Friday is Last Day for Early Voting
Today is the last day for early voting and the polling place closes at 5 p.m. Thursday, an extended hour day for early voting, saw 581 ballots cast at the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Courtroom. Today (Friday) hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6th. Hopkins County voters may cast ballots at any of the Vote Centers in the county. Voters will need one of seven forms of ID: Texas Driver License, Texas Personal Identification Card, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas Handgun License, United States Military Identification Card, or United States Passport (book or card). Vote Centers open November 6th include: In the city of Sulphur Springs: the Lutheran Church, 1000 Texas Street; Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 208 Fuller Street; County Courthouse, 118 Church St; Grace Family Church, 1901 Loop 301 East; Civic Center, 1200 Houston St; League Street Church of Christ, 1100 South League. Throughout the county: Saltillo ISD, 150 CR 3534, Saltillo; Cumby Municipal Building, 100 E. Main Street, Cumby, TX; Sulphur Bluff ISD, 1027 CR 3550, Sulphur Bluff; Como-Pickton school, 13017 TX Highway 11E, Como; Miller Grove ISD, 7819 FM 275 S, Cumby; and North Hopkins ISD, 1994 FM 71 W, Sulphur Springs. Hours for voting November 6th are 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Deer Season Opens: Hunters and Drivers Be Prepared
Deer season opens Saturday, November 3rd and hunters are not the only ones who need to be prepared. Texas drivers should be on high-alert for deer this month. November records more deer-related car crashes than any other month in Texas. Deer-related auto accidents are 19% of all auto accidents in Texas in November. October, 14%, and December, 12%, have the second and third most.
Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution in deer zones, be aware of high-risk times (dawn and dusk). If you do encounter deer, slow down and be aware that more are likely nearby, avoid swerving or slamming on your brakes. The average amount spent to fix a car involved in a deer strike also has increased by $200 to $4,341 per claim.
Drivers are urged to use extra caution and slow-down in known deer zones, use high beams when appropriate during dusk to dawn driving, scan the road and avoid swerving when you see a deer, always wear your seatbelt, and do not rely on deer fences and reflectors to deter deer.
Should you have an accident involving a deer, move your vehicle to a safe place off the roadway and turn on your hazard lights, take photographs of the road and your surroundings and damage to your vehicle, quickly file your insurance claim, and look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights or other hazards regarding your vehicle. Do not attempt to aid the animal. Wounded deer can use their legs and hooves to harm you. Notify the game warden through the county Sheriff’s office.
13th Annual DBA Heritage Square Car Show is Saturday Nov. 3 on Celebration Plaza
Rita Edwards of the Downtown Business Alliance of Sulphur Springs, Texas proudly announces that this weekend’s great weather should bring a record number of participants for The Car Show on Saturday November 3, 2018. She invites spectators to attend, free of charge. Although the Autumn season is packed with car shows across Texas, turnout is usually excellent here, with vehicle owners who like to bring their prize cars and trucks to Sulphur Springs and are attracted by our beautiful downtown area, our great eateries and hotels, and friendly people.
Rita expects at least 185 vehicles in the show, and won’t be surprised if the number surpasses 200 entries. It’s only $20 for a vehicle to be registered in the show, starting at 8am. Entries are limited to 1987 models and older. There will be 35 different judged categories, with prizes in each. There will also be a “People’s Choice” award, so plan to pick your favorite! All the vehicles will be parked around Celebration Plaza and side streets, so feel free to walk around and see the gleaming beauties. However, the word is “Look, but don’t touch, please”. Awards will be handed out at 3pm. Rita and Eugene Edwards are owners of Edwards Used Cars located in downtown Sulphur Springs, and have also been involved the race car circuit in Texas for most of their married life. “Our lives revolve around cars!” she admits. They are also members of the Downtown Business Alliance, which hosts the annual Heritage Square Car Show. Find out more at the website sulphurspringsdba.com.
