Lady Cats Third; Wildcats Track Results From First Meet
Wildcats Track at Gilmer
Wildcats Track Coach Matt Young said it was great for his athletes to compete at a Gilmer meet last Friday (March 9). He called it the East Texas Junior Olympics and he added it featured the best of the best in East Texas including Carthage, Paris, Pittsburg, Liberty-Eylau and Gilmer. Coach Young said in just about every race, there were kids who would be going to the State Meet. The meet was the first for Wildcats’ field athletes. In the high jump, Jeremiah Roland cleared 6-foot-4 and finished first. Landry Tyson also cleared 6-foot-4 and he finished second. In the triple jump, Carter Monk was second with 42-feet, 6-inches. In the shot put, Ian Blanch threw 45-feet and got second. Coach Young said that’s the distance Blanch finished with last season when he got fourth in district. Logan Caton was fifth in the discus with 110-feet to earn points for the team. Coach Young said the Wildcats also had a couple of 19-foot long jumpers that he’s working with. He said his distance runners were all at the Lovejoy Distance Festival on Friday. Coach Young said he promoted some distance runners to the varsity. In the 4 X 100-meter relay, Coach Young said the Wildcats’ hand offs were a little slow. The relay team of Andy Eddins, Simeon Taylor, Damiyon Dugan and D’Corian Young finished fifth. In the 110-meter hurdles, Kylan Wade was third with a time of 15.3 Tyson was fourth with a time of 16.1. In the 4 X 200-meter relay, Coach Young said the relay members were in the race until a bad last hand off ruined things. He said the relay team was made up of Bryce McQueen, Eddins, Wade and Taylor. In the 300-meter hurdles, Coach Yound said Ryan Humphries played in a baseball game and then drove to Gilmer where he arrived, quickly warmed up and then went out and won the race with a time of 41 seconds. Tyson was actually ahead in the race after five hurdles but then fell and suffered a broken wrist. Coach Young said Tyson is in a cast but has been cleared by a doctor for track events. In the 200-meter race, Taylor won the race with a time of 23 seconds. Coach Young said the 4 X 400-meter relay had some solid legs but was still basically a work in progress. Overall, the Wildcats finished fifth in the meet and scored 77 points. Coach Young said with the points he usually expects from distance runners, he feels the Wildcats would have finished about third in the meet. He said he is excited by the Wildcats’ possibilities. The Wildcats will run next at a Paris meet on March 22.
Lady Cats Track at Gilmer
The Lady Cats’ track team finished third at a Gilmer meet last Friday (March 9). It was the first meet for the field competitors. Lady Cats Track Coach Triston Abron said finishing first in a meet of this caliber was an accomplishment. Coach Abron said discus throwers Danielle Godbolt and Abbi Beggs picked up points. Imani Taylor was first in the long jump going over 17-feet. N’sya Dugan was fourth topping 16-feet. After not high jumping for a couple of years, Taylor ended up tied for second in the event. Coach Abron said he wants Taylor to be his jumping specialist. He said Taylor told him she would do whatever event he wants her to to help the team. Coach Abron held Taylor out of the triple jump Friday but he indicated she would do the event at the team’s next meet. Coach Abron said the team missed the points usually brought in by distance runner Sydney Washburn. He said Washburn ran in the Lovejoy Distance Festival Friday and he said she finished in the top 15 in one race and the top 25 in another against strong Metroplex competitors. In the 4 X 100-meter relay at Gilmer, the Lady Cats were second. All of last year’s relay team return: Dugan, Taylor, Abbi Baier and Sadavia Porter. In the 100-meter race and the 200-meter race, Porter finished first. Porter had a time of 11.98 in the 100-meter race. Dugan was third in the 100-meter race. Coach Abron said it was fun to watch Porter and Dugan compete with each other. He said both Baier and Faith Hatley ran the 100-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles. Baier was second in the 300-meter hurldes Coach Abron said Hatley had a good run going in the 100-meter hurdles but a slight strumble hampered her effort. He said he has high expectations for Baier and Hatley in the hurdles races. Coach Abron said he knows his defending district champs are competitors and will work hard for meets coming up. Some Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track athletes showed up during spring break for workouts on Tuesday and Thursday (March 13 and March 15). The Lady Cats will join the Wildcats at a Paris meet on March 22.
