Fall is on the Way – Arts & Crafts Show, Too By Johanna Hicks
Our warm summer temperatures seem to drag on, but cooler weather is on the way! The start of football season, the appearance of fall clothing in store windows, and the abundance of fall decorations trigger a new attitude in many folks. Along with fall, many folks in Hopkins County and beyond look forward to the Hopkins County Fall Festival. Last week’s column focused on the Creative Arts Contest, and already the interest seems to be building. Letters went out to several teachers in Hopkins County, and nursing home/assisted living facilities have received the information, as well. My wonderful volunteers met to firm up details and sign up for tasks to be done. Now, we invite you to put the dates on your calendar and encourage you to participate!
The 2018 Arts & Crafts Show is another major event which takes place during the Fall Festival. For those of you who are new to the Hopkins County Fall Festival, this is a crowd favorite each year. The show is held in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria, north entrance hallway, and north walkway leading into the school. The show is open to the public on Friday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no admittance fee, but be sure to bring plenty of money to do some shopping!
For individuals who would like to have a space in the show to sell their items, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) This show is for handmade/hand-crafted items only. Commercially made items or commercial business will not be allowed. (Commercial vendors may contact Tracy Dennis for exhibit space in the Civic Center.)
2) Applications are available at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, or may be found on the Hopkins County Fall Festival website or https://hopkins.agrilife.org. Applications will be accepted until spaces are no longer available, but preferably by October 9. (A refund will be made if unforeseen circumstances prevent participation.)
3) No questionable items may be sold. This is a family event.
4) Inside space sizes are 8×8 (single space), or 16×8 (double space), on a first-come, first-served basis.
5) Electrical outlets are very limited. As of this writing, all spaces with available electricity are spoken for unless you bring an extremely long extension cord.
6) Outdoor spaces are also available under the covered walkway. Others may wish to bring a canopy for uncovered outdoor spaces.
7) Set up hours are: Friday, October 26, 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. Note: exhibitors may not set up on Thursday, as school is in session and the committee must have time to mark the spaces.
8) The Arts & Crafts Show is open to the public on Friday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exhibitors are asked to stay until 4:00 p.m. No early pack-up unless cleared with coordinator in advance.
9) For those exhibiting for one day only, outdoor spaces will be assigned. Contact my office for single day fee information.
10) A confirmation letter, including directions to the facility, unloading, and parking information will be sent to exhibitors after receipt of registration and payment.
Contact my office for more details or if you have questions. Spaces are filling up nicely, but we still have room. Hope to see you at the 2018 Hopkins County Arts & Crafts Show!
Cooking Well with Diabetes
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.5% of Hopkins County residents have been diagnosed with diabetes. That is up from approximately 10% previously. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides research and evidence-based programs on this topic. Do Well, Be Well took place in April, and Cooking Well for Diabetes will be held in September. Please help spread the word! Here are the details:
- What is Cooking Well with Diabetes? This is a 4-lesson series to help individuals with type 2 diabetes understand the important correlation between food choices and diabetes control, learn to modify recipes, and sample some tasty recipes.
- When is it? Four sessions: Mondays and Thursdays, September 10, 13, 17, and 20
- What are the topics? Carbohydrate Foods & How they affect your blood sugar; Making Recipes with Fat Better for You; Double-pleasure Side Dishes; and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes
- What time? Two times are being offered to fit participant schedules, so pick a time: 1:30 or 6:00 p.m. (Must have at least 5 per session)
- What does it cost? The total cost for the series is $25, payable at the first session, which covers materials, recipes, cooking demonstrations, door prizes, and completion gifts.
- Where will it take place? All sessions will be held at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- How do I sign up? Call our office by Wednesday, September 5, at 903-885-3443, and give us your name, address, and phone number. A registration form will be mailed to you, or if you prefer, you may fill it out at the first session, but you still need to call us!
Save the Date!
I’ve received inquiries about the 2018 Christmas Joys program. It has been scheduled and plans are well underway for another fantastic program. Save the date: Monday, November 5, 2018. That’s all I going to say about it for now, but watch for more to come!
