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
Lady Cat Sadavia Porter Preps For State 100 Meter
Lady Cats Track Coach Derek Tyson Discusses Sadavia Porter’s Prep for State Track Meet Friday
Lady Cats Track Coach Derek Tyson said Friday night (May 10) at 7:05 p.m., when they run the Class 5A 100-meter dash at UT Austin, Lady Cat Sadavia Porter will be ready to go. Coach Tyson said Porter, a UT Arlington commit for track, has had some real good workouts since she qualified for the state meet at a regional meet at UTA on April 27. Coach Tyson he has made some contacts in an attempt to learn some of the best practice methods for preparing a sprinter. He said Porter has enjoyed being able to concentrate on one event after a season of competing in several events. Coach Tyson said Porter is doing less running but he called it more purposeful running. He said he took Porter off the track last week to give her a break from the pounding involved in running a sprint. Coach Tyson said Porter has had two good workouts this week. He said they concentrated on block starts and acceleration work. Porter has been working out with Lady Cat sophomore sprinter Breasia Ivery. Ivery will be going with Porter to the state meet as a buddy. Coach Tyson feels if Porter can run her personnel best on the always fast track at UT Austin, she may well be in contention for a medal. He said that would exciting for her, her family and for Sulphur Springs High School. Coach Tyson said Porter is one of the top nine Class 5A 100-meter runners in the state. He said that in itself is quite an accomplishment.
ETCOG “Go Bus” May Expand Rural Transportation Services to Hopkins County
The East Texas Council of Governments, Director Of Transportation, Vince Huerta and Business Development Manager, Melissa Cure came to the Senior Citizens Center on Wednesday, May 8th to get input about transportation concerns from the citizens of Hopkins County. They are assessing the need to expand their operation to Hopkins County and the Surrounding Counties. They already have a 14 County area that they service. They are holding meetings in the surrounding counties to check out the needs in those counties as well. They would be able to Transport people to Doctors Appointments in other Cities. They are trying to work out a schedule on certain days of the week to take people to Tyler, Paris, Winnsboro, etc… That way multiple people can ride to the same destination at the same time and not have to make several trips. They will try to work with Clinics and the different Doctors in town to only schedule people’s doctor visits on certain days so they can have transportation available to take them to different cities. If you have any input that you would like to talk to them about please feel free to contact them at: www.GoBusTransit.com.
This will take time to get all of the Logistics set in place.
Chris Brown, Executive Director of Ark-Tex Council of Governments and Hopkins County Judge, Robert Newsom were at the meeting to answer any questions and to give their input on the Project.
We already have a great TRAX System in Hopkins County.
Everyone that needs a ride is welcome to call and request a ride. They need at least 24 Hours in advance notice but 48 would even be better. Fares are $ 1.00 for each ten miles and an additional $ 1.00 for each 10 miles after that. If you are 60 and over you can ride FREE if you fill out some paperwork. You must have the correct fare to ride. They only accept cash or check. The TRAX bus runs Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00. They are Handicap Accessible and are driven by trained drivers.
If you would like to ride the TRAX Bus please call (903) 885-2769 and wait for the prompt for Hopkins County.
