Hopkins County Area Under Flash Flood Watch 7 p.m. August 6 to 7 p.m. August 7, 2017
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING… The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for portions of North and East Texas. This includes the following counties in North Texas…Bosque, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Montague, Navarro, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise. In Northeast Texas…Delta, Henderson, Hopkins, Lamar, Rains, and Van Zandt counties. Timing….From 7 PM CDT this evening through Monday evening. Locations of heaviest rain…Heavy rainfall is expected this evening and into the overnight hours. Additional rainfall on Monday may aggravate and promote additional flash flooding. The heaviest rainfall is expected for areas east of a Bowie to Meridian line and for areas north of a Meridian to Corsicana to Athens line. Rainfall amounts….Rain amounts across North and Central TX will range between 2 to 3 inches with isolated 4 to near 6 inches of rainfall possible, especially across Northeast TX. |
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Aviation History: Lockheed C-121 Constellation
The following information comes from local Sulphur Springs resident Tony Hughes. Mr Hughes worked on, performed engine run up, pre-flight/post flight and flew as an aircraft mechanic observer on FCF’s (functional check flight) at the Greenville, Tx. plant, formerly known as TEMCO. The Greenville plant started as Temco (Texas Engineering & Manufacturing Co.) then changed to Ling-Temco Electronics, Inc. in 1960, then Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc. in 1961. The company then changed it’s name to LTV Electrosystems, Inc. in 1965, then E-Systems, Inc. in 1972. A merger changed the name to Raytheon E-Systems in 1995, and now the company has been managed by L-3 Communications since 2002.
The C-121A was the military variation of Lockheed commercial Model 749 Constellation. Howard Hughes was one of the driving forces behind the design of the Lockheed Constellation commercial transport. Between 1948 and 1955 the USAF ordered 150 C-121As for use as cargo/passenger carriers, executive transports, and airborne early warning aircraft.
Fifty-five percent of the Super Constellations built by Lockheed were delivered to the U.S. Navy and Air Force. A majority of the aircraft were used for electronic reconnaissance and airborne early warning. In the mid-1960s, the Air Force sent the first EC-121 “Warning Star” to Southeast Asia to maintain radar surveillance over North Vietnam and then later to warn of MiG attacks and alert American pilots who were straying over Chinese territory.
The Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star was a United States Navy and United States Air Force Airborne early warning and control radar surveillance aircraft. It was designed to serve as an airborne early warning system to supplement the Distant Early Warning Line, using two large radomes, a vertical dome above and a horizontal one below the fuselage. EC-121s were also used for intelligence gathering (SIGINT). It was introduced in 1954 and retired from service in 1978, although a single specially modified EW aircraft remained in service with the U.S. Navy until 1982. Warning Stars of the U.S. Air Force served during the Vietnam War as both electronic sensor monitors and as a forerunner to the Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS. U.S. Air Force aircrews adopted the civil nickname, “Connie”
Columbine II is a Lockheed VC-121A Constellation (Air Force Serial Number 48-0610) used by President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower until replaced by VC-121E Columbine III (AF Ser. No. 53-7885). This aircraft was the first plane to use the Air Force One call sign. Over Richmond, Virginia in 1954, Eastern Airlines Flight 8610, a commercial flight, shared the same air space withAir Force Flight 8610, which was carrying President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the time, prompting the adoption of the unique call sign Air Force One whenever the President was on board any aircraft.
After being replaced, Columbine II continued in service with the United States Air Force until retired to Davis–Monthan Air Force Base for storage during the late 1960s. The aircraft was sold as part of a package lot to Mel Christler, a Wyoming businessman who owned a crop-dusting service, and was made airworthy in 1989 and flown to Abilene, Kansas for Eisenhower’s 100th birthday celebration and to an air show at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. In 2003, it was then flown to Marana Airport, Arizona for storage.
