Wildcats Golf Finish 8th in Last Tournament of Fall
The Wildcats’ golf team finished eighth among 16 teams at a tournament Tuesday at Garden Valley Golf Course on I-20 between Van and Lindale. The team shot a 342.
Wildcats Golf Coach Chris Owens called the team score a little disappointing and he added the players did not play up to their potential. They shot 322 at a Mount Pleasant tournament last week. Carter Lewis and Cameron Morris both shot 84 to lead the team. Kip Childress shot 86. Andrew Escobar had 88 and Colten Bench shot 89. The highest score for the five is dropped. Coach Owens said all of his players have shot in the 70’s at tournaments before. He is convinced his players can get their scores back down by the spring.
Coach Owens said the Garden Valley course was in good shape and he called the weather a little inclement. He said it was a little cool but he added it only rained on the team on their way to the course.
Three SSHS Student Athletes Sign Letter of Intent
Abron Signs With Seton Hall
During a Colorado tournament involving her traveling softball team, Lady Cats outfielder Alyssa Abron received a scholarship offer to play softball from Seton Hall. Abron was a freshman at the time but she committed to the South Orange, New Jersey Big East university. That long time commitment became final Wednesday morning as Alyssa Abron signed a letter of intent. The signing was attended by quite a few of her fellow students, her family members and her Lady Cats’ softball coaches. Alyssa is the daughter of Triston and Misty Abron. Abron said when she visited the campus in South Orange, she loved it. She added it is a small town like Sulphur Springs. She knows it’s cold up there but she says she will adapt. Abron says she believes she will be playing left field and hitting near the top of the line up for the Pirates. She says Seton Hall has been a pretty good team and she says the program is growing. Abron says she is pleased that several other Texas girls will be joining her in South Orange. Alyssa Abron’s career plan is to get into OB-GYN.
Caddell Signs With University of the Ozarks
Wildcats’ baseball catcher Ryder Caddell signed a letter of intent to play college baseball at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas Wednesday morning. Ryder is the son of Jake and Meredith Caddell. Caddell says one of his buddies played tennis at University of the Ozarks and told him about it. Caddell says he researched the university and determined it to be a good fit. He says Clarksville is an awesome town. He says it is a small, close knit town like Sulphur Springs. Caddell says he expects to start catching once he gets there and he hopes to catch there for four years. He attended one of their camps and then verbally committed when they made an offer. His mother, Meredith Caddell, says this signing day was something Ryder has worked for since he started playing baseball at age four. She says he has worked really hard to make it happen. Ms. Caddell says the four and a half to five hour drive is not too bad.
Kaylee Jefferson Signs With East Carolina
In the long coaching career of Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman, he has never had one of his players commit and then sign with a Division 1 School, until Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon in the main high school gym at Sulphur Springs High School, four-year Lady Cats varsity basketball player Kaylee Jefferson signed a letter of intent to play college basketball at East Carolina in Greenville, North Carolina. The Pirates play in the American Athletic Conference, which includes teams such as perennial #1 ranked UConn, SMU and Houston. Kaylee is the daughter of Michael and Carrie Jefferson. Kaylee said East Carolina hosted a Nike tournament that she played in in Virginia. They began to recruit her and she visited the Greenville campus. Kaylee said East Carolina was a good fit for her. She liked the coaches and said Greenville felt like home. Kaylee said East Carolina has had success in the past. She said they had some new coaches now that are building the program and she said she wants to be a part of that. Kaylee said she visited the campus and loved it. She added the campus was beautiful and she said she liked the college town. Kaylee said she wants to become a radiologist so she plans to major in biology or bio-chemistry. Coaches tell her she will play small and big forward. Kaylee hopes she can create mismatches with her ball handling skills. She called the recruiting time long and hard. Kaylee said she was happy with her decision. She believes this season will be a very good one for her and the Lady Cats. Kaylee said she has enjoyed her time here and has loved it all.
