July-Lots of Good Things Coming By Johanna Hicks
July – Lots of Good Things Coming!
June is over and July is here! Where has the time gone? The 8th annual “Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness” was another huge success and the survey results proved that the camp participants learned some facts that many adults do not know. Examples: “How many steps equal 1 mile?, How many food groups should be included in breakfast?, Nuts and eggs are part of which food group?” I hope you saw the pictures in the Wednesday, June 27 edition of the Sulphur Springs News Telegram. Campers had a great time learning while having fun!
There are two more youth camps in July (multi-county 4-H camp, and Skills Camp), along with the Community Health Talks series, which was featured on the front page of the June 21 edition of the Sulphur Springs News Telegram. We’ve received a lot of feedback, but it is NOT too late to reserve a seat! The more attendees we have, the better the discussions. We want individuals to ask questions, provide feedback, and join in on the face-to-face discussions. Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can make adequate preparations. The sessions are free of charge. Below are the details, so please make plans to join us!
- Friday, July 6, Community Health Talks #1: Topic is Animal and Human Health. Dr. Leah Larsen will discuss diseases affecting pets and vectors which could have repercussions with humans, such as rabies. Danielle Altenbaumer, from the Department of State Health Services, will help clear up the confusion about human vaccinations – what, who, and when certain vaccinations should be given.
- Friday, July 13, Community Health Talks #2: The topic is Food and Food Safety, led by Brad Fain, of Zoetis Animal Health. He’ll discuss food security and the safety of our food supply. Information on safe food handling, Texas Cottage Food Laws, and other pertinent topics will be available. This session would be of particular benefit to those who choose to sell homemade food items at Farmer’s Markets, festivals, and other special events. Know the laws and keep your foods safe!
Both sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Hopkins County Office, 1200 W. Houston Street, in Sulphur Springs. Refreshments will be available. The Community Health Talks series was suggested and planned by our Extension Leadership Advisory Board, and we hope to have a great turnout! Please call our office at 903-885-3443 to sign up, or if you have questions. Listen to KSST Radio at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 5th for more information.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
Three times every year, this workshop equips couples with information to help strengthen their marriage. Engaged couples gain an added benefit by receiving a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. The workshop is free of charge, and feedback has been very good. This will be the final workshop for 2018, so if you or someone you know will be getting married, take advantage of this opportunity! Below are the details.
- When: Saturday, August 25
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Topics: Marriage expectations – What are some expectations that you bring to the marriage, whether spoken or unspoken? What about chores, children, finances, career? These are topics that will be explored. Communication – What is your specific communication style? How can your strengthen dialogue with your partner? Conflict Resolution – This is a big topic! Learn how to communicate to resolve conflict. Explore some tips to make conflict more manageable, ultimately resulting in resolution. Money Management – What does money mean to you – success, security, fun? Do you have a budget? Explore how easily money slips through your fingers. Have a management plan to account for your hard-earned money. Dreams & Goals – What do you want your marriage to look like 10, 15, 25 or more years down the road? What are some of your dreams and goals? This section will end with a touching video that will encourage you to set goals.
At the conclusion of the workshop, engaged couples will receive a certificate to submit to the county clerk’s office to save $60 on a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year, so even if you aren’t getting married until May or June of 2019, the certificate is still good – just don’t lose it! I forgot to mention that the workshop is free of charge! Refreshments, coffee, and water will be available all day, and lunch will be provided by the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers.
Other workshops are already scheduled for 2019, so if the August date is not convenient, you may jot these dates down and call me as the time gets closer: Saturday, February 9, Saturday, May 18, Saturday, August 24. Strong marriage make strong families. Strong families make strong communities, and strong communities make a strong society.
Closing Thought
Learn to pray – it’s easy and good for your soul! Chris Pratt
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
Texas Transportation Commission Approves Lower Speed Limits on Highway 19N; Install Rumble Bars
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that the Texas Transportation Commission approved speed limit changes for State Highway 19 north of Sulphur Springs, Texas, in its regular monthly meeting on June 28.
In response to community concerns, TXDOT recently concluded a detailed speed study on SH 19 from Loop 301 in Sulphur Springs to State Highway 24 in Delta County. After reviewing the results of the study, TXDOT proposed a speed limit reduction and other safety measures for consideration by the commission.
The proposed speed limit reduction will lower the existing speed limit from 70 mph to 65 mph from Loop 301 to the Delta County line, and reduce the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph through Birthright. Rumble bars will also be placed on the pavement near the intersections of FM 1536, FM 1537 and FM 71 to alert drivers about upcoming roadway intersections. The new, lower speed limits will go into effect July 2, 2018, and will be accompanied by new speed limit signs.
