals.
- Remember to aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Walking is a great way to achieve that goal and improve health at the same time! Utilize park walking trails or indoor tracks, such as the one at the ROC (Recreation Outreach Center – First Baptist Church), or even the indoor mall.
If you have diabetes, I encourage you to participate in the Diabetes Support Group. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, in Sulphur Springs. Sue Potts is the facilitator and I’m on hand, as well, to answer questions about managing diabetes. A large portion of the meetings focus on nutrition.
Another upcoming event is the “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series, scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays in March – 9, 12, 16, 19, and 23. Each session covers a different topic and features handouts, guest speakers, recipe sampling, and door prizes. The cost for the series is $25, payable at the first session. Please call our office at 903-885-3443 to leave you name, address, and phone number. A registration form will be provided for you ahead of time to fill out.
Take care of your heart and it will take care of you!
Closing Thought
There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit. – Ronald Reagan
