Tira News for May 22, 2019
By Jan Vaughn
The regular quarterly meeting of the Tira City Council is scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Rick and Judy Petty were in College Station on May 11 th for Tyler Petty’s graduation from Texas A&M. His fiancée Caitlin Vally also graduated. On May 18 th they were in Cedar Park, Texas to attend Tyler and Caitlin’s wedding. Tyler is their grandson. His parents are Chris and Robin (Fitzgerald) Petty.
Yvonne went to Rowlett Friday and got to visit and take care of her granddaughter, Everly Rose, for a little while. She shares, “Dustin and I planted a rose for her in front of the house.” On Monday, Yvonne got to see her grandson, Eli Campbell, receive the Katie Bell Award for “Kourage” at Caddo Mills Elementary. This was related to his diagnosis of Type 1
diabetes and how brave he has been in learning to care for and advocate for himself Mick and Linda Petty were in Bolivar, Missouri Friday and Saturday for the graduation of their granddaughter, Reagan Humphrey. Reagan received her MBA from Southwestern Baptist College.
Joyce Dodd reported that Dacy (Weir) Campbell sent food for the Tira Food Pantry. She, also, shared that “the angels brought four more bags of food.” Yvonne Weir and Joyce filled the pantry and stocked the shelves. We always welcome the donations. Also, I want to express my appreciation to all the volunteers who take care of the pantry.
Chip and I met Tiffany and Jaidyn at White Oak Buffet for a delicious meal on Friday evening. On Saturday morning we all met Landon, Laiken, and the boys for Brailon’s t-ball game in Commerce. Brailon’s grandfather, Malcolm Joslin, was there, too. We were excited to see Brailon get a good hit off the coach’s pitch and to cheer his team on to their win! Later that
evening Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden came to our house. Their parents, Landon and Laiken, went out for sushi, after the storm passed by. Our granddaughter, Jaidyn, came for a visit, too. The boys spent the night and went to church with us on Sunday. Grace and Linda Ellen Vaughn and
Tiffany, Jaidyn, and Kenden joined us for lunch.
The Aiguier Cemetery Association will hold their annual meeting at the North Hopkins School Cafeteria on Sunday, June 2 nd . A pot-lunch lunch will be shared at noon, followed by a brief business meeting.
The Tira Homecoming is scheduled for Sunday, July 7 th . Watch for more details to come.
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] .
Chamber Connection- May 23, 2019
Chamber Connection- May 23rd
I’m not sure how we arrived into the middle of May so quickly. As Hopkins County celebrates this week of graduations, endings, beginnings, and new dreams, it’s again easy to love this place we live. How thankful we can be that summer teases us already with sunny afternoons and captivating blue skies. Summer tends to conjure happiness, and I’m thankful it is here. To those graduating from high school this week… enjoy this time. Spend this summer with your friends and family and look forward to the exciting adventures that are headed your way. This will be one of your favorite times in life. Congratulations on all your hard work!
The Odd Couple, presented by Community Players
Community Players presents the Odd Couple, female version at the Main Street Theatre, 225 Main Street in Sulphur Springs on Friday, May 24th at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 25th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 26th at 2 p.m. Seats are limited and can be purchase at www.communityplayersinc.com.
Clarion Pointe has scheduled Business After Hours
Clarion Pointe, located at 411 Industrial Drive East in Sulphur Springs has scheduled their Business After Hours and ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, May 30th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us for networking, refreshments, and tours of the remodeled facility.
Opening Ceremonies Ribbon Cutting for the Dairy Festival
The Dairy Festival officially kicks off with a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, June 8th at noon on Celebration Plaza. Make plans to be there and celebrate the start of the Dairy Festival!
Ice Cream Freeze-off at Shannon Oaks Church
The Ice Cream Freeze-off will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 5:30 p.m. on the rear lawn of Shannon Oaks, just before the hot air balloon launch and glow. Tickets will be $5.00 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!
Sienna Collins, Lindsay Butler Named Saltillo High School Valedictorian, Salutatorian
Sienna Collins and Linday Butler were announced Tuesday night as Saltillo High School’s top seniors.
Collins, daughter of Mike and Debbie Collins, earned valedictorian honors with a 3.75 grade point average.
She has been active in academic UIL, athletics and extracurricular activities while attending Saltillo High School.
In academic UIL, Collins was the district runner-up and a regional qualifier in literary criticism this year.
She served as Beta president for three years, and was a national Beta qualifier in social studies. She also was involved in FCCLA, serving as president one year. She also participated in Relay For Life.
Collins has had many successes in both cross country and track and field all four years of high school. In 2015, she was the cross country state champion. In 2017, she was the state track and field champion in the 800 meter, 1600 meter and the 3200 meter races.