“The citizens of Hopkins County are excited to see the positive steps that the Texas Department of Transportation has taken,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom. “These initial steps will promote the safety of the public that travel Highway 19 north of Sulphur Springs all the way to the Delta County line. The Concerned Citizens of Highway 19 which met on June 19 particularly appreciate the actions of TxDOT and look forward to more safety measures being enacted in the future as soon as possible.”
TxDOT has also scheduled two future Highway Safety Improvement Program projects for SH 19 valued at more than $4 million, officials said. The first project will extend from Loop 301 in Sulphur Springs to FM 1537 and will consist of installing a passing lane, extending drainage structures, and upgrading bridge rail and metal beam guard fence.
The second project will extend from the Delta County line to SH 154 and will consist of extending and installing safety end treatments for cross drainage structures, upgrading bridge rail, and upgrading metal beam guard fence.
“The people of Hopkins County are excited that TxDOT has heard and addressed our concerns about safety on SH 19,” said Danny Evans, Hopkins County Commissioner for Precinct 4. “We appreciate the attentiveness that TxDOT has shown to our concerns and we look forward to seeing safety measures applied to SH 19.”
TxDot logo
Wildcat Iwuakor Listed in ESPN Top 100 Recruits
Wildcats 6-foot-8 senior to be Victor Iwuakor continues to draw tremendous interest from college basketball recruiters. The Sulphur Springs power forward is listed number 93 on the ESPN Top 100 list and the #18 prospect in Texas by texastop100.com.
Baylor joined the list Wednesday (June 27) as the Bears offered a scholarship to Iwuakor. He remains undecided. Among others who have made offers are Virginia Tech, North Texas, Seton Hall, Louisville, Oklahoma, UTEP, UT San Antonio, Tulane, Incarnate Word, Texas A&M, Tulsa, Illinois State, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, Houston and Texas Tech.
Iwuakor was named the District 16-5A MVP last year
Cumby Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault Family with a Weapon
Their nine year old granddaughter called Cumby police to report the disturbance. It was the fourth time Cumby police had been dispatched to the residence on Barker Street in the past few days, according to the officer’s report.
John Lewis Speight
When officers arrived the parties in the disturbance were separated. Both the grandmother and the granddaughter stated that the grandmother had been threatened by her husband, John Lewis Speight, 61. She said that she had walked on the porch and Speight displayed a large piece of wood and said that he would kill her. The granddaughter said it was a hammer that was displayed and that he said he would beat the grandmother and kill her. The woman said she was in fear of her life due to Speight’s threats and behavior.
Speight was located in a camper trailer on the property. The weapon displayed was not found but the officer believed it to be hidden in the camper.
Speight is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Aggravated Assault Family with a Weapon, a Felony 1. He is held on a $40,000 bond.
PJC Sets November Election for Board of Regents Places 5, 6, and 9
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents, at its regular meeting this week, set an election for Nov. 6 for Places 5, 6, and 9 on the board. Those positions are held respectively by Ginna Bowman, Curtis Fendley, and Mark Buster.
The Regents also approved contracting with the County Elections Administrator to conduct the election for the regents.
In other business, the Regents:
- Received the financial report showing PJC remains in a strong financial position, with revenues and expenses in line with budgeted amounts.
- Learned that summer enrollment is up in headcount by 10.8 percent (179 students) and 6.67 percent in contact hour generation over last year. Compared to 2016, headcount is up by 7.68 percent and contact hour generation is down 3.3 percent.
- Received a report on fall and spring retention by course and faculty member. In the fall 2017 semester, college retention was 93.6 percent and 94.78 percent in the spring 2018 semester.
- Updated on the annual licensure report filed with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- Authorized PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin to get prices for new energy efficient windows on the east side of the Student Center (facing Collegiate Dr.). Aramark is updating the kitchen and cafeteria over the next five years, and the window replacement is planned to be done in conjunction with those upgrades.
- Approved the 2018-2019 Dual Credit Agreement for area high schools.
- Approved the employment of Haley Barnett as Talent Search Advisor, effective July 2.
