Wildcat Band Earns Trip to Area With Scores of Straight Ones From Judges at UIL Region Contest
Wildcat Band Director Spencer Emmert calls the Region UIL Contest a “biggie”. Tuesday (October 15) the Wildcat Band went to the contest at Mount Pleasant, earned scores of all one’s from the judges and qualified for the Area contest on October 26 at Mesquite Memorial Stadium. Emmert says some contingencies were prepared in case of rainy weather Tuesday but he says they were never needed as the bad weather held off. He calls the Tuesday performance in Mount Pleasant awesome. Emmert says judges’ comments concerning the band were spectacular. He says he also heard lots of praise for the band from the band director crowd in the press box. Emmert says they were impressed at the band’s level of execution. He says there is a lot of talk going around of a positive nature about the band. He says they noticed that Sulphur Springs finished fourth at a Royse City contest last Saturday behind three of the top bands in the state: Garland Lakeview Centennial, North Forney and West Mesquite. Before Area, the Wildcat Band will perform at a Commerce contest on Saturday that will include prelims and finals. The Wildcats are scheduled to perform in Commerce at 1:45 p.m. Saturday.
Children Injured In Fatal Crash Reportedly Improving
The medical conditions of the two children seriously injured in the crash which killed their mothers late Friday, Oct. 4 in Van Zandt County have improved, according to family reports.
Cousins Jacob Reed and Kaycee Ivey were flown from the crash site to Children’s Medical Center for treatment of critical injuries sustained in the crash. Jacob, 9, is the son of Sandy Reed, who died in the crash, and Brian Reed. Kaycee,14, is the daughter of Keesha Gibbs Ivey and sister of Kohlson Ivey.
Mark Reed, Jacob’s grandfather, on Oct. 7, reported Jacob was off the ventilator, talking and eating and expected to soon be up walking. On Oct. 8, others reported Jacob had been released from the hospital.
Kaycee on Oct. 7 had undergone an 8-hour surgery to repair a torn bowel and remove a section of it. All of her injuries were internal, from tears to the bowel from the impact. She needed additional surgery to make further corrections, members of the Reed family reported Oct. 7.
On Oct. 13, Kaycee reportedly was suffering from a high fever and had developed an infection, Keesha and Sandy GoFundMe organizer Vickie Pickel posted on the fundraising page.
On Oct. 16, a Reed family member reported the following update: “Kaycee is little better today, but dr wants to give her lungs another day to recovery before letting surgeons remove fluid in her abdomen. The breathing machines are being turned down to allow her body to do some of the work so getting her off the vent will be easier. Keep us in your prayers and we will await to see what The Lord has in store for us. We appreciate your support and love each and everyone of you.”
Numerous fundraisers and events to support the families were held the weekend following the crash and many more are planned. Read KSST’s update on upcoming events. Additional events are also posted on the Reed/Cavanaugh Benefit Facebook page.
Tatum Invites Community To Become Associate Members Of Sheriffs’ Association
October 16, 2019 – Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum invites community members interested in assisting law enforcement officials in their fight against crime to become associate members of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas.
Sheriffs’ Association of Texas memberships are $25 for individuals, $40 per family and $100 for businesses, with funds used to help provide “critically important technical resources, training, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues.” Contributions are tax-deductible, according to Tatum.
“With governmental funding becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the membership drive has taken on greater importance than ever before. The funding is vital to helping us carry out our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play,” Tatum said.
Community members will begin receiving membership appeals in the mail starting this week on behalf of the sheriffs’ association. The mailed letters are authentic. Any requests by phone, however, are not, as the organization does no telemarketing, Tatum said.
“As the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships in this country continues to escalate, programs such as this continue to grow in importance. I encourage everyone receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us to by becoming an associate member. It is a valuable investment in the future,” Tatum stated.
Associate members receive the quarterly publication “The Texas Lawman,” a membership car (2 for families), a window decal (2 for families) and a weekly e-newsletter.
Any interested in becoming associate members or information about the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas who do not receive letters in the mail may contact Sheriff’s Association of Texas by mail at 1601 South Interstate 35, Austin, Texas 78741-2503; by phone at 512-445-5888; or online at https://www.sheriffstx.org/.
Save the Dates: “Benefits of Love” Events for Reed, Ivey and Cavanaugh Families
The list of benefit events created to assist the families of victims of a recent local tragedy is growing. If you cannot attend a benefit event but wish to donate, please contact Vickie Pickel at 903-885-7621. Here are two of the first events.