Panthers Defeat Fruitvalle Wednesday
The North Hopkins Panthers’ baseball team won in a rout as they defeated Fruitvale, 22-3 on the road Wednesday (March 14). The game was halted after four innings due to the ten run rule.
The Panthers struck for 6 first inning runs and then had 4 runs in the second, 5 runs in the third and 7 more runs in the fourth inning. Fruitvale had 3 first inning runs and managed five hits. They made 11 errors. The Panthers had 6 hits.
Chase Williams pitched the first two and a third innings for the Panthers allowed 3 runs and 5 hits. Caleb Wyatt finished up on the mound with 1 and 2 thirds innings pitched allowing no runs and no hits.
Wyatt was also 2 for 3 at the plate with a run, a triple and 4 RBIs. Brycen Gillespie was 1 for 2 with a walk, 4 runs scored, a double and 3 RBIs. Tate Myers scored a run, walked and had 3 RBIs. Williams and Colby Cameron both had 2 RBIs. Branson Thomas hit a double.
All-Region Basketball Teams Include Players From Area Schools
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta had two of his players selected to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ Class 5A All-Region Basketball Team in Region II for the 2017-2018 season. 6-3 junior guard Keaston Willis and 6-8 junior forward Victor Iwuakor were chosen.
Several other area schools had players selected. Mount Vernon’s junior guard Brandon Aguilar and senior guard Tyler Cooper made the Class 3A Region II team. North Hopkins junior guard Caleb Wyatt was chosen on the Class 2A Region II team. In Class 1A Region III, selectees included senior guard Andjelo Alcox and senior guard Luke Brignon of Miller Grove, senior guard Lyle Bench and senior forward Trevor Moore of Saltillo and senior guard Bradley Potts of Yantis.
Lady Cats at Marshall for Third Spring Break Game
The Lady Cats’ softball team is back in action on this Thursday game day (March 15). It will be their third game during this spring break week.
The Lady Cats are traveling to Marshall for their fourth district game. The Lady Cats are on top in the district standings with a 3-0 record. They have home wins against Greenville and Pine Tree and a road victory at Hallsville. Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo says the Lady Mavericks of Marshall have a talented group of freshman this year including a very good young freshman pitcher.
There will be a JV game at 4:30 p.m. in Marshall with the varsity playing at 6 p.m.. The Lady Cats have a season record of 16-4.
Dairy Festival Udderances Announces Preparations for June: Hot Air Balloons, Parade, Queen Candidates
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board of Directors is beginning preparations for the 2018 Dairy Festival! We have already received lots of inquiries from interested participants – for the parade, the balloons, and of course, from candidates for the Coronation Pageant. The Festival dates are June 8 – June 16. This year’s theme is: “Party ‘Til The Cows Come Home!”. Our Board President, Carolyn McKinney, will host the opening ceremony on Friday, June 8 at 12:00 noon at Celebration Plaza (downtown square).
The first flight of the Hot Air Balloons will be from the grounds of Shannon Oaks Church, from 6:00 am – 9:00 am on Friday, June 8. David and Pam Black, (at [email protected]), are the chairs for all Hot Air Balloon activities the first weekend of Dairy Festival. The balloons (as we fondly call them: The Dairy-Aires) will be flying Friday, June 8, and Saturday, June 9 at dawn and at dusk, (weather permitting). This year we have 30 balloons planning to participate! Come see those gorgeous balloons and be part of the fun! All Balloon activities are free and open to the public; as are all Festival activities (except for the Queen Coronation Pageant). The Queen contestants sell tickets to the Pageant as part of their community activities; so please buy tickets from our contestants.
Where else but in Hopkins County could you see young ladies riding on handmade floats, along with little kids riding on their creative and clever mini-floats? And, the candidates will be milking real cows later that day, and so will their parents. Then that same day you can view hot air balloons at dawn and dusk. Our annual carnival will be during the second week, June 13- June 16. Please visit our website: www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com and click on schedule of events.
And get your creative juices flowing as to how your float for the Parade will represent our theme this year: “Party ‘Til The Cows Come Home!”. Just think celebration parties of all kinds. Any organization, commercial enterprise, or community group is welcome to enter a decorated float. Our fabulous and famous Parade, with our reigning Queen, Miss Jaci Reed, atop her regal float, leaves Buford Park on Saturday, June 9 at 10:00 am.
