Chamber Connection April 12, 2018
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce will host a City Council Candidate Forum at the Sulphur Springs Middle School on Thursday, April 19th at 6 p.m. SSMS is located at 835 Wildcat Way in Sulphur Springs, and admittance to the forum will be through the back doors of the school. Questions from the public are encouraged and must be submitted in advance to the Chamber of Commerce via email, fax, or mail. Questions must be received by Monday, April 16th. Submitted questions will be reviewed and approved by a committee appointed for this purpose. No questions will be accepted from the floor during the forum. Email questions to [email protected], fax to (903)885-6516, or mail to 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs. We hope you will be able to attend that evening to see the candidates discuss important topics for Sulphur Springs.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls will hold their grand opening and ribbon cutting
To kick-off the flea market style and swap, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Celebration on April 12th, 12:00 p.m. at The Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Early shopping will begin immediately following the ribbon cutting until 6 p.m. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market Style/Swap on April 12-14, at 8:00 a.m.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a flea market style/swap event April 12, 13 & 14 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Vendors are wanted as well as shoppers and “junque” lovers who are ready to shop, swap, and eat. Early shopping will be held on Thursday April 12th from noon to 6, and the first 50 shoppers will be presented a goody bag filled with donations by local merchants. The entry fee on Thursday is $10 and will go to the “Save the Trolley” fund. The entry fee on Friday and Saturday is $5. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
The 6th Annual Tanner Higgins Warrior Run is scheduled for April 14th
The 6th Annual Tanner Higgins 5 Mile Warrior Run and One Mile Grunt Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th at Cooper Lake State Park. Registration is being held until April 13th for $45. You may also register the day of the race for $50, and the Grunt Race will be $25. Warrior Run Registration includes race chip timing and a race day t-shirt. For additional information, visit www.tannerstonehiggins.com.
CANHelp prepares for their annual tennis tournament
CANHelp is preparing for their Fourth Annual Play It Forward Tennis Tournament and fundraiser which is scheduled on Saturday, April 14th at the Sulphur Springs High School Tennis Courts located at 1200 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Entry forms are available at CANHelp, 613 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs, or online at www.canhelponline.org. Proceeds from this event will allow CANHelp to continue to provide important services to the residents of Hopkins County in times of need. All ages and skill levels are welcomed. The tournament is round robin style with doubles play. Don’t miss this fun event benefiting a great cause!
History by Foot is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th
History by Foot with John Sellers is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th, at 10 a.m. Cost is $10.00 per person. Make reservation by emailing John Sellers at [email protected] or call CNB at 903-885-7523. Reservations are filling up fast!
The John Chester Dutch Oven Cooking Class is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th from 8 a.m. to noon
The John Chester Dutch Oven Cooking Class is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th from 8 a.m. to noon at Heritage Park in Sulphur Springs. This is your chance to learn the ins and outs of cooking with a Dutch oven. Lunch and door prizes are included. Fee is $15 per person. For more information contact Rick Wilson at (903) 885-9692 or (903) 335-2752.
Warp 9 Computers is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration
Warp 9 Computers is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, April 18th at noon at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce located at 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to come by to learn about the services Warp 9 offers and to welcome this new business to Hopkins County!
The 2018 UPRA Rodeo is scheduled for April 20th and 21st
The Hopkins County Rodeo Committee presents the 2018 UPRA Rodeo at the Hopkins County Indoor Civic Center arena on April 20th and 21st. The doors open nightly at 6 p.m., and the rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for Friday, $12 for Saturday, and $8 for children on both nights. Tickets are available at Circle E Western Store in Sulphur Springs.
Reilly Springs Jamboree welcomes Jack’s Western Swing Round Up
The Reilly Springs Jamboree, Hopkins County’s original music venue, presents Jack’s Western Swing Round Up on Saturday, April 21st at 7 p.m. Jack Phillips and his friends will entertain throughout the evening, and it shouldn’t be missed! The Reilly Springs Community Center is located at 109 CR 1439 in Sulphur Springs. For additional information contact Allison Phillips at (903) 348-7321, Enola Gay at (903) 438-3568, or visit www.jackphillipsmusic.com.
Como School Reunion is scheduled for April 21st
The planning committee for the biennial Como High School reunion is scheduled for April 21st in the Como-Pickton School cafeteria. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a short program to recognize former teachers, the oldest graduate, and the former student traveling the longest distance. Lunch, consisting of a main dish, sides, dessert, and beverage, will be served for $12. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early and greet former classmates before, during, and after lunch! For additional information, call Richard Teer at (903) 488-3673 or Elizabeth Coker Trepanier at (903) 885-3887.
