Golf Tourney at SSCC Will Benefit D.A.R.E. and Law Enforcement Association
For over 20 years, the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Awareness) program has educated and empowered school children attending Hopkins County school districts. Also doing it’s part, the non-profit Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association supports daily operations and special projects of the Sheriff’s office like Blue Santa, the annual Easter Egg/Cookout Event, the “Officer Down” project and D.A.R.E. to name a few. Now, reviving a popular fundraiser, a golf tournament is planned to benefit ongoing work by both organizations. Three members of local law enforcement visited the KSST control room during the Good Morning Show with Enola Gay, bringing information about the tournament.
Steve Shing serves as a Hopkins County Reserve Deputy, as Secretary for the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse, and as co-organizer of the golf tournament. Shing explained that it will be held at Sulphur Springs Country Club on Monday June 3, 2019 in a Scramble format with a maximum of 144 players in four-person teams. A hamburger lunch and registration begins at 12 noon with tee-off at 1pm. There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, as well as trophies for long drive and closest-to-pin contests. Various other contests will also be held throughout the tournament.
Kelly Wiser has been employed by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office for the past 8 years. Now D.A.R.E. officer, Wiser feels it’s the right time to revive the D.A.R.E. golf tournament tradition, because fresh support as well as funding is needed. D.A.R.E. offers substance abuse prevention education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade at their schools in a police-led series of classroom lessons. These lessons educate on how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. Sgt. Wiser feels strongly that D.A.R.E. education truly helps equip students to better face the influences of drug use and abuse. If you like to play golf and support a good cause, there is still room for a number of teams to sign up. Just call the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office at 903-438-4040.
Wade Sheets is an Investigator for the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department and serves as President of the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association. He has been employed by Hopkins County for the past nine years and feels it is a privilege. He said, “when I get up in the morning, I don’t think ‘I have to go to work today’, I actually feel ‘I GET to go to work today’ because we have a great organization. We’re a team. Sheriff Tatum is 100% behind everything that is good for the community, and encourages all of us to be, too”. Sheets also related that the fundraiser tournament will help provide for cost of materials and supplies required to continue the many successful community projects carried out by the Sheriff’s Office.
To sign up for the June 3 tournament, reach out to any of the officers mentioned above or Nancy de Castillo at 903-438-4040. Or you may contact Steve Shing by phone at 903-348-1991 or email at [email protected]
Affiliated Driving School for All Drivers Offered at Seniors Center on May 30
According to Karon Weatherman, local drivers can still sign up for the Affiliated Driving Class on Thursday, May 30th from 10:00 – 4:00 PM. This class is good for a Ticket Dismissal and 10% off of your Liability Insurance for 3 years. The Class cost: $ 15.00 for the Insurance Discount and $ 25.00 for the Ticket Dismissal. All Age Groups are Invited to attend. The location is the Seniors Center at 150 MLK Drive in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Weatherman encourages everyone to tell your friends about this excellent opportunity. Henry Barber is instructor and presents a lively session of learning. Please call if you want to take the class, at (903) 885-1661 Also, lunch will be available for $ 2.00 a plate.
Concerns Regarding Pacific Park Voiced During City Council Meeting
Pacific Park was a hot topic among citizens at Tuesday night’s regular City Council meeting. Safety issues and a timely progress of park repairs and renovations were among the prime concerns voiced.
East End Allegiance Our Youth President Bridget Cooper, during the citizens comments portion of the meeting, applauded the City Council for using the sale of property to apply toward the costs of renovations at Pacific Park.
The council approving an architectural firm to design and produce construction drawings for a new H.W. Grays Building was a move closer to seeing much-needed improvements in the park, Cooper said. However, she expressed concerns the project would not be finished as soon as originally projected.
Cooper, EEA member Erica Crook and Brittany Abron asked that the playground equipment be replaced before the building is constructed.
“We would like for the mayor and council to direct the city manger to fund new playground equipment due to serious safety concerns for our children. As you found the courage to find funding for Pacific Park, we ask that you find the same courage to support moving forward with the equipment first. This would definitely show the people of East End community that progress has actually been made outside of City Hall. Seeing is believing,” Cooper said.