If you want your “Little Kid” (boys and girls, ages 3 – 6) to be a part of the Parade and Pageant, please contact Sheilah Hale at [email protected] (817-228-8998).
For Parade information and registration contact David Watson: [email protected] (903. 439.5020) or register through the website: www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com .
Any young lady who is a Junior in a Hopkins County school may apply for consideration to be a candidate in this year’s Festival. If interested, please contact Cindy Lancaster at [email protected] (903-439-5336) or Gena Prickette at [email protected] (903-243-4534) for information. Only 12 places are available for contestants to compete in the Coronation Pageant. The 2018 Coronation Pageant is on Saturday, June 16 at 7:00 pm at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium.
The Parents’ and Candidates’ Reception will be on Monday, April 2th, 2018 at 6:00 pm at the Southwest Dairy Museum. This will be an opportunity for potential contestants and their parents to learn about the activities and responsibilities of being a candidate for the title of Dairy Festival Queen 2018 and to ask questions of the Board of Directors. We have many talented and experienced board members who can help any potential candidate develop a talent presentation for the pageant.
The entire Festival experience is the chance of a lifetime for young ladies. Former contestants have remarked over the years how rewarding it was having participated in Dairy Festival. It is lots of good hard work as they build their float, fun bonding with family and friends, and lots of laughter! They get to help crew the balloons, and might even get a ride! Candidates will learn interview skills, stage walking and correct posture, how to take a talent presentation from ‘okay’ to great; and gain confidence in public speaking and conveying their goals and accomplishments to adults. And, most importantly, contestants and their parents learn how to milk a real cow!
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival is a tradition of 59 years and includes Hot Air Balloons, a huge Parade, a milking contest, the Jr. Dairy Show, a carnival, and the Coronation Pageant. We also have the Texas Championship Ice Cream Freeze Off to be held Saturday, June 9, at 5:30 pm at Shannon Oaks Church, sponsored by the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce. These are all much- looked- forward- to and not- to- be- missed annual County events, so mark your calendars now!! We’ll see you there! So, let’s have a party!
Conliffe, Lil 4s Honored by GoFundMe to Celebrate Women’s History Month
by Heidi Hagberg with GoFundMe
To celebrate Women’s History Month and everyday heroes, GoFundMe is honoring Letitia Conliffe as she has dedicated her life to helping the children in her hometown of Sulphur Springs. After enduring life on the streets as a single mother, she recognized the importance of paying it forward to help teens in her community who are facing similar hardships but have dreams to change their fate.
Thirty years ago, Letitia was forced to the streets with her 1-year-old and faced many hardships in her childhood/teen years but always had this desire to change her fate. In 2013, Letitia looked around her town and realized not much has changed: drugs, alcohol and gangs still ravaged families and children still went to school hungry and stressed. So, she took matters into her own hands.
Letita founded Lil 4s – a safe haven for children to have a hot meal and a stable, welcoming environment for kids to do homework, play with friends, or simply get a hug. Up to fifty children ranging in age from five to seventeen utilize the free services Letitia provides. The community recognized the impact Lil 4s was having on the children but, also, how Letita was struggling to finance the facility.
A member of the community started a GoFundMe which raised $20,000 in one month to help Lil 4’s stay in business through the holidays and provide a Christmas meal and presents for over 20 families.
Today, Lil 4s is fundraising in hopes of buying a new van to transport kids, pay for repairs to the facility, and bring in guest speakers to show the kids what they can accomplish if they stay on track.
Fall Festival Board Seeks Donations
Hopkins County Fall Festival enters its 49th year of providing a festival, county fair atmosphere honoring the traditions and providing new and exciting venues to celebrate the county and its heritage. As a non-profit board, the Fall Festival Board is asking for input and opinions as well as donations to provide an exciting festival for 2018. The cost of the traditional festival continues to increase each year and the board is seeking ways to provide the event without charging for entry to the Festival.
Each year the volunteers that make up the board have to pay for the use of the Civic Center, the High School, some events and the entertainment all without charging for entry to the Festival. The board also provides scholarships to the winner of the Cover Girl Contest and donates to a Charity that benefits children in the area as well. Spring is the time of year the board needs money coming in so they can pay deposits to book the Entertainment and Attractions for the Festival, according to board members.