Closing Thought
Be a river of blessing – not a lake of accumulation – Vicki Hitzges
Carnival Blimp Makes a Stop
Thursday afternoon, the Carnival Blimp made a stop at Sulphur Springs Airport. The 138-foot blimp, painted to look like a Carnival Cruise ship sailing through the sky, is on a promotional tour through the South. The crew quickly unpacked it from it’s trailer and inflated it.
This is the second appearance this year of a lighter than air vehicle at KSLR. A visit in January from another AirSign ship made for some interesting conversation. It was moored at KSLR for almost a week and was striking when illuminated at night.
Anyone who snaps a pic of the blimp and posts it on social media with the hashtag #ChooseFun will be eligible to win a cruise for two. Carnival will also make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for every hashtagged photo.
The blimp will probably not stick around long. It is slated to visit Dallas on 9/1/2018. It will loop trough Texas and head east later in the month. Now is your chance to snap a photo, tag it, and be entered to win a Carnival Cruise.
North Hopkins Lady Panthers Compete at Commerce Volleyball Tournament
The North Hopkins Lady Panthers Volleyball team travels to the Commerce Invitational Tournament. They will play at 4,6 and 8 o’clock tonight. The Lady Panthers will continue the tournament on Saturday, September 1st, at the Commerce High School, times are yet to be announced.
Madison Joslin
Gilreath Sentenced in Probation Revocation
August 30, 2018 – Probation for Jackson Blaze Gilreath was revoked Thursday morning in Eighth Judicial District Court, according to Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison. Gilreath will serve 4-years in prison. He has previously been sent to Dream Center, a 12-month faith-based residential Drug Addiction Treatment Center, to Substance Abuse Felony Punishment, a part of the Texas Substance Abuse Treatment Program run by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and SAFP Relapse.
Two separate purchases of Methamphetamine on two separate dates in April of this year led to warrants for the arrest of Jackson Blaze Gilreath, 22, of Sulphur Springs. The purchases of approximately 2.6 grams of meth from Gilreath were made by the Special Crimes Unit.
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.
Wakeland Coach Prepares for Wildcat Game Friday
Marty Secord is the only Head Football Coach Frisco Wakeland has ever had. Coach Secord was hired to build the program as the school opened in August 2006. He said Wakeland began in a Class 3A district that featured talented schools such as Celina, Pilot Point and Prosper. Coach Secord said the Wolverines took their lumps but it prepared them to compete at their current level. They are now a big school Division 1 Class 5-A school. The Wildcats are in the smaller enrollment Division 2 in Class 5A.
Wakeland has made the playoffs the last five years and nine of their twelve years according to Coach Secord. He said he has pretty much been successful in keeping his staff together in recent years. Coach Secord said among his goals for this year’s team are to get back into the playoffs again, to play for the district championship and to make a long run in the playoffs. Obviously Coach Secord finds Wakeland to be a good place to work. He said the kids are great. He added he has a good coaching staff of good men and he said the administration is good.
Coach Secord said this Wolverines’ team is young and a work in progress. He said he is playing non-district games to get his team ready for district play. Coach Secord also coaches quarterbacks and this year’s starter is 6-foot-5 junior Dylan Liable, who played all last season on the JV team. Wildcats Coach Greg Owens said Liable showed poise and looked very good in Wakeland’s scrimmage win against West Mesquite last Friday. Coach Secord said other offensive players he is counting on are receiver Kevin Rychel, running back Cade Starnes and receiver and defensive back Garrett Field.
On defense, Coach Secord especially likes his linebackers. He said the Wolverines run the same defense as the Wildcats. Coach Secord and Coach Owens traded scrimmage videos. Coach Secord said he was impressed with the Wildcats defense against Liberty-Eylau. He called them hard nosed. Coach Secord said the Wildcats’ outside linebackers look like a strength of the defense although he also was complimentary toward the Wildcats safeties, cornerbacks, defensive linemen and inside linebackers.
