Agrilife: Hopkins County 4-H Members Featured; Master Wellness Volunteer Training; Jalapeno Cornbread
Hopkins County 4-H Members Featured
In the next few weeks, you’ll be reading about the variety of programs, series, workshops, field days, and other events offered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County. We recently held our annual Extension Leadership Banquet to honor our committees, Master Volunteers, 4-H leaders, episodic volunteers, and other Extension supporters. In planning the banquet, our staff decided to feature the Hopkins County 4-H program, with 4-H youth as our special speakers. They really came through for us! Each 4-H’er was given a specific topic to talk about, and each did a fantastic job. Hopkins County Judge, Robert Newsom and his wife, Robbie, were our special guests.
The 4-H members who provided a presentation at the banquet were:
· Zia Miller, Infinity4-H Club, “4-H Family Legacy.” She told about her family’s involvement in 4-H and the positive impact it has bestowed on them. Zia also shows livestock and her sister, Elida, serves as County 4-H Council secretary.
· Geoffrey Stewart, Dike 4-H Club, “Leadership, Shooting Sports.” Geoffrey currently serves as the 2018/2019 County 4-H Council President. He has led workshops in archery at Multi-county Camp, attended Ultra Leadership Lab, participated in numerous community service activities, and has excelled in archery on the district, state, and multi-state levels.
· Jorja Bessonett, Miller Grove 4-H Club, “Gold Star, Family Life Project, 4-H Record Books.” Jorja was the 2018 Gold Star recipient – the highest 4-H honor given on the county, district, and state levels. Her major project is Family Life. Her inspiration was her parents’ adoption of two children, making her family of four becoming a family of six. She has used her family life project to help care for her younger siblings, while also participating in 4-H photography, clothing, and foods projects. Her 4-H record book placed 4th on the state level.
· Diego Childs, Infinity 4-H Club, “Community Service and National 4-H Week.” Diego told about the projects in which he has been involved. These included: Paper Clover Campaign, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, Care packets for individuals in emergency situations, collecting school supplies for victims of hurricanes, signing Christmas cards for service men and women, collecting bottled water and snacks for firefighters, and others. National 4-H week featured the proclamation reading by County Judge, Robert Newsom, and Diego helped distribute 4-H enrollment information during the week-long event.
· Rylie Carroll, Infinity 4-H Club, “Public Speaking, 4-H Project Show.” Rylie told about the various categories in the 4-H project Show. As a recipient of several blue ribbons, and a Best of Show ribbon, she encouraged others to participate. Rylie has also been active in public speaking, placing 4th at the Houston Livestock Show Public Speaking Contest. She presented her speech to the audience about the importance of life insurance.
· Christian Ebel, Infinity and Dike 4-H, “Video production and public speaking.” Christian told of his journey of producing a video about the importance of saving the prairie grasslands. The video caught the attention of others, and was featured at a showing in Houston. The opportunity for him to tell about his production has now gone nationwide, so watch for great things ahead!
· Braden Lennon, Infinity 4-H, “Dairy project and judging.” Braden told about his involvement in the dairy project and how it has grown. He was part of a team that placed 3rd in Dairy Judging at the 2018 State Fair of Texas.
· Savannah Allen, Infinity 4-H, “Ambassador program, District Office, State 4-H Roundup contests.” Savannah currently serves as a 4-H Youth Beef Ambassador, and has had the opportunity to meet key individuals in the beef industry. As a district 4-H officer, she participates in numerous leadership activities on the district level. Savannah has participated in the Texas 4-H Roundup contests for three years and expressed the value of learning confidence and meeting other 4-H’ers from all over the state.
As you can see, 4-H provides a vast range of opportunities. The Texas 4-H Opportunities Scholarship applications are now available for graduating seniors, which provide another benefit of 4-H membership. Hopkins County is honored to have four 4-H scholarship recipients over the past few years, totaling over $45,000. In addition, the Janie Crump Memorial 4-H Scholarship is awarded to outstanding 4-H members on the local level. For more information on the Hopkins County 4-H program, contact our staff at 903-885-3443.
