CHESS Plans Homeschool Book Fair and Open House
CHESS (Christian Home Educators of Sulphur Springs) invites you to attend the CHESS Homeschool Book Fair & Open House on Saturday, July 29, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Central Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. Booths with information regarding what CHESS has to offer, such as homeschool co-op, robotics, sports, and much more will be offered at the event. New and used homeschool curriculum for children will be available.
For those who currently homeschool and are looking for help keeping things organized,a short informational workshop entitled, “How to Organize Your Homeschool Year” will be available. Questions about this event may be directed to Shelley Turner at 903-366-1627.
Shelly Turner, President of the CHESS Group, says CHESS was organized for two reasons. According to their by-laws, the organization “…provide(s) support to parents and others involved and/or interested in educating children at home and to further the appreciation of home schooling in the community through education and media communication.” (CHESS By-laws)
The CHESS group offers girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, robotics, co-op, and graduation ceremonies. CHESS also takes part in a homeschool prom alongside homeschool groups from neighboring cities. CHESS upholds Christian values above all else. The doctrines of Christianity form the foundation of CHESS.
Highway 11 Construction Projects
By Savannah Owens 
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) has been out working on the roads on Highway 11 west. Construction crews just finished strip filling-which is a temporary asphalt service that places tar and gravel over the older parts of the road. “That stretch is due for rehabilitation. [TxDot is] trying to do something besides filling the pot holes.” TxDot Public Information Specialist for Paris Texas, Tim McAlavy said.
The unusual July rain has also affected the road construction on Highway 11. “Bad weather always delays progress. Asphalt is temperature dependent.” Which means if the roads are to continue on schedule and be completed by November 2017 then there needs to be good warm weather, to dry the asphalt and keep progress moving. “It is simpler to rebuild existing roads [than build a] new highway, which is an extensive process lasting 4-5 years long, depending on the road and what its designed to do.” McAlavy said.
TxDot is in charge of 80 thousand miles of roads, and repair work is completed by contractors. Problem areas that go beyond regular maintenance are bid on by contractors, TxDot simply oversees the construction work.
“Contractor AK Gillis Inc., Sulphur Springs, Texas, was awarded the contract for this project valued at more than $5.5 million. The contractor has 231 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project. This work will take place along State Highway 11 from .08 miles southeast of Hopkins-Hunt County line to 3.03 miles west of FM 2653 South. The contractor will regrade the road bed, install drainage structures, apply treated and non-treated flexible road base, repave the road surface and install pavement markings in order to widen and upgrade the roadway.”
The Highway 11 projects are “Summer work.” Which means it is expected to last all summer. When driving through work zones “pay attention [to signs and be extra cautious in construction areas], if delays are unmanageable find other routes.” Tim McAlavy compared road repairs to “a pair of shoes” saying when you wear a single pair of shoes over and over they will eventually wear out. Similarly when a road gets a lot of traffic it wears down and “needs to be fixed. [TxDot] asks for people’s patience as the roads are getting more traffic than they were initially built for.”
“As with all of our construction and maintenance work on the roadways of the nine-county Paris District, we ask that motorists remain alert when traveling near our projects. Please don’t drive distracted and obey all traffic controls, signals, flaggers, etc. that may be present directing traffic. Please slow down and respect our work zones and the people working in them, they are all someone’s family and would like to go home safely at the end of every working day. If necessary, please use an alternate route and be patient while the work is underway.”
Sweet Treats at the Senior Ice Cream Freeze Off
By Savannah Owens
The Senior Center was packed full with Ice-Cream competitors and attendees. Smiles lit up the room as people chatted with friends and ate the sweet desserts, debating over the best flavors. Many attendees even brought their family and friends along! The Senior Ice Cream Freeze off was enjoyed by everyone young and old.
Dorthy Davis and Penny Wills have been coming to the Sulphur Springs Senior center for “a long time”. Penny said “It’s great fellowship for the elders; it gives them somewhere to go.” She enjoys the “Casino nights”. Her Mother, Dorthy said she enjoys playing bingo and being able to fellowship with her friends and family. Her favorite event is Senior Prom. “It’s always a lot of fun!”
Faith Pool has been coming to the S.S. Senior center for 5 years. “It gives us somewhere to go…It’s a home away from home.” Her favorite activity hosted by the Senior Center is the “42 Dominoes Tournament”. When asked about a favorite flavor of ice-cream from the Freeze off, Faith couldn’t decide saying “It’s all good!”
