PJC-Sulphur Springs Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program
Students in the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center watch as Instructor Joyce Vargas teaches them the procedure for drawing blood from a patient. Assisting with the demonstration is student Perla Munoz of Sulphur Springs.
TxDOT Trained Specialists Available for Senior Citizens’ Auto Check
PARIS – Senior drivers in Northeast Texas can have a trained TxDOT specialist check their automobiles for comfort, safety and mobility to help improve their daily driving experiences.
Seniors in Lamar and surrounding counties can get their cars checked from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 at 1128 Clarksville Street, Suite 300, in Paris, said Monica Yates, TxDOT traffic safety specialist and certified CarFit technician.
These checks are part of the national CarFit program developed by the American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Occupational Therapy Association. They are designed to provide a quick, comprehensive check on how a mature driver and their vehicle work together.
“CarFit is now part of our safety program,” Yates said. “As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility and strength, range of motion, and even our size and height can make us less comfortable and capable behind the wheel. A free CarFit check helps the driver understand and use the safety features of their vehicle.
“We complete a 12-point checklist with drivers. Some of the things we check are the correct position of the driver’s seat, the driver’s ability to easily reach the pedals, and how to properly adjust and set the mirrors.”
Yates and other technicians have also scheduled outreach events in October, to share the CarFit program with those who work with seniors. Those education events are slated the week of Oct. 22-26 at several locations in TxDOT’s nine-county Paris District.
For more information, contact Yates at (903) 737-9292 or email [email protected] .
Senior drivers can also check their local AAA club or AARP office to take driver safety refresher courses or look into occupational therapy driving evaluation programs that provide individual driving assessments. CarFit is an extension of these classroom programs that helps mature drivers ensure their personal vehicles are adjusted to their needs.
Buyer Beware: Land Liquidators Are Back
Buyers looking for a good deal on land flocked to northern Hopkins County back in late August, but some left disappointed. Although, it is apparent that many tracts of land were purchased, some buyers were unaware that access to a local water supply was not available. Also, some buyers now believe that they will not be able to get conventional financing due to the land purchased at a much higher per acre cost than surrounding properties.
The same company, Premier Land Liquidators, is back in an apparent attempt to “liquidate” the remaining tracts of the same land that they had hoped to liquidate in a “One Day Only” sale back on August 25th. This next sale, according to a flyer received by KSST, will take place on October 27th, again being advertised as a “One Day Only” sale. The flyer touts that a purchaser can “enjoy ag tax exempt status” but of course that designation can only be granted by our local tax appraisal district once meeting their criteria.
It is always good advice, in buying anything, to research what you are buying and not be rushed into any purchase. This is even more true, when it is a real estate purchase, and offers or claims are being made that may not be understood. One buyer at the first sale, was surprised to learn that there was basically a private road (not a county road) that led to most of the lots, but the buyer was not provided a formal agreement as to how the road would be maintained in the future.
The Land Liquidation company also advertises the land as being one hour from Dallas, even advertising a “Home Package on 10 Acres* Now only $119,000” The important part on this advertisement is the asterisk attached, which led me to a barely legible disclaimer (I had to use glasses) that read: “Package Is A Land And Building Material Package, Construction Is The Buyer’s Responsibility”
Certainly no one would ever jump in and buy a Land/House package without realizing that they actually have to BUILD the house, but as always: BUYER BEWARE
KSST News contacted Cathy Singleton with the local Appraisal District to confirm that any land sold that was previously used for Agricultural purposes and had received an Ag Exemption may be required to apply to keep Ag status in the future. This process is common during land transactions especially for land that has been subdivided. Below is a document from the Hopkins County Tax Appraisal District, to be used as a guideline for land owners’ that wish to apply for Ag Exemption Status.
Video Presentation: Crosswalk Active On Main Street at Coleman Park
Crosstown Trail crosswalk on Main Street in Sulphur Springs at Coleman Park near Reservoir Street is now active. People using the trail are advised to be cautious until drivers become accustomed to the crosswalk. Drivers are reminded to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Sulphur Springs Police will be monitoring the area.
KSST News spoke with Police Chief Jay Sanders Friday morning.
5th Grade Group Visits KSST
An exuberant group of SSISD Gifted and Talented 5th Graders visited the KSST Studios on Friday October 19th, 2018. They enjoyed a tour of the Suddenlink Channel 18 and KSST/KRVA portions of the building.
Students marveled at the Station’s vintage VHS collection. A few brave souls recorded spots for the Afternoon Drive Show. An invitation was extended to publish their UIL projects on KSSTRadio.com
The highlight of the tour may have been the chance to raid the Rangers Bobble Head closet.
KSST has always promoted youth in broadcasting. From the days of Radio Workshop to our current intern program with area school districts, KSST/KRVA and Suddenlink Channel 18 looks forward to working with our Students.
Fall Blessings By Johanna Hicks
While visiting downtown Sulphur Springs recently, I noticed all the beautiful fall decorations in store windows. With the cooler temperatures upon us, fall in definitely in the air! Stepping inside one of my favorite shops, I admired the beautifully embroidered aprons, bags, and hand towels, donning gold, orange, green, tan and brown leaves. One hand towel in particular caught my eye, and I walked out with a new purchase – a beautifully monogrammed towel that said, “In this home, we are grateful, thankful and blessed,” framed with a garland of leaves.
As we enter the autumn season, many families think about Halloween and Christmas, purchasing costumes, decorations, special treats, and lawn ornaments. However, even in some retail stores, there is a special holiday that falls in-between and is often overlooked. I’m speaking about Thanksgiving.
