North East Texas Children’s Museum Makes A Move!
Sharline Garrison Freeman, Director at the North East Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce for the past decade has strong Sulphur Springs ties and visited KSST to inform Good Morning Show listeners about the Museum’s move in the near future. “In just 13 days, we will close the present location’s seventeen-year home, just across from Texas A and M University Commerce. But it’s still a busy time because we’ve got birthday parties booked, field trips are arriving by school bus and the 3rd-grade STEM program we offer in-house is ongoing. Museum staff is also taking the MegaLung out to 4th-grade classrooms in school districts during the next two weeks. The MegaLung is a large teaching display which shows all the diseases of the lung, exposing the dangers of smoking and of the new vapor e-cigarettes. We provide this interactive instruction on elementary student level in hopes it will help them live healthier lives. After September 23, when we close the doors at the present location, our staff will have just two weeks to move our offices before opening the new facility, where we already have bookings there. And the public will be invited in at our Grand Opening on October 19, 2019! “
In a matter of days, the new North East Texas Children’s Museum will move to 100 Maple Street, which is a 11-acre property on Highway 11 East of Commerce, and in fact, two miles closer to Sulphur Springs than previously. The larger 26,000 square foot museum has been constructed specifically for the hands-on displays and creative play areas designed for children. Among the many brand new play stations it will house are a Hospital with ER, a Veterinary clinic, a Dental office, a gas station with kid-size cars, a restaurant, a Farm area and a house. Some of the popular existing stations will have been refurbished and put back into use. According to Sharline, “businesses and organizations in Commerce and in a radius around the area have sponsored and helped construct these play areas and we proudly display the names of our donors. We plan a special open house for our donors. The Museum’s play area is actually like a little town now, and that was my vision when I became Director. Earlier in my working career, I launched a program called “Enterprise City” for the Richardson ISD, and that program is still in use. It has been my dream that the children of Northeast Texas have a play and learning facility comparable to what you might find in a big city. And now we do, with room for expansion!”. Currently a fundraising “Brick Walk” campaign is going on, with an individual, family or business name engraved and placed on the walk for a donation. For more information on the history, mission and services of the North East Texas Children’s Museum, go to netxcm.com
Though not raised in Sulphur Springs, Sharline’s parents were a part of the local community whom some may remember. Her mother, Mrs. Lorene Garrison, was an English teacher at Sulphur Springs High School and her father, Thel Garrison, was President of People’s National Bank in Sulphur Springs.
Cumby City Council To Discuss Water Meter Rates, Appoint Associate Judge
Water meter rates, the seizure fund, a grant, an emergency number and associate judge’s evaluation are among the items to be discussed and considered at tonight by Cumby City Council.
During the 6:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Cumby City Council is slated to discuss and considered adopting a resolution authorizing submission of a Community Development Block Grant application, and designating a signer.
A public hearing for the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program application was scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 3, at City Hall. The city is proposing applying to Texas Department of Agriculture for the funding, which would help pay for road maintenance. Major road repairs are needed due to the flooding and rains of September and October 2018, which resulted in a disaster declaration for the county, according to city staff.
The city attorney has reportedly been working with Cumby officials to revise and draw up a new employee handbook. The proposed City of Cumby Employee Manual is slated to be presented Tuesday night for the council’s consideration.
The Cumby City Council will be asked to consider appointing Mayor Pro Tem Doug Simmerman and Cumby Police Chief Paul Robertson as the only signers for the seizure fund at Alliance Bank, according to the agenda.
Also submitted for discussion and possible action are park reservations and deposit, selling city vehicles, and inter-local agreement with Ark-Tex Council of Governments and an emergency after-hours phone number.
The council also is slated to discuss water water rates.
The agenda also shows the council meeting in executive session to evaluate performance and discuss appointment of Quanah Wright as associate judge. They then will reconvene in regular session to take any action on the matter, if any is needed.
Reports are to be presented by the police department, maintenance department and fire department. Announcements may include matters of public recognition or upcoming events of local and regional significance; to advise the public of opportunities for service, recognition or recreation within the city; provide community charitable, civic and philanthropic organizations the chance to broaden their appeal by the timely publication of details of their programs and activities. Announcements can be made by the city council or city secretary or organization representative, and are limited to facts about events, congratulatory or approbative statements concerning servic eto the city or community, and invitations to participate in various events.