There was even a “Jean Reunion” Jean Johnson aka “J.J.” said, as she sat next to her friend Jean Lamarche. Jean Lamarche has been attending S.S. Senior center events for 2 years. Her favorite ice cream flavor is “something with a little chocolate.” Jean Johnson has been coming to the Sulphur Springs Senior Center for 15 years. “[The senior center] holds so much information for the seniors that they would not get otherwise, and provides a place for exercise, meals [and community]…It’s wonderful! [But] we need a new one [to be able to accommodate everyone]. If the city could see that, it would be great.” Jean said “It’s hard to choose” a favorite event put on by the senior center. “I enjoy Bingo, It’s all very good and very rewarding…It’s wonderful to have Karen and [to be apart of] everything she puts on.” Jean’s favorite ice cream flavors included: Key Lime, and Pina Colada.
Lorie Grinnan regional representative for Congressman, John Ratcliffe, was in attendance, and said “Karen Weatherman does a superb job!”
Marci Gammill and Micca Sheedy from Abacus Healthcare were dishing out Banana Nut Ice cream. Marci has been making ice cream her entire life. “My mom has always been good at making ice cream and I just tweaked her recipes. I love Banana Nut with a lot of bananas in it. Banana Nut is my personal favorite and my strongest recipe.” Marci said. “We think it’s a lot of fun; we get to mingle with the seniors and I think they enjoy it too!”
Micca explained why she enjoyed coming to the Ice Cream Freeze Off. “It’s a community event and we like to participate in all events especially senior related events!”
Sally Coston from Brook’s Hearing was serving Butterfinger ice cream. “It’s my sister’s recipe” she explained that she’d been making it for “15 or 20 years, and it is my go-to [recipe. It’s also] my family’s favorite. We usually make it on vacation.” Sally said it was important for her to be at the event because “I love seeing the senior citizens smile; It’s a fun event for them.”
Bobbi Hendricks has been making ice cream for 60 years. “I just like to participate in any of the senior activities.” She said she decided to make vanilla because its “overall a good flavor, and most everyone likes vanilla.”
Michelle Kultgen from S.S. Imaging made her new recipe of Key Lime and said she enjoys “getting out and seeing some seniors.” Michelle has been making ice cream all her life, since she was 3 or 4.
Shelly Scheckel from Hopkins Place said it was her first time making ice cream. “My residents told me I needed to learn how to make ice cream; these are their recipes. I tried to find something different; and rocky road is everyone’s favorite!” She said her ice cream was more of a “Bumpy Road” but it was still good!
Meredith Reed from Jordan Home Health and Stacey Wetzel from CIMA Hospice were also serving their Butterfinger ice cream. Stacy has been “making this ice cream recipe for 3 years, as a tribute to Jan Hawkins.” Meredith said the event was a great way to “give back to the community” and “Our Ice cream is as good as our care!”
Check out some pictures from the event!
Senior Event Reminders
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Committed to Growth in Northeast Texas
by William Knous, Manager Internal and Public Affairs for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System
Since May 2016, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System has worked to maintain our hard-earned reputation for world-class health care delivered faithfully to you – our community. As we continue this journey together, we can look back at the growth and success of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System across our region and know that our commitment to Sulphur Springs and Northeast Texas is honorable. And now, we can look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.
After phenomenal growth and expansion of services, the future of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System – and of CHRISTUS Health – in Sulphur Springs and Northeast Texas looks very bright indeed. There is an expansive slate of new technology, advanced treatment methods, specialty services and providers being readied for the year ahead aimed at sustaining a tradition of excellence and care of the highest quality. And, already under construction is the new patient tower and garage expansion of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler that will drastically increase the Emergency and Intensive Care capabilities of the system, which will in turn see an increase in the services and level of care we are able to provide throughout the Sulphur Springs region.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System has grown alongside Northeast Texas, and seeks to be responsible stewards of the remarkable health care resources offered at its dozens of hospitals, clinics and medical facilities in the region. Accordingly, we have been recognized by local civic leaders for these efforts – earlier this spring the East Texas Council of Governments named CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System the Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year for our contributions to communities and economies across East Texas. In the last year, the Flight For Life air ambulance program added a fixed-wing aircraft to its fleet of lifesaving vehicles and our CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Ross Breast Center unveiled a state-of-the-art mobile mammography coach – each vehicle dramatically increasing the System’s ability to meet our patients where they are.