Another highlight of the banquet was the announcement of the 2018 Extension Supporter of the Year. Joan Brennan was given this honor. Joan is a Master Wellness Volunteer, Master Gardener, and member of the Family & Community Health Committee. Joan has been part of the Extension volunteer family for over three years, and had provided valuable assistance with 4-H projects, health fairs, camps, special events, and other projects. She has contributed over 75 hours of service to Hopkins County. Congratulations to Joan Brennan!
Master Wellness Volunteer Training
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County is seeking participants for its Master Wellness Volunteer Program. Master Wellness Volunteers (MWV) undergo 40 hours of training on health, nutrition and food safety and are then empowered to provide outreach and education, helping reduce the burden of chronic conditions in Texans and Texas’ communities. Not a health professional? Not a problem! We welcome participation from anyone interested in promoting health and wellness: college students, employees, retirees – anyone!
Hopkins County currently has 8 trained volunteers. Statewide, there are 201 volunteers in 34 counties who have reported over 6,000 volunteer hours, reaching 36,000 individuals through 1,400 events. That’ impressive! Mark your calendar for the next training:
• Registration opens November 15, 2018 and closes on January 14, 2019
• First Session January 22, 2019
• Last Session February 19, 2019
The first and last sessions will be held face-to-face at Extension Offices around the state, including the Hopkins County Extension Office. Presentations will be held via WebEx, hosted by County Extension Agents. The other sessions can be done on-line or in a face-to-face setting. For more information about the Master Wellness Volunteer Program, visithttp://agrilife.org/mwv. In the meantime, please contact our office if you would like to take part – 903-885-3443.
Closing Thought
Kind words do not cost anything, yet they accomplish much – Blaise Pascal
Recipe of the Week
Jalapeno Cornbread
Ingredients:
· 8.5 ounce box corn muffin mix
· ¼ cup egg substitute or 4 egg whites
· 1 cup creamed corn
· 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, minced
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400°F.
2) In a mixing bowl, combine muffin mix, egg substitute or egg whites, corn, and jalapeno.
3) Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition facts per serving (makes 8 servings): 150 calories, 4 grams total fat, 0 grams trans-fat, o mg cholesterol, 27 grams carbohydrate, 350 milligrams sodium, 3 grams protein.
Hopkins County EMS Presents: “Fill the Box” Blanket Drive
“Fill The Box” Blanket Drive
Presented By: Hopkins County EMS
Where: Sulphur Springs Walmart
When: November 22, 2018 6pm-Midnight
November 23, 2018 7am-Noon
All Blankets will be donated to Safe- TCrisis Center. New or Slightly used blankets accepted.
Free Hot Chocolate
Winnsboro Police Report November 5-12, 2018
Winnsboro Police arrested four, responded to two accidents, answered 140 calls for service, issued 30 citations, and wrote 41 warnings during the November 5-12, 2018 report period.
Luke Shrum, 24, of Winnsboro, was arrested November 8th on a Winnsboro Municipal Warrant.
Eric Jacobsen, 31, of Tyler, was arrested on November 9th on multiple Smith County Warrants.
John Hearn, 36, of Winnsboro, was arrested on November 11th on a Hopkins County Warrant.
Sarah Moses, 32, of Winnsboro, was arrested November 11th on a Wood County Warrant.
No injuries were reported in a two vehicle accident November 7th at East Coke and Gilmer Streets.
EMS transported the driver in a one vehicle accident to the hospital. The accident occurred November 9th in the 1000 Block of West Broadway. Result of the injuries are unknown.
27th Annual Symphony League Radio/TV Auction is Saturday November 17, 5pm
Four years ago when Sharla Campbell became President of the Sulphur Springs Symphony League, she brought with her a love for fine arts as well as a desire to help budding musicians through scholarships. This year’s auction will raise money for three major annual FREE events; the Children’s Concert, the Independence Concert and the Opera Educational Concert. Funds for a scholarship for a Youth Orchestra student may also be earmarked, so help make this a successful fundraiser by participating in the auction!