Any citizens who wish to make address the council may do so during the citizens’ presentation portion of the meeting. Comments will be limited to 2 minutes, and may not be personal, unfounded, profane or slanderous, according to the agenda.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at City Hall, 100 East Main St. in Cumby.
Pay Increase Approved For Election Workers
Training Planned Sept. 23 For All Interested In Serving As Election Workers; Even Students Are Eligible
Election workers will receive an additional $2 per hour this year in Hopkins County.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved County Clerk Tracy Smith’s request that the pay for election workers be raised from $10 to $12 an hour this year. This matches a state change which raised the rate from $8 to $12 an hour for election workers.
The Commissioners Court also approved paying election workers $12 per hour to attend required training, which typically lasts 2-3 hours.
Currently, Smith said at least one more election judge and a few more election workers are still needed for the upcoming election. Each of the 12 voting center throughout the county will need one judge, an alternate judge and two to three workers when the polls are open.
“I urge folks who have time, to do this. It’s important,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom.
Qualifications
There are a few qualifications elections workers must meet, and even high school students are eligible to be serve as student clerks.
“For a normal election clerk you basically just have to be a registered voter in this county. The student clerks have a little more requirements,” said Smith.
To be eligible to serve as a clerk of an election precinct, the individual must be a qualified voter of the county in a county-wide election, and the subdivision or county precinct or area in which the election is held, according to the election code.
Student election clerks must be enrolled in an education institution — such as a public secondary school, accredited private or parochial secondary school or home school that meets Section 25.086 requirements. The students will also be required obtain consent from the principal of the educational institution where they are enrolled and home-school students must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent.
Student election clerks must be 16 years of age, U.S. citizens and have completed training courses required by the entity holding the election.
Student clerks are entitled to the same compensation as other clerks. No more than two student clerks may serve at a polling place, and not more than four in any countywide polling place, according to the election code.
Training
All interested in serving as an election worker must attend one of the three training sessions scheduled on Monday, Sept. 23, at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Training will be offered from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m.
Even if more show up than are needed, they could potentially still be called on to work in the next election, as well as any runoff that may develop. And, it’ll give those interested a chance to learn more about what’s required of election workers, and whether they would be a good fit, according to Smith.
For additional information, attend the Sept. 23 workshop or contact the Hopkins County Clerk’s Office.
Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears Post Another Win
Sulphur Bluff Picks Up Volleyball Win at Home Over Trinity Christian Academy
The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears defeated the Trinity Christian Academy, 3-1 at home Friday (September 6). The Lady Bears JV was also a 2-0 winner over TCA. The varsity won 25-17, 24-26, 25-18 and 25-19. Lady Bears setter Alley Collett had 7 service points and 29 assists. Dalena Di Donato had 7 service points, 7 kills, 1 block solo and 1 block assist. Jade Wade had 12 service points and 3 kills. Libero Angel Brown led the team in most effective passing to target and in digs. Tori Raine had 12 service points and 4 kills. Cierra Johnson had 8 service points. Skylar Stanley had 9 kills and 1 block assist. Ann Dorner had 9 service points and 9 kills. Coach Zandra Peyton said the girls played really good. She added the Lady Bears had one girl out with a knee injury and they all stepped up to cover her spot.
The Sulphur Bluff JV won 25-7, 25-11 over TCA. Taylor Wallis had 8 service points and 10 assists. Lydia Drummond had 10 service points and 5 kills. Tori Answorth had a service point and 3 kills. Bailey Neal had 9 service points and 1 kill. Allie Eason had 4 service points and a kill. Destiny Johnson had 3 service points.