On offense, he said D’Corian Young could hurt you running and passing. He also liked the Wildcats’ running backs. Coach Secord said the Wildcats also appear to be a work in progress, just like the Wolverines. He said as usual in a first game, it will probably come down to execution and the kicking game. Coach Secord compared it to a chess match with each team trying to exploit the other. He called Sulphur Springs a quality opponent and he added the Wildcats had a tradition of having good teams. The two teams have never played each other.
September’s Calendar Features Local Events for Fun and Giving
September 2018 is getting off to a running start, with plans for two benefit walks, an awards banquet, a quilt show, a beauty pageant and the brick street vintage market. Here’s the where and when!
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s 19th Annual Quilt Show is a two-day event, to be held inside The Roc of First Baptist Church at 115 Putman Street. Over 120 new and vintage quilts will be hung for display, also quilt vendors and children’s activities make it a fun experience for every age. Hours are 9am-5pm Friday September 14 and 9am til 3pm Saturday Septembe 15. Admission is $5 person, children 12 and under free. More details can be found at sulphurspringstxquilts.com. Proceeds go to local charitable causes.
The Downtown Business Alliance will host the Brick Street Vintage Market in downtown Sulphur Springs starting at 8am on Saturday September 15. Booths on Connally Street and on the Plaza will offer vintage decor, antiques and an arts and crafts market. There will be demonstrations of furniture painting, quilting, machine embroidery, winetasting, pizza tossing plus giveaways and prizes. Be sure and visit the many coffeeshops, restaurants, retail and boutiques in the district. There’s B&B and hotel lodging if you come for the weekend!
The 3rd annual Fruit of the Spirit Awards Banquet is planned for Saturday September 15 at 3pm inside the Sulphur Springs High School Cafeteria. Sponsored annual by Color Blind Ministries, this event will recognize nine individuals for their contribution to the local community. Enjoy musical entertainment during the banquet style meal, meet guest speaker Everson Walls, Dallas Cowboys 4-time Pro-Bowl and Hall of Famer and get his autographed book. Tickets are $25 available at Color Blind Mininsitries at Como, Good News Christian Bookstore inside the VF Outlet, Legacy Hospice at 301 Gilmer Street, and at Sulphur Springs High School office. Find out more at colorblindministry.org
On Saturday September 22, five local ladies will join other contestants in the Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant to be held in Tyler, Texas’ Holiday Inn Hotel. Talent and evening gown competitions will begin at 7pm. Tickets are $17 each at the door. The local contestants placed in the Ms. Hopkins County Pageant held earlier in 2018, and have earned the right to advance to the State pageant. Friends of Jan Gray, Valerie Ross, Vender Wright, Linda Pickle-Hill and Ms. Hopkins County Senior Mary Ivey are encouraged to attend and show support as they make their bid for the Texas crown.
Tuesday September 25 will begin the series of “2018 Walk to Remember” with a mini-walk at the Seniors Center at 9:30am. Watch for other Walks to be held in October. Also known as the fundraising “Alzheimer’s Walk”, proceeds from each benefit the Terrific Tuesdays Club of Sulphur Springs. Get details at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, 903-885-1661.
The Mothers Against Drunk Driving “Walk Like Madd” event in Sulphur Springs is planned for Saturday September 29 to begin at 8pm at Shannon Oaks Church. The 2018 walk will observe 10 years of support from Hopkins County. All ages can participate in the walk. Find out more at walklikemadd.org/northeasttexas or phone 903-534-6000.
Kerry Craig Calls 52 Years in Journalism “Fun to Do”
In 52 years as a journalist, Kerry Craig said the high point in his career was March 14, 2001. That Wednesday in March was the day he moved to Sulphur Springs to work for the local newspaper. Craig, who has reported news in radio and print media, said journalists often move from place to place and they evaluate and choose communities where they will exercise their life’s passion. He noted the welcome and reception he received locally made Sulphur Springs his home town. “It just took me a while to get here,” he said. On Tuesday, at the invitation of KSST News, Craig reviewed his 52 years as a journalist.