Thursday evening October 17, 2019 holds the first event in the “Benefits of Love” schedule of fundraisers. Themed “A Family Day on Celebration Plaza”, it is an evening for family fun, food and fellowship downtown Sulphur Springs, from 5:45 til 7:45 pm. Burger meals at $6 and hot dog meals at $4 will be offered, as well as face painting, bounce houses and snow cones. 100% of proceeds and monetary donations will be donated to the victims’ families.
The Reilly Springs Community Center’s stage will serve as a place for a benefit Country and Gospel concert, set for Saturday October 19, 2019. At 6 pm, the Reilly Springs Jamboree will be held until 7:45 pm. The Benefit Concert by the Roger Reed Band will begin at 8 pm. Cost is $10 person or donation. There will also be a Chili Supper, Cake Walks and door prizes. Address is 109 CR 1439 in the Reilly Springs Community of southeastern Hopkins County.
Tira News for Oct. 16, 2019
By Jan Vaughn
Jason Beck, son of Kim and Lee Beck, rode out Typhoon Hagibis and an earthquake last week, while stationed at the Naval Base in Japan. He said there is some flooding nearby and lots of debris, but all is well.
Yvonne Weir flew to Bismarck, North Dakota, Sept. 24, to visit family from Fargo, Bismarck, and Mobridge, South Dakota. On the 26th, she traveled to the Hall ranch with her cousin, where they met up with relatives from Michigan. They stopped on the way in Lemmon to visit the John Lopez Sculpture Studio. Yvonne commented, “He is quite well known for his metal sculptures.” On Saturday, the 28th, family from Colorado, Washington, Alaska, and Michigan gathered for a memorial for Yvonne’s uncle Casey. His ashes were spread on a high bluff above where he and Yvonne’s mom and three other brothers grew up. Yvonne adds, “It was very special.” We extend our sympathy to Yvonne and her family. Yvonne returned on Oct. 2nd. After spending the night with Natalie, Dustin, and Everly, they came home to Tira.
Robert Weir celebrated his birthday with his family on Oct. 6, at BackStory Brewery. Yvonne reported that all the kids and grandkids met them there. She added, “His friend, Spike, came by to wish him a happy birthday, too.”
Yvonne attended a ladies retreat in Waxahachie on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12, along with 15 ladies from her church. She reports, “It was wonderful.” Wesley and Robert attended the Walk and Roll event on the square in Sulphur Springs.
Chip and I traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas on Saturday, Oct. 5, to watch our granddaughter, Jaidyn Joslin, play volleyball for Lakeside Middle School. Her dad, Malcolm Joslin, was there, too, as well as her mom and step dad, Tiffany and Perry Gilbert. After the game we all went to eat at Texas Roadhouse for Jaidyn’s birthday (Oct. 9) and my birthday (Oct. 6). Malcolm returned to Tira that afternoon and the rest of us went to Eureka Springs and saw The Great Passion Play, which depicts the last week of the life of Jesus Christ. We spent the night in Rogers and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Cracker Barrel the next morning. Perry, Tiffany, and Jaidyn headed home to Malvern. Chip and I made a side trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and took our grandson, Morgan Joslin, out for a late lunch before returning to Tira.
Our great-grandsons, Rylan, Brailon and Slaiden, went to church with us on Sunday night, and then we went out for pizza. They spent the night with us and enjoyed playing outside (and on “electronics”) the next day.
A small, but good group, gathered at the North Hopkins School Cafeteria for the annual alumni homecoming on Saturday evening. Dr. Darin Jolly, North Hopkins ISD Superintendent, led a tour of the campuses. About 37 were in attendance for the event. A catered meal, by BirthWright BBQ was served. Following a brief program, the group was entertained by the music of the “Monday Night Jam” band. The Class of 1969 was well represented with Charles Ray and Debra Ferrell, J. W. Murray, Kathy Glosup, Dewey Haney, Evelyn Horne, Tommy Long, Sherry Smiddy, and Archie Tucker. There were none representing the Classes of 1979 and 1989, but we did have two from the Class of 1959, who were celebrating their 60-year reunion, Joyce Goldsmith and Shirley Evans.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
New Event! WCA ‘Cowboy Poetry Gathering’ in Winnsboro October 18, 19
Winnsboro, Texas is adding a Cowboy Poetry Gathering to it’s calendar of cultural arts events. Back in March 2019, Mary White, President of Winnsboro Center for the Arts, and Brenda Buck, Director of Winnsboro’s Main Street Project and Cultural Arts District, attended a Gathering in Alpine, Texas. They came away impressed with the atmosphere as well as the quality of talent within the listening sessions and music sets. Both women agreed that a Gathering would be a good fit for the Winnsboro community. Soon, a plan of action was created by Buck and by Jim Willis, who is Bowery Director, and invitations sent out to a well-rounded lineup of Western poets, songwriters, musicians and artists. So, this Autumn, you can attend the first Winnsboro Cowboy Poetry Gathering! It’s a two-day event; Friday October 18 and Saturday October 19, 2018. It is also a major cultural event, well-placed during the Trail Ride weekend of Autumn Trails, October’s month-long celebration of Winnsboro and Wood County history and heritage.