The Festival was moved to October several years ago to once again have it the same time as the Stew Cook Off at the Community’s request and some years it has worked and others the weather has caused us to not have a profitable year. The board values the community as well as those who come from all over to attend the festival. This year, they decided to try a different approach to fundraising by asking for donations. Receive some sponsorship from businesses they also seek contributions from the community. All Donations to the non-profit organization will be a tax deductible.
See “The Women of Lockerbie” at Main Street Theater March 16-25, 2018
The lives of the residents of Lockerbie, Scotland as well as individuals from around the world were forever altered by the in-flight breakup and crash of Pan Am Flight 103 in late 1988. All 243 passengers on the plane lost their lives due to the terrorist bombing, in addition to eleven residents of Lockerbie on the ground. Seven years later, the personal effects of these victims continue to be locked away in storage as evidence, despite protest. Can those who grieve for the victims ever find closure? Grief and a vast range of emotions is explored in “The Women of Lockerbie” onstage at Main Street Theater. Though the play is slightly dark, the cast demonstrates warmth as the characters explore those most human of emotions, forgiveness and hope, in their attempt to find a measure of peace and redemption at last.
Community Players’ Leah Connor and Garrison Roller play an American couple who lost their son in the disaster. Brad Cummings portrays the hard-nosed United States official assigned to oversee the evidence stored in a Scottish government building. Amber Moline as “Olive” represents the Lockerbie women who fight to reclaim their loved ones’ personal items. And “Hattie” (Leslie Powers) is the building’s cleaning lady who could use her opportunities to help the cause. Laura Teer and Savanah Morrison also appear. Director is David Woody.
The play will be staged during two weekends; March 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7pm, and in two Sunday matinees on March 18 and 25 at 2pm. Tickets are $10 each, and reservations are recommended by calling 903-885-0107. Main Street Theater is located at 224 Main Street in downtown Sulphur Springs. Persons interested in live community theater are encouraged to contact Community Players.
Chamber Connection March 15, 2018
Chamber Connection-March 15th
It’s filling up fast! The 29th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held at the Sulphur Springs Country Club on Friday, April 13th. Just like last year, we will have morning and afternoon tee times. Please consider bringing a team and enjoying a very fun day of golf and prizes! We have limited availability, so let us know as soon as possible if interested. Teams are already signing up! Give us a call at (903) 885-6515 for additional information!
Community Players hosts a Patron Appreciation Night
Community Players will be hosting a Patron Appreciation Night on Thursday, March 15th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will be located at the Main Street Theatre at 225 A/B on Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Community Players has provided entertainment for Hopkins County for over 35 years. As a thank you and to share their goals for 2018, they are hosting this appreciation night with light snacks, cocktails, and live entertainment. They are gearing up for their upcoming production of The Women of Lockerbie, so you may attend the dress rehearsal as well from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. that night. Please visit www.communityplayersinc.com for more information.
Community Players present The Women of Lockerbie
The Community Players are preparing their debut of The Women of Lockerbie on March 16-18th, and March 23-25. The play will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Main Street Theatre is located at 225 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. For ticket information, visit www.communityplayersinc.com.
Super Handy Celebrates its 70th Anniversary
Super Handy is celebrating its 70th Anniversary on Saturday, March 17th! They will have daily store specials the week of March 12th – 17th. Check them out on Facebook and enter a chance to win the grand prize. On Saturday, March 17th, the Broadway location will be serving free hot dogs and hot links from 11:00 to 1:00, and when you purchase your gasoline there from 9:00 to 3:00, they’ll pump it for you and wash your windows, just like the good old days!!! Come on out to Super Handy and celebrate 70 years in business!
Lil 4’s Club hosts an Anniversary Party
Lil 4’s Club, located at 200 Fuller Street in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a one-year anniversary party on Saturday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make plans to enjoy gumbo or BBQ, silent auction/garage sale, train rides, hay rides, raffles, and live entertainment. All money received will be donated to the Lil 4’s upcoming events for their kids!!
