Sulphur Bluff Wins Girls Basketball Tournament Game Thursday To Open Season With 3-0 Record
The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears Basketball Team is off to a 3-0 start for the young season. After defeating Maud last Friday, Nov. 15, 47-7, the Lady Bears won over Savoy, 44-32 on Tuesday, and then, improved to 3-0 for the season with a win in a Bland Tournament Thursday over Yantis, 66-9. The Lady Bears outscored the Lady Owls in every quarter.
Lady Bears Head Coach Zandra Peyton said the girls really look good so far this year, even with only being out of volleyball for just a little over a week.
Against Yantis, Jada Wade had a season high 21 points. Ann Dorner had 16 points. Alley Collett had 9 points. Skylar Stanley had 8 points. Dalena di Donato had 4 points, Angel Brown and Lydia Drummond had 2 points each.
The Lady Bears play host Bland in the tournament on Friday.
Done Deal: Luminant-City Deal For Thermo Mine Final
The deal between the City of Sulphur Springs and Luminant to transfer the title for the former Thermo mine property to the city was closed at lunch Friday, according to City Manger Marc Maxwell.
“Luminant didn’t have to do this. It’s a good investment for our community, for which I say, thank you, Luminant,” Maxwell said.
City officials will soon start doing some planning for the property, to determine how the 4,858-acre facilty will be used. The next step will be to begin the process of annexing the property into the city limits. That process is expected to begin at the Dec. 3 meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council.
The city, as part of the deal, will grant easement access so that reclamation efforts can continue. Some areas have already been reclaimed, others are in progress. A reclamation plan has yet to be approved by the Railroad Commission for a section of about 500 acres labled H Area.Once approved, easements will have been granted so the work can begin on that section as well.
Calving Difficulty Is A Concern For All Cattlemen
By Dr. Mario Villarino, agriculture/ natural resources Agent, Hopkins County AgriLife Extension
During the week, I visited with a long term cattle rancher friend of the Extension office. He was talking to me about a particular heifer and his concerns about first-time calving.
For ranchers, the calf crop is critical. No calf, no business; it’s as simple as that. As Johhny (name changed intentionally) was telling me about the situation, I helped him make the right decision during the process.
Calving difficulty is a concern of every cattleman because it is a major cause of calf deaths and is second only to rebreeding failures in reducing calf crop percentages. Cows that have difficulty during calving have significantly lower fertility at rebreeding. Prevention through good heifer management and proper bull selection is the best treatment for calving difficulties. Even with the best management, though, a certain percentage of young heifers will experience difficulty to some degree, and even older cows occasionally have difficulty.
Watching a good heifer or cow go through the agonies of a problem birth is not an uncommon experience for anyone in the cattle business. Probably the most frustrating aspect is trying to decide when and how to assist, and whether or not professional attention is needed.
Many cattlemen attempt to correct problems that they have neither the instruments nor the knowledge to handle, while others refuse to intervene in even the simplest dystocia problems. Neither approach is good. The rancher and veterinarian should cooperate to deal with problems.
All cattlemen should be able to recognize early signs of dystocia and determine when or if professional help is needed. To reduce calving losses, cattlemen must understand the progressive stages of birth and the time interval of each stage. This knowledge can be gained by frequently observing the birth process. Familiarity with each stage of birth as well as the skeletal structure of the cow helps one to determine when and how assistance may be provided.
For Johhny, the value of the heifer and the high risk of calving difficulties warrantied the early involvement of his veterinarian, and the heifer as far and I know, was promptly brought into his vet clinic for care. I am looking forward to finding out what happened with the heifer!
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].
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner Steward Promoted To Patrol Sergeant
Tanner Steward has been promoted at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office from patrol deputy to sergeant, according to Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
An in-house panel consisting of patrol sergeants and Lt. Amanda Weatherford, as well as the Texas Ranger when available, vet all deputy patrol positions.
Lt. Weatherford said the review panel had a tough job selecting from among the eligible candidates for the sergeant’s position. However, Steward’s consistency and dedication helped make him the more well rounded candidate.
“He has a good work ethic out there. He tries to better himself, has a good drive,” Weatherford said of Steward. “If there’s something he does not know about the process, he is asking. He is finding answers, finding out the proper way of doing things, if he’s not sure.”
Steward has about 4 1/2 years of law enforcement experience. He got his start as an officer in Delta County, but has been employed with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office since October of 2017.
The patrol sergeant’s opening was created following Michael Russell’s recent promotion from patrol sergeant to investigator, a position formerly held by Charles Humphries.