The Radio/TV Auction will take place inside the KSST Radio and Channel 18 TV studios on Saturday November 17, 2018 starting at 5pm. The TV studio, crowded with items lined up to cross the auction block, will be populated with a multitude of Symphony League volunteers and a few KSST staffers who operate the cameras. Radio listeners can tune in to 1230 AM and Cable TV viewers can watch the auction on Channel 18. Anyone can catch the live stream at ksstradio.com. Members of the phone panel will take calls from bidders, calling on 903-885-0700 only. Bidding for this auction is only by phone. Volunteer auctioneers keep things light and lively, and the action traditionally lasts until midnight or later! So save the date, join the fun and be ready to claim some wonderful items from gift certificates at local eateries to trips and big-ticket items.
SSISD Board Interact With 6-Year Old Students During November Session
It was another interactive night for the Sulphur Springs School Board as 6-year old students from Barbara Bush Primary, assisted by Janelle Safford, presented App Smashing using the Chatter Pix and See Saw apps. Students showed board members how to create in one app by drawing and coloring a turkey and moving the finished creation to the second app. In other action, the board heard the Financial Accountability Rating for 2017-2018 and heard reports on elementary and secondary programs and activities. They also approved action items.
Sherry McGraw conducted a public meeting regarding the Financial Accountability Rating. She noted that once again, the district received a Superior Rating. The board was told that more requirements are being placed on financial reporting for all school districts in the state. However, the local district continues to receive a high rating thanks to accurate reporting.
The board approved the 2018-2019 agreement between Sulphur Springs Country Club and the district. The agreement allows the high school golf team to use the course for practice and tournament play. The cost remains the same as the past two years.
The board approved the renewal of membership in the Walsh Gallegeos’ retainer program. The membership allows the district to have an attorney on call every day for any legal matter pertaining to public education laws in the state.
The Campus and District Improvement plans were also approved. Those plans are posted on SSISD.org as of Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The updated plans replace the previous plans found online. The plans call for continued steps in improving local public education programming.
An activities update for elementary education was presented by Kristin Monk, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and Learner Services. Activities at each school includes:
Douglass ECLC · Each student at Douglass ECLC received complimentary face painting from parent volunteers for Wildcat Spirit Day, Friday, November 2. · Parent Fair, Tuesday, November 13, 5:30-6:30 pm · Donuts with Dad, November 14, 8:00 am, Head Start 3 and PreK · Donuts with Dad, November 15, 8:00 am, Head Start 4 · Handicapable Rodeo, November 16, both PPCD classes are going, Edwards is going also · Head Start 4 and PreK students go to the Public Library, and the Head Start 3s will begin in the spring.
Bush Primary · Bush Book Buddies Program has started and have 44 of our 166 students paired with Buddies from Grocery Supply Company and League Street Church of Christ. · Will host Career Day Friday, November 9 for the District’s Kindergarten students. · The “Play it Safe” program will start after Thanksgiving. Play it Safe teaches our students about safe touches and how to ask for help. · Kindergarten classes will be going on a field trip to the Children’s Museum in Commerce. Stations will be set up to allow for hands-on experiences with Kindergarten Science TEKS. · Bush will participate in the Canned Food Drive sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.
Bowie Primary · The 1st annual Creative pumpkin contest between all classrooms was a huge success. Each classroom had to create a pumpkin character and develop a story about their character. Winners are as follows: 3 rd place: Mrs. Slaughter and Mrs. Smith’s 2nd grade classes; 2 nd place: Mrs. Clayton’s 1st grade class; 1 st place: Mrs. Hicks’ 3rd grade class (with the help of Mrs. Owens) · A Recycling club for students at Bowie is in the developmental stages. The club will begin in January. · Third grade students will present a patriotic concert Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Lamar Primary · In an effort to build school/community relations, campus students and their families, along with the entire community was invited to our “Incredible” Family-Community Movie Night @ Celebration Plaza on November 6 th . · The Lamar Canned Food Drive has kicked off and we are working to teach our students about compassion and caring for others. 9 2 Lamar Primary, continued · Veterans were honored November 9th with a student performance of songs and recitations, along with the creation of a Veteran’s wall of honor. · Students enjoyed Bleacher Creature Night at the Wildcat football game and a field trip to the SOC Pumpkin Patch.