Our family grew to the north with the addition of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, and that growth continues still as new specialists and services are added to their offerings regularly. By welcoming more than 40 Primary Care and 65 Specialty providers to serve patients at both existing and newly added clinic locations in Buffalo, Elkhart, Emory, Fairfield, Grapeland, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, Sulphur Springs, Texarkana, and Hope, AR, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic has grown to include more than 600 providers serving patients at 81 locations across 41 counties. This has dramatically expanded access to industry-leading health care services across Sulphur Springs and Northeast Texas, providing award-winning health care services to patients in an area larger than West Virginia and bringing them to Tyler for advanced treatments. And as the only health system in the region to be recognized with the ANCC’s Magnet® designation, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System will continue to draw top talent from across the country to Northeast Texas. The system has also expanded within the communities we have served steadfastly for more than 80 years as they continue to develop and prosper. The Herrington-Ornelas HealthPark and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler both opened their doors in the past year to provide critically important primary care, specialty and emergency services in areas where the population has. Existing facilities, such as the OB/Gyn and Lindale HealthPark, have also been noticeably upgraded and expanded to better serve patients.
On May 1, 2016, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System made a commitment to construct and enhance our service locations throughout our 41-county coverage area, to add services throughout the region, and to add more job opportunities – all while continuing to provide truly exceptional services. And we remain dedicated to that pledge: the hospitals, clinics and people of CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System have been recognized more than 90 times at the local, state and national levels for excellence in dozens of clinical, services and patient experience categories as we increased access for residents of the Sulphur Springs area and Northeast Texas. For more than 80 years, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System has been a leader in quality, technology and service in health care, and we are proud to share that rich history with you. From the beginning, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System has made a vow to lead the charge to create healthy lives for the people and communities of the Sulphur Springs area and across Northeast Texas by extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. We keep that promise every day by providing the compassionate, sophisticated, award-winning care you have come to expect. Our journey is just beginning, and we invite you to join us. Follow CHRISTUS as We Follow CHRISTUS.
Follow us as we follow CHRISTUS on our #gonepurple journey. Use the hashtag #gonepurple and tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with a photo of you at any CHRISTUS facility or simply wearing your CHRISTUS purple. The first 100 participants will receive a FREE CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System t-shirt!
hospital
Wood County Sheriff’s Report July 5-11, 2017
July 5th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2100 near Alba, at approximately 8:05 a.m., in reference to a burglary of a vehicle. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a cooler from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 8:09 a.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies checked the area and the scene was cleared without incident.
At 8:16 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4255 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2303 near Mineola; at approximately 8:19 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1941 near Yantis, at approximately 8:54 a.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor stole cash and a driver’s license out of the reporting party’s wallet. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Jeffrey St. near Hawkins, at approximately 12:10 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a wallet and a rifle from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a dog bite that took place on CR 2700 near Mineola, at approximately 3:40 p.m. The owner of the dog was advised of the quarantine protocol.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2952 near Alba, at approximately 5:23 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a boat and trailer from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to the ER at ETMC, in reference to a dog bite that took place on CR 3148 near Quitman; at approximately 6:08 p.m. Deputies made contact with the owner of the dog and advised him of the quarantine protocol.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3230 near Quitman, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3955 near Mineola, at approximately 8:16 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, caused damage to several windows at the residence. The reporting party advised he just wanted deputies to be aware of the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1947 near Yantis; at approximately 9:28 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person at Lake Holbrook, at approximately 10:35 p.m. Several individuals were located and advised they were not allowed on the beach after hours.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 11:15 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
July 6th
At 6:45 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4250 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:47 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a vehicle on FM 1801 near Mineola. Deputies contacted the known actor by phone, and the actor returned the vehicle to the owner.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:08 a.m. The individual was found unresponsive and transported to the ER at ETMC by EMS.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Mineola, at approximately 10:46 a.m., in reference to an assault. Both parties advised the deputies that an assault did not occur. Benjamin Barrera, 39, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4550 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:56 p.m., in reference to a suspicious vehicle. While deputies were clearing the inside of the residence, the owner of the vehicle was located. William Jordan, 25, of Longview, was arrested for Burglary of Habitation.
At 8:55 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088/CR 3105 near Quitman.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Green St. near Hawkins, at approximately 11:34 p.m. Gerri Butler, 42, of Mineola was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
July 7th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 12:54 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 2:06 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Individuals were located and advised that they were not allowed on the beach after hours.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:44 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located an abandoned bicycle, but were unable to locate any activity in the area.
At 7:19 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:48 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
At 11:08 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3840 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:31 p.m., in reference to a dog bite. The owner of the dog was advised on the quarantine protocol.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:08 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on HWY 154 near Yantis. Actors, or actors unknown, stole and forged a check that belonged to the reporting party.