Progress Report on Heritage Park New Multi Purpose Building Construction
“We’re in the dry now” according to Rick Wilson, one of the building consultants on the new multi-purpose construction going on inside the Hopkins County Heritage Park. Framed up in the 42′ x 39′ structure is a large open reception area which will accommodate up to 100 people, a full kitchen and two restrooms. Plans also include a spacious bride’s dressing area which can be used for the many weddings held in Heritage Park through the year. High windows on the west side will admit plenty of light for daytime events, including quilting club meetings. Walls will display artwork that reflects Hopkins County history and heritage. Ten-foot-deep covered concrete porches will be poured on the West and East sides of the building where picnic or banquet tables can be placed for large group use like family reunions or company parties. The new building will be a much-needed addition to Heritage Park, increasing it’s capability to better serve community needs.
Wilson is a member of the Hopkins County Historical Society as well as a volunteer in Heritage Park and Museum. “There’s always something to do in the Park, and volunteer helpers are always needed. Funding is needed, too”. Although a generous donation allowed the initial construction to begin, more funding is being sought for finishing and furnishing the interior. If you would like to help out, contact Rick Wilson at 903-335-2752 or the Museum number 903-885-2387. Or donations can be mailed to Hopkins County HIstorical Society, P.O. Box 1066, Sulphur Springs, Tx 75483.
And when you visit Heritage Park and Museum during “Christmas in the Park” on Saturday November 24 and Saturday December 1, 2018 you can check the building’s progress. Completion is set for Spring 2019.
Tira News: Nov 2nd, 2018
By Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to the family Flona Harris. She passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2018, and her graveside service was held at the Tira Cemetery on Monday afternoon. Flona was preceded in death by her husband, Dee Harris. Her children are Randy Harris and Patsy Jennings. Please remember the family in prayer.
Dustin and Natalie Weir attended a costume party in Sulphur Springs on Saturday, and then spent the night with Dustin’s parents, Robert and Yvonne. After church, they all went out for lunch.
Wesley Weir enjoyed the My Hero’s Fall Party on Saturday night. Yvonne shared, “We took him to Terror Trails on Friday night and Robert took him to a carnival Thursday night. We took him out for supper on Wednesday night for his 18th birthday.”
Chip was in Reklaw on Friday afternoon and Saturday for their annual fly-in. He enjoyed camping and visiting with the pilots and watching the planes.
I took our daughter Tiffany Vaughn, granddaughter, Jaidyn Joslin, and great-grandsons Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin to the Fall Carnival at North Hopkins School on Friday evening. The kids had a great time playing the games and getting lots of candy. The weather was perfect for the outdoor event.
I told Chip (my husband) that I didn’t have much news this week and he said, “I guess we will have to make plans to do something, so that you have news to report.” I like that idea! I think a nice road trip to see the fall colors would be great!
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 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or
[email protected]
Pesticide Private Applicator Session By Mario Villarino
Pesticide Private Applicators CEU session Scheduled for Nov 7, 2018
Licensed pesticide private applicators are required to recertify every five years by obtaining 15 continuing education credits, including two (2) credits in laws and regulations and two (2) credits in integrated pest management (IPM), prior to expiration of the license.
To partially satisfy this requirement, the Hopkins County Extension Office has scheduled a 5 CEU Pesticide Private Applicator Session for Nov 7, 2018. The topics include: 1 hr for Laws and Regulations, Pond Weed Control, management of native grassland, integrated pest management for small grains, and Bermuda grass management update including insect control of introduced pastures and hay fields.
The program is partially sponsored by NETBIO. For more information or to register (limited to 100) call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Understanding the Texas Cottage Food Law By Johanna Hicks
The Texas Cottage Food Law allows the sale of foods that are prepared in residential homes as long as gross sales do not exceed $50,000 annually. This type of business is not regulated by a local or state health department, which means that your kitchen will not be inspected by a health inspector unless there is concern about the public’s health.
