Celebrity Movie Calendar Fundraiser Features Local Talent to Help Sr’s Center
Karon Weatherman displays the first copy of the Hopkins County Senior Celebrity Movie Calendar. This fundraising calendar was the idea of one of the seniors who attends the Center’s activities. It was created to help fund a new, larger Senior Citizen’s Center in Sulphur Springs. The full-color 24-month calendar for 2018/2019 includes twenty-four movie poster photos featuring local senior citizens you may know. Cost is $20 per calendar, and they will make great Christmas gifts. For information, phone 903-885-1661 or visit the Sr’s Center at 150 MLK Drive in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Karon’s visit to the Good Morning Show also revealed plans for more events for seniors….
42 Tournament on Saturday August 19 starting at 10am. A pizza lunch will be provided. Cost to enter is $10 person through August 11, then $25 per team of two. At the Sr’s Center, 150 MLK Drive
Senior Olympics on Thursday August 24 at The Roc, downtown Sulphur Springs. 1K at 9:30am, other events start at 10am. Free for anyone age 50 through 80-plus. Wheelchairs and walkers OK.
The Volunteer Fair on Thursday September 14 at Sr’s Center. This event will attract volunteers to help your organization. Booth space available at $15.
Chamber Connection August 10,2017
I’m so excited about the upcoming 2nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than January 1, 2015, and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
Just so you know… the Hopkins county Stew Contest is peering around the corner! Every year, the Chamber allows a non-profit organization to sell drinks at the Stew Cook-off. There are several rules and regulations to follow, but if you are interested in placing your organization’s name in the hat, please call the Chamber. You will be asked to come in and sign an understanding agreement in regards to rules and expectations. Deadline for volunteers is August 26th. Once we have all our volunteers in place, we will literally pick one out of a hat and award drink sales to that organization. Please call if you have any questions.
Shining Star Productions presents Beauty and the Beast August 11-13
Shining Star Productions presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, August 11-13, at the SSISD Auditorium.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and may be purchased at the S. S. Public Library, Alliance Bank, and The Sewing Queens. Tickets will be $12.00 at the door and are required for ages 2 & up. Performances are Friday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a special performance on Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. featuring the Jr. Cast. Don’t miss this production!
The 11th Annual Hot August Night BBQ Cook-off will be held on Saturday, August 12th
The whole weekend is scheduled to be full of Hot August Nights! Come watch firefighters from across the country compete in the Firefighter Combat Challenge at the Hopkins County Civic Center grounds on Friday, August 11th and Saturday, August 12th. The challenge is free for all to watch. The BBQ cook-off food service will begin at 4 p.m., and winners will be announced at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the BBQ cook-off support the Hopkins county Volunteer firemen.
Northeast Texas Choral Society is holding auditions on Saturday, August 12th
Northeast Texas Choral Society is holding open auditions on Saturday, August 12th from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The auditions will be held in First United Methodist Church’s Choir Room (upstairs from the fellowship hall), 301 Church Street in Sulphur Springs. The Choral Society is celebrating its 20th year, so come out and be a part of the Choral Society!
Century 21 First Group is hosting an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 12th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Century 21 First Group is hosting an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 12th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come socialize while enjoying free ice cream, and register for the $100 local gift card giveaway! The Ice Cream Social will be held at 210 Connally Street.
Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting a Canine Fashion Show on August 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting a Canine Fashion Show on Tuesday, August 15th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are a dog lover, you won’t want to miss this! You may also enter YOUR dog to compete in the show! Show up by 6:00 p.m. and enter your pup on the runway. Entry fee is 10 pounds of dog food. Hopkins Place is located at 890 Camp Street in Sulphur Springs.
Reilly Springs Jamboree presents Hanah & Hailee on August 19th at 7 p.m.
The Reilly Springs Community Center presents Hanah & Hailee, Country Duo, on Saturday, August 19th at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.00 per person, and you will surely get your money’s worth. The Jamboree is held at the Reilly Springs Community Center, 109 CR 1439, in Sulphur Springs. Come and enjoy some real country music!