Steward’s promotion to sergeant also opened up another patrol position, the third slot to be filled on the roster. The most recent addition to the sheriff’s department include Deputies Drew Fisher, Nicholas Marney and Bobby Osornio; and Transport Deputy Elijah Fite
United Way Final Tally
Mike Jumper, Hopkins County United Way Board President, and Beverley and Bill Owens, 2019-2020 Campaign Chairmen, want to thank each business and individual that made contributions to the 2019- 2020 Campaign. Final pledges total $189,410.13, well above the goal of 165,000.00, making this one of the most successful Campaigns in the history of Hopkins County United Way. Every single donation is greatly appreciated, and Hopkins County United Way looks forward to helping support twenty non-
profits in 2020 that serve people in Hopkins County.
Pictured in photo, left to right, some Board members and some of the many campaign volunteers: Tim Glenn, Chris Voorheese, Mike Jumper, Bill Owens, Beverley Owens, Debra Evans, Tammy Pearson, Layla Highfield, Amy Griggs, and Sherry McGraw.
Lights of Life Tree Lighting & Festival Of Trees December 5th
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation invites you to the lobby of CHRISTUS Mother Frances hospital for the annual tree lighting. Christmas Carols, cookies, and hot chocolate will all be enjoyed, with performances by the High School Jazz Band and Water Oak children’s choir.
Also, the 1st Annual “Festival of Trees” Silent Auction will be held. Come see and bid on beautifully decorated Christmas Trees that have been graciously donated by local businesses, individuals, departments, and clinics.
Mark your calendar now for this special event, Thursday, December 5th at 6:00 pm in the CHRISTUS Mother Frances hospital lobby.
Symphony League Radio/TV Auction This Saturday 5pm!
The KSST Channel 18 TV studio has filled with beautiful Christmas items, perfect for your Christmas decorating and for giving! Each of the more than four dozen items will be up for bidding this Saturday night starting at 5 pm. You can bid by phone when you listen to the items described on KSST 1230AM, also listen and watch on Suddenlink Cable Channel 18 TV, and you can listen on Cable Channel 2. You can also take part in the auction streaming on ksstradio.com. The phone line for bidding is 903-885-0700.
Linda Galligher and a team of Symphony League members are responsible for bringing in the lineup of beautiful Christmas items, and they thank the generous merchants and individuals who donated them. Items include weekend stays, catered dinners for 10, “A Lunch a Month” from local restaurants, original artwork and items like stunning Christmas decor and floral displays, an autographed guitar from the Reilly Springs Jamboree and a kids electronic ride-on car. A team of community leaders serving as “auctioneers” will keep things lively during the unique Radio/TV Auction. Friends of the Symphony League also play a large part all year round. This auction is the only fundraiser the League holds, and this is the 28th year it has been held inside the KSST/Channel 18 studio.
Here are a few of the items which will cross the auction block!
NETBIO November Sale
The cattle industry in Northeast Texas celebrated another milestone at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission Wednesday when the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) marked its 21st year of operation with a big barbecue luncheon and a pre-conditioned calf
and yearling sale.
NETBIO is a group of independent cow/calf producers and agribusiness representatives who work together to enhance the beef industry in Northeast Texas. The organization is recognized across the State of Texas and the Southeastern United States as the leader in its reputable offering of pre- conditioned calves.
The anniversary celebration kicked off with a barbecue meal that was enjoyed by approximately several hundred producers, buyers, families and friends. Following the lunch, auctioneer Joe Don Pogue gaveled the sale of 6,824 head of cattle into action.
“It was a very good sale to mark the anniversary of NETBIO,” Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner and NETBIO board member, David Fowler said. “There were several new buyers and they purchased lot of good quality cattle.”
Fowler added that producers and buyers were on hand from throughout the region and from the adjoining states. A total of 272 producers consigned cattle to the sale and did their usual great job of pre-conditioning their cattle and getting them ready for the sale.
Demand was good, and the cattle sold to 31 buyers for an average of $792.00 per head. A total of 720 head were sold to buyers over the Internet.
Those who missed this anniversary sale have an opportunity to attend another NETBIO sale at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission in December. Due to the increased demand, the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization has added a December 11, 2019 pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale to close out the year. NETBIO member- producers have already consigned more than 5,000 head of cattle to the sale. The sale, like all others, will begin at 1 p.m.
NETBIO will launch its 2020 pre-conditioned sale schedule with its first offering on Jan. 15. The deadline for weaning calves for that sale is Dec. 1 and the booster shot deadline is Dec. 16.