Certain foods are considered safe (not “potentially hazardous”), and are allowed to be sold. These include:
· Baked goods that don’t require refrigeration (cookies, breads, biscuits, pies, muffins, pastries, rolls)
· Candy
· Unroasted nut butters
· Canned jams & jellies
· Roasted coffee or dry tea
· Coated & uncoated nuts
· Popcorn snacks
· Dried herbs & herb mixes
· Dehydrated fruits & vegetables
· Cereal (including granola)
· Fruit butters
· Pickles (cucumber only)
· Fruit pies
These foods are not potentially hazardous because they do not have to be held at specific temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Potentially hazardous foods can be used to prepare a food, but if the final product requires time or temperature control to prevent growth of bacteria, it cannot be sold under the Cottage Food Law.
The following foods are considered “Potentially hazardous” and are not allowed under the Texas Cottage Food Law:
· Fresh or dried meat or meat products, including jerky
· Canned fruits, vegetables, salsas
· Kolache with meat
· Fish products
· Canned pickled products such as corn relish or sauerkraut
· Raw seed sprouts
· Bakery goods which require refrigeration (such as cream, custard or meringue pies and cakes or pastries with cream cheese icings or fillings)
· Milk and dairy products
· Cut fresh fruits/vegetables (including fresh fruits dipped or coated in chocolate or similar confections; fresh vegetables and juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables)
· Barbeque sauces and ketchups
· Chocolate covered graham crackers
· Dried pasta
· Lemonade and juices (from fresh fruits), or similar beverages
Foods can be sold at the individual’s home, a farmer’s market, a farm stand, or at municipal, county, and non-profit events. Foods can also be delivered to the customer, where the sale can then take place. Foods cannot be sold over the internet, by mail order, or at wholesale. Foods must also be packaged to prevent contamination, and must have proper labeling, including name and physical address of the operation, common or usual name of the product, any major food allergens that are present in the food (example: eggs, nuts, soy, peanuts, milk, or wheat), and the following statement: “This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.”
Of course, practicing good personal hygiene is a must, along with clean surfaces, cooking food to a proper temperature, and storing food properly. The Texas Food Handlers’ card is required from a state accredited program. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides an on-line training, but I also wanted to share the following information if you want more detailed information:
· What: One-day Texas Cottage Law workshop
· When: Friday, November 9
· Time: 8:30 a.m. registration and program at 9:00 a.m.
· Where: Fletcher Warren Civic Center, 5501 Business Highway 69S, Greenville
· Cost: $25, includes lunch
Speakers include Julie Prouse, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Associate – Food Protection; Blake Bennet, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Economist; and Debra Wamke, Hunt County Health Department Food Inspector. This will be a great workshop! Call the Hunt County Extension Office at 903-455-9885.
Closing Thought
The key that unlocks energy is desire. It’s also the key to a long and interesting life. If we expect to create any drive, any real force within ourselves, we have to get excited – Earl Nightingale
Recipe of the Week:
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Greek Yogurt Frosting
· 15-ounce box spice cake mix
· 15 ounce an pumpkin
· 1 cup water
· 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
· 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
· 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 24 cupcake tins with paper liners
2) In a large bowl, combine first 3 ingredients. Mix well. Evenly distribute batter into cupcake liners.
3) Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely.
4) In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spread frosting on cupcakes and garnish with ground cinnamon, if desired.
Nutrition content (per muffin):
Calories – 210; total fat – 8 g; sodium – 210 mg; carbohydrate – 28 g; protein – 4 g; fiber – 1 g
Something Completely Different for Wildcat, Lady Cat Basketball District Schedule
Now for something completely different. District 15-5A Superintendents and Athletic Directors have approved new scheduling for some district basketball games in January and February. Under the new scheduling, impacting all Sulphur Springs home district games and three on the road, the Lady Cats and Wildcats’ varsity teams will play back to back games in the same gym.