The aircraft owner was considering cutting the aircraft up as scrap when the Smithsonian Institution, during a research project, contacted the owner and informed him that 48-610 was, in fact, a former presidential aircraft. Columbine II was purchased and moved from Arizona to Bridgewater, Virginia in March 2016 for restoration by Dynamic Aviation. The purchase price has not been disclosed but the purchaser, Karl D. Stoltzfus Sr., founder of Dynamic Aviation, has said it was less than $1.5 million. Dynamic Aviation mechanics did significant work on the plane in Arizona in preparation for its flight to Virginia where it is to be completely restored.
The Lockheed VC-121E “Columbine III” is at the National Museum of the United States Air Force DAYTON, Ohio.
Temco/Ling-Temco Electronics/Ling-Temco-Vought Greenville, TX performed maintenance and modification on the C-121A, C-121G, EC-121D and EC-121K aircraft beginning in 1958 thru 1969.
Good Times at the Dairy Queen Back To School Carnival
Everyone who attended had a good time at the Back to School Carnival hosted by Dairy Queen.”Teams from both locations chipped in to help! We would like to make it an annual thing, and maybe switch between [the Main Street and South Broadway] locations.” Destanie Walls, GM for Main Street Dairy Queen, said.
Students and families enjoyed bounce houses, duck pond games, dunking booth, the bake sale, face painting, and a photo booth. Dontations from the bake sale will go towards the new Senior Citizen Center and the Lil’ 4’s non-profit group. The weather was perfect for a night of fun to celebrate summer coming to a close. Students expressed mixed emotions about starting back to school and meeting new teachers and classmates!
KSST spotted the following people out and about at the carnival:
Braton (Kindergarten) roared for the camera in his “zombie” face paint.
Niaysia, Trinity, and Jaquarius
Shekinah Coleman was there with her kids Niaysia Johnson and Jaquarius Johnson.
Trinity Elliot enjoyed the bounce house.
Dante Elliot paused his fun to smile for the camera.
Savannah Self, Kasin Self (2nd grade), Ricky Self (5th grade), Stetson Taylor, Jaden Taylor, Sarah and Amelia Davis.
Donna Hamilton and Amanda Gotcher ran the bake sale.
Joanh Monrreal took photos of this event.
Autumn Adams painted faces for the kids.
Check out some more pictures from this event!
CANHelp Back To School Bash was a Big Success
CANHelp’s Back to School Bash was a huge success! There were over a thousand people in attendance.
Shanna Martin met up with KSST to talk about the event. “It’s been crazy but good! For our first year, we think it’s a hit! We are very happy with the turnout and we want to make this a tradition.” Martin said her favorite part was “seeing the place filled up! It’s a testament to the community, we didn’t know what to expect.”
Martin said she knew it would be good when “there was a line of 50 people waiting before we opened.”
In response to why she does what she does, Martin said “I like to help people, kids especially and when they have all the tools they need to do better in a learning environment [that’s when they really thrive]. It’s also what God calls us to do.”
There were all sorts of community members out with booths from Churches, Healthcare Agencies, Insurance Agencies, Girl Scouts, Banks, First Responders, and more!
Great Clips hairstylists had a long line for kids eager to recieve fresh back to school hair cuts. Christus Mother Frances representatives and Abacus Home Health representatives were offering blood pressure tests and giving out information about good health…as they offered candy to the kids. The Lions Club was offering free vision screenings.
Ragan Dennis with the Safe-T Crisis Center was giving out information and helping bring awareness to the cause. “A lot of people still don’t know were out here.” The Safe-T Crisis Center is a place of help for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Shannon Almand with UnitedHealthcare offered pencil bags with school supplies in them to kids, and talked to parents about medicaid options, and health plans. Their newest plans are Starplex and Starplus medicaid options that allows them to “help more people.” Almand also helped educate families about benefits of being healthy.
The Oral Health Program from Tyler, Texas helped educate families on the importance of dental hygiene and good habits. They had teeth molds and a diorama to show kids possible outcomes if they smoke or don’t brush their teeth. They also explained the importance of fluoride applications-which is to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Texas State Technical College provided several education options for parents and older students thinking about improving their future.