Erica Crook, who was born and raised in Sulphur Spring and currently lives in Forney, also asked whether the Grays Building could be renovated at a cheaper price than constructing a new building.
Brittany Abron, a lifelong Sulphur Springs resident who resides a block from the park, pointed out that as a child she played on the same slides and seesaws that are currently in use at Pacific Park, as did her sister, who is 6 years older and her cousins, who are 12 and 15 years older.
“It’s several decades later and I think we deserve that as a community. Pacific Parks is a central part of the East End community, but it is a city park. If there’s noting that says anybody outside of the East End can’t visit there, can’t play there. We want it to be a community park, that is right next to where we live, where we can walk, where are our kids can ride bikes up there. We just want it to be safe,” Abron said.
Abron asked that city officials give the same attention and funding to Pacific Park that other city parks and properties, including the downtown square, receive.
“I want you to go 3 miles down the road and have that same pride for the Pacific Park, which has been neglected from wear and tear. We just deserve that,” Abron said.
Sulphur Springs resident Bryan Bell agreed that Pacific Park needs some work, but said his main concern is also park safety. He said missing playground pieces and other equipment that’s in disrepair are safety issues.
“Some kids could get hurt if they were to go up there and play. In the event a child was hurt, that’s going to fall on the city. So, I’m trying to look after everybody when I speak on this. It’s not just a matter of getting it looking nice. It’s our children’s safety. I take my child there. Others will take theirs there as well. We really need to get to the bottom of the safety issue, and then maybe we can get on to the money and getting nicer things. The safety is the main priority at city park that I’m seeing now,” Bryan Bell said.
He also expressed concern for the speed limit and the fact that cars travel up and down Carter Street at too fast a pace, putting the safety of those in the area at risk.
Bryan Bell asked the council to invest funding for more police presence around the park during the day. He said doing so would give people a “safer feel” while at the park and in the area.
“I know for a fact a lot of concern for Pacific Park is the extracurricular activity,” Bryan Bell acknowledged.
Bryan Bell asked that the city consider hosting activities at Pacific Park, in addition to the square and other parks, to get people from all areas of town to the park.
Former city council member Valanderous Bell said he does not currently still live in the East End community but did for 31 years and still loves the community, while he understood the council’s rules that they hear the comments but do not respond directly to them aside from providing specific facts, asked City Manager Marc Maxwell if a plan was in place.
Maxwell said there is a plan in motion for city parks. He explained that a series of meetings were held to develop an overall Parks and Open Space Master Plan, which could take up to 10 years to fully implement and will require funding. With the combined plan, the city plans to apply for a Parks and Wildlife grant.
The top priority identified by the East End community during the community meeting there was for a new H.W. Grays Building, so the city is proceeding with that. The cost is estimated to be at least half a million dollars, which exceeds the $170,000 the city received from the property sale to apply toward the construction of the new building, the top priority community members identified. The plan for the park includes renovations and restorations, including a sports pavilion and flexible sports area. Those improvements are estimated at $1.2 million or more, which is where the TPWD grant would come in, if the city is awarded it.
Valanderous Bell said he understands from past experience that projects of this nature take a while to fully reach fruition, often due to funding limitations. He did ask for a projected timeline for the city parks project.
Bell encouraged the community to work with city officials to find ways to get the project done, and encouraged the city official to consider the immediate needs for the park.
Maxwell noted that every dollar spent elsewhere is a dollar less available to be spent on construction of the Grays building, which the community identified in the parks planning meeting as their top priority.
Marty Brown, who is from Wisconsin and owns property on Main Street, also addressed the city council during the public forum portion of Tuesday’s meeting. He said he asked the council to contact him regarding a matter, but unclear on what. He said he was never contacted. He offered congratulations to newly elected council members, who are scheduled to take the oath of office in June, thank those who serve for volunteering and encouraged them to meet the tasks of the job.