2018-2019 Chamber of Commerce High School Leadership Class Announced
2018-2019 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce High School Leadership Class has been named. This will be the 25th year that the Chamber of Commerce has facilitated this program for Hopkins county’s outstanding high school seniors. The students will participate in several classes throughout the school year including, the Ropes Challenge Course in Commerce, Justice, Order & Politics, Poverty, Crisis and Cultural Sensitivity, Education & Tomorrow’s Opportunities, Ethical Decision Making, and Tourism and Quality of Life. Then, to top off this year-long program, the students will take a field trip to the Dallas/Fort Worth area for a day of learning, fun, food, and fellowship.
This program has proven to be so beneficial to the students, the Sulphur Springs School Board has determined that the High School Leadership Class will be considered “co-curricular”. Students will not be counted absent on days they are participating in the program. Congratulations to the following students, who have been selected to the High School Leadership Class of 2018-2019.
Kaden Argenbright Landri Bell
Johnathan Calhoun Chase Crouch
Brinklee Driver Pacen Edwards
Jaci Glenn Danielle Godbolt Bailey Haggerty
Brooke Harden Wendy Harrington Kole Johnson
Carter Lewis Maddie Millsap Carter Monk
Daniel Moreno Brennan Murray Autumn Tanton
Maddy Ray Rhett Reid Eli Sellers
Skylar Shumate Sadie Stroud
Landry Tyson
Lezley Brown, Chamber CEO says, “Each student is about to begin this journey of practical knowledge beyond the classroom, and we are asking for your help! The students do not pay tuition for this program; therefore, your sponsorship will ensure this opportunity for them. Businesses in the community are being asked to sponsor scholarships for the students. Brown says the cost per student for the program is $125. Those businesses desiring to sponsor a student should contact the Chamber for more information.
Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Presents Jeremy for Adoption
Jeremy is a 2 year old Shepherd/Pyrenees mix. Jeremy is one of four gentle giant pups that are in need of a loving home. He is extremely affectionate once he gets to know you. He will expect you to return his hug as he delicately stands eye to eye with you. Jeremy will also request your lap space to be shared with him. He walks well on the leash and enjoys his outings.
Jeremy’s adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, neuter and rabies shot. Please contact Hearts of Life Animal Rescue by phone at 903-439-5019, email at [email protected], www.facebook.com/heartsoflife or find us on Petfinder.com!
The Biggest Flag Waving Event in Sulphur Springs: Don’t Miss Independence Concert Saturday June 30 at 8pm
During a KSST Morning Show interview, Alliance Bank President Tom Sellers invited the entire community to be present for a group celebration of our nation’s birthday on Celebration Plaza, downtown Sulphur Springs, on Saturday June 30, 2018. The music will start at 8pm and the fireworks will follow the concert at dark. Alliance Bank has been a sponsor for all 27 years of the local concert’s history, and in recent years, a host of the concert since the stage will be placed practically at the front entrance of the downtown lobby. Although there is some seating on the plaza, it’s recommended that you bring folding chairs or picnic blankets for seating. The evening will begin with a welcome from Tom Sellers and the marching in of military veterans in a Veterans Parade to a special seating area. Next, Sulphur Springs Symphony League President Sharla Campbell will introduce conductor Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, who along with the professional musicians onstage, make up the Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra. Prior to the concert and during the evening, you are invited to enjoy concessions and visit the booths on the plaza, including the KSST booth where US flags will be part of a giveaway promotion. As the evening progresses toward dark, you’ll be treated to familiar classics and marches by the orchestra and special selections by the NE Texas Choral Society’s Men’s Chorus, selected to stir patriotic spirit as well as anticipation of the awesome fireworks display. Many will choose to arrive downtown early for dinner at the many eateries in downtown Sulphur Springs. If you’d like to thank someone for the concert evening and fireworks, thank underwriting sponsors Alliance Bank, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital and GSC Grocery Supply Inc. Additionally, you can listen to the concert live on KSST 1230AM and watch it in playback on Cable Channel 18 TV.
Although the concert is absolutely free to attend, donations are accepted year round by the Sulphur Springs Symphony League, whose mission is:
TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR HOPKINS COUNTY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS AT PERIODIC ORCHESTRA CONCERTS SUCH AS THE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AND SMALL-ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES IN SELECT VENUES IN SULPHUR SPRINGS. THE LEAGUE WAS DEVELOPED TO BRING CLASSICAL AND POP ORCHESTRAL MUSIC TO RURAL NORTHEAST TEXAS WHERE SUCH LIVE PERFORMANCES WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. FURTHER, THE LEAGUE SEEKS TO EDUCATE YOUNGER RESIDENTS IN DEVELOPING THEIR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS BY ENCOURAGING MUSIC INSTRUCTION, FUNDING MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS, PROVIDING STRINGED INSTRUMENTS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND PRESENTING LIVE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES AT CHILDREN’S CONCERTS.