Video of “Big Reveal”; Local Group Remodels Home of ZIna Young
Several months ago a team of friends who have loved ZIna Young for a long time began a total remodel of Ms. Young’s home. Wednesday afternoon, the big reveal of the work accomplished greeted Ms. Young as she returned to her home for the first time since the work began according to Rachael Draper, who served as an organizer of the work.
From Washington, D.C. and Back Again, Local Veteran Lynn Turner Tells His Honor Flight Story
Lynn Turner is a Korean War-era Veteran and has made Sulphur Springs his home for the past 30-plus years. He joined the Navy in 1951 and after boot camp, was assigned to Photography School in Washington, D.C. During that training period, he met and married the love of his life, Alene. Ten days later he shipped out, ending up at Guam. In fact, most of his military career was spent there as the lone photographer for MCB-10, a “Seabees” construction unit assigned with building military personnel housing units. Lynn remained in the Navy for four years until his honorable discharge when the Korean crisis came to an end. Then, he and Alene enrolled at Harding College where they began to build careers in education and administration. Lynn became a public school superintendent and later a professor at Texas A and M Commerce. Many former students will remember Mrs. Turner’s Social Studies classes at Sulphur Springs High School prior to her retirement. Lynn and Alene will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary next year. But for Lynn, one of the highlights of 2017 has been his recent trip on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for a truly memorable American experience.
Judy Rawson Heaps of Sulphur Springs serves as a group leader who helps arrange travel on the Honor Flights for NE Texas veterans. Lynn gives her credit for identifying him as a military vet and suggesting the trip. Along with a group from the Metroplex, he was able to make the whirlwind 2-day trip along with his trip guardian, his nephew David Simpson. Upon arrival in the nation’s capitol, the group viewed the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials then attended a dinner complete with a flag ceremony by an honor guard representing every branch of the service and received special recognition by Pentagon officials. At Arlington Cemetery the next day, they observed the rows upon rows of crosses, watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited the grave of Texas’ own Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII. The tour also included the Navy Memorial downtown D.C. and an overview of the Coast Guard and US Marine Corps Memorials. A special big band concert was staged for them, ending with a vocalists’ version of God Bless America that still brings tears to his eyes when he recounts the experience. The trip reached an memorable conclusion when a group of about 300 friends, family and strangers were present to welcome them back at Love Field.
Lynn Turner is an humble man who says that because he was not a combat veteran, he did not personally step forward for the Honor Flight, in order to reserve that privilege for military veterans who served in combat situations on foreign soils. Judy Heaps and the Honor Flight group has changed that, and he is very pleased with the memories he now has the cherish. He and Alene hope to make one more trip to Washington, D.C. to celebrate their wedding anniversary under the cherry blossoms near the Capitol where they first met in 1953. This weekend, they will attend at least one of the local Veteran’s Day Celebrations. Lynn is proud to have served his country and that he lives in a wonderful community with such an impressive Veteran’s Memorial, where the flags still fly for freedom every day.
Months Prior to Filing Date, Davidson, Johnson Announce Intent for Sulphur Springs City Council Place 1
Shortly after the first of the year, filing will open for a May 5th municipal and school elections in the state of Texas. However, two have already announced through social media their intent to file for Sulphur Springs City Council Place 1. Incumbent Craig Johnson has announced his intent to seek re-election. Justin W. Davidson has announced his intent to challenge Johnson in a quest for the seat. Place 1, held by Johnson, Place 2, held by Clay Walker, and Place 3, held by Oscar Aguilar will be on the 2018 municipal ballot.
Incumbent Johnson established a social media page and a twitter account last week. He stated in his first post, “It has been a privilege and honor to serve the citizens of Sulphur Springs as your City Councilman for Place 1. I am 4th generation Hopkins County, was raised here and have lived in other cities. Chaney and I chose to move back to this great city to raise our children. My goal is to work with the other members of the city council and staff to steadily make this a better place for everyone – including those who don’t yet live here but will. It is a long time until elections in the Spring of 2018. I will be posting things here periodically that are of public interest and will have more campaign related items if I draw an opponent.”