Cross Country Coach Hicks Updates On Last Meet
Sulphur Springs Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks Says Teams Took A Small Step Back on Saturday
Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said his teams ran hard at a UT-Tyler meet on Saturday (September 7) but he said their times where not there they wanted them to be. He said they took a small step backward. The Lady Cats finished ninth out of 21 teams while the Wildcats were 16th out of 24 teams. He said he felt his runners learned from the race. The Lady Cats were again led by senior Sydney Washburn, who Coach Hicks said ran a time about like she did the week before. Laney Hurst was next for the Lady Cats followed by Maurie Flecker, Mattie Bridges and Makayla Jimmerson. The Wildcats were led by Christian Palomino followed by Jose Mejia, then Evan Patrick, Camden Fuller, Alan Hernandez and Roberto Torres. This Saturday the Wildcats and Lady Cats will get the chance to try out the course where the regional meet will be held in late October. The UTA Invitational will take place at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex in Dallas
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Reviews Edgewood Match
Coach Dorner Says Lady Cats Volleyball Struggled Against Edgewood in Friday Loss
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner summed up her team’s play in a loss at Edgewood Friday (September 6) this way. She said the Lady Cats struggled, did not pass well, made some silly mistakes and in a couple of sets just waited to late to get going. She added Edgewood took advantage of it. Still after a so-so first set, the Lady Cats picked up things in the second set while the Lady Bulldogs struggled. The match was tied at that point, 1-1. Coach Dorner said things began to go south in the third and fourth sets and the Lady Cats could not turn things around. She added the Lady Bulldogs got a good middle back player back from injury that helped them. Coach Dorner said junior Sadie Washburn had another strong game with 20 kills and 22 digs. She also liked the play of Sydney Washburn and Brooklyn Burnside. Still Coach Dorner said for the most part the Lady Cats did not plat well as a team. She said she needed the entire team to pickup their games. The Lady Cats are 16-9 for the season. They play Emory Rains Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the main gym at SSHS. Fans who bring canned goods to the game will get in free.
Wildcats Football Coach Discusses Loss
Frustrated Football Coach Visits Saturday Morning Coach’s Show
It was a frustrated Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens that appeared on the KSST and Cable Channel 18 Saturday Morning Coach’s Show after a 34-27 loss to Lovejoy Friday night (September 6) in Lucas at Leopard Stadium. Coach Owens said the frustration arose from opportunities that the Wildcats did not take advantage of, especially early in the game. He said Lovejoy was a good team with a good quarterback, a talented wide receiver and huge, physical offensive and defensive lines. Coach Owens did say the Wildcats showed a lot of improvement. He said the Wildcats are still trying to figure out who they are. Coach Owens said some things that coaches focused on and worked to fix did get a lot better. He said there were still a lot of things to clean up. Coach Owens did brag on several players. He mentioned senior utility man Noe Ponce. He said senior Chase Haney had a phenomenal game including in pass coverage. Haney also had a nice long punt return. Coach Owens noted that junior receiver Bryson Lacy had a big catch and did a good job blocking. He said senior Zach Tiemeyer had another solid game. He said running backs Caden Davis and D’Korian “Choc” Sims ran extremely hard. Coach Owens noted that senior kicker Brandon Zavala made two field goals. He noted that senior Aidan Walker not only fell on the game opening onside kick but he also recovered a Wildcats’ fumble that saved the team lots of field position. Coach Owens said junior inside linebacker Ryan Carrillo had a big night. He liked junior Wiley Bennett’s snapping on punts and the way he went down field to cover them. He said Kylan Wade was active, he noted that sophomore Korderrian ”Bull” Turner did a great job. Coach Owens liked the cornerback play of sophomore Dominique Sims and junior Detrick Clayton. However he said people still judge you based on whether you win or lose. Coach Owens told the team this Friday’s district game against Terrell really counts now. Terrell is coached by Marvin Sedberry Junior. His father served as Greenville’s head coach on three different occasions. Coach Owens said the Tigers run a variation of the Wing T. He said they have some size and will be physical. Terrell also comes into the game at 0-2 with a home loss to Hallsville and a road loss at Paris
5 Percent Cost Of Living Increase Approved For All Full-Time County Employees
All full-time Hopkins County employees and elected officials will benefit from a 5 percent cost of living increase in pay in the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
The pay increase was factored into the 2019-2020 county budget, which was approved by Hopkins County Commissioner Court at their regular meeting Monday morning.
Commissioners first approved the 5 percent increase for elected officials, then the budget and tax rate. The increase for elected officials includes $75 a year for longevity pay, and an additional supplement for the sheriff this year, according to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom and Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook.