AgriLife Extension offers Rebalancing Work & Life Webinar
The Military Families Learning Network (MFLN) is providing a free monthly webinar in partnership with USDA, U.S. Department of Defense, and Extension. The April 25th webinar will take place at 10:00 a.m. To sign up, go to: https://learn.extension.org/events/3261. To join the webinar, use the ‘event location’ link designated for each webinar and follow directions within the site. The MFLN offers both continuing education credit (CE) and certificates of completion for webinars. Additional webinars will take place on May 23, and June 13, 2018. For more information, call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office – Hopkins County – at 903-885-3443.
CPI is hosting a customer appreciation of Thursday, April 26th
CPI is hosting a customer appreciation dinner and product demonstration on Thursday, April 26th at 6 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. CPI would love for you to join them for dinner and stay to learn about their new products they are now offering. Dinner will include salad, prime rib, bacon green beans, broccoli with cheese sauce, and garlic mashed potatoes. Please RSVP to [email protected].
Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra presents Family Music Night
The Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra presents a Family Music Night on Friday, April 27th at 6:30 p.m. at Shannon Oaks Church, located at 1113 Shannon Road in Sulphur Springs. This event is free to the public. Come enjoy movie themed and great classical music performances by local musicians. Children are welcomed to dress as their favorite movie characters. For more information, call (903) 261-7907, or email [email protected].
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
PJC-Sulphur Springs Welding Program Summer Registration Underway
NEW WELDING STUDENT PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding instructor John Plemons explains some aspects of the welding program to KeaAron Cash of Sulphur Springs as she prepares to register for the program. Registration for the summer semester at the Center is underway. For more information call 903-885-1232 or go by the campus located at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs.
Children’s Museum Takes Step Towards The Future: PRESS RELEASE
Children’s Museum Takes Step Towards the Future
Silent Auction provides an opportunity to be involved with the Museum’s future. (April 10, 2018, Commerce, Texas) – The 2018 Silent Auction for the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum will be a pivotal event for the Museum. The event is set for Monday, April 23 in the Sam Rayburn Student Center on the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus. The bidding begins at 6:00 PM and closes at 8:00 PM.
The Museum continues its challenges as it deals with issues involving the current building site. In June 2017, Texas A&M University-Commerce announced that the Museum could look forward to a new site at the location of the previous University president’s home. The Museum would join a proposed agricultural complex at the site.
Finalization of this exciting proposal includes a new building for the Museum’s future. The 2018 Silent Auction will initiate an active step toward raising the $3 to $5 million needed for the new building.
“We will need support from throughout northeast Texas to make the proposed building a reality”, said Sharline Freeman, Director of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum. “I envision our visitors – parents, grandparents, students and children – engaging to help us achieve what appears be a Herculean task. I do think it can be done. This year’s Silent Auction is a new beginning.”
Guests at the auction will find a variety of items for bidding as they enjoy a fun and festive evening out with friends and neighbors. Items include floral arrangements, furniture, home accents, original paintings and artwork, collector’s items, holiday décor and jewelry, as well as unique experience packages, and much more.
An exciting part of this year’s Silent Auction will be the raffle. A number of ways exist to purchase raffle tickets include purchasing them from Museum board members, at State Farm Insurance in Commerce, in person or by calling the Children’s Museum – or even by purchasing them at the door on the night of the event. With the support of the community this year’s raffle will include three items. These will be cards totaling $1,000 sponsored by Alliance Bank, Cypress Bank, Guaranty Bank and Trust, and Inwood Bank; a 60” TV donated by 10-2- 4 Ranch; and a Yeti package donated by Commerce Veterinary Clinic. Raffle tickets are $5 or 5 tickets for $20.
The Market provides another venue for shopping. With family recipes of hot sauces and barbecue sauce, the Market will also have an assortment of baked goods and other culinary delights. Popular items from the Children's Museum Gift Store will also be available. The Museum accepts checks, cash and credit cards.
“There are so many ways to support this event. Donate an item for the auction, purchase a raffle ticket, or visit the Museum Market. We request community support by attending and participating in the bidding of more than 300 items,” said Donna Tavener, Museum board president. “We hope that this year’s Silent Auction will be a great event as the Children’s Museum moves toward a new building.”
Call the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum at (903) 886-6055 to donate an item, purchase tickets or with any questions.