Texas AgriLife Extension Office is hosting many classes this month, and here they are:
Course: Pesticide Applicator Certification for Private Applicators. The Texas Department of Agriculture requires users of insecticides and herbicides to obtain and maintain a private applicator license.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Date and Time: August 16, 10:00-2:00
Cost: $25.00, which includes lunch.
RSVP to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Note: No testing will be conducted on this day. Contact the Texas Department of Agriculture for exam arrangements. Teaching materials and rules and regulations for sale ($40.00) at the Hopkins County Extension Office.
Course: Cooking Well with Diabetes. Attend this series of four fun-filled, interactive classes packed with research-based information and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Dates: Series of 4 classes, September 12, 14, 19 and 24
Times: 1:30 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. (choice)
Cost: $25, payable at the first session
Call 903-885-3443 to reserve your space or if you need additional information.
Course: Free Marriage Education Workshop. This informative workshop is offered to married couples, engaged couples, and seriously-dating couples. Come and discuss ways to improve communication skills, marriage expectations, conflict resolution, money management, and more!
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Date and Time: August 26, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
There is no cost, and lunch is provided
Facilitator: Johanna Hicks
RSVP to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443
Note: Engaged couples who complete this workshop will receive a gift certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license!
Hunt County Regional is hosting the Mobile Mammography Coach on August 24th
Hunt County Regional Hospital is bringing the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach to town on August 24th, to the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. Most insurance accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can assist 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 ext. 21. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
The Hopkins County Fall Festival presents Emerald City Band on Friday, August 25th
The Emerald City Band will be performing on Friday, August 25th, at the Hopkins County Civic Center Arena. The general admission to the concert is free. For VIP ticket information, call (903)243-1925 or email [email protected].
Ribbon Cuttings:
Workforce Solutions of N.E. Texas Ribbon Cutting
Workforce Solutions of N.E. Texas has moved to a new facility and hosted their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 8 at 12:00 noon. Their new location, 1513 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs, is a larger space than they had previously which will allow them to offer additional services to those in Hopkins County.
Have a wonderful weekend!
–Lezley
Former Escapee Ebey Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison in Plea Bargain Agreement
Barney Dwayne Ebey has been sentenced to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice following a plea bargain agreement in Eighth Judicial District Court Thursday. Ebey had escaped from a work group at Hopkins County Civic Center in June of this year. Ebey was in court for a pretrial hearing for Engage in Organizied Criminal Activity, a Felony 2.
Ebey escaped from a work group at Hopkins County Civic Center last week. He was located 12 hours later near Athens, Texas when he was tracked by dogs from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Ebey has been in a Tyler hospital where he had been under observation after being transferred from a Henderson County hospital due to medical reasons.
The dogs had torn the rear section of Ebey’s pants away and bitten him on the buttocks. Ebey claimed to have had a heart attack from the chase.
He is now charged with an additional Escape While Arrested/Confined Felony. He is also charged with a March 23, 2017 Escape While Arrested/Confined Felony following his arrest for Engage in Organized Criminal Activity and two counts of Theft of Property less than $30,000.
According to Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison, Ebey’s criminal record includes:
1. Convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, in Hunt County, Texas, on October 10, 2001, and sentenced to 10 years TDCJ after being revoked on probation.
2. Convicted of Escape in Kaufman County, Texas, on September 4, 2001, and sentenced to 4 years confinement, TDCJ.
3. Convicted of Failure to Identify – Fugitive from Justice in Kaufman County, Texas, on November 19, 2003, and sentenced to 30 days county jail.
4. Convicted of Theft – Second degree felony in Williamson County, Texas, on September 4, 2012, and sentenced to 3 years TDCJ.
5. Convicted of two counts of state jail felony theft in Henderson County, Texas, on May 20, 2013, and sentenced to 12 months confinement in state jail in both cases.