Craig has enjoyed the close working relationship that existed over the years between KSST and the local newspaper. He stated that one of the most fun news stories to report happened several years ago when he and the late Bill Bradford of KSST covered a story regarding a woman that planned to purchase a local residence and surrounding property to establish an internet movie studio. The woman stated that she would employee thousands of people in the endeavor. Craig and Bradford both had their doubts. Craig’s story appeared in the weekend paper. On the cold December Monday that followed, he said the then publisher of the local newspaper, Scott Keys, asked him to focus on that story and find out everything he could about the woman and the project. Two weeks of deep digging resulted in discovering the woman who said she would pay more than the value of the residence and property had been recently evicted from her rented home in Florida, according to Craig. The story of the woman’s attempted con continues to live through the internet. Craig stated he is contacted from time to time regarding the story as others seek information on the woman.
His relationship with law enforcement and EMS is deeply rooted. Having been first on scene at accidents on several occasions in the beginning of his career, Craig determined to become involved in what became the early days of Emergency Medical Services. He began going on calls with the local funeral home that doubled as an ambulance service. From that came his becoming certified through training in EMS. That work gave additional insight into covering stories related to law enforcement.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum told KSST News that Craig’s coverage of law enforcement has assisted the various departments in maintaining communication with the community. Criminal Investigator Dennis Findley said Craig’s integrity in coverage assisted in holding the department to high standards and gave the public a true view of their work.
Craig began his career in journalism in Abilene, Texas in the spring of 1966. After a couple of years out of school, he had no idea what he wanted to do. A family friend offered him a job at the only 24 hour FM radio station in Abilene at that time. FM radio was new. He worked midnight until 6 a.m. That’s where he got into the news business. The radio newsman on staff would read the news from the Abilene Reporter News in the morning. Craig decided there was more to radio news so he sought permission to dig deeper. With permission, Craig added more content to the stories reported by the station news director and from there his work in journalism began.
In the ‘70’s Craig worked in Brownwood with an old friend, Dave Fair. Mobile news cruisers were gaining momentum as on the scene reports became more common. The news team won numerous awards including a best in state newscast. The top award came when Craig was in the control room and his two news partners were introducing the top stories of the day. He remembered that just as they went on the air a tornado was hitting Sweetwater, over 100 miles away. He scribbled a note. Held the note to the window between him and the other two and with a tease regarding a tornado hitting Sweetwater and a few commercials properly placed, and a phone call or two, they went on air with an actuality that included Sweetwater residents who had endured the storm.
Craig said journalism is fun to do. He noted telling the story of people’s lives and stories of what is going on in the community that affect people’s lives creates the environment that makes work fun. It also adds to the sense of community that can be experienced as people share life.
He entered print media 38 years ago when he married his wife, Kelley. He had been at a radio station in San Angelo but moved back to Abilene. In Abilene he was working as news director and broadcast operations manager for two radio stations with four newscasts per station per hour. With eight deadlines per hour, burnout didn’t take long. On a visit to family friends, he found that Kelley had recently moved to Abilene. Her dad owned a weekly newspaper in Winters, Texas. Three months later, he became a reporter and then editor of the weekly paper. He found that a weekly newspaper deadline was much more accommodating than radio deadlines. His father-in-law died a few months later. Working in newspaper allowed more opportunity for the creative and inclusive style that Craig brings to his reporting.
In all the changes from one radio station or newspaper to another, Craig has always planned to use his first day of unemployment to smoke a brisket. In most instances, he has not had the time. With the number of friends in media and the reputation he has established his phone keeps ringing with opportunities. His career has taken him to radio stations and newspapers of various sizes. He moved to Sulphur Springs as News Editor and Assistant Managing Editor from Decatur where he had worked with the award winning Wise County Messenger. That move was brought about by a friendship established with the managing editor of the local paper.
What does his future hold? He is not sure but one thing he says he knows is that he is staying in Sulphur Springs, reporting news, and serving as a proponent of the local community. Retirement and smoking a brisket will have to wait.
