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Vote for Local Teen Syndee Hawkins to Sing National Anthem Contest at Cattle Industry Convention in Phoenix, Az.

Posted by on 10:16 am in Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, School News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Vote for Local Teen Syndee Hawkins to Sing National Anthem Contest at Cattle Industry Convention in Phoenix, Az.

Vote for Local Teen Syndee Hawkins to Sing National Anthem Contest at Cattle Industry Convention in Phoenix, Az.

Nineteen year-old Sydnee Hawkins of Sulphur Springs, Texas is one of four finalists vying for the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the Spring convention of one of the oldest and largest cattleman’s organizations in the United States. The National Beef Cattleman’s Association sponsors the singing contest each year, the winner earning the honor of appearing at the convention and trade show in Phoenix in early 2018. Voting is a simple and quick process, so please help Sydnee get the most votes by voting daily through early December.

Sydnee is well-known locally for roles in SSHS Thespian productions, in Haystack Youth Choir and as a soloist with the NE Texas Choral Society. Supporters of Sydnee can vote once each day at the link to the NCBA contest.  You can Vote for Sydnee by clicking on the following link: Vote Here and clicking on Sydnee’s video, then click on the blue “Vote” button.

 

 

CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION & NCBA TRADE SHOW
JANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 2, 2018
PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER DOWNTOWN
PHOENIX, AZ
The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest national convention for the cattle business. The 2018 convention will be the 121st annual convention. The convention and trade show create a unique, fun environment for cattle industry members to come together to network, create policy for the industry and to have some fun! If you’re in the cattle business, then you need to be in Phoenix.

Harrison Seeks Republican Nomination for County Court at Law Judge

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Harrison Seeks Republican Nomination for County Court at Law Judge

SULPHUR SPRINGS – November 13, 2017 – On the first official day of filing, Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison filed to run for County Court at Law Judge with the Republican Party. The position is currently held by Judge Amy Smith, who will retire when her term expires in December 2018.

Harrison, a life-long resident of Hopkins County, graduated from Sulphur Springs High School and attended The University of Texas at Austin where he was a Group Commander in the University’s Air Force ROTC program. After graduating from college, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force at age 20. He then attended Baylor University’s law school on a full academic scholarship.

After taking the bar exam, Harrison joined the Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps and served as a military attorney at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. For two years, he practiced a variety of law on behalf of U.S. service members including wills, probate, family law, and civil law.

Harrison was later assigned to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Chief of Military Justice for one of the Air Force’s largest overseas bases. He supervised a team of attorneys, paralegals, and clerks and oversaw criminal cases for the 7,500 member base. He prosecuted numerous criminal cases involving child pornography, sexual assault, drugs, and theft.

In 2010, he was deployed to the tropical island of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines in support of counterinsurgency operations against the Abu Sayyaf (“Bearer of the Sword”) terror group. The Abu Sayyaf organization made its reputation as a particularly violent jihadist threat, specializing in kidnapping for ransom operations. As the lone attorney for a joint special operations unit of Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and other combat soldiers, he advised military commanders on the law of war and rules of engagement. He also directed an intelligence program that rewarded local civilians for providing information on high value enemy targets.

He separated honorably from the Air Force in 2012 in order to return home to Texas. After prosecuting criminal cases in Tyler, he returned to his home town in 2014 and joined Will Ramsay’s team at the District Attorney’s office in October 2014. Since then, he has tried 28 fully litigated cases to the jury or to the court, written 13 appeals, and had several notable jury trials.

In November 2015, he tried Mark Covington, a captain in the Aryan Circle according to gang experts, for witness tampering. Covington received a life sentence from a jury.

In January 2016, he tried Stanton Yates as the leader of a home burglary ring that spread across Hopkins County. Yates received a life sentence from a jury.

In March 2016, he tried Hunter Dixon for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. After initially pleading Not Guilty, Dixon changed his plea during trial to guilty and agreed to 40 years in prison without parole.

Also in March 2016, Harrison tried Scott Shine for Engaging in Organized Crime. Texas DPS Narcotics officers dubbed Shine “the biggest meth dealer in Franklin County.” Shine was sentenced to life in prison by a jury.

In December 2016, Harrison worked closely with law enforcement to secure guilty pleas from Dustin Garcia, Christopher Chambers, and several other members of an organized ATV theft ring. Garcia received a 28 year sentence and Chambers received 15 years. Due to aggravated parole rules, both leaders will have to serve half of their sentences before being eligible for parole.

Also in December 2016, Harrison tried Daniel Arnold of Franklin County for shaving the heads of his two children while a CPS investigation was pending into methamphetamine use. Arnold was sentenced by Judge Eddie Northcutt to the maximum of 10 years in prison.