A Sneak Peek at the New AMBUS
By Savannah Owens
Brent Smith , EMS Director, and Jeff Sanderson, EMS team member, took KSST on a private tour of their new AMBUS, and KSST is sharing that with you!
“The bus is owned by the state. There are 13 of them allocated to each location by the State.” Sanderson expressed excitement at this big honor. The bus can be used in any disaster-type situation such as “hurricane deployments, and the human trafficking incident that happened [a few weeks ago].” There are state and regional deployment types. “This bus went to Paris when they had a big apartment fire.”
Cordless vital sign monitor
This AMBUS was set up for transporting 16 patients laying down, but you can convert it to fit 4-5 people sitting up on each seat. They have wheel-chair tie-downs, and 20 cordless vital sign monitors. “We carry everything that are on usual ambulances and more.” Sanderson assured.
“The bus is equipped with regional radios, and satellite communication.” Smith said. Which means the bus can talk to ambulances across Texas, and talk to San Antonio (Main Dispatch center) and the 12 other buses. “Every crew member has a hands free headset to communicate with each other. The driver and crew chief have [additional] access to the radios from their headsets.”
Infant carrier
Smith explained some of the features the bus contains. They have two cardiac defibrillators, a Lucas device (a cardiac chest compression machine), and a winch to help all types of patients onto the beds.”Each bed can have its own oxygen-we have 6 tanks underneath the bus.” They are the only bus in Texas that has an infant carrier. This bus can transport new born babies to elderly adults.
Typical staff plan for the bus includes: “one driver, a crew chief, and four clinicians-which can be paramedics or EMTs depending on the mission.” Smith described. The AMBUS is apart of an the State emergency task force; that assists in disaster and regional response.This bus is also part of the Emergency Medical Task Force (EMFT) and covers region 4, which is East Texas: “from Oklahoma to Trinity, and From Hopkins to the Louisiana state line.”
The idea for these ambulance-buses came from “post Hurricane Katrina. The state bought them for massive hurricane evacuations…It’s a better utilization of resources for the state [to be able to efficiently evacuate citizens and patients from disaster areas.” Smith explained.
This fully equipped AMBUS cost $650,000. Smith stated; “We’re proud to have the ambulance. It’s a great asset [for the community and region]. We are blessed to have it.”
To see the official press release click here.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrest for Burglary Leads to Narcotics Discovery
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigators and deputies served a search warrant for Burglary of a Building but found more than just items taken in the burglary that occurred on Highway 11W. The result of the search led to the arrested of Daren Lee Gibson, 48, of Sulphur Springs.
Having obtained a search warrant for items taken in the property, Hopkins County Investigators and Deputies searched the Gibson residence off Bill Bradford Road in Sulphur Springs.
Heroin
At the residence, investigators found items taken in the burglary along with a quantity of narcotics including heroin, over 2-grams of suspected methamphetamine, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. An arrest warrant was obtained for Gibson, who is now in Hopkins county jail.
Hydraulic hoses and other items taken in the burglary were located at the residence. One item of paraphernalia found was a bolt that had been hollowed out and a screw in top attached.
Methamphetamine
Gibson was arrested on July 8, 2017 for two charges of possession of a controlled substance and bond was set at $30,000. He posted bond the following day. In May of this year and in February, 2016, he had been arrested on drug charges as well. Other arrests for burglary of a building and possession of narcotics were posted to his record in 2012.
You’re Invited to a Royal Evening Out
By Savannah Owens
The Lil’ 4’s club is hosting their Annual Kings and Queens Ball on Saturday August 12th at 4:00 pm. The Ball is a dinner as well as a talent show and pageant put on by the kids. It will be held at 200 Fuller street (Lil’ 4’s Building), and everyone is welcome to attend. This is a black tie event (no jeans or sneakers) and parents are requested to come.
This is Lil 4’s 8th year of hosting the ball. This year’s colors are gold and white. Letitia Conliffe, president of the Lil’ 4’s, says she starts planning early and stocks up on the decorations. “I make a lot [of the decorations] myself. I spray paint and make it look elegant…You can’t go wrong with white and gold! We’re using actual place settings; no plastic and real glasses, and gold silverware…everything is formal.”