Operation Victor Echo Tango will host their ribbon cutting celebration
Operation Victor Echo Tango will host their ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, March 19th at 12:15 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce located at 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs. Operation Victor Echo Tango is a non-profit organization assisting veterans in multiple ways. Please make plans to come by and learn about this new venture in Hopkins County!
Sulphur Springs Elementary School is hosting the Harlem Wizards!
For the first time ever, Sulphur Springs Elementary School is hosting the Harlem Wizards! They will be coming to town on March 19th at the SSHS gymnasium. The SSES PTO is excited to announce that the “Wacky Wildcats” will be taking on the Wizards. There are two easy ways to purchase tickets. You can stop by the SSES office located on Bell Street in Sulphur Springs, or you can purchase online at www.harlemwizrds.com. general admission is $10.00, VIP tickets are $20.00, and courtside plus backstage passes are $30.00. Make sure and join in on this fun night!
Heart of Hope is hosting an educational presentation
Heart of Hope is hosting an educational presentation entitled “Human Trafficking, It’s Closer Than You Think” on Tuesday, March 20th from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Middle School located at 835 Wildcat Way in Sulphur Springs. The speaker scheduled for the evening is Laurie McGehee, manager of Probation services in Shreveport, Louisiana. She will discuss topics such as: warning signs of individuals being trafficked, how to protect your child, how to report a tip, and how to connect with anti-trafficking services in your area. For more information, please visit the Northeast Texas Heart of Hope Facebook page.
Hunt Regional is offering January Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on Thursday, March 22nd in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Rock Creek Health & Rehab is holding a fundraiser for Darla Porter
Rock Creek Health & Rehab, located at 1414 College Street in Sulphur Springs, is holding a fundraiser for Darla Porter on March 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a BBQ lunch of sliced brisket, potato salad, baked, beans, pickle, onion, bread, cookie, and a drink for $8.00. All orders for delivery should be turned in by March 21st. All proceeds go to Darla Porter for medical expenses and cancer treatment. To make your order reservation, call (903) 439-0107.
Tim Halcomb Allstate is hosting their Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Tim Halcomb Allstate is hosting their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, March 28th at noon. Their office is located at 319 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Come meet Tim and his crew, enjoy some refreshments, and learn about what his office can do for your insurance needs.
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 March 28 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 April 25, May 23, and June 13, 2018. For more information, call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office – Hopkins County – at 903-885-3443.
Heart of Hope is hosting a 3K and Family Fun Run
Heart of Hope, a pregnancy resource center located at 407 South Davis in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a 3K & Family Fun Run on Saturday, April 7th beginning at Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs. Check-in and on site late registration will be available at 9:00 a.m. The 3K Run will kick off at 10:00 a.m., and the Family Fun Run (1/2 mile) starts at 10:45 a.m. Pre-registration deadline is March 22 in which the Family Fun Run cost is $10, and the 3K cost is $20. Late registration costs change to $15 and $25 respectively. Awards will be given to the top 3 qualifiers of the 3K Race at 11:15 a.m. For more information, visit www.sulphurspringspregnancy.com.
Pilot Club hosts their Spring Fundraiser
The Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs is hosting their Spring Fundraiser on Saturday, April 7th at 7 p.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. They are doing it “Branson Style” with music and entertainment by Robert Joe Vandygriff. A $30 ticket includes meal and entertainment. $5.00 also buys chances for themed gift baskets and a trip for two. Tickets can be purchased through Pay Pal at www.sspilotclub.org. For additional information call (903) 348-5099, (903) 243-0979, or (903) 438-7153.
Cedar Canyon hosts the Inaugural Veteran’s Freedom Ball
Cedar Canyon is hosting the Inaugural Hopkins County Veteran’s Freedom Ball on April 7 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event is to honor our active and retired Military here in Hopkins County and, equally as important – to raise money for continued maintenance, upkeep, and updates to the Memorial and to engrave the remaining names of Veterans on the Walls. The entire debt in building this $1.2 million Memorial was retired within the first three years; however, there is no perpetual funding available. The goal with this very first Freedom Ball is to breathe new life into the Memorial Committee, raise awareness in the community for the needs of the Memorial itself, and to engrave the remaining 2000 names on the Walls. Several hundred visitors come each year to the Plaza in Sulphur Springs to see this amazing, moving, and beautiful tribute. For pricing and ticket information, visit www.hcfreedomball.com.
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.
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