In June 2017, Harrison tried professional swindler Chad Cappiello for a contracting remodel scam in Hopkins County. Mr. Cappiello was convicted by a jury and sentenced to the maximum of 2 years in state jail by Judge Northcutt.

Last week, Harrison prosecuted Dana Gandy for felony theft. She was convicted by a Hopkins County jury in 13.5 minutes. Sentencing will take place on November 28.

Harrison has published two books, including The Stubborn Texan, which is a conservative defense of the U.S. Constitution.

Outside of work, Harrison and his wife lead the Crossover young adult ministry at The Way Bible Church, are active in Crossfit, and are the proud parents of a 7 month old girl. Harrison is the son of Dr. Juan and Mrs. Sheri Harrison, both career educators, and the grandson of Jim Weeks and the late Darlene Weeks. His wife Tara is the daughter of Mike and Sandra Gibby, and the granddaughter of Jerry Don and Peggy Goldsmith of Birthright.

Contact: Clay Harrison 903-243-3118

Email: [email protected]

Video Presentation: Miss Rodeo American 2017

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Video Presentation: Miss Rodeo American 2017

Main Street Uncorked Presents $5,000 to Veterans’ Memorial

Posted by on 10:52 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Main Street Uncorked Presents $5,000 to Veterans’ Memorial

Main Street Uncorked Presents $5,000 to Veterans’ Memorial

 

Jeana Penny presents 5,000 check from Main Street Uncorked a fundraiser for the Hopkins County Veterans’ Memorial.

NETBIO Anniversary Sale Averages $906.48 per Head

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NETBIO Anniversary Sale Averages $906.48 per Head

The cattle industry in Northeast Texas celebrated a milestone at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission Wednesday when the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) launched the beginning of its 20th year of operation with a big barbecue luncheon and a pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale.

NETBIO is a group of independent cow/calf producers and agribusiness representatives who work together to enhance the beef industry in Northeast Texas. The organization is recognized across the State of Texas and the Southern United States as the leader in its reputable offering of pre-conditioned calves.

The anniversary celebration kicked off with a barbecue meal that was enjoyed by approximately 475 producers, buyers, family and friends. Following the lunch, auctioneer Joe Don Pogue gaveled the sale of 7,758 head of cattle into action.

BIDDING GOES ON Auctioneer and Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner Joe Don Pogue, at the microphone, takes bids on a pen of Tiger stripe heifers during Wednesday’s NETBIO pre-conditioned cattle sale.

“It was a very good sale to mark the anniversary of NETBIO,” Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner and NETBIO board member said. “There were producers and buyers here from throughout the region and from the adjoining states.”

Fowler said the 246 producers who consigned cattle to the sale did their usual great job of pre-conditioning their cattle and getting them ready for the sale. He added that the demand was good and the cattle sold at a premium. A total of 38 buyers paid an average of $906.48 per head.

“There was a lot of interest from the buyers — both those at the sale and several who were buying over the Internet,” Fowler said.

Those who missed this sale have an opportunity to attend a second NETBIO anniversary sale on November 29 at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission.

Due to the increased demand that made it necessary to close the consignment books early on the Nov. 15 sale, NETBIO directors scheduled this second sale, which will be offering over 7,000 head of pre-conditioned cattle. This second edition of the anniversary-month sale will begin at 1 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled NETBIO sale will be held on January 17. The deadline for weaning calves for that sale is Dec. 3, and the booster shot deadline is Dec. 18.

QUALITY CATTLE A total of 7,758 head of pre-conditioned cattle like these sold at the NETBIO anniversary sale this week. Another special NETBIO sale, with over 7,000 head consigned, will be held Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission.

 

 

Channel 18 News November 16, 2017

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Channel 18 News November 16, 2017

Lovejoy Head Coach Resume Includes UT Quarterback; Offensive Coordinator for Southlake Carroll, UNT

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Lovejoy Head Coach Resume Includes UT Quarterback; Offensive Coordinator for Southlake Carroll, UNT

The Wildcats play Lovejoy Friday at Prim Stadium in a bi-district match and the Leopards head coach is Todd Ford, in his second year. The former University of Texas quarterback in the `90s was the offensive cooordinator for Coach Todd Dodge at Southlake Carroll and the University of North Texas. Coach Ford also built the program at Round Rock Cedar Ridge leading them to the playoffs for three straight years before coming to Lovejoy.