Conductor Dr. Douglas Bakenhus
Chamber Connection June 28, 2018
Just so you know, it’s just never ever too early to talk about the Hopkins County Stew Contest! The date of this year’s Stew Contest will be Saturday, October 27th. Go ahead and start planning your teams, because we are going to have a great contest this year!!! Additional information will be sent out to teams and sponsors in early August, but I wanted you to “Save the Date”! I can taste that stew already!
Ceremony for Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
There will be a ceremony for the Recorded Texas Historic Landmark that was received for the Ashcroft house, located at 333 College Street in Sulphur Springs on Saturday, June 30th at 11:00 a.m.. The ceremony will be on the front lawn and refreshments served on the porch after the ceremony. This is a great accomplishment and is only the second RTHL awarded in our county. John Sellers will be giving additional history on the house and its plot of land.
27th Anniversary of the Independence Day Celebration on Celebration Plaza
Mark your calendars for a stunning and memorable night of a free concert and fireworks presented by the Sulphur Springs Symphony League on Saturday, June 30th, on Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. with fireworks to immediately follow. It is an event that should not be missed. Bring your families, your lawn chairs, or your picnic blankets and enjoy the sights and sounds of Independence Day in Hopkins County.
Historical Society hosting Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Hopkins County Historical Society is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the new events building at Heritage Park on Monday, July 2nd at 3 p.m. Heritage Park is located at 416 North Jackson Street in Sulphur Springs. Once completed, the new building will boast restrooms, event space, and ample kitchen and storage space. Please make plans to join us at Heritage Park for this exciting day!
AgriLife hosts Community Health Talks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is hosting a round-table discussion series on issues affecting health in our community. Session 1 is called Animal and Human Health and will be held on July 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkins County Extension Office located at 1200 W. Houston in Sulphur Springs. Dr. Leah Larsen, DVM, will speak on rabies and diseases affecting pets and humans. Danielle Altenbaumer, Dept. of State Health Services, will speak on clearing up the human vaccination confusion. Register by calling 903-885-3443 by June 29th. Session 2 is called Food and Food Safety. It will be held on July 13th at 6:30 p.m.at the Hopkins County Extension Office located at 1200 W. Houston in Sulphur Springs. Brad Fain, of Zoetis Animal Health, will speak on food security including temperature danger zone, safe food handling.
Splish Splash Water Bash
The Hopkins County Fall Festival is throwing a Splish Splash Water Bash on Saturday, July 21st from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs. Kids seven and under are free, and children eight years of age and older are $5. Kids under five must be accompanied by an adult. Ice cold soda and water will be on sale. Make plans to go and have a great time!
Reilly Springs Jamboree
Monty Tipps and Main Street will serve up traditional country music in a 2-hour show on Saturday, July 21st at 6 p.m. Admission to the monthly (3rd Saturday night) Jamboree is $10 person. A special concert will be held on Saturday, August 18th at 6 p.m. featuring the world-famous Blackwood Quartet. Tickets will be $15 general admission or $25 for the Meet-and-Greet with reserved seating for the Blackwood Quartet’s “Gospel Side of Elvis” Concert, a part of their 85th Year Anniversary Tour. For tickets and information, contact Enola Gay Mathews at (903) 438-3568.
Sulphur Springs Public Library presents their Summer Reading Program for June and July
The Sulphur Springs Library is hosting a summer reading program called Fun with Mary Poppins Reading Program 2018. Story time will be each Tuesday at 10 a.m. in June and July (except for July 10 and 17). Watch for special guest appearances along with fun, stories and great prizes. Minecraft is back every Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. beginning June 1 and ending July 27. Thursday, June 21st at 6 p.m. is a special Mary Poppins Story time event, and Friday, June 22nd at 3 p.m., don’t miss the Bubble Show with Brett Roberts. Then, Thursday, June 28th, at 11 a.m. the library will welcome Will Parker with a very musical story time. The library is happy to answer any questions, please call (903) 885-4926, or you can visit www.sslibrary.org.
Ribbon Cuttings:
AFLAC hosted ribbon cutting celebration
Leann Oliver and Sheila Askins with AFLAC hosted a ribbon cutting celebration at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 20th at noon. The Chamber is located at 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs. Leann and Sheila explained many of the benefits of AFLAC with Chamber members. If you have questions, give us a call and we’ll put you in touch.