Rodeo Royalty in Town!
Look for reigning Miss UPRA Queen Collen Crumpton and reigning Miss Teen UPRA Reanna Klodowski at the rodeo this weekend! Besides both girls’ “farewell lap” around the arena, you will see them helping with cattle during the roping events as well. Colleen, age 20, is from DeKalb, Texas and is studying at Northeast Texas Community College towards a medical career. Colleen began in UPRA contests 9 years ago, and her “partner”, a gelding named Rio, has helped her win 14 rodeo titles thus far. Reannan, age 17 from Pilot Point, Texas, is active in FFA and plans for a career in veterinary medicine. Her mount, a palomino named Sunshine, is a seasoned ranch horse who “can do it all”, according to Reannan. This summer, she and her mom trailered him on a 10-hour road trip to a Carslbad, New Mexico rodeo. Both young ladies admit they’ve have had a full and exciting year representing the United Professional Rodeo Association as Rodeo Royalty! And all the contestants agree that the UPRA organization actually becomes ‘family’, and that friendships forged there transcend the rodeo arena.
All five girls were interviewed during the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay on Friday morning. In addition to poise, personality and meeting the public well, horsemanship is a big part of part of the Queen’s competition. The two young ladies vying for the Queen’s crown are Sarah Dalton, age 17 from Winnsboro who represents the New Boston Roundup Club and Hailey Mitchell, also age 17 who represents the Sheriffs Posse of Franklin County. Sarah depends on her white horse ‘Frost’ when competing at rodeos she enters across North Texas. Hailey’s horse ‘Spirit’ is actually her brother’s roping horse, but is her choice in goat-tying events as well as the horsemanship trials of the UPRA Queen’s contest. The lone contestant this year for Miss Teen UPRA Miss Jentri Haivala, is a 15-year-old from Kirbyville, Texas representing the Bergeron Cattle Company. Jentri first earned a title in Little Britches competitions, now competes at rodeos in several associations and is a State winner in FFA speaking contests. Watch for Jentri and ‘Kid Rock’, her showy black and white paint horse, in the arena on Saturday night, November 23, 2019. Rodeo performances begin at 7pm in the Hopkins County Civic Center arena in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Hopkins County Work, Reintegration Programs Showing Positive Results
When Brandon Flanery received his paycheck Thursday, it not only marked his first pay as a Precinct 4 employee, but another successful step in his life and a sheriff’s office program.
Flanery is the first person to benefit from Work Force Solutions Grant funding awarded in Hopkins County. The organization received $150,000 to distributed in the agency’s nine-county region.
“Of the nine counties, Kenneth [Dean, jail administrator] and I were told at a meeting, we seem to be the most interested in using this grant and seeing this go forward,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom.
The Work Force grant will pay half of Flanery’s salary, up to 488 hours, according to Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price.
The grant is awarded to help individuals transitioning to the work force after being release from jail. Flanery served from Dec. 28, 2018 to Nov. 12, 2019, in Hopkins County jail, according to jail reports.
Over the last 10 1/2 months, Flanery was among the individuals selected to participate in a Trustee Work Program, part of an overall inmate re-integration program being implemented in phases through Hopkins County jail.
Inmates, after being booked into Hopkins County jail, are vetted over a series of days by jail administrator Kenneth Dean. Those inmates who truly display a desire to change their lives and who are thought to pose low risk to the community are selected to perform work tasks in the community, the jail administrator and sheriff explained.
“If you don’t want to change then it aint no good to even try. You’ve got to want to,” Flanery said.
“Brandon, he showed a change, where he wanted to change. I think that’s important. They’ve got to want what they’re getting in order to be successful. Brandon really showed that change,” said Kenneth Dean, HCSO jail administrator.
The inmates not only provide valuable labor by performing community service work at a cost savings, but also are learning valuable skills which can translate to the work force upon their release from jail.
The county commissioners began utilizing jail trusties on their precinct crews in March, with two inmates working daily, sometimes more if additional help is needed for a big project. Flanery was one of the first inmates selected through the Trustee Work Program for a road crew.
“He’s actually been working for us for about 7 months for free, and learning while he was there,” Price said, noting the heavy equipment operations, use of backhoe and dump truck, and other skills Flanery received training in as part of the Trustees Work Program.
Flanery also received a CDL book to study as part of the job program, and plans to look it over and, in the near future, apply for his commercial driver’s license as well.