Newsom noted that at a conference he attended last week, a map of Northeast Texas showed areas with growth. Hopkins County was among the communities experiencing growth in development. Some other areas further east are losing population and industry, he said.
The county judge said the current budget should put the county in a better position next year to face challenges imposed by the tax cap passed recently by legislators. The tax cap won’t impact the county this year, but will next year.
The commissioners court unanimously approved the same tax rate of $0.624892 per $100 property value. Of that, $0.5396355 will be applied to maintenance and operations and the remaining $0.085237 toward the principal on bonds repayments and other indebtedness.
While unchanged, the county property taxes are expected to generate 6.39 percent ($752,789) more revenue in FY 2019-202 than it did this year. This is due to largely increases in property values and $272,117 from new property added to tax roles in the last year.
Brinker VFD Recognized For Dedication Service
Hopkins County Commissioners Court and County Fire Chief Andy Endsley Monday morning recognized Brinker Volunteer Fire Department members for their dedication and 25-years of service to the community.
“This is part of the ongoing celebration of not only Hopkins County Fire Department’s 20th anniversary but celebrating all the VFD’s in our county. It’s a great honor to be able to do this,” said Endsley.
“I would just like to thank the commissioners. Without you, we wouldn’t be. I look forward to working with you and appreciation your support. I’m honored to do this,” said Wade McDaniel, captain for Brinker VFD.
McDaniel said that he was a volunteer in Sulphur Springs previously. So, when he moved to Brinker he approached the fire chief and was allowed to continue his passion of serving his community as a member of the volunteer fire department. He also expressed appreciation for all who helped lower the ISO rating for the area, which has allowed him to save a lot of money on his house insurance.
“We love our community, and do anything we can for them. We appreciate you and Andy as well,” said Jamie Foster, chief of the Brinker VFD.
“The thing to emphasize to anyone listening is that they are volunteers, that servanthood that’s beyond the call of duty. They are not getting paid anything. It’s just because you want to serve. That’s huge. In the past it’s been used, today it’s even more. So thank you very much,” Newsom said.
Mack Pitts, who was present during Monday’s court session, said he lived behind Brinker VFD. When his mother-in-law lived with them, his family called upon Brinker for a couple of times for assistance when his wife needed help getting her mother up. He commended the firemen on the professional manner in which the members do “exactly what they need to do.”
Pitts complimented Endsley, who served as Brinker’s chief prior to accepting to position as HCFD chief, and noted the current officers are following in his footstep, establishing an “excellent reputation” for the volunteer fire department.
The department was formed on March 24, 1994, as Brinker Volunteer Fire Rescue by Carl Nix, who served as chief; with Lee Huff as president and Teresa Hugg as secretary treasurer; and members Brian Knowles, Allen Story, Harrell Hettich, Max Bradford, Glenn Smith, Dusty McIllwain, Jerry Horton, Bobby George, Don Brooks, Beth Gilpin and Ronald “Squirrel” Wells.
Brinker’s first fire truck was attained due to the efforts made by area fire departments outside Hopkins County and the Texas Forestry Service. The volunteer department’s first service call was to a grass fire on County Road 3341 on Aug. 8, 1994.
In 2001, the department suffered a catastrophic fire in the station’s bay area, and had to rebuild. In 2004, The Brinker Volunteer Fire Rescue was awarded a FEMA grant for a custom pumper. Another grant from the Texas Forestry Service allowed funds for a tanker.
The department prospered from 2005 to 2011 with Herb Scott as fire chief, followed by the leadership of Chief Andy Endsley and the Fire and EMS Academy – Fire In Texas.
The current members of Brinker VFD are Chief Jamie Foster, Assistant Chief Austin Corley, Captain Wade McDaniel, Carl Nix, Conner Nix, Jeff Strickland, Brady Crouse, Mike Corley, Brandon Foster, Brody Sproles and Brenden Clark.
“The Hopkins County Commissioners Court urges all citizens to applaud the outstanding efforts of the Brinker Volunteer Fire Department, to recognize the dedication in their perseverance to provide protection to all people and their property and, offer heartfelt appreciation for the servanthood of each one. Thank you very much,” County Judge Robert Newsom read from a proclamation, which was framed and presented to Brinker VFD officers Monday morning during Commissioners Court.