At 1:58 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4790 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:34 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and were advised that the cleaning crew set it off by accident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2359 near Mineola, at approximately 6:47 p.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor stole several large items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 6:56 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154/CR 3230 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3425 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:44 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Brian Roberts, 44, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to Winnsboro St. near Quitman, at approximately 10:26 p.m., in reference to a dog bite. The owner of the dog was advised of the quarantine protocol.
At 10:59 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 515 near Emory.
At 11:02 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3940 near Hawkins.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Walker St. near Quitman, at approximately 11:56 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but the individual was not at the residence at that time.
July 8th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3104 near Quitman, at approximately 12:00 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to W Oak St. near Yantis, at approximately 12:59 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 2:06 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4249 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:36 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4878 near Winnsboro; at approximately 7:28 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and the owner. The owner advised the deputies he ran out of gas and had a relative coming to pick him up. The scene was cleared without incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:06 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a vehicle. A known actor left in the reporting party’s vehicle without permission. The vehicle was returned the following day.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Hainesville, at approximately 1:33 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the individual and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Dr. near Quitman, at approximately 2:33 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 54, was found deceased in his residence. An autopsy was ordered by the Justice of the Peace.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 7:53 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. The actor was located on the reporting party’s property. Brandon Nichols, 27, of Quitman, was arrested for Criminal Trespassing.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 10:00 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. A Criminal Trespass Warning was issued and parties separated for the night.
July 9th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1971 near Yantis, at approximately 1:41 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Mathew Calder, 27, of Yantis, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1448 near Quitman, at approximately 3:02 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
At 7:33 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 11:58 a.m., in reference to shots fired. The individuals were shooting targets in their backyard and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 2:11 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies checked the area and everything was cleared.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Emily St. near Mineola; at approximately 5:36 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4141 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:27 p.m. The individuals were located outside of the residence, and advised deputies that they were the home owners.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 11 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:02 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
July 10th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 12:34 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:16 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Montie Hardin, 69, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1990 near Yantis, at approximately 9:10 a.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole jewelry from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:40 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, caused damage to a door on the building.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 11:12 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and everything was cleared.
Deputies spoke with the victim of a dog bite that occurred on CR 3990 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:24 p.m. The owner of the dog was advised on the quarantine protocol.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2934 near Alba, at approximately 3:49 p.m., in reference to a burglary of a building. Actors, or actors unknown, stole fishing equipment and tools from the reporting party’s building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:24 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2660 near Mineola, at approximately 10:21 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:53 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies checked the area and everything was cleared.
July 11th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2351 near Mineola, at approximately 8:52 a.m., in reference to a suspicious person. The individual was located and transported to his residence.
Deputies were dispatched to Cactus Cove near Hawkins, at approximately 9:55 a.m., in reference to a structure fire. Holly Lake Ranch Fire Department extinguished the fire, with assistance from Hainesville Fire Department.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3469 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:15 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputes located a box with dog food inside of it, but no animals were in the area. The scene was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 11:29 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to Little River Bend near Quitman, at approximately 3:31 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies responded to a motorist assist on Lake Fork Creek bridge, at approximately 4:08 p.m. Deputies helped the citizen push the broke-down vehicle off of the road.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 11:31 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and there were no signs of forced entry. The building was secure.
Between the dates of July 5th and July 11th, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, and Tyler Mother Francis in Winnsboro.
Total Jail Count – 152 prisoners – 122 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.
Senior Ice Cream Freeze off: Winners
The Senior Ice Cream Freeze off was a huge success! With more than 20 different flavors and ice cream creator-participants, judging the event was a difficult task. There was even a tie and attendees had to raise their hands to re-vote for the 1st place winner.
Here are the winners:
Honorable Mention (in no particular order):
Marcie Gammill and Micca Sheedy, Abaccus – Banana Nut
Stacey Wetzel, CIMA Hospice/Meredith Reed, Jordan Home Health – Butterfinger
Carlie Penson – Strawberry, and Henry Penson – Vanilla
Jo Bradford – Coconut
Michelle Kultgen, Sulphur Springs Imaging-Key Lime
4th Place: Jennifer, Tina and Amber, Rock Creek – Cherry Vanilla
Bright Star Literary Society Enjoys Healthy Membership
Sharon Feldt, local author
During 2010, retired kindergarten teacher Sharon Feldt and her lawyer husband John moved to Sulphur Springs and as a newcomer wanting to meet people, Sharon started a book club in her home. She hoped to pattern the group after the one written about in the book “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. She definitely feels that her wish has come true. Although Sharon is a published writer and busy secretary to her husband’s law practice, her favorite pastime is playing host to friends who love to read, talk and eat! Book club meetings are generally held on the second-Tuesday of each month and include book reviews, a buffet of tasty, healthy snacks, lots of laughter and frequently a show-and-tell.