For additional information, contact:
Sharline Freeman, Executive Director
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum (NW Corner Culver and Highway 50 Commerce, Texas 75428)
Telephone: (903) 886-6055 or (903) 456-4789
Email: [email protected]
Coaches for Wildcat, Lady Cats Review Wins Look to Next Game
Coach Hammack on Marshall Win
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack said he can appreciate a well pitched game. In fact he said there were two well-pitched games in the Wildcats 1-0 victory over Marshall at Wildcat Park Tuesday night (April 10). Each team managed only two hits. Coach Hammack said the Wildcats pitcher Ryan Humphries and the Mavericks pitcher Trevor Clark both mixed their pitches pretty well. He added our guy was just a little better. Coach Hammack said it was of the best games Humphries has thrown, especially this year. He said Humphries had only thrown 79 pitches going into the last inning. Coach Hammack said Humphries had command of all three of his pitches: the change up, the curve and the fast ball. He said Humphries got strikeouts with all three pitches. The Wildcats got both of their hits in the bottom of the third inning when they scored. After Gavin Millsap and Austin Dodd singled, both base runners advanced on a wild pitch. Coach Hammack said Kaden Argenbright swung and missed a couple of times before lifting a fly ball deep enough into the outfield for Millsap to tag up and score after the catch. Before Marshall arrived on Tuesday, they actually helped out the Wildcats on Monday (April 9). The Mavericks beat Texas High to create more space between the second place Wildcats and third place Texas High Tigers. Coach Hammack said he is still deciding who to pitch Friday night in Texarkana. Last Friday (April 6), Wildcats pitcher Triston McCormick said he heard a pop coming from his pitching arm or elbow. Coach Hammack said he would evaluate McCormick as well as Pacen Edwards or others to determine his Friday night (April 13) starter. The Wildcats are now 7-1 in district play and 14-8 for the season. After Friday, the Wildcats will end the district season with three straight home games.
Carrillo on Marshall Win
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo said two things allowed the Lady Cats to outscore Marshall 7-1 Tuesday (April 10)night at Lady Cat Park. One was the pitching of Bailey Haggerty who allowed only one run and three hits over seven innings. The other was scoring runs in two big innings: three runs in the fourth and four runs in the sixth. The Lady Cats again had a lineup where just about every batter contributed to the win in some way. With the win, the Lady Cats improve to 9-1 in district play and 22-5 for the season. The Lady Cats remain in first place by a game. Coach Carrillo said the Lady Cats still control their own destiny. If they win both of their final two district games, the Lady Cats will be district champions. The Lady Cats were co-district champs back in 2009. Both games left this season are tough ones. First comes a trip to Texas High Friday night (April 13). After an open date next Tuesday (April 17), the Lady Cats play always tough rival Mount Pleasant at Lady Cat Park Friday week (April 20).
Lady Lions Lose Close One to North Hopkins
The Saltillo Lady Lions’ softball team lost a close one Tuesday (April 10), 4-2 to North Hopkins.
The Lady Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. The Lady Lions cut the deficit to 2-1 with a run in the top of the third inning. North Hopkins got two more runs in the bottom of the fourth to go up, 4-1. Saltillo added a run in the top of the seventh but that’s all they could get in the 4-2 loss.
Lady Lions pitcher Chandler Bain struck out three. For the Lady Lions, Madison Simmons was 2 for 4 with two singles. Bain was 2 for 4 with a single and a double. Paisley Kastner was 2 for 3 with two singles. Jordan Sustaire, Christi Gurley and Anna Reeder were all 1 for 3 with a single. The Lady Lions play next at Detroit at 4:30 p.m. Friday (April 13).
Blue Blazes Present Spring Show April 27-28, 2018
The annual Blue Blazes Drill Team’s Spring Show is coming up fast according to Blue Blazes Director Christie McCullough, in her twelfth year at SSHS. This year’s show will take place on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. both nights, in the SSHS Auditorium. There was a spring show before Ms. McCullough arrived but she says she loves the spring show and has revamped it and shaped it over the years to make it something Blue Blazes can take a lot of pride in and present as a gift to the community.
Tickets should go on sale Thursday (April 12) and initially will be available from any member of the Blue Blazes. There will also be tickets for purchase in the front office of the high school. Ms. McCullough said again VIP tickets are available for $15. Other tickets are $10. Ms. McCullough said the VIP tickets are larger and will be suitable for collecting complete with their own lanyard.
