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.
Saltillo’s Collins Placed First at Tiger Invitational
Saltillo’s Sienna Collins has been magnificent as a runner for the Lady Lions. Collins added to her cross country resume with a first place finish at the Commerce Tiger Invitational at Commerce High School last Saturday (August 25). Collins covered the 3200-meter course in a time of 12:40. The Lady Lions, coached by Colton Smith, finished ninth as a team.
Other Lady Lions finishers included Raegan Speir in twenty-fourth place at 14:38, Kristina Wade in forty-eighth at 15:24, Ofelia Cabrera in seventy-fifth at 16:28 and Chandler Bain in ninty-fourth at 17:37. Coach Smith said the
Lady Lions would compete next at an Avery cross country event on Thursday (August 30).
Wildcat Band Ready for First Game of 2018 Football Season
The Wildcats Marching Band is a big part of any Wildcats’ football game. The band will hit the field for the first time this season during the Wildcats and Frisco Wakeland football game Friday night (August 31) at Frisco Memorial Stadium. New Wildcats Band Director Spencer Emmert says it will be an exciting time for band students, especially for the freshmen who have never performed before on Friday night.
Emmert recalls his first Friday night performance as a freshman with the Quitman High School back in 1994. He says the band did an Aaron Copland show that included Hoe Down (the beef it’s what’s for dinner song) and also Appalachian Spring. Emmert says he was the only snare drum performer in that band. He says tapping the band on and off the field were very big moments for a freshman.
Emmert says the Wildcats Marching Band is ahead of schedule and will be marching and playing their entire first number of their electronic music show at halftime. They will also march and play quite a bit of their second number. At some point they will stand and play the end of the second tune. The band will also be playing in the stands during the game.
Emmert says during the band’s performance at the first home game at Prim Stadium on September 7, the band will be adding props and perhaps even a grid that will be go on top of the Prim field.
PJC Board of Regents Approve 2018-2019 Budget
The 2018-2019 Paris Junior College budget approved this week by the Board of Regents reflects an increase from the previous year due to a projected increase in the federal financial aid pass-through.
After learning of the financial aid increase, the Board of Regents gave final approval to a budget totaling $34,543,871.
“We anticipate more Pell grants to students, and that is the major increase over last year’s budget,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.
Prior to the regular board meeting, the Regents held a hearing on the proposed tax rate of $0.085, unchanged from the previous year. No public comment was received. A second public hearing will be held at noon on September 10.
In other business, the Regents:
- Approved a policy requiring a property deposit fee of zero. Procedures to collect damages for destruction of property continue to work well.
- Received formal introductions to new Vice President of Academic Studies Stanton Gartin, who came from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., and Dean of Health Occupations Dr. Gregory Ferenchak, who came from Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Accepted the Certified Tax Rolls of $3.4 billion for property taxable by Paris Junior College, as presented by the Lamar County Chief Appraiser.
- Approved the transfer of up to $1.5 million to the Facilities Renewals and Replacements Fund, depending on the amount remaining at the fiscal year end.
- Approved an updated Emergency Response Plan. The changes were largely updates to personnel.
- Accepted the employment of English and Developmental Writing Instructor Donald Bates, Student Activities Coordinator Taylor Cooper, Criminal Justice Instructor Howard Day III, Licensed Vocational Nursing Instructors Casey Escobedo and Rebecca Swanstrom, Cosmetology Instructor Shelby Mazerolle, and Payroll and Benefits Coordinator Ashley Turk.
- The board also accepted the resignations of Computer Information Systems Instructor Ryan Jarrell, Art Instructor Melinda Laszczynski, Cosmetology Instructor Necah Posey, Radiology Instructor /Coordinator Karen Powers, and History Instructor Ty Welborn.
ICE Raids Load Trail in Sumner; Construction Continues on Sulphur Springs Facility
ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raided the Load Trail facility in Sumner, Texas near Paris Tuesday. Over 160 individuals were detained. According to reports, more than 100 people detained were suspected of using fraudulent identification. The Sumner, Tx facility raided manufactures small trailers. It is a separate manufacturing line than the one being built in Sulphur Springs. The Sulphur Springs facility will build 53-foot dump trailers.
According to the Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County EDC, the local facility under construction is a separate entity within the parent Load Trail Company. Construction work at the local facility continues as of Wednesday morning, August 29th 2018.
The company has paid just under one half million dollars in fines for hiring undocumented workers.
Load Trail has faced penalties in the past for hiring undocumented workers. The company has paid just under one half million dollars in fines for hiring undocumented workers.
The ICE raid included 300 agents transported by helicopter and other means. Local law enforcement in Lamar County were not notified prior to the raid. According to local law enforcement, law enforcement will always be unaware of any ICE raid until the raid begins. According to reports, this is the largest raid by ICE in the past 10 years.
Load Trail is known world-wide for the manufacture of trailers and dump trailers. It is considered one of the fastest growing companies in trailer manufacturing. The facility being built in Sulphur Springs will be located in Heritage Business Park, off Loop 301 near Raven Industries and Armorock Polymer Concrete. The local facility will be housed in a 150,000 square feet building and new jobs at the facility will total 150 once it is in full production.
Fascinating Local History Characterization of Henry Stout…Catch Part Two on September 27 at Heritage Park
The annual joint meeting of the Hopkins County Historical and Genealogical Societies was held August 23rd at the Genealogy Library inside the Sulphur Springs Public Library. Paula Altenbaumer, a member of both societies, presented an entertaining & informative life history of Henry Stout, an early Texas and Hopkins County pioneer, as seen through the eyes of his first wife, Sarah Mary Talbot Stout. Local historian John Sellers introduced the program. More than 50 persons attended the lively presentation which was Part One of the local tale.
“Henry Stout; the Wandering Man, Part Two” will be presented on Thursday September 27th in the Chapel at Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park, an 11-acre living history park located inside Sulphur Springs at 468 South Jackson Street. The historical presentation will be told through the eyes of another family member, so you will not want to miss this to see what happens with Henry and Sarah. Attendance is free. Light refreshments will be served inside the Atkins House.
Membership in the Hopkins County Historical Society is open to interested adults. Dues are $15 per year. The next time Heritage Park and Museum will be open to the public will be Saturday October 6 for Indian Summer Day and Dutch Oven Cookoff. Heritage Park is also available for family reunions, school tours and company picnics. Volunteers are welcome for upkeep in the park. For details, contact 903-885-2387 or 903-945-3308 or Facebook:hopkins county museum and heritage park