Single Truck Crash Closes Road For Over 6 Hours
Just after 11 pm on Wednesday night, a single tanker truck headed northbound on Hwy 19 failed to navigate the turn at the I-30 intersection. After jumping the small median and narrowly missing the Right Turn Only sign, the truck and trailer ran off the road overturning in the grassy area at the Southeast corner of the heavily travelled intersection. First responders on the scene extracted the lone occupant of the destroyed rig and transported the driver to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Rescuing the truck proved to be more difficult. American Towing’s Jason Bryant was the first to get the call and Jay Fuller from Fuller’s Towing was also called in for any HazMat issues. Luckily, the milk hauling trailer was intact, and it was only diesel fuel from the truck that had to be considered. Emergency personnel were on the scene well into the morning assisting with traffic control and the recovery of the vehicle.
Mayor Urges Residents To Help Increase Motorcycle Safety, Promote Awareness
With the number of people riding motorcycles rising, Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers urges “all residents to do their part to increase safety and awareness in our community.”
One way to do that is to “become aware of the inherent danger involved in operating a motorcycle.” Another is for “riders and motorists alike to give each other the mutual respect they deserve” on the road, while obeying all traffic laws and safety rules.
“Motorcyclists are roughly unprotected and therefore more prone to injury or death in a crash than other vehicle driver.” However, by being informed, responsible and respectful motorcyclists and other motorists can help reduce the number of motorcycle injuries and deaths.
To recognize the importance of this matter, Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers officially announced May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in the city. On hand for the reading of the proclamation during the monthly meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council were members of the Hi-Way Masters Riding Club.
Chamber Connection- May 9, 2019
I have some big news to report about the Homemade Ice Cream Freeze-off. Shannon Oaks Church will be taking over the Ice Cream Freeze-off from the Chamber. So… what does this mean for you? It means that everything will be exactly the same! The Ice Cream Freeze-off will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. on the rear lawn of Shannon Oaks, just before the hot air balloon launch and glow. Tickets will be $5 for all-you-can-eat-while-it-lasts. To register to compete in the Ice Cream or to sponsor this wonderful event, please contact Josh Whitlock at (903) 885-6542, or visit their website at http://shannonoakschurch.com/whats-going-on/events. We all scream for ice cream!
Meraki is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch Event
Meraki, located at 217 Main St. in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch event on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This celebration is complete with mimosas and 10 percent off all purchases to celebrate moms with a Mother’s Day brunch.
Be Well, Live Well – Healthy Aging Series
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County, is offering the “Be Well, Live Well – Healthy Aging” series. Topics include Be Independent, Eat Well; Be Able, Read the Label; Be Safe, Eat Safe; Be Creative, Plan Meals; and Be Fit, Move More. Recipe demonstrations and sampling will also be included. Dates are Mondays and Thursdays, May 13 and 16, at 10 a.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs. There is no charge, but interested individuals are asked to call 903-885-3443 so adequate preparations can be made.
The Odd Couple, presented by Community Players
Community Players presents the Odd Couple, female version at the Main Street Theatre, 225 Main St. in Sulphur Springs, on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Additional show times are Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.; Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 25 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m. Seats are limited and can be purchase at www.communityplayersinc.com.
Chaffer’s Place presents their monthly concert
Chaffer’s Place, located at 410 Main St. in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a live concert called Motown, Soul, & Country A’ la Mode. Concert will be held on May 16, and doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door. This includes dinner and a show! For more information call 470-848-2246 or visit www.ckproductions.info.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
The Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs. Topics include marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals and dreams. There is no charge for the workshop. Engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. Please contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 to reserve seats. Lunch and refreshments provided.
Branded Ranch Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, May 18
Our local Cowboy Churches along with Community Seeds will host and endorse the Branded Ranch Rodeo at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center on Saturday, May 18. Doors open at 4 p.m. where you will enjoy sortin’, a calf scramble, wild cow milkin’, muggin’ and bronc riding. Tickets are $5 per person (kids under 5 are free). This year’s proceeds support Community Seeds. For more information, visit www.brandedranchrodeo.com.
