Owens Comments on Bye Week, His Wildcats and Forney
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens, at his weekly media gathering Wednesday morning before Friday’s game at Forney, said last week’s bye week was pretty good. He said the team had some good practices, some players were able to rest up and some grade issues got looked at. Actually he said, if given a choice, he would have preferred to get back on the field and play last Friday. Coach Owens said everyone is ready to get a W. He said if for no other reason, to get some pay off for all the hard work. Concerning Forney, Coach Owens said they are big and have a couple of quick skill kids. He said Forney seems to be working to figure out who they are. He said they have gotten progressively better each week. Coach Owens and other Wildcats’ coaches scouted Forney’s game last Friday at Royse City. Coach Owens said he also saw some of the Corsicana and North Forney game. Coach Owens said he is impressed with the Forney quarterback (senior Campbell Anderson) calling him perhaps the best runner on the team. He said Forney also completed several long passes against the Royse City defense. Last year Forney was very successful against the Wildcats running behind the blocking of a big tight end. They still do that but Coach Owens said the current tight end is not as skilled yet as last year’s. He said Forney has a big offensive line. Coach Owens said the Jackrabbits will show you different defensive fronts. He is really impressed with one of the Forney outside linebackers who is undersized but blitzes very effectively (senior Westin Beeman). Coach Owens said one of the Jackrabbit safeties and one of their inside linebackers also really impressed him on tape. The Jackrabbits also have a big defensive line. Coach Owens said it may come down more to us rather than Forney. He said the Wildcats need to take care of business, be consistent, take care of the football and tackle well. Last year’s game was a scoring fest with the Wildcats winning, 56-47 at The Prim. Coach Owens said he would settle for scoring one more point than Forney Friday night.
Saltillo Lions Win Cross Country Meet in Mount Pleasant Saturday and Lady Lions are Third
The Saltillo Lions won first place and the Saltillo Lady Lions were third at the Titus County Fair Cross Country Meet held last Saturday (September 28). For the Lions, Garret Tarver took 1st at the meet with a time of 15:58. Dillon Beadle was 7th, Jayden Holloway was 8th, Gunner Tarver was 11th, Coy Collins was 17th, Beckham Hoover was 20th and Andrew Redburn was 47th. For the Lady Lions, Yadira Alonzo was 16th, Reagan Speir was 19th, Kristina Wade was 31st, Brianna Tawil was 37th, McKensa Morris was 53rd, Chandler Bain was 73rd and Ofelia Cabrera was 79th.
Dike Man Reportedly Tried To Kick In An Apartment Door While Intoxicated
A 28-year-old Dike man was arrested Tuesday following a disturbance on Freeman Street.
Sulphur Springs police responded at 1:23 p.m. Oct. 1 to a complaint of a disturbance in which a male was reportedly trying to kick in an apartment door on Freeman Street.
Upon arrival, officers reported the man displayed signs of impairment, including walking slowly. He allegedly admitted to using illegal narcotics and was uncooperative with standard field sobriety testing instruction given to him in written form because of his audible disability, according to arrest reports.
The man was taken into custody and jailed for public intoxication. He was released from jail on the charge Wednesday, according to jail reports.
Curb And Sidewalk Ordinances Receive City Council Approval
Sulphur Springs City Council approved on second and final reading Tuesday night proposed changes to ordinances prohibiting curbside parking at intersections and use of certain wheeled conveyances in certain areas of town.
Curb Parking
Ordinance No. 2759 amends Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances to include Section 25-82.1, which prohibits curbside parking within 30 feet of any intersection inside the city limits.
The motion receive unanimous approval without further discussion.
Sidewalk Ordinance
Ordinance No. 2760 changes the title of Chapter 25, Article IV, to “Bicycles, Scooters and other wheeled conveyances” and expands the wheeled items prohibited from use on sidewalks in commercially zoned areas of the city to include skateboards, scooters and other similar devices.
Councilwoman Erica Armstrong noted there had been “a terrible misunderstanding” among some community members regarding this proposed change.
“I would like to request too, just because we have literally taken a beating over this for no reason, that it be publicly announced that it is for commercial property only and not residential properties. We are not forcing children to ride their skateboard in the street. It is only for commercial properties,” Armstrong said.
“Yes, it is only for commercially zoned properties,” City Attorney Jim McLeroy affirmed.
“I think there was just some kind of misconception about what exactly that ordinance was,” Armstrong said.
McLeroy pointed out that the city ordinance is continue as currently in place as to what areas it affects. It simply expands the items to include skateboards, scooters, in-line skates and other similar devices among the wheeled conveyances prohibited from use on sidewalks in commercially zoned areas, including downtown.
Councilman Jimmy Lucas asked if signs are required to be posted before the new ordinance could be enforced in commercially zoned areas.