This year Lovejoy is 5-5, just like the Wildcats. They lost five but have won the last five. Plagued by injuries and a tough schedule that include playoff teams Argyle, Frisco Wakeland, Frisco Lone Star and Highland Park, the Leopards went 0-5. After a bye week, they got healthier and have won five straight including victories over playoff teams North Forney and Mesquite Poteet.

Lovejoy’s quarterback is Carson Collins, who was injured early. Coach Ford said he is benefiting from starting ten games last season as a sophomore. Receiver Chase Van Wagoner is heading to TCU. On defense, the Leopards leader is Arkansas commit Bumper Pool, their senior middle linebacker. Coach Ford said the Wildcats are well coached and they are playing very hard. He said the Wildcats are also on a winning streak and are playing with confidence. Coach Ford said the opportunity is there for a really good football game to take place Friday night.

Miss Rodeo America, Lisa Lageschaar, Comes Home to Hopkins County

Posted by on 11:35 am in Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, School News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Miss Rodeo America, Lisa Lageschaar, Comes Home to Hopkins County

Miss Rodeo America, Lisa Lageschaar, Comes Home to Hopkins County

At age 26, Miss Lisa Lageschaar whose home is Pickton, Texas is about to hang up her crown and banner because she has already achieved the pinnacle of Rodeo Royalty in the United States. As Miss Rodeo America 2017, she has served as the top representative of the PRCA Rodeo world wearing the crown she earned at National Finals Rodeo in December 2016. Lisa sat down with Enola Gay in the Channel 18 TV studio for a rare hometown interview about her amazing career.

Although raised on a dairy farm, Lisa always had a horse to ride,  running barrels and roping in Mt. Vernon and Winnsboro rodeos and jackpots. At age 14, she became interested in the role that college scholarship money plays in wearing a crown and sash. She was crowned Miss UPRA in the Civic Center arena in Hopkins County seven years ago during the United Professional Rodeo Association Finals. She next set her sights on the title of Miss Rodeo Austin while in college there, and in achieving that, she decided to go for Miss Rodeo Texas. She did not win on her first attempt at the state title and taking that as a sign, went back to teaching public school Ag classes at New Boston, Texas. However, when school dismissed that summer, she followed her heart and tried again, this time earning the Miss Rodeo Texas title during the San Antonio Fat Stock Show in 2016. She traveled extensively, making public speaking appearances and riding in rodeos across Texas for one year, then prayerfully approached the idea of running for the national title. Always with her parents support, Lisa competed in Las Vegas’ NFR last December and ended up winning not only the appearance, personality and written portions of the contest but the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America for 2017. One year and thousands of miles later, she is now set to get back on track to obtain her doctorate in Educational Leadership, because teaching is in her heart. Meanwhile, she is happy to be spending a little downtime at November’s end back home with her family in Hopkins County.

 

 

Lisa has a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Tarleton State University. Lisa plans to obtain a doctorate in Educational Leadership to continue to provide the best opportunities possible for our youth. As a member of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, American Quarter Horse Association and Texas CattleWomen, and a graduate of the Masters of Beef Advocacy Lisa is passionate about agriculture and the western lifestyle.

“I firmly believe that our youth are our future. My main goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I am honored to represent the western and agriculture industries and the cowboys and cowgirls who keep our western traditions alive. The equine and agriculture industries have brought me more joy and happiness than I could have ever imagined, and it is my calling to give back to the industries that have given me everything by serving as an enthusiastic, proud representative.”
Lisa has been an active member in her community, giving back to the local youth through programs like Future Farmers of America and 4-H. She has mentored many students on public speaking, veterinary science, floriculture, horse evaluation, livestock judging and more. Being a positive example is important to Lisa and this belief is what lead her to pursue her chosen profession as an educator. Not only does she teach on the importance of agriculture as it relates to our future, but she also strives to instill values like humility, hard work, and integrity. When time allows Lisa competes in team roping, barrel racing, and enjoys working on the family dairy farm.

“As a first generation American, and someone who did not come from an equestrian background, I quickly found a way into the equine industry. Through my experience and education I have evolved into a woman who is passionate about horses, rodeo, agriculture, and the western way of life. I was not chosen by this lifestyle, but I chose to make it my lifestyle. As Miss Rodeo America I will be able to serve as a spokeswoman on a larger scale, as a living example of how it doesn’t matter where someone comes from or what their circumstances are – anyone can  accomplish anything they put their mind to.”

KSST’s Enola Gay with Miss Rodeo America Lisa Lageschaar at home in Hopkins County at the Channel 18 TV studio during November 2017

 

Froeschle Keynote Speaker for 2017 Economic Outlook Conference

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Froeschle Keynote Speaker for 2017 Economic Outlook Conference

2017 Economic Outlook Conference will feature Richard Froeschle, current Labor Market Economist, as keynote speaker.  The event, sponsored by the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, is set for Wednesday, December 6th.