Hunt Regional is offering Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on May 23, in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and preregistration are requested.
Clarion Pointe has scheduled Business After Hours
Clarion Pointe, located at 411 East Industrial Drive in Sulphur Springs, has scheduled their Business After Hours and ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, May 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us for networking, refreshments, and tours of the remodeled facility.
Earp, Clinton Named MGHS Valedictorian, Salutatorian
Grant Rucker Earp and Jordan Clinton have been announced as the top graduates of the Miller Grove High School Class of 2019.
Earp, son of Calvin and Sonia Earp and the brother of Candace Earp, graduates not only as this year’s MGHS valedictorian, but also is graduating from Paris Junior College with an associate’s degree in multidisciplinary studies.
He also includes among his achievements being in the National Honor Society and winning back-to-back State Cross Country Championships in 2017 and 2018.
While at school, Earp captain of the basketball and baseball teams, competed four years at regional track competitions. As a member of the FFA, he showed pigs.
The valedictorian’s hobbies include fishing, hunting, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and being a member of Miller Grove United Methodist Church
Earp has been accepted to Texas A&M University College Station, where he will be majoring in Technology Management.
Jordan Clinton has achieved the honor of being this year’s MGHS salutatorian.
Clinton, daughter of Rita and Clarence Clinton, grew up in Miller Grove alongside her older brother, William Clinton.
Before attending Miller Grove ISD, she was enrolled in Bright Star Christian School. While there, she was able to be a part of the Bright Star Band Program as first-chair clarinetist and alto-clarinetist, as well as a member of the Bright Star Tennis team.
Clinton transferred to Miller Grove for her junior and senior years of high school.
She is the treasurer of Miller Grove’s National Honor Society and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, the junior college honor society.
During her time at Miller Grove, she has competed in various academic UIL events including ready writing, cross examination debate and literary criticism.
She offers thanks to her teachers for inspiring her and helping her each step of the way.
“My teachers have helped shape me into the person I am today and have inspired me to change the world,” Clinton said.
The MGHS 2019 salutatorian is also a part of County Line Baptist Church’s youth group and enjoys helping with the annual Vacation Bible School.
Jordan will be pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at Texas A&M Commerce,where she has earned a spot in their Honors College.
She said she is looking forward to the future and making a difference in her community.
Earp and Clinton, along with the graduating class of 2019 will be honored at a graduation ceremony Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m. A baccalaureate is also scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19.
Ryan Humphries Gives Update On Sam Houston State
Ryan Humphries Visits SS After First Year at Sam Houston, Will Play Receiver and More in Fall
Former Wildcat football quarterback and receiver Ryan Humphries just finished up his first year at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Humphries just completed exams and will be back in Sulphur Springs for several weeks. He attended the Wildcats spring football workout Tuesday (May 7). Summer football at Sam Houston State begins May 28. This fall Humphries will be a red shirt freshman for the Bearkats. New NCAA rules last season allowed red shirts to play a few games without costing them a year of eligibility. Humphries played in the Bearkats last game of the season and he made quite an impression. As a wide receiver, Humphries threw a 47-yard touchdown pass on a trick play double pass. Despite his passing accuracy, Humphries said his future appears to be as a slot receiver. This spring, the versatile Humphries played slot receiver, all the special teams, returned punts and kicks and did some holding for place kicks. He has some big shoes to fill at slot receiver. Bearkats senior slot receiver Davion Davis, just signed with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings after a productive college career. Humphries has bulked up for the college game. He’s been active in the weight room and has gained 17 pounds since his high school days. When he looks at pictures of himself in high school, he wonders how he was successful at that size.
Nurses Celebrated May 6-12 In Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs City Council joins American Nurses Association and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs in recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of the “nation’s largest health care profession” by designating May 6-12 as National Nurses Week in Sulphur Springs.