Travis Primary · Family Literacy Night was Tuesday, October 30th and was well attended. · Students are enjoying reading with their Book Buddies. · Red Ribbon Week was a blast and students and staff had fun participating in dress-up days. · The Key Club Book Parade was a hit! Students loved getting to read with a Key Club buddy. · Travis students enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving lunch with their parents November 8th.
SSES · Robotics is an exciting addition to SSES. Approximately 55 students are participating. · Gentlemen’s League has been a big hit and their Christmas party is coming up in December; league members will be served a formal dinner at the SS Country Club. · Student Council is working hard to do fun things at school (making posters, running the school store and the PTO Penny War for Jocelyn). · UIL practices are underway and teams are in the process of being selected. · Student assessment data is being analyzed to drive individualized instruction for students, who are making lots of progress as evidenced by data generated from each unit assessment!
Josh Williams, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Secondary Update. Activities at SSHS and SSMS include:
Sulphur Springs High School · UIL Academics o November 8 UIL Congress o Continue to Participate Successfully in Practice Meets – Lindale, Princeton, North Lamar, White House o Robotics – Fist Every Competitions; Great Start · Band – Hosted UIL Marching Contest (Earned Straight 1’s in Contest) · Theater – “The Three Musketeers” – November 8, 10, and 11. · Choir – TMEA Auditions · Cross Country — Boys District Champions o Girls Third Place o Landon Thornton Qualified for State Meet – 95th Place · Volleyball – Completed District Play · Football – Playoff Bound · Basketball – Practices and Scrimmages Have Begun · NHS – Inducted 51 New Members · Fiesta De Wildcats · Veterans Day Assembly – November 9 · Senior Pep Rally – November 2…Silly String Everywhere! · Senior Night – SSISD v. Kaufman · Forensics Mini Crime Scene in the Conference Center · Physics – Trebuchets · Key Club Book Parades – Elementary Schools · Attendance Reward Lunches 11
Sulphur Springs Middle School · Science Fair and Science Family Night · Band o Clarinets Participated in a Clinic with Dr. Coad — 6 th Grade – Great Showing at Beginning Band Showcase — 7 th and 8th – 10 Students Made All Region at TMEA Competition · Choir — 15 Students Will Participate in TMEA Clinic and Concert · Strings — Several Members Made TMEA Orchestra and Will Perform in Lindale December 1 · Theater o SSMS OAP Coming December 7 – “Wild Strawberries” · Volleyball – Final Stats o A Team 12-4 B Team 10-3 · Football – Final Stats o A Team 6-3 B Team 3-6
Personnel changes approved include:
Resignations
Amanda Woods Nurse Travis/Bowie Primary
Amy Voss SpEd Aide SS Elementary
Chuck King History Teacher High School
New personnel
Nikki Flecker Nurse Travis/Bowie Primary
Crum Sentenced to 50 Years
Aaron Tyler Crum was sentenced to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Monday afternoon. Monday morning, a Hopkins County Jury began hearing testimony as they decide the sentence of Crum who had been found guilty Saturday afternoon of the first-degree murder of Joshua Paul Cowling.
Saturday afternoon in Eighth Judicial District Court a Hopkins County Jury found Aaron Tyler Crum guilty of the first-degree murder of Joshua Paul Cowling. Deliberation took approximately one hour to reach the verdict. The jury was picked Monday, November 5, 2018, and began hearing testimony Tuesday morning. The trial continued each day with a 10 a.m. start Friday morning and again, Saturday morning.
Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday at SSHS for Bi-District Game At Ford Center in Frisco
Tickets for the Thursday night bi-district play-off game between the Sulphur Springs Wildcats and the Frisco High Raccoons go on sale Wednesday through Thursday noon at Sulphur Springs High School. Pre-sale price is $7 for Adults and $4 for students. Tickets on game day are $10 on line and at the gate Thursday.
All General Admission Tickets can be found at tickets.friscoisd.org On the website, presale pricing will conclude at 11:59 on Wednesday Night (11/14).
SSISD Early Release Set for Thursday
All students and staff in the Sulphur Springs ISD will be released an hour early on Thursday, November 15th. Buses will also run one hour ahead of their regular schedule. This will allow everyone time to travel to the football playoff game in Frisco.