She also includes among the honors she’s received being named 2016-2017 District Defensive Player in basketball and 2018 Homecoming Queen.
Collins’ hobbies and interests outside of school include running, spending time with her dogs and reading.
The 2019 Saltillo High School valedictorian plans to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State, where she will work toward a doctorate in pharmacy.
Lindsay Butler, daughter of Becky and Emmett Butler, earned salutatorian honors with a 3.70 GPA.
Butler is also very accomplished, both inside and outside of school, participating in UIL, extracurricular and community activities.
She has been involved in FCCLA, serving as vice president and earned a gold medal at state.
Butler also served as class reporter and was a prekindergarten mentor. She was involved in Beta, yearbook, cheer and Relay For Life.
She competed in One Act Play and was a regional competitor in academic UIL events.
Butler has been involved with Hoop Dreams, Teen Court and Haystack Choir. She attended Camp RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening program in which high school seniors featuring discussions, inspirational addresses, leadership training and social activities designed to enhance personal development, leadership skills and good citizenship.
She’s participated in soccer and has been a soccer referee. She also is a third degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Butler includes among her honors and awards being on the A Honor Roll, participating in Hopkins County Leadership program offered through the Chamber of Commerce and receiving a Carr Scholarship.
She also works as a sales associate at VF Outlet.
Butler’s hobbies and interests include reading, writing, soccer, dancing, sleeping, spending time with family and friends, listening to music and working at the VF Outlet.
Her future plans include attending Angelo State University in San Angelo, where she will pursue a master’s degree in intelligence with a goal of becoming a civil service agent.
Saltillo High School’s Senior Class Awards, Recognition
May 22, 2019 – Academic and Sports achievements, graduating Seniors, top students, outstanding teachers and retiring staff were recognized during the Scholarship Banquet held in the Saltillo ISD Cafeteria on Tuesday May 21, 2019. Following a welcome from Superintendent David Stickles, coaches, teachers and sponsors took their turns in honoring individuals and groups of students. The twelve graduating seniors will cross the stage on May 31.
Students involved in boys and girls athletics including Cross Country and Track, Basketball and Softball in Varsity and JV divisions were recognized by Coaches Bill Giles, Casey Riddle, Clint Stephens and Colton Smith. Senior Sienna Collins was noted for advancing all four years to State in Track and Cross Country. She also earned the prestige of being the first student ever in the State of Texas to earn gold in UIL 800 meter, 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs, or the “Triple Crown”.
Beta awards were given by Math Department Jennifer Ricketson, with two students advancing to Nationals; Garrett Tarver and Allie Smith. FCCLA sponsor Johnna West recognized 31 students who participated at Regionals this year, 8 of whom earned Bronze, 10 who earned Silver and 13 who brought home Gold awards. Additionally, the entire 52-member FCCLA Class created a Scholarship Program of their own, and funded it through a Coffee and Cocoa Shop which they helped operate through the winter months, earning over $1,000. Thus, four FCCLA students were awarded scholarships of $200 each, leaving a small balance on hand for next year’s fund. Julie Maroney handed out honors to students participating in UIL Academic contests, and nine were recognized as One Act Play District Champs , three of whom made All Star Cast. Bright Star Scholarship winner Nathan Valenzuela also accepted the City National Bank Memorial Scholarship of $2,000, Miss Lyndsey Butler accepted the Sulphur Springs Lions Club Scholarship award of $1,000 and Seth Crosby the CFA Safety Award for $500. The twelve graduating seniors are Matthew McGill Gurley, Lorena Castro, McKenna Wiler, Nathan Valenzuela, Melissa Tawil, Ben Moore, Christy Marquez, Levi Hoover, Monica Harvick, Joshua Seth Crosby, Sienna Collins and Lindsay Butler. They will take a Senior Trip on May 28 to Top Golf and Jump Street, and to SpeedZone.
Meet Author Majel Redick, Contestant for Ms. Hopkins County Senior
Originally from Oklahoma, Majel Redick and her husband Roger have been residents of Sulphur Springs for many years. Having participated in the pageant previously, she returns this year.
Asked how she got the given name ‘Majel’, she replied that she was named for a Sioux woman who was a neighbor of her family.
She was raised in Ripley, Oklahoma along the Cimarron River. One or two of her characters in her novels “Whimsy” and “From the Porch” reveal that same influence of small town life.
She composes poetry and short stories as a form of self-expression. She enjoys the camaraderie among the pageant contestants. And even at our age we are still learning and growing and stretching when we allow ourselves new experiences.