The theme adopted for the week, “4 Million Reasons to Celebrate,” is “a nod to nurses’ sheer numbers and an open invitation to #ThankaNurse for enriching our lives and the world we live in.”
Registered nurses, Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers read from the National Nurses Week proclamation, are “an indispensable component of the safety and quality of care of hospitalized patients.”
Sellers encourages the community to not only celebrating registered nurses’ accomplishments during National Nurses Week, but to show appreciation for RNs at every opportunity.
Present for the reading of proclamation were CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Harvey along with CNO Anitha Sanderson and Medical/Surgical Director Tanna Holland.
Johanna Hicks: High Blood Pressure: Do You Know Your Numbers?, Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: DO YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS?
The “Be Well, Live Well: Healthy Aging” series is well underway, and we’re having a great time exploring nutrition, food safety, meal planning and more! It seems that more and more people talk about high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults are living with high blood pressure (also called hypertension), yet many are unaware that they have it. In kids and teens, elevated blood pressure is becoming increasingly common, which may lead to health problems later in life. During May’s National High Blood Pressure Education Month, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working to raise awareness and share the most important tips o prevent or manage high blood pressure.
Knowing your risk factors is the first key prevention strategy. D r. Sumathi Venkatesh, Health Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, states that other than age, genetics and a family history of high blood pressure, other lifestyle risk factors can be controlled. These include obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Certain medical conditions like diabetes can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Because there are no obvious symptoms or warning signs for high blood pressure, it’s often called a “silent killer.” That’s why regularly monitoring your blood pressure and understanding your results is another key prevention strategy. A blood pressure measurement includes two numbers: The top number measures systolic pressure, which is the force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number measures diastolic pressure, which is when the heart is relaxing between beats. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal, while reading above 180/80 mean a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Know your numbers could save your life. Dr. Venkatesh reminds us that chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and result in heart attack or stroke, the two leading causes of death in the U.S. High blood pressure may also contribute to kidney disease, vision problems, and peripheral artery disease, but the good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled by taking prescribed medications and following a healthy lifestyle.
Following the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is one of the best ways to prevent or treat high blood pressure. This healthy approach includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables plus whole grains, nuts, fish, lean meat and low-fat dairy products, while limiting added sugars and saturated fats. Sodium intake should not exceed 1500 mg per day, so it is important to check the sodium content listed on the nutrition facts label for any packaged foods. Other key prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Finally, be sure to talk with your doctor if you have any health concerns or challenges. Healthy blood pressure is a target within reach.
TWOGETHER IN TEXAS MARRIAGE EDUCATION WORKSHOP
This is the last call for the Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The workshop will cover the following topics: Marriage Expectations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Money Management, and Goals & Dreams. The workshop utilizes videos, group participation, couple interaction, and fun activities, as well as lunch and ongoing refreshments. A major benefit, other than great information for getting the marriage started on strong footing, is that engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 (state portion) when applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year from the date of presented, so couples who have a winter or spring, 2020 wedding can still take advantage of the savings.
There is no cost to attend the workshop, but I do request that couples call to reserve a seat so adequate preparations can be made – 903-885-3443.
CLOSING THOUGHT
There are two kinds of worry – those you can do something about, and those you can’t. Don’t spend time on the latter – Royce Ellington
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Blueberry Apricot Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup apricot preserves
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups low-fat Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
- ½ cup low-fat granola
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 4 teaspoons agave nectar or honey (optional)
- 5 dried or fresh apricots sliced in half (optional)
Directions:
- Place apricot preserves in microwavable bowl. Heat for 15 seconds. Add blueberries and toss to coat.
- Spoon ¼ cup of yogurt into each glass, top each serving with 1/3 cup blueberry mixture and 1 ½ tablespoons granola. Repeat layers.
- Top with granola and slivered almonds, dried apricots, and 1 teaspoon of agave nectar or honey. Serve chilled. 4 servings.
Nutrition facts per serving: 268 calories, 5 g total fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 82 mg sodium, 46 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 14 g protein
Source: Extension’s “Dinner Tonight” Healthy Cooking School