This year’s theme is Blazes on Broadway. Ms McCullough said the show is based on the itinerary of the Blue Blazes trip to New York City. She said the high energy spring show will feature not only the Blue Blazes but also the Sparks, members of Ms. McCullough’s dance classes, the new Middle School Drill Team the Sapphire Stars and the Blaze Buddies. Ms/ McCullough also promises some surprises including a new, incredible, dazzling piece of equipment. Stephen Kramer returns to help with the production.
Stock Photo: Sulphur Springs ISD Blue Blazes
Petrea Sentenced to 20 Years for Intoxicated Manslaughter
In a sentencing hearing Wednesday in Eighth Judicial District Court, Mitchell Wayne Petrea, 39, who had pled guilty to Intoxicated Manslaughter, an indictment enhanced in the use of a deadly weapon—a vehicle—was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Petrea has a history of DWI for the past 10 years. He also has a history of driving with an Invalid Driver’s License. Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison said the defendant has never taken responsibility for his actions.
On August 15, 2017, Mitchell Wayne Petrea, 39, pulled into the path of a dump truck on State Highway 19 N at Birthright resulting in the death of his wife. Petrea, who also sustained significant injuries in the accident, was taken to Medical City Plano for treatment where his blood alcohol level was found to be 0.29, almost three times the legal limit.
Judge Eddie Northcutt opened his sentencing statement by saying, “This is a sad, sad case…” with many victims whose names were not involved in the case against Petrea itself. He noted the victim’s family affected, the injured driver of the dump truck, Petrea’s daughter, and Petrea’s mother. He said he had heard the testimony and had read letters written on behalf of Petrea stating that he did not intend to harm his wife. However, noting the indictment, the judge stated that the indictment along with multiple arrests for intoxication factored into his decision regarding punishment. The punishment range was 2 years with probation to 20 years and up to a $10,000 fine. Not fine or court costs were levied based on Petrea’s indigent status.
Noting Petrea had said he did not plea to Intoxicated Man Slaughter, the judge reviewed the paper work from the time of the plea and noted that in bold print and capital letters the term Intoxicated Man Slaughter had been clearly noted and that Petrea had agreed to the charges at the time of his plea. The judge stated the level of alcoholic content in his system made it “…beyond believable…” that Petrea could claim bad luck as the cause of his 10 years of various arrests. The judge noted it should be attributed to the abuse of alcohol by Petrea.
Petrea’s request for probation was denied. His statement that he would live with his mother and work for an employer who had a past of alcohol related issues did not give strong hope of probation. Judge Northcutt did commend Petrea’s court appointed attorney for doing a “…good job…” in representing Petrea.
Judge Northcutt said he relies on justice and mercy when making decision but the state focuses on justice. The judge read a 2004 completed probation certificate that Petrea had received for past offences but said that chance had not proved sufficient to change Petrea’s ways.
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.
Davidson Announces He Will Not Attend Chamber City Council Debate
In a News Release Wednesday Justin Davidson, candidate for Place 1, Sulphur Springs City Council has announced he will not attend the Chamber of Commerce sponsored debate. In his announcement he stated:
“Justin Davidson, candidate for city council, has elected not to participate in the upcoming Chamber of Commerce debate for candidates for city elections.
“Davidson is appreciative of the invitation but respectfully declines. ‘I don’t feel the debate will be neutral ground for some of the candidates.,’ Davidson remarked. ‘Frankly, I do not feel that all candidates will be and/or were represented unbiasedly (sic) throughout the question selection process.’
“’I’m not alone,’ said Davidson. ‘But, it appears I will stand alone as, yet again, other candidates were/are easily influenced in changing their position,’ Davidson continued. ‘I don’t feel that being part of a debate where members of the panel released by the Chamber of Commerce openly endorse other candidates or incumbents (yard signs and/or social media) represents equal representation of my base support.’
Davidson reminds voters that early voting begins April 23rd and that Election Day is May 5th and now is the time to take a stand against status quo.
North Hopkins Baseball Senior Night
By Faith Wheeler and Amy Sprague
The North Hopkins Panthers had their baseball senior night on Tuesday April 10th, in honor of their only graduating player, Chase Williams. Senior night followed the Varsity Baseball game against Fruitvale in which North Hopkins won 9-1.
Williams has played North Hopkins baseball all four years of high school and is one of the star athletes at North Hopkins. Williams was escorted by his parents Charlie and Tina Williams. Williams was also awarded the “Golden Chain” which represents the best batting averages of the game.