Enter Davidson who also announced his intent to seek the seat Wednesday night on social media. Davidson stated in the post that he, too, will have a social media site for his campaign prior to beginning his official campaign. The announcement was made on a personal site (link will not be made to personal site by policy).
In his announcement he presented a news release with a headline: JUSTIN W. DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES INTENT FOR CANDIDACY OF CITY COUNCIL PLACE 1
Sulphur Spring, Texas {November 8, 2017} – Justin W. Davidson, Sulphur Springs native, Navy veteran, and member of the Hopkins County Military Coalition announces his intent to run for City Council.
I am pleased and honored to announce my intent for candidacy to the City Council of my hometown. During my life experiences coupled with my countless hours of attending City Council meetings and listening to the people of Sulphur Springs, I have gained an understanding of the complexities of city government including its capabilities and limitations.
In my candidacy, I see helpful and positive roles for the City Council. We must listen to the people and do what’s best for the full community and not a select few.
Most importantly, the primary role for a council member should be to be an advocate for the people of the city. There are many issues that will come before us in the next 2-5 years. They include transportation issues like roads, taxation, water/sewer lines and new business development exterior of Celebration Plaza. In addition, we need to strengthen our community foundations to bring more jobs to the city and focus on ensuring that current jobs are not eliminated.
Second, a council member should be a vital and active communications link between the people and the city.
Third, the right set of people skills that represents the common citizen that makes Sulphur Springs their home.
The issues before us continue to be balancing fiscal responsibility with sound judgment.
I believe that the foundation of any thriving community should include education, the arts, shopping and recreation. If we want to attract strong companies to the area with better jobs, we must work to enhance and expand these categories.
I look forward to a positive campaign, meeting citizens, and tackling challenges.
I have heard from many of you that want change. Now is the time to put that “want” to action.
For more information on Mr. Davidson, please contact him via Facebook messenger as the social media site is under construction prior to official announcement.
November a Busy Month for City Employees
Tuesday night during the Sulphur Springs City Council November meeting, City Manager Marc Maxwell presented his monthly report.
Regarding streets, Maxwell reported that the rework of Moore Street is completed and the street is again open. He stated that Pampa Street rework is moving at a brisk pace. The sewer line is finished and the water line is 75% complete with all water connections expected to be completed in the next two weeks. When the water line and connects are completed, a cement-stabilizer base and repave of the street will be completed. Pot holes patched totaled 151 and seven street repairs following utility repairs were completed. Two additional street repairs were completed.
Work at the wastewater treatment plant is on schedule. The three primary clarifier basins have been constructed and backfilling continues. Other concrete structures adjacent to the clarifiers are under construction.
At the library there were 3,080 items and 462eBooks checked out as well as computer usage of 1,274 hours recorded in November.
The animal shelter responded to 214 animal control calls and achieved an adoption rate of 30%.
Local police recorded 66 offenses, wrote 540 traffic citations, made 84 arrests, and responded to 33 accidents.
Oncor Outage for Cooper,Klondike, Enloe
Oncor will be administering a planned temporary power outage that will affect a small portion of homes and businesses in the City of Cooper, Klondike, Enloe and surrounding areas during the night hours of Thursday, Nov. 9. This temporary outage is expected to last no more than 15 minutes, from 11 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. This planned outage is necessary to allow our employees to further improve reliability of the electrical system in the area. We greatly appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, please call Oncor at 1-888-313-6862.