The Lady Cats’ varsity will play at around 6:15 p.m. and the Wildcats’ varsity will follow at around 7:30 p.m. The new scheduling will begin January 11 when Greenville comes to Sulphur Springs and conclude with the district games at Texas High on February 5. Before the two varsity contests, there will be a 5 p.m. JV contest. The first four impacted district contests will have the Lady Cats JV playing in the main high school gym and the next four will feature the Wildcats’ JV. Freshmen Wildcats games will be played at either Sulphur Springs Middle School or at the high school Auxiliary Gym. At the current time, the Lady Cats have only a JV and varsity teams.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell said this schedule is what she is used to. She said they had a schedule like this when she was at Paris and Mildred. Coach Tisdell said it would bring bigger crowds for the girls’ games. She said district girls’ coaches were unanimous in their support of the idea. Several of the boys’ coaches opposed the idea. Coach Tisdell said the new scheduled would put girls basketball before some new fans. She said her team was excited by the prospects of having more fans at their games.
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said there were pros and cons to the new schedule. He said the new schedule would allow fans to see both the girls and boys varsity programs at one place. Coach Cipoletta said he figured that was why superintendents and athletic directors voted for the change. He said a negative for him was that having the Wildcats’ freshmen at a different site from the varsity would make it harder for him to see them. The huge crowds that show up for Mount Pleasant and Wildcats boys varsity games are expected to create some logistical headaches on game nights. Coach Cipoletta said he would be interested to hear public reaction to the change. He had some advice for basketball fans. Get to these district games early.
Kaufman Prepares for Wildcats Following Loss at Royse City Last Week
Kaufman Lions enter Prim Stadium Friday night with hopes of a win that will tie the two teams for second place in District.
Jeramy Burleson is in his third year as head football coach for the Kaufman Lions. Before getting a promotion after the head coach went to Tatum, Coach Burleson was offensive coordinator for the Lions for two seasons. He was also a Wildcats’ football assistant under former coach Brad Turner from 2001 through 2006. Coach Burleson is the son in-law of legendary East Texas Coach Dickie Meeks. He went to high school at Emory Rains and to college at what was known back then as East Texas State University.
Kaufman is in third place in District 8-5A with a record of 4-2. The Lions’ season mark is 5-2. Coach Burleson said the Lions have played well for the most part. He said in their two losses, turnovers have hurt them. Fresh in his mind were turnovers suffered in a 27-21 loss at Kaufman to Royse City last week. Coach Burleson said you can’t so that against good teams. He said his players work hard and do what they are asked to do and he added he is proud of them.
The Lions quarterback is senior Trey Collier. Collier has committed to Tulsa as a wide receiver. Coach Burleson said Collier is a good leader. The Lions also have twin brothers that have been big contributors to the team, Jay and Cecil Gasper. Jay is a running back and Cecil is a wide receiver. Coach Burleson called them good competitors and team leaders. He said the Kaufman offensive line makes the offense click. Coach Burleson said Offensive Line Coach Kent Smith has done a good job. He said the leader on the offensive line is senior Landon Taylor. Coach Burleson called him a next level kind of guy.
He said the Kaufman defense has done a pretty good job this season. Coach Burleson said they need to get better at tackling like everybody else. He praised defenders for their effort and for being where they need to be. He added they have done a pretty good job of keeping Kaufman in ballgames. Coach Burleson said the strength of the defense is the defensive line. He said they tie guys up which allows big middle linebacker Billy Pullen to make plays.
Coach Burleson said the Wildcats are well coached. He said the Wildcats defense flies to the football and makes few mistakes. He said the Wildcats use their offensive players well.
Coach Burleson said he expects a fun atmosphere for Friday’s big district football game in Sulphur Springs.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Giving Blood, Giving Life
GIVING LIFE
Students at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center and others in the community had the opportunity this week to give blood during a drive sponsored by the Blend Club and PTK. The Carter BloodCare signed up 27 donors and collected 25 units of blood. One of the donors was student Presli Cummings, above, being assisted by Carter BloodCare specialist Cheryl Hughson.