“We are going to put signs up before fines are effective. We are going to put signs up, in the downtown area primarily, I think, but they may wind up on some commercially zoned properties like Walmart and places like that,” McLeroy said.
Armstrong noted some privately owned commercial properties already have signs up. McLeroy said it may be suggested in the future that the ordinance be referred to when signs are placed on commercially zoned properties in the future.
The sidewalk ordinance amendment received unanimous approve from the City Council at the Oct. 1 meeting.
Hopkins County United Way Has a Pair of Chairs for the 2019 ‘Be a Hero’ Campaign
A well-recognized local couple is heading up the United Way campaign, and meeting very few strangers along the way! Bill and Beverly Owens enthusiastically agreed to the appointment and seized the opportunity to promote the good that United Way does for Hopkins County residents. During a KSST Good Morning Show interview, they stated, “we are thrilled to announce, after the first Report Meeting, pledges total $35,721.80 which is 21% of our goal of $165,000.! Campaign percent totals can be seen on the digital billboard near Chili’s, thanks to Chaney and Craig Johnson. Percent totals are also on the traditional Campaign thermometer near the fire station on Gilmer Street, across from CVS”.
The projected goal is reached through donations and pledges from individuals, clubs, organizations, business and industry in Hopkins County. “If you are not contacted by a United Way worker and you’d like to donate, please contact one of us, or call Susan Berning, Executive Secretary of the Hopkins County United Way. Her contact number is 903-243-4066. Or you can mail a check with a donation of any size to Campaign Headquarters, P.O. Box 735, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482. This year’s goal will be divided among 22 selected local non-profits providing services to the needy, handicapped and underprivileged of of Hopkins County”.
Bill and Beverly also mentioned that at weekly report meetings, pledges and donations are turned in by campaign workers. The next one is set for Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce office at 110 Main St. Campaign workers, please note the change in location from the Texas AgriLife Extension office to the Chamber office for the October 8 meeting.
Beverly works at Alliance Bank and is the 2018/2019 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce “Woman of the Year”. Bill is General Manager of Jay Hodge Chevrolet in Sulphur Springs, a company named the Chamber’s Large Business of the Year. The couple has raised their family in Sulphur Springs and are members of Trinity Harvest Church and the Trinity Harvest Singers.
What teachers should know about deducting out-of-pocket classroom expenses
Now that fall is here and school has started, many teachers are dipping into their own pockets to buy classroom supplies. Doing this throughout the year can add up fast. Fortunately, eligible educators may be able to defray qualified expenses they paid in 2019 when they file their tax return in 2020.
Educators who work in schools may qualify to deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed expenses. That amount goes up to $500 if two qualified educators are married and file a joint return. However, neither spouse can deduct more than $250 of his or her qualified expenses when they file.
Taxpayers qualify for this deduction if they:
- Teach any grade from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
- Are a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide.
- Work at least 900 hours during the school year.
- Work in a school that provides elementary or secondary education.
Qualified expenses include:
- Professional development courses.
- Books.
- Supplies.
- Computer equipment including related software and services.
- Supplementary materials.
- Athletic supplies only for health and physical education.
Eligible taxpayers can claim this deduction when they file their taxes. The IRS encourages teachers to consider using tax software to help guide them through the process of claiming the deduction.
Many teachers may qualify to use online software for free with IRS Free File.
Chamber Connection for October 3rd, 2019
Chamber Connection- October 3rd
The deadline for entry into the World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest is Friday, October 4th at 5:00 p.m. All cooks signed up for the 50th Annual Stew Cook-off will need to pick up their stew goody bags on Tuesday, October 15th from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce (110 Main Street). Cooks will receive their grocery reimbursement from the Chamber, their goody bags, and a list of rules and regulations for the Stew Cook-off. First time cooks will have a brief orientation meeting at the Chamber at 6 p.m. that day as well. Please make plans to be there!!! T-shirts will be available for purchase that night. Call the Chamber for additional information at (903) 885-6515.
I have some more very exciting news! The Chamber of Commerce is currently selling our 2019 Hopkins County Christmas ornament. This ornament is the second of our series and features our beautiful Buford Park, the 50th Anniversary Stew Contest, and beautiful oak trees under a starry sky. It is dated with the year, made with 24 karat gold, shatterproof, and VERY limited in number. They are quite beautiful and the perfect addition to a rare collection. They are $40 each and literally flying out the door. If you would like to purchase one, please call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515, or come by soon.
The Chamber is excited to announce our vendor call for the Stew Fest Market! The Chamber is currently accepting vendors for the Stew Fest Market, which will be located on the south side of Buford Park during Friday night and Saturday Stew Contest activities. This is a great opportunity to sell goods or to promote your business to 7,000 people who attend the Stew Contest annually. Vendors may rent booth space to sell goods or distribute information about their business. Booths will be assigned on a first-paid basis. Access to electricity is not guaranteed. Generators are permitted. Desserts may be sold, but no other food or drinks may be distributed. Vendors who are interested in purchasing booth space, call the Chamber of Commerce at (903) 885-6515.