Friday’s Gathering attractions will include Western and Cowboy art and music. You can view displays of paintings by Julie Howard inside the WCA at 200 Market Street and photography by Jerry Goodale at The Depot between 10 am and 4 pm on Friday. Display hours on Saturday are 8:30 am until 6 pm. Also, a (sold-out!) concert by Texas native Michael Martin Murphy will be staged at the WCA that evening.
Saturday will offer day-long live entertainment. The first ‘listening’ session will be held on the stage of the WCA, free to the public at 9am. Emcee Enola Gay will introduce the lively cowgirl music by Kristyn Harris and Hailee Sandoz followed by acclaimed poets Jay Snider and Chris Issacs, Following the free session, other listening sessions by male and female Cowboy artists from Texas and beyond it’s borders will rotate each hour inside the WCA and across the street at The Depot, 212 Market Street. Purchase a morning pass, an afternoon pass or a full day pass in advance at www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com, or at the door. Seating is limited. Cost is $45 for the full Day Pass, $25 for Morning or $35 for an Afternoon pass. Of course, donations are always welcome at the WCA if you appreciate Winnsboro’s cultural direction! In 2009, it was among the first seven cities selected across the state as a Cultural District by the Texas Commission of Arts, and that designation was recently renewed, through 2029. Winnsboro also retains a designation of Main Street City, both State and National.
Meal A Day In Jeopardy Of Closing 2 Days A Week Due Lack of Cooks; Route Driver Needed Starting Next Week
Meal A Day is in jeopardy of having to shut down on Wednesdays and Thursdays due to lack of cooks to help prepare meals to be delivered to elderly shut-ins and serve to senior citizens at the Martin Luther King Drive activity center, according to program manager Karon Weatherman.
“If you can spare some time to help us please let me know as soon as possible. We have been begging for help for about 3 months and no one has answered the call. One or two people just can’t cook for 160 people,” said Weatherman.
Cooks need only donate a few hours of their morning to help prepare and cook food. Volunteers don’t have to be experienced cooks. They need only have a willingness to lovingly prepare meals.
“Please contact me if you can help out,” Weatherman said.
The program is also in need of a driver to volunteer their time and vehiclde to drive a route to Meal A Day recipients in the Como-Pickton area. Help is needed starting next week, according to Weatherman.
To help out, call the Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661 or stop by.
Health Care Foundation’s Mardi Bras For A Cause Will Fund Free Mammograms For Uninsured Women Over 40
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation will be hosting Bras for a Cause this month as an awareness campaign as well as a means to raise funds. Community members are encouraged to decorate a bra, promote Breast cancer awareness and raise funds for the cause.
“This year, we are raising money to provide free mammograms to uninsured women over 40,” stated Meredith Caddell, executive director of Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
Last year, the event raised about $12,000. HCHCF’s goal this year it to surpass that in order to help provide more mammograms for uninsured women over 40 years of age, HCHDF staff reports.
There are three categories individuals and organizations can enter: breast cancer awareness, business and Mardi Gras (the theme of this year’s HCHCF Gala).
“All bras will be displayed at the Hopkins County Stew Contest Friday & Saturday, October 25th and 26th. Two winners in each category: most money raised and judges pick,” stated Caddell.
Brazzie Awards will be presented at approximately 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Stew Contest.
The Health Care Foundation has already begun receiving entries, but encourages all who are interested to participate in this contest, designed to be fun and creative, with a spirit of competition, while keeping in mind the reason for the cause. Participants are encouraged to be crazy but tasteful to show support for individuals battling breast cancer and to encourage women to get regular mammograms, as early detection is key to successful treatment of breast cancer.
Entries will be accepted through Oct. 23, at the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation office, located in room 230 on the second floor of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs.
Entries may be a real or homemade bra of any size, color or material of entrant’s choosing designed in good taste, suitable for all ages to view. Include a title as part of the design to help the voters connect with the creation and way to display it, such as a lingerie hanger, a body mannequin, frame or some type of plan to mount it to a grid.
Turn in creations with a completed form (below) containing the names, emails and phone numbers of all of the designers when the bra is turned in. All bra-makers will receive a ribbon to wear on the weekend of the event to indicate their participation in the event.
For information, call the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799.