“He really dug in and was successful and made a good hand for Precinct 4,” Dean said.
“I learned a lot,” Flanery noted. “I learned how to operate. I’m learning how to weld right now.”
Price said the inmates have often been commended by community members for the work they do working on the county road crews.
Upon Flanery’s release from jail last week, Price was able to hire 36-year-old for an open position on his precinct crew. Thursday, Flanery received his first paycheck for his work.
“It feels good to be on this side,” Flanery said, during an interview Thursday in which Dean and Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum were both present. “Usually, I’d be nervous right now being around a sheriff. It’s a good feeling to be on the right side of the law.”
Flanery said the work isn’t something he’d considered pursing in the past, but is something he can definitely see himself continuing in the future.
Inmates have helped out at the Civic Center and a few other locations for years, but the jail’s inmate work program has really expanded over the last three years, offering training with various other agencies and locations. Inmates even have a farm on which they grow vegetables and raise livestock to help feed those housed at jail. In addition to the county, inmates also perform regular work for Sulphur Springs ISD and are now expanding to the city as well, according to Tatum.
Flanery is the third individual who has been hired by the county as a result of the Trustee Work Program, but is the first individual to be employed by Price and the first to benefit from the Work Force grant, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
“It’s good. It’s helped. I got a job,” Flanery said when asked about the program. “It’s a good program.”
Flanery said the Trustee Work Program wasn’t the only thing at the jail that helped him change his life.
“Going to church helped out a lot, more than a lot,” Flanery said.
He said church was not part of his life prior to being arrested last December, but became part of life.
“We have a lot of ministry in the jail that we provide. We feel like, and the sheriff’s a firm believer, we offer this stuff to them to make them better. We can expose them to it. When they decide to make that change, they’ve got the tools in front of them to make them successful. They have to want it,” Dean said.
Ministry opportunities are made available 6 days a week for inmates at the county jail, along with other programs, such as GED classes for those who have not earned a diploma.
“We hope that Brandon is the first of many who will be successful, not only through the programs within our sheriff’s office but also through the Texas Work Force grant,” Newsom said.
Tatum, Newsom, Price and Dean expressed a desire to be able to offer more tools to better help individuals released from jail in Hopkins County reintegrate into the community. One thing they’d like to do is offer more training and work opportunities through the Trustee Work Program. Another is find resources to provide more stability, a transitional house where individuals who do not have somewhere to go when release from jail can stay for a month or two, so they can get back on their feet.
“At some places, there are churches that actually get involved in these type of houses. I think it’d be great if we could have that here,” Price said.
Transitional housing would help in a number of ways. Many individuals, once released from jail have very few resources, including housing, funding and jobs. Finding housing for a person who has recently been in jail, especially a person convicted of a felony offense, can be difficult as some will not rent to a convicted felony. A transitional house would give individuals a stable place to live, if short term, upon their release from jail. While staying there, they would be able to save up some money for a deposit and rent, and other basic items needed, the officials pointed out.
“With the transition housing, it takes a good three to four months for them to get on their feet, to get paychecks in before they can really sustain themselves out there,” Dean said. “Coming out as a convicted or, whatever they come out as, people are reluctant to rent. But once they get that time and get established, I think it’s going to benefit everybody.”
“Having a job is everything, because without a job, nobody wants to rent to you or sell you a car or anything like that,” Newsom noted. “It’s transition. It’s not half-way. It’s not for 6 months. It’s for a month to two months back. They’ve got to stand up on their own feet. One of the secrets of this whole program is becoming able to become self sufficient.
“It’s a big change. It’s scary, starting from the bottom,” Flanery acknowledge, but indicated he is committed to doing well.
“If there’s some way in the future, whether I’m the sheriff or not, if there’s some way we could help these guys get on their feet with a residence for a couple of months, that’d be great. We all know how hard it is starting out. It’s tough,” Tatum said.
“Another goal of the future is reaching out to some of these industries in the future and asking if they’d commit to hiring so many, that way, we’d know some places where they can look for work. We do all this because it’s a savings to the county. People don’t realize that. If you can keep that person out of jail and working in our community, we’ve saved some tax dollars,” Dean said.
Transportation is another issue for individuals upon exiting jail. They need a way to get to and from work, said Dean.
“If we could find someone, maybe a car dealership, that could find some old used cars, nothing fancy but that would get them back and forth to work, that’d help,” Dean said.
The sheriff said there many potential opportunities to consider to expand the reintegration program, and welcomes discussion and help from community partners interested benefiting change lives of these individuals.