Texafied JamFest schedules a ribbon cutting
Texafied JamFest is hosting a ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, October 3rd at noon at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce. Come by to learn all about the upcoming Texafied JamFest!
Workforce Solutions will host its annual LEAP Conference on October 4th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas is hosting its annual LEAP (Learning Endorsements and Professions) Youth Expo on Friday, October 4th. This event is very much like a job fair except that it is geared to educate eighth graders and help guide them as they make their endorsement selections heading into high school. Workforce Solutions is seeking a wide variety of companies and businesses to attend the LEAP Youth Expo to describe your business and expose eighth graders to all career avenues after graduation. Since students now choose their high school endorsements while in eighth grade, the Expo is perfect for them. Over the past two years, they’ve had difficulty getting a veterinarian, doctor, dentist, orthodontist, pilot, author, artist, musician, architect, and sports/personal trainer. Please consider attending this Expo and taking visuals and information to give away. They will be so thankful to have you there! Please call Bart Spivy at (903)794-9490 ext. 513 with any questions.
DBA hosts Worldwide Photo Walk
Our Sulphur Springs DBA is hosting the Worldwide Photo Walk on Saturday, October 5th from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All interested participants should meet at Whimsy, located at 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs, that morning. To RSVP, email [email protected].
Dutch Oven Cook-off and Indian Summer Days are scheduled Saturday, October 5th
Hopkins County Heritage Park will host Indian Summer Days with the John Chester Dutch Oven Cook-off on Saturday, October 5th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry fee to the Indian Summer Days is $3.00 per person and includes food and fun for the whole family! While there, you may purchase an all you can eat plate for $5.00 to the Dutch Oven Cook-off. To enter the Dutch Oven Cook-off, call Rick Wilson at (903) 885-9692.
NETBIO hosts the Cattleman’s Classic Ribeye Roundup
NETBIO hosts the Cattleman’s Classic Ribeye Roundup and Steak Cookoff on Saturday, October 5. Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and concert will follow featuring country music artist Mike Ryan. You don’t want to miss this!
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market Style/Swap
Join us for a ribbon cutting celebration at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 11th for Danna and the Buffalo Girls. Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a flea market style/swap event October 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 20670 Hwy. 11 E. in Winnsboro. The Hwy. 11 Treasure Trails, a garage sale stretching from Linden to Sulphur Springs, will be held in conjunction with the Flea Market that same weekend. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
Eternity Creations is Hosting a Sweet 16 Birthday Party
Eternity Creations, located at 301 Gilmer Street, Suite 3, in Sulphur Springs, is hosting their Sweet 16 Birthday Party on Friday, October 11th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to wish Eternity Creations a happy birthday!
Barbara Bush Primary holds a 5K Fun Run
Barbara Bush Primary in Sulphur Springs is holding a Spooktacular 5K & Fun Run benefiting Barbara Bush PTO on Saturday, October 12th at 5:40 p.m. Registration and packet pickup will begin at 5 p.m., the Fun Run will begin at 5:40 p.m., and the 5K will begin at 6 p.m. For entry information, call Barbara Bush Primary at (903) 439-6170.
Ribbon Cuttings:
Chamber of Commerce opens new building
The Chamber of Commerce celebrated their big day with an open house and ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, October 1st at our new location, 110 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Thank you to everyone who came by to see us. Stop by for a visit at the Chamber anytime!
CasaBlanca the Salon held its Ribbon Cutting Celebration
CasaBlanca the Salon held its ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, September 27th at noon. CasaBlanca is located at 215 A Main Street in Sulphur Springs.
Another Donation for the Meal a Day Program!
Burgers and Fries made another generous donation to the Meal A Day Program on October 1. The employees gave their tips and customers made donations. The total was $ 1,600.00. Thank you to Burgers and Fries customers and employees!
Shown in photo: Tammy Lawson, Karon Weatherman and Ronda Mays
Meal A Day in Need of Cooks
Meal A Day is in need of cooks on Wednesday and Thursday.
Starting in November will be needing a driver for an in town on Mondays.
If you could find some time to donate please let me know. (903) 885-1661
Thank You,
Karon Weatherman
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report
09/23/2019 – 09/29/2019
Large, Jacob, 28 years of age, of Mineola, was arrested on 09/23/2019 for Failure to Identify as a Fugitive and a Wood County Warrant for no Driver’s
license when unlicensed.
Ferguson, Nicholas, 21 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on
09/27/2019 for Possession of Marijuana <2oz.
Accidents:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a 2 vehicle accident on 09/23/2019 in the 200 block of East Coke Road. No injuries reported.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 124 calls for
service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 35 citations and 44 warnings
during this reporting period.