The Ball will include dinner with steak, ribs, and ham for adults, and Salisbury steak for the kids. The kids will be doing skits, a talent show, and a fashion show. Some of the boys are doing a special tribute to their moms. There is no cost to attend this exciting and family fun event, but donations will be accepted.
Special guests to look for include: Colby Savage, Mr. Brown, and Evelyn Fullbright.
The ball will crown 3 kings and 3 queens for different age groups. Four judges will pick the new royals based on fashion and talent throughout the night. The selected kings and queens will represent the Lil’ 4’s in events around town. “They’ll come out to the nursing homes to sing and represent the club, they even get a float in parades that is separate from the Lil’ 4’s float.”
“This is one of the Lil’ 4’s big events, It lets the kids feel special. A lot of underprivileged kids want to feel special and girls want to feel pretty. It’s like Prom or a Quinceanera for the ladies and very debonair for the young men!” Letitia explained. She gets the dresses, suits, and nice shoes for kids who can’t afford them from garage sales, CANHelp, and second-hand stores. “These kids have never been able to dress up, I do everything to let the kids know someone loves them…They want to participate, and I want them all to [be able to participate and not have to worry about their clothes].” The kids are extremely grateful for the new outfits and the entire event. Their anticipation is obvious as they smile and talk about their new clothes and their talents. Letitia said. “They don’t ask for much.”
Some kids are nervous about performing, but “they still dress up and walk out.” Letitia described how typically the girls walk into the ball with a father figure, and everyone stands and cheers as they enter. “It lets the girls feel proud and happy.” She explained. “A lot of drugs have taken this town; 75% of girls don’t have dads around,” which makes things difficult for the girls to be escorted to the ballroom by their fathers. Men in the community are requested to walk with the ladies who’s fathers are unavailable to attend. If you would like to walk with one of the girls, contact Letitia Conliffe at 903-440-5546.
“The kids have beautiful voices and a bunch of talent.” Letitia said.
Let’s meet some of the performers!
Zariyah Kates will sing and dance to “Walk With Me”. “I like singing and wearing pretty dresses.”
Ivanna Gotcher will sing “Oh Lord”. “I like dancing and seeing everyone look pretty.”
D’marien Macon will “sing ‘I Spy’ and [performing a dance] to my mom.” “I like to dance.”
Aniayah Adeley will “dance in the praise dance, and dance by myself.” “I like that I get to dance and sing and perform.”
Dalia Johnson will “sing ‘Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got’.” Her favorite part is “being pretty.”
Rodney Harris will “dance and sing.” He is excited for the Kings and Queens Ball.
Breeanna Conliffe will participate in the fashion show and the praise dance. She likes seeing everyone in their dresses and suits, and if she is chosen as queen she will most look forward to “being in the parades.”
Chris Hamilton will “dance” a step dance to his mom. His favorite part about Lil’ 4’s is “going outside.”
Shalice Green will “do a praise dance.” She is excited about the Ball.
Zatirya Allen “likes to dance” and will dance in the talent portion of the event.
The Lil’ 4’s is a non-profit organization that keeps kids off the streets, while feeding and mentoring the kids. Letitia explained that the Lil’ 4’s receives very few donations from members in the community, and most everything comes from her own pocket. They only just recently had a donation of an A/C system from Lowe’s. She mentioned Rita Taylor, Clint Beachum fondly known to the kids as “PaPa”, Kenneth Courk, Terry Williams, Clebo, and Terrance, President of the Knights, as people who frequently help out around the club. Letitia explained she was disappointed that all of the churches except for the Church of Christ, don’t seem to want to help.
“We don’t get discouraged, we plan ahead and keep on having faith. God will guide us [as] we work together like a big family.” Letitia frequently puts her life on hold to make sure these kids are fed and taken care of. She pays her own rent and the club’s rent from her own pocket. She says while they have computers for the kids to work on their school work, they still don’t have enough money to pay for WiFi. “It’s like I had 50 kids given to me… I let them feel like home here…I didn’t come to be a friend, I came to show them the love the community and parents don’t give…Our kids are our future, you’d think we would come together as a community to help them.”