Chamber Connection
Chamber of Commerce hosts a Customer Service Lunch + Learn
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Lunch + Learn on Wednesday, November 15th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. This Lunch + Learn will focus on Customer Service initiatives including defining “customer” and “customer service”, understanding eight effective communication skills that your employees need to know (and use consistently), understanding (and avoiding) 11 barriers to effective communication, and developing and maintaining good customer service standards within your business. Speaker is Thomas Montgomery, MHA, MBA who is a National Director of Community Outreach & Education. Please make reservations by calling the Chamber (903) 885-6515. Reservations must be made by November 10th. Lunch will be provided. Admission is $10 for Chamber Members and $25 for non-Chamber members. Please join us for this educational session about customer service as the holiday season rounds the corner!
Veterans Celebration on Saturday, November 11th
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Texas will honor veterans Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. on Celebration Plaza in downtown Sulphur Springs. All veterans, their families, and the community are invited to attend. The ceremony will include dedicating a new bench to honor those of have served to fight the global war on terrorism. The Honorable Robert Newson, Hopkins County Judge, will dedicate the bench and it will serve as an important addition to the Veterans Memorial at Celebration Plaza. In addition, names of deceased veterans will be read, the Hopkins County Military Coalition will perform a 21 Round Volley, Sulphur Springs High School Jazz Band will perform patriotic music and members and the SSHS choir will sing the National Anthem and Armed Forces Medley. Mr. Jim Dial will play Amazing Grace on bagpipe, and the United States Flag will be honored. The Honorable John Sellers, Sulphur Spring Mayor, will officially welcome everyone at the beginning of the ceremony.
Branded Ranch Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, November 11
Our local Cowboy Churches will host and endorse the Branded Ranch Rodeo & Salute the Veterans BBQ Feast at the Hopkins County Civic Center on Saturday, November 11th. Salute the veterans BBQ Feast starts at 1 p.m. and the Rodeo starts at 5 p.m. where you will enjoy sortin’, a calf scramble, wild cow milkin’, muggin’, and bronc riding. The Branded Ranch Rodeo is a non-profit organization that produces this rodeo and BBQ every year, and gives then proceeds to a worth-while organization. This year’s proceeds support Community Seeds. Fun for all!
Moo-La & Lone Star Milk Producers hosting Salute the Veterans Cook-off
Moo-La & Lone Star Milk Producers are hosting Salute the Veterans Cook-off on Saturday, November 11th starting at 8 a.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center located at 1200 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. There will be a live silent auction, live music, raffles, veterans give-a-ways, vendors and games. All-you-can-eat BBQ begins at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12, and free for veterans and children under 6. Proceeds will benefit Operation Victor Echo Tango. Head on out to the Civic Center that day to help honor our veterans.
Danna’s hosts a grand re-opening
Danna’s Southern Charm & The Florist is celebrating their re-grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, November 14th, at their new location, 438 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs. Also introducing 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. Make plans to be there!
Hunt Regional is offering October Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt County Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on November 30th in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs, and on November 30th at the Fall Festival 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.
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. Register at Fieldhouse Sports by November 12th to guarantee your t-shirt. 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:
The Colonial Cowboy hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration
The Colonial Cowboy hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Friday, November 3rd, at noon. The Colonial Cowboy is located at 13673 Interstate 30 South in Saltillo. The Colonial Cowboy is a newly opened bed and breakfast in Hopkins County. This is a colonial east Texas home untouched since the 1960’s.
Annual Symphony Auction Features Local Photographer’s Work
These photos will go on the auction block November 18th, 2017. The annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction will once again be hosted at the KSST Studios. The trove of donated goods includes enlargements of these shots taken right here in Sulphur Springs.
Cindy Roller, editor of the Cooper Review and photographer for the City of Sulphur Springs, selects several of her best shots each year. She has them professionally enlarged, printed and mounted. Cindy recently helped submit the winning Hopkins County Stew Festival shirt design.
All auction proceeds support the arts in Hopkins County, and are the main source of income for the annual Independence Day Celebration fireworks display on the square. The SSSL is dedicated to keeping the IDC free to the public and a point of pride for all Hopkins County residents.
Tune to KSST 1230 AM Saturday November 18th, 2017. The live auction starts at 5:00pm this year.