Chamber Executive Lezley Brown stated that Froeschle will bring a new voice and opinion to the Economic Conference. Froeschle currently is working in a consulting capacity performing keynote and related public presentations on a wide range of topics including all aspects of labor market and career information, education and workforce skill analysis and labor market trends. He formerly served as the Director of the Labor Market and Career Information Department (LMCI) of the Texas Workforce Commission. His primary expertise is in regional labor market analysis, interpretation and application of labor market information for education and workforce planning, and making public presentations on state and regional labor market trends as they relate to education, workforce and economic development policy. Additional areas of interest and experience include education and workforce policy, state and federal grants administration, job matching and skill analysis, career progressions development, and assessment of occupational supply and demand. Resume includes over 38 years in the application or labor market information for education and employment and training policy, over 25 years of progressive management experience, and over 440 presentations in the past decade on all aspects of the Texas economy for various audiences and in diverse venues across Texas and nationally.

The luncheon will take place at the Hopkins County Civic Center from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tickets for the event are $20.

Chamber Connection November 16, 2017

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Chamber Connection November 16, 2017

I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2018 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory.  We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even home town heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses.  They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County.  The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. Echo Publishing creates this book for us.  LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.  The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business.  We redesigned the 2017 directory to look more like a beautiful magazine, and 2018 will follow suit.  I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure.  You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.  I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love.  I hope you will join me in the journey!

We have an announcement regarding stew t-shirts.  We have a few of the Come and Taste It t-shirts left unpurchased in each size at the Chamber.  We’d like to clear these out, so we are selling them for $8.00 each.  If you missed purchasing your shirts on Stew Contest day, give us a call at the Chamber!  We’ll get your order ready where you can just pop in and grab them.  Call quickly before they are all gone!  (903) 885-6515.

Wesley United Methodist Church is hosting their Fall Roundup

Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 614 Texas Street in Sulphur Springs, is hosting their 39th Annual Fall Roundup on Saturday, November 18th.  The Country Store will be open from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the service of stew and chili from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., silent auction from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the live auction will begin at 6:30 p.m.  Child care is available.  Ticket prices are $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ten and under, and free for kids five and under.  Don’t miss this!!!

7th Annual Turkey Trot scheduled for Thanksgiving Day on Celebration Plaza

Get ready to make room for your Thanksgiving meal by participating in the 7th Annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 23rd, on Celebration Plaza.  The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8 a.m. with a $30 entry fee.  The 10K Run will also begin at 8 a.m. with a $40 entry fee.  Pace for the 10K is 12 minutes per mile.  There is also a Kids Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. for ages 10 and under.  Entry fee for the Fun Run is $5. Packet pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, November 22nd, at the ROC from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Heritage Park will host Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m.

The Hopkins County Historical Society presents Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 25, and Saturday, December 2, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Admission is $3.00, and children under seven are free. Visit with Santa, see the light displays, listen to live music, enjoy hot cocoa, old-fashioned cider, coffee and cookies, and begin your Christmas shopping in the Country Store.

Lion’s Club will host the 10th Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m.

The Lion’s Club is hosting the 10th Annual Christmas Parade presented by Carriage House Manor on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m.  The parade begins at Buford Park and goes East on Connally Street to the square.  It turns left onto Church Street and left on Houston Street to end in the Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot. Line-up begins at 3:00 p.m. on December 1st.  You may pick up registration forms and rules at the Chamber of Commerce.  The entry fee is one toy, to be donated to the Blue Santa Program. Charitable cash donations also accepted, and checks should be made payable to the Sulphur Springs Lions Club. Registration forms must be received by noon on Tuesday, November 28.

Help Blue Santa Build His Float

Christmas Light Parade spectators are encouraged to bring a toy or financial donation to the parade for the Blue Santa program and can be turned in either at the Hopkins County Courthouse before the parade, or during the parade to the Blue Santa trailer. The Blue Santa program is a partnership between the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association and the Sulphur Springs Law Enforcement Association to provide Christmas gifts and financial support to needy families during the Christmas season.  Thank you for your generosity to this worthwhile program.

Ribbon Cuttings:

 

Danna’s hosted a grand re-opening

Danna’s Southern Charm & The Florist celebrated their re-grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, November 14th, at their new location, 438 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs.  They also introduced Danna’s Flea Market Style & Swap, featuring the Buffalo Girls, on the 2nd weekend of April and the 2nd weekend of November in Sulphur Springs, and the 2nd weekend of October in Winnsboro.