First Convenience Bank’s Vanessa Alexander and C.J. Davidson gave out school supplies to kids. C.J. Davidson is also an author who encourages victims of domestic violence to be survivors.
The Sulphur Springs Public Library handed out book bags and encouraged kids to visit the library where they can check out books or enjoy Story Time.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department printed KidPrint IDs-which are a recommended safety precaution. The cards have the child’s, name, picture, date of birth, address, and parent’s contact information. It’s best to renew Kidprint ID’s once a year.
TX DOT’s Safety Bob educated families about the importance of not texting and driving.
EMS showed kids their ambulance and stretcher, and the Firemen provided delicious hot-dogs and drinks!
One thing’s for sure, this is one event you don’t want to miss next year!
Dairy Queen’s Back to School Bash: Tonight from 6-8 pm
August 5, 2017 – The Dairy Queen restaurant on South Broadway in Sulphur Springs is hosting a Back to School Carnival tonight from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm. The event is free and open to everyone! Featured activities for students will include: a bake sale benefiting local charities, face painting, a dunking booth, a picture booth, ring toss, and more! The restaurant will also be open during the event.
KSST sat down with Lisa Derocco GM of South Broadway’s Dairy Queen, to talk about the upcoming event. “We were going to have [the carnival] earlier in the year, as a grand opening.” but it was cancelled due to a storm. Dairy Queen decided to reschedule the event as a “back to school event to introduce us to the city.” The carnival is a great way to celebrate the end of summer and new beginnings for students as they start back to school on August 22nd.
Derocco said Dairy Queen loves the opportunity to “do something for the kids.” She is hoping hundreds of people show up and enjoy the festivities.
Derocco and her team have “done a lot for the community.” “We helped at the Library by face painting and donating an ice-cream cake. We’ve gave out free ice-cream floats at the Dairy Festival and donated 200 free ice-cream cards!” When asked about her motivation Derocco smiled and said “We’re just a group of “God-loving” individuals who enjoy helping out the community.”
Lady Cats Win First Scrimmage As Season Begins
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team squeezed by a good Cumby team in the Lady Cats’ first scrimmage of the season Friday morning in Wildcats Gym. Three late successful serves by Anden Hammack give the Lady Cats a 65-62 advantage in points scored.
The scrimmage marked the varsity debut for N’ysa Dugan, Lexie Whisenhunt and Sadie Stroud. Returning from last year for the scrimmage were Imani Taylor, Anden Hammack, Maggie McGlamery, Autumn Tanton, Abbi Baier, Kaylee Jefferson and Maddie Vickery. Returner Mieke VanBenthem was unavailable Friday but will be returning to the varsity along with her sister, Erica VanBenthem. During the Cumby scrimmage, Autumn Tanton looked good at the net collecting at least eight kills. Kaylee Jefferson had at least four kills and had one run of seven consecutive good serves for points.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness said it was a first scrimmage but he added he saw some good things. He liked Autumn Tanton’s play at the net. Coach Maness said Lexie Whisenhunt did a good job of setting the ball in her first varsity action. On the negative side, Coach Maness said he saw too many service errors. He noted some players were moved around and were playing out of position.
Coach Maness also said Cumby was a really good Class A team. He said they made the Lady Cats play as they kept getting the ball up and putting it back on the Lady Cats’ side. Coach Maness said Cumby could turn out to be one of the best teams the Lady Cats play this year. Despite noting that the Lady Cats have a lot to work on, Coach Maness said the team looked better Friday than they did at this time last year.
The Lady Cats also scrimmaged Commerce Friday in Wildcats Gym. They will scrimmage four more opponents in Wills Point Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. The Lady Cats open the regular season Tuesday in Wildcats Gym. They will face North Lamar at 1 p.m. Tuesday and then will play Sherman at 5 p.m.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report July 26-31, 2017
July 26th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 3:03 a.m. The individual was located and everything was cleared.