Delta County Man Arrested When He and Child Test Positive for Meth
What began as a CPS investigation in Delta County ended in the arrest of Justin Scott Crawford, 33, of Commerce. Crawford and his one year old child tested positive for methamphetamine. Crawford tests showed a level that reflected constant use. The child tested in the moderate use range.
During the investigation, CPS contacted Special Crimes Unit officers, who also began an investigation. Crawford’s residence is a Commerce address in Delta County. The investigation led to a Delta County warrant for Abandon/Endangering a Child, a State Jail Felony.
Crawford is in Hopkins County Jail held on a $20,000 bond.
Chamber Connection August 30, 2018
Tomorrow is the last day for the 3rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than January 1, 2016 and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
The 49th Stew Contest will be held on Saturday, October 27th, in Buford Park in Sulphur Springs. Stew sponsorship letters and cook letters have been mailed. Friday, September 14th is the deadline to keep your stew site from last year. On Monday, September 17th, all unclaimed sites will become available to new cooks. If you would like to sponsor stew or cook stew this year, please give us a call at (903) 885-6515, and we will get you an entry form. If you are interested in judging stew, please call the Chamber or email me at [email protected] with your name, address, phone number, and email address.
Clayton Homes is hosting a Football Kick-off Event
Clayton Homes is hosting a Football Kick-off Event on Saturday, September 1st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be located at Clayton Homes, 2600 Industrial Road in Sulphur Springs. Come meet the team that can make your dream a reality! There will are offering thousands off new homes, free pizza, and a chance to win a family 4 pack to the State Fair of Texas. Make plans to stop by and check out this great opportunity!
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild hosting their annual quilt show
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their annual quilt show on Friday, September 14th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 15th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will be held at The ROC which is located at 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs. This year the Quilt Guild is celebrating their 20th anniversary and is having a special feature called the “Supper Quilt” by Donald E. Locke. This is a quilt that depicts “The Last Supper” inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Dr. Locke will be speaking about the quilt on Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and again on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Seating for the presentation is limited. Quilt show admission is $5.00, and children under 12 are free. In addition, raffle tickets are available at $1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00 for the 2018 Raffle Quilt called “Something Blue”. For more information, visit www.SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.
Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, September 15th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, September 15th, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets. Many local and out of town vendors and businesses will be here participating as wineries, galleries, antiques, fashion boutiques, homemade ice cream, kitchen items, restaurants, and even more. You don’t want to miss this!
Workforce Solutions will host its annual LEAP Conference on September 21st from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas is hosting its annual LEAP (Learning Endorsements and Professions) Youth Expo on Friday, September 21st. This event is very much like a job fair except that it is geared to educate eighth graders and help guide them as they make their endorsement selections heading into high school. Workforce Solutions is seeking a wide variety of companies and businesses to attend the LEAP Youth Expo to describe your business and expose eighth graders to all career avenues after graduation. Since students now choose their high school endorsements while in eighth grade, the Expo is perfect for them. Over the past two years, they’ve had difficulty getting a veterinarian, doctor, dentist, orthodontist, pilot, author, artist, musician, architect, and sports/personal trainer. Please consider attending this Expo and taking visuals and information to give away. They will be so thankful to have you there! Please call Bart Spivy at (903)794-9490 ext. 513 with any questions.
Walk Like MADD event is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th
The annual Walk Like MADD event is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th at Shannon Oaks Church in Sulphur Springs at 6 p.m. MADD would like to encourage businesses, individuals, and community groups to participate by forming a team and coming out to the walk on September 29th. The event is a glow walk and is a great activity for family and friends.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market and Swap on October 11-13
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a flea market and swap event on October 11, 12 & 13 beginning at 8:00 a.m. They are currently looking for vendors as well as shoppers who are ready to shop, swap, and eat. Expect to experience eclectic finds, shabby chic, rustic, western/urban, Victorian traditional, backyard or barn sale items, tools, guns, vintage antiques and homemade items. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