Plan to attend the pageant and support the contestants whose participation is changing the face of aging in our community. It is set for Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 6 pm in the Banquet Hall of the Hopkins County Civic Center. Admission is free. For details contact Karon Weatherman at 903-885-2661.
SCU: Wanted Man Spotted Walking Down Street
While off-duty, Sulphur Springs Special Crimes Unit Detective Joe Scott reported seeing 23-year-old Jordan Lee Chaney of Sulphur Springs walking on Parkins Street. Scott, in arrest reports, said he recognized the man from an investigation he’d conducted and subsequently obtained a warrant for the man’s arrest on manufacture or delivery of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Scott notified on-duty Sulphur Springs Police Officer Nick Floyd, who responded. The patrol officer reported seeing the man walking on Parkins Street with a female. He contacted and took the man into custody at 5:53 p.m. Tuesday on the warrant; the charge was alleged to have occurred on April 9, according to arrest reports.
He remained in the county jail late Wednesday morning. His bond was set at $10,000 on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Woman Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Glass Container of Suspected THC
A Nevada, Texas woman was arrested after allegedly swallowing what was believed to be a small glass vial containing THC.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney stopped a Toyota Tundra at 9:27 p.m. Tuesday for an equipment violation. He contacted the driver, identified in arrest reports as 40-year-old Andrea Lynn Chapman, Chaney asked her if she had any criminal history. She reportedly admitted to being on felony probation for a possession of controlled substance charge. When the deputy asked her permission to search the truck, she initially agreed, then quickly rescinded her permission, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
When asked to exit the vehicle so Chaney could call for a police canine to conducted a sniff search around it, the woman reportedly became uncooperative by not opening the door nor exiting the vehicle as instructed. While being instructed several times to open the door and get out, she allegedly unscrewed a glass container with a dark liquid from a vaporizer pen. When instructed to put it down, she allegedly put it in her mouth. The officer reported he tried to stop her, but she swallowed it.
He then reportedly was able to unlock the door and remove the woman from the vehicle. She was taken into custody for tampering with evidence. A records check showed Andrea Lynn Chapman to be wanted for violation of probation on a possession of controlled substance charge.
An inventory of the pickup prior to impound resulted in location of a glass container the deputy reported appeared to him to be identical to the one Chapman swallowed. The container had a small amount of what the deputy believed to be THC oil. He located a small cardboard box that indicated on the label that the substance in the glass container was THC oil, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
EMS personnel were called to the scene due to the glass container of suspected THC oil the woman swallowed, but the woman refused any medical treatment according to arrest reports.
The truck was impounded and the woman taken to jail, where the substance in the remaining glass container field tested positive using a marijuana/THC field test kit. The woman’s purse was also searched at the jail and allegedly contained a substance that field tested positive as methamphetamine.
Consequently, Chapman was charged on the warrant, as well as for tampering with evidence, possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug free zone, the latter enhancement added due to the traffic stop’s proximity to a church, according to arrest reports.
Chapman remained in the county jail Wednesday morning. She was denied bond on the warrant; bond on the two controlled substance and tampering with evidence charge was set at $10,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Police Investigating Early Morning Residential Robbery
Sulphur Springs Police are investigating a report of an early morning robbery at a Lee Street domicile. No one was hurt but a weapon was displayed and property stolen, according to Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Detective Jason Reneau.
Shortly before 3 a.m, two men allegedly kicked in the door of a storage building, located behind a house in the 600 block of Lee Street, that contained an apartment inside of it shortly before 3 a.m. Two people were reportedly sleeping inside when the door was kicked in. The two intruders allegedly entered, displayed what appeared to be a firearm, stole property and left, according to Reneau.
The investigation is in the early stages and the only suspect description available late Wednesday morning was that they were believed to be two Hispanic males, the police detective said.
Continuing the Arnold Legacy
COMMERCE, TX— Continuing the Arnold Legacy
Dr. Roger and Mrs. Jean Arnold have dedicated their lives to education, graduating from the East Texas State Teacher’s College and spending their careers pouring knowledge into their students. We’re honored to continue to share their legacy and commitment to continued education through the Dr. Roger & Mrs. Jean Arnold Agriculture Scholarship Endowment.
Both Roger and Jean made their way to ETSTC in the mid-1940s, obtaining their college degrees and each other’s attention. Following her studies, Jean committed first to nurturing her own children through early childhood before she began her teaching career. Her educational influence spanned 22 years as she prepared Sulphur Springs High School students with practical skills. She taught typing, shorthand and accounting – subjects that benefitted all young people.
“I loved business classes when I was in school, so I wanted to share my passion with students. I enjoyed the daily interactions and wanted to bring value to what they would do in the future,” Jean said.