To learn more about the Lil’ 4’s or the Kings and Queens Ball visit their Facebook page or go by 200 Fuller street.
SSHS Blue Blazes Drill Team Prepares for Friday Night Performances
The Sulphur Springs High School Blue Blazes Drill Team has been busy all this month getting ready for Friday night performances during football season. During the first week in August, the Blazes went to their annual boot camp. Blue Blazes Assistant Director Cammie McGraw said the 56th line of the Blue Blazes learned all of their football routines and pep rally routines. She said here were also team building sessions.
Ms. McGraw said this year’s theme at boot camp was “extreme makeover”. She said the drill team learned fundamentals of starting a new team this year, starting fresh and bonding with each other without cliques or drama. Wednesday morning (August 9), the Blue Blazes were on a practice field working on there first halftime routine as well as pregame responsibilities. Ms. McGraw said details of the Blue Blazes first routine at the new Prim Stadium before home fans is being kept secret. She said fans will need to show up at the stadium to see it.
There are 32 members in the Blue Blazes Drill Team this year. They are led by senior Captain Natalie Contreras, a three-year veteran of the drill team.
Firefighters Combat Challenge: A Feature of Hot August Night Aug. 11, 12
North Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bobby Harris and Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley were guests on the KSST Good Morning Show to talk about this weekend’s ‘Hot August Night’, an annual fundraiser for Hopkins County Fire Departments. There are two main features: a BBQ Cook-off held as a fundraiser with serving at 5pm Saturday Aug 12, and the Scott Firefighters Combat Challenge, which is an International competition for firefighting departments of all sizes.
The first section of the firefighter challenge will begin at noon Friday August 11, and spectators are welcome to the free admission event. The meet is a qualifier for advanced competition. In 2016, a 5-man team from Sulphur Springs Fire Department as well as members of the Cumby Volunteer Fire Department passed the two-minute qualifier to advance to World competition in Montgomery, Alabama. A Saltillo Volunteer Fire Department team also qualified but could not attend due to schedule conflicts. At this weekend’s challenge, you will see teams from other states and surrounding counties at the meet. A Scott Challenge set-up crew will arrive in Sulphur Springs to put the contest structure in place on the SSHS parking lot and Civic Center grounds. ESPN is expected to be on hand to cover portions of the competition.
Chief Endsley explained his experience from last year’s “Six-Story Tower Climb” trial, having joined five other local firefighters as a Relay Team in the strenuous two-minute qualifier. Each firefighter (male and female) will wear full bunker gear plus carrying a High-Rise pack, thus bearing more than 100 pounds of weight. The firefighter climbs the steel staircase which is six flights high as quickly as possible (staircase will be erected on the school parking lot). In his ascent, he may step on every stair or on every-other stair. At the top, he will use a hand-over-hand method to pull a 100-foot, three and a half-inch hose up from the ground. Next he utilizes the Keiser Sled to simulate chopping with ax or sledgehammer. He then goes to ground level and using a serpentine method, drags a hose through a 100-foot maze. He then steps up to project water from a fire hose through a set of doors at a target. Last, he must drag “Rescue Randy” the 185-pound rescue mannequin for 100 feet. All this must be performed within two minutes to qualify. This section of the contest may be performed by a teams and by individuals.
There are twelve fire departments in Hopkins County. 100% of funds raised during Hot August Night will be used for Volunteer Fire Departments, which through agreement, assist each other wherever the need is in Hopkins County for not only fires but for other emergencies requiring trained professionals. Tickets to Hot August Night are available at ticketstothecity.com.
Meal A Day Menu For August 7th-11th
Meal A Day Menu
August 7th — August 11th
Tuesday
Baked Beans
Tater Tots
Tossed Salad
Broccoli