At 6:34 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6304 near Mineola, at approximately 6:55 a.m., in reference to an alarm. The actor was located near the reporting party’s property. Dustin Sewell, 34, of Mineola, was arrested for Criminal Trespass of Habitation/Shelter/Superfund Site/Infrastructure Facility.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:03 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged a gate, but deputies were advised it was accidental.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4495 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:07 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2503 near Mineola, at approximately 9:22a.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several firearms from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 3:36 p.m. The vehicle was located and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:40 p.m., in reference to reckless driving. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2180 near Quitman, at approximately 9:56 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
At 11:35 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 14/CR 3153 near Quitman.
July 27th
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 8:14 a.m. Charity Lewis, 22, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Humble St. near Hawkins; at approximately 2:09 p.m. Deputies searched the area but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Harris Lane near Yantis; at approximately 2:31 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Richards St. near Quitman; at approximately 3:20 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:16 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Holly Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 6:32 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Walnut St. near Yantis, at approximately 6:41 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Jeanelle St. near Quitman, at approximately 6:45 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies checked the area and the scene was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 7:59 p.m., in reference to a burglary of a vehicle. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a purse out of the reporting party’s vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 8:32 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a wallet out of the reporting party’s vehicle.
At 8:54 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69/South of FM 515.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2869 near Winnsboro; at approximately 11:49 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
July 28th
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 1:00 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located individuals and cleared the scene without incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person at Lake Holbrook; at approximately1:24 a.m. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the scene without incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2110 near Quitman, at approximately 1:32 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:41 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2636 near Mineola, at approximately 10:28 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2180 near Quitman, at approximately 12:08 p.m., in reference to burglary of habitation. A known actor broke into the reporting party’s residence and stole several items.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 1:04 p.m., in reference to reckless driving. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 4:02 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 6:00 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 69 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:56 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 11:29 p.m., due to a traffic violation. Shelby Chandler, 22, of Quitman, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.
July 29th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1660 near Alba, at approximately 1:34 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the noise, and advised the owners of the house to turn the music down.
At 9:52 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37/North of CR 4836 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1801 near Mineola, at approximately 12:18 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3230 near Quitman, at approximately 12:54 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Holly Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 3:28 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies cleared the scene and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6325 near Mineola, at approximately 7:16 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2148 near Quitman, at approximately 10:05 p.m., in reference to reckless driving. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:53 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Elias Vasquez, 33, of Gilmer, was arrested for Assault.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Sioux near Quitman, at approximately 11:25 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
July 30th
At 12:01 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1810 near Yantis.
At 7:19 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 North near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Sioux near Quitman, at approximately 10:17 a.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor stole electricity from the resident’s meter box. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party over the phone, at approximately 12:27 p.m., regarding a theft that occurred on HWY 80 near Mineola. Known actors stole building materials from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 12:57 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 7:32 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
At 8:12 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
At 9:35 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1413 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:22 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
July 31st
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2660 near Mineola, at approximately 12:23 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies were advised it was a verbal altercation only and the scene was cleared without incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1660 near Alba, at approximately 1:36 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2317 near Mineola, at approximately 3:02 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to 1686 near Alba, at approximately 5:20 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies checked the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3909 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:00 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 2:09 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 2263 near Mineola, at approximately 4:23 p.m., due to the driver appearing to be lost. Josefina Camacho, 29, of Mineola, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 4:24 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to Sunrise Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 7:28 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 2298 near Alba, at approximately 7:48 p.m., due to a warrant showing up under the owner of the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia and marijuana were located inside the vehicle and confiscated. Zachary Tucker, 20, of Alba, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and an outstanding warrant.
At 8:16 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 69 near Alba.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1801 near Yantis; at approximately 11:14 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was cleared.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Winnsboro; at approximately 11:25 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the scene without incident.