Following his undergraduate studies at ETSTC, Roger taught agriculture at North Hopkins High School, departing to earn his master’s degree from Sam Houston State University (SHSU). During his time at SHSU, Roger encountered Dr. James Gee, a retired military colonel, larger-than-life personality and future president of ETSTC.
“Dr. Gee sent a letter offering the world if I would come to ET, which I threw in the trash,” Arnold said. “I knew Gee from Sam Houston; he wore his uniform there and made us salute him. He was tough and I wasn’t interested. But, a couple of weeks later, Gee sent another letter that scared the hell out of me, so I decided I better accept his offer.” This would begin one of the greatest tenures in agricultural education in the university’s history.
From 1966-1992, Roger Arnold influenced thousands of students at ETSU. He was a prolific recruiter, utilizing working scholarships – meaning students referred to as “farm boys” would work on the university farm to earn their scholarship – to recruit students throughout the Northeast Texas region. A fearless competitor, Roger created an agriculture network that drew hard-working students into agriculture business and education.
ETSU alumnus Ted Conover said, “He influenced a lot of kids and helped position us for success in our careers. I couldn’t repay the debt I owe to him.”
The Arnolds continued to build their Lion pride throughout the decades. Together, Roger and Jean, their sons, and their daughter-in-law have earned eleven A&M-Commerce degrees. The couple, now in their early 90’s, continue to stand firm on their belief in the power of education.
The scholarship, which was started by Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni, friends and mentees, was awarded to its first recipient in Fall 2018.
“This endowment will serve to honor and recognize Roger and Jean and their contributions to education as well as provide pecuniary awards for students who need assistance in order to attend and complete their educations,” Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Dr. Randy Harp said. “There is a great demand for agricultural science teachers. At TAMUC, we serve the number one area of Texas for FFA enrollment. Thus, we need financial assistance so students can reach their dreams and complete educations that will prepare them for lifelong careers in agricultural education.”
If you are interested in supporting this endowment to honor the lives and careers of the Arnolds, please contact the Office of Advancement.
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About Texas A&M University-Commerce: A&M-COMMERCE serves rural and metropolitan Northeast Texas with distinction, consistently delivering on a promise that our founder, Professor William Leonidas Mayo, made more than a century ago: “No industrious, ambitious youth shall be denied an education if I can prevent it.” Since our university’s humble beginnings, the mission to provide a high-quality, personal, accessible and affordable educational experience for a diverse community of learners remains unchanged.
Programs are delivered on-site at the Commerce campus as well as in Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Frisco and Mesquite. Many courses are also available online. Students may choose from more than 135 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. A vibrant student life experience includes 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a thriving Greek system and more than 120 student organizations.
About the A&M System: The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $4.69 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities and seven state agencies, the Texas A&M System educates more than 150,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $996 million in FY 2017 and helped drive the state’s economy.
Savannah Abbott | E-communications Specialist
Marketing Communications | A&M-Commerce
P.O. Box 3011 | Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Cell: 903.335.6540 | www.tamuc.edu
Brandt Forester, Alice Bondurant Recognized As Top Miller Grove 8th Graders
Brandt T. Forester and Alice Bondurant have been announced as the top eighth graders at Sulphur Bluff Junior High this year.
Brandt T. Forester, son of Toby Forester and Jena Forester, is the Sulphur Bluff Junior High’s valedictorian. He will graduate eighth grade with a 95.78571 grade point average.
He says his favorite subjects in school are science and social studies.
Forester has been involved with Boy Scouts of America, formerly serving as a patrol leader. He has earned 2nd Class Scout.
He also includes among the honor he has received being on the A Honor Roll in both seventh and eighth grade. Forester has been active in UIL, earning awards in music, number sense, science and chess competitions. In both seventh and eighth grades, he earned math, social studies, reading and English awards. He also earned a science award his seventh grade year.
Forester says his hobbies and interests include reading, playing video games, music, going camping with the Boy Scouts and spending time with family. He is also a Marvel Studios enthusiast.
Alice Bondurant earned salutatorian honors with a 94.64285 grade point average.
Bondurant’s parents include her mom, Amanda Johnson; dad, Jason Bondurant; and stepmom, Larissa Bondurant.
The salutatorian says her favorite subjects in school are athletics and science.
Bondurant has had the opportunity to serve as a class leader, serving as reporter her seventh grade year and as an officer this year.
She includes among the honors and awards she has received being on the A Honor Roll and being involved in UIL and a recipient of numerous UIL awards. In eighth grade, she was recognized for having the highest average in both science and reading.
Bondurant says hear hobbies and interests include enjoying sports and making string art.