Being thankful for what we have, rather than grumbling about what we don’t have, can make a big difference in our attitude, as well as those with whom we come in contact. A quote I heard from a Hallmark movie recently hit the nail on the head. “Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?” I choose to be humbly grateful! How about you?
Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers so many different opportunities throughout the state through workshops, programs, series of classes on a particular topic, field days, seminars, on-line classes and certifications, mass media, and through publications. Extension agents utilize collaborating partners and volunteers to help with implementation and evaluation of major events.
One program which truly makes an impact is the Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative. In Hopkins County, there are eight trained and active volunteers who assist with a myriad of activities, including registration for classes and events, tray preparation and cooking demonstrations, 4-H projects, health fairs, preparations of materials, and much more!
I am excited to announce the next training for anyone who is interested in becoming a Master Wellness Volunteer. On January 22, we will kick off the training in a face-to-face workshop. Parts of the workshop will be through a state-wide webex broadcast from College Station. At that time, participants will receive information on two options for the remaining sessions – weekly in-person sessions, or online, self-paced sessions. The wrap-up session will take place on Tuesday, February 19 in-person.
The in-person trainings will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs. Other counties may also offer the same opportunity, but the ultimate goal is the same for all – to equip volunteers with information on health and wellness, food safety, and working with diverse audiences.
Watch for information on cost, time, and application process, but save January 22 and February 19 if you are interested!
Hopkins County Fall Festival
It’s here! You will notice the activity at the Hopkins County Civic Center and grounds, Buford Park, Sulphur Springs High School and the Hopkins County Extension Office! This serves as a final reminder concerning the Creative Arts Contest. There is an age division to fit everyone, and we’ll find a category for anything you wish to enter. Official registration will take place on Thursday, October 25 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., and on Friday, October 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. (We will also accept entries at the Extension Office on Wednesday, October 24, but they will eventually wind up at the high school.) This contest is open only to Hopkins County residents due to space restraints, but anyone may view the items during public viewing times!
The entries will be judged on Friday morning and on display to the public following judging, until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and open to public viewing again on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Best of Show winners will have pictures made at 1:30, after which all entries may be picked up.
Also remember to visit the Arts & Crafts Show in the high school cafeteria! You’ll find one-of-a-kind items, all handmade by crafters and artisans. The Arts & Crafts Show is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26 and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27. There is no charge to get in, but bring your wallet, because you will want to do some shopping!
Exhibits in the Hopkins County Civic Center, activities on the grounds, Kids Zone, Outhouse Races, judging of the Hay Bale Contest, Donkey Basketball, and the stew cook-off are other events that you don’t want to miss!
Closing thought
It is possible to make each year bring with it a lasting gift to add to the fullness of experience, to be treasured up, savored, and remembered – Grenville Kleiser
Recipe of the Week
Savory Sweet Potato Fries
· 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼ “ strips
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 teaspoons garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 1/3 cup parmesan, grated
Directions:
1) Heat oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with foil.
2) In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes and olive oil; toss to coat. Remove from bowl and spread in a single layer on cookie sheet.
3) In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and parmesan. Sprinkle fries with mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition facts per serving: 110 calories, 6 g total fat, 0 trans fats, 5 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 190% Vitamin A
Man Arrested for Tamper/Fabricate Evidence
The odor of marijuana from inside the 2003 Trailblazer stopped by a Hopkins County deputy on CR 4784 led to Vincent Sheldon Jones, 30, of Commerce admitting to having a small amount of a green leafy substance on his person. That would have been a misdemeanor. However, at the jail, medical questions prior to his book-in Jones removed vape from his body and tried to dispose it in the book-in area. The vapor showed to contain a substance that proved to be THC oil.
Jones is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He is being held on a $10,000 bond for the tamper/fabricate charge.
Carriage House Manor Bake Sale Today for United Way
On Friday October 19, 2018 starting at 10:30 am, Carriage House Manor is holding a Bake Sale to raise money for United Way. The community’s best cooks and bakers have donated freshly prepared cakes, pies and cookies for the fundraising sale.
Meet Nurse Practitioner Leigh Ann Klein, Women’s Health with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Winnsboro
Nurse Practitioner Leigh Ann Klein spoke about Women’s Health on the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay. “Because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s beneficial to remind women that their genetics and family history play a large role in determining risk for developing breast cancer. So, during holidays and family times, it is a good time for women to pass along this valuable information to daughters, nieces and granddaughters about any occurrence of breast cancer in the family”. Klein states that when women begin going for regular mammograms at about age 40, this knowledge of the history of other women in her family is potentially life-saving knowledge.
According to statistics, the average woman has about a 12% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. But, those who carry certain genes have a much higher risk factor. “Annual visits to your doctor are very important because that’s where routine lab tests can detect the presence of these genes. Monthly breast self-examinations along with annual doctor visits and mammograms are a woman’s first line of defense. And remember, precautions are equally as important for men with a family history of breast cancer”.
October’s many fundraisers and “pink” events keep awareness high for breast cancer and it’s risks. Share your family’s history with other women and girls in the family. And if you haven’t already, begin habits that could lead to early detection and perhaps prevent breast cancer development.
Video Presentation: Jehovah Jireh Food Pantry
Jehovah Jireh Food Pantry, a non-profit organization, is located at 10896 Highway 11 East , Como. The pantry serves the Hopkins County Community with food . The pantry solely runs off of donations made by Jehovah Jireh Food Panty and Biblically Speaking Ministries and Businesses and Individuals in the community. The pantry is open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon to help families in need of food. Donations of can goods or peanut butter or drinks may be made to the pantry. To contact the pantry call 903-335-4703.