August 1st
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5750 near Yantis, at approximately 5:55 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Lance Stewart, 48, of Yantis, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3859 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:44 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 71, was found deceased in his residence. An autopsy was ordered by the Justice of the Peace.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:28 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a paint sprayer from the reporting party’s property.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Apple St. near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:31 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 12:53 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties separated, prior to the deputies’ arrival.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2164 near Quitman, at approximately 3:01 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
At 4:31 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Yantis.
At 5:52 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 6:25 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Lake Hawkins; at approximately 8:46 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2910 near Mineola; at approximately 9:07 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Indian Gap near Quitman; at approximately 9:45 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Between the dates of July 26th and August 1st, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Montgomery County and Child Protective Services.
Total Jail Count – 148` prisoners – 118 males and 30 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Johanna and Mario Host Extension Leadership Workshop
On Thursday August 3, the Hopkins County extension agents hosted a fun and fast-moving workshop for Extension leaders. About two dozen individuals and committee members were present, representing various aspects of Extension projects including 4-H, Master Gardener, Wellness /Nutrition and Special Events.
The meeting’s purpose was to dispense information and to gather information. According to a census of attendees, radio and e-mail are the preferred mediums for receiving information about Extension activities. Agent Johanna Hicks asked to suggest future programs that would fill local needs, and to be willing to mentor new 4H programs that may help youth. One of the guidelines of new programs is an 8-task learning requirement. Reports given to leaders showed that over 500 hours in volunteer services were logged during 2016, with that number is expected to increase for 2017. Another report showed the BLT program, or Better Living for Texans, provides $1200 annually for expenses for local nutrition education programs. Another report showed that the relatively new Fee-Based extension programs require attendees to remit $10 which the College Station headquarters uses to offset wages paid to extension employees. Extension Agent Mario Villarino said that the annual Hay Show, which is an Ag Extension program held in the Fall, is in need of support by new producers as it’s population is aging.
Those present enjoyed a healthy meal prepared by the agents, and entertaining role-play exercise and door prize give-aways based on facts learned at the meeting. Everyone also met Extension intern Aida Ugalde, who will graduate from Texas A and M Commerce with studies in Health Promotions. The public is invited to get involved with Extension office efforts to serve local needs. The agents welcome suggestions, assistance and leadership by volunteers! Pick up a list of upcoming programs and activities already in place that you can join at the Hopkins County Agri-Life Extension office at 1200 West Houston Street in Sulphur Springs or phone 903-885-3443.
Johanna with Intern Aida Ugalde
It’s Official: August 3rd HC Sweetees Proclaimed World Champs
By Savannah Owens
The Hopkins County Sweetees are back from Alexandria Louisiana with a huge trophy and even bigger smiles. These girls had a 14-0 record, and were undefeated for the entire season. Hopkins County Judge Newsom issued a proclamation at 4:30 pm at the County Courthouse where he dedicated August third to the official Hopkins County Sweetees World Champs. Head Coach Tanner Ragan, and Assistant Coaches Andy Taylor and Geoff Thompson were there to commemorate this terrific accomplishment. The crowd was huge- showing Hopkins County is proud of our girls!
This team of 12, consists of 5 and 6 year old girls who love to play softball. Their practice routines for the big game was 2-3 days a week for a month and a half. All their hard work definitely paid off!
KSST talked to the team members to find out their favorite part of Softball or the Big Game.
Shaelee Davis said she enjoyed “hitting and catching balls on 1st base.”
Sarah Pickering’s favorite moment was when she “tagged a girl out.”
Allyson Dykes favorite memory was “winning.”
Chloe Johnson’s favorite part of softball was “making three home runs.”
Ayla Oud enjoyed “hitting the ball.”
Ramsey Ragan’s favorite part of the big game was “when we won the World Series.”
Mya Underwood liked “Batting.”
Georgia Bradford’s favorite moment was “when I hit a home run.”
Peyton Taylor’s favorite part of softball was “catching the balls in the air.”
Maggie Thompson enjoyed “when we won.”
Presley Hunt’s favorite memory was “hitting a winning run in a game.”
Unfortunately Coach Ladaruis Harrison and team member Kylee Harrison were unable to attend the ceremony.