Ten members were present at the July meeting. Among them were Linda Johnson who brought along a collection of older to vintage books written by Southern authors, and Jo Ann Cross who showed a couple of her original quilted wall hangings. Others members and guests attending were Minzie Chase, Pat Lawrence, Sarah Smith, SuNell Comfort, Cathy Bonner, Charlotte McDowell, and Enola Gay. Among books reviewed were “Delta Wedding” Eudora Welty 1946, and “Isaac’s Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History””Erik Larson 2000 about the 1900 Galveston storm, and “Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century” Peter Graham 2013, a work is based on a true story involving Anne Perry, author of historical detective fiction, who as a fifteen-year-old was convicted of murder and served a prison term. Generally, members read anything they like. Even instruction manuals, decorating magazines and seed catalogs make interesting reports! Popular types of reading include purchased best-sellers, while others members are library patrons, read by Kindle or listen to audio books.
The Bright Star Literary Society was formed by two members of the Bright Star Quilt Guild, Sharon Feldt and Wilma Moss along with newspaper journalist Terry Mathews. The charter membership includes Jo Ann Cross and Pat Lawrence, and today there are over 20 members in the reading group.
Linda Johnson with books dating from 1940’s to 1970’s
Jo Ann Mathews Cross with quilted originals
Jacoby Smith Keeps it Country on Reilly Springs Jamboree Saturday July 15
Meet Jacoby Smith. This Sulphur Springs man leads a local country music band called “Moonlight Twang” which formed in 2013 but whose road was a rough and winding one until last year. Now, Moonlight Twang is once again entertaining audiences from Sulphur Springs to the Metroplex and into Oklahoma in addition to a string of private engagements. To promote their Jamboree appearance on Saturday July 15 at 7pm, Jacoby guested on the KSST Good Morning Show and shared his story.
Moonlight Twang L to R: Mark Reed, Brandon Reed, Jacoby Smith, Eric Rhodes and Brian Reed
Being a young black country music fan, Jacoby wasn’t sure where he fit in at first. He admits that back in high school he had a pretty good sound system in his car and liked to listen to loud music of many kinds. But at about age 21, his tastes began to switch to country music and he’d find himself turning the volume down in his home neighborhood because he didn’t know how he might be perceived! In time, he became comfortable with who he is and that included being a country music singer.
About four years ago, he wanted to form his own band. So with high school friends Brandon and Brian Reed and their dad Mark Reed, Jacoby began to work on a catalog of standard country tunes for local gigs. At this time, Jacoby’s young son Braden, who had been diagnosed with leukemia at age 2, began to require aggressive chemo treatments as an adolescent. About the same time, Brian’s son Micah was diagnosed with cancer and embarked on a series of aggressive treatments involving long hospital stays. Jacoby’s father-in-law, local entertainer Larry Massey, passed away in 2015 following a lengthy illness and within a few months, his mother-in-law also passed away. Later that same year, Micah Reed lost his battle with childhood cancer at age 12, leaving the entire circle of family and friends devastated. Jacoby admits it was his faith in God, planted by his mom and grandmother who always took him to church, along with a respect for the gift of life that brought him through until once again, he felt the desire to sing. He’d always sensed that the traditional songs of Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and others spoke to the sorrows and joys of common people, and it was this music that kept him grounded.
By late 2016, he and the Reed family had reassembled the band with Brandon on lead guitar and bookings, Brian on bass, Mark on steel guitar and Jonathan McGraw as drummer with Eric Rhodes as alternate drummer. In 2017, Moonlight Twang is now turning out a tight, totally country sound. In Jacoby’s life, with Braden in remission and active, healthy 5- and 8-year-olds, he and his wife Victoria are keeping very busy. His career as an all-around commercial artist allows him to create murals and signs and perform interior design and wood working. But it’s singing country music with his band “Moonlight Twang” that’s his favorite creative outlet! Catch their concert at the Reilly Springs Jamboree on Saturday July 15 at 7 pm.
Video of Tampering with Evidence Enhances Arrest Charges
A traffic violation and drug paraphernalia was a misdemeanor offense but when the video in the patrol car noted Todd Ray Parnell, 45, of Sulphur Springs taking an item out of his pants and placing it inside his mouth the charge became a felony 3, tampering with evidence.
Parnell was nervous when stopped by Sulphur Springs police but did give consent to search his vehicle. During the search a marijuana roach was located and he was arrested. He later removed a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine from his boot before being booked into jail. However, it was the video of the attempt to tamper with evidence that created the felony charge.
Todd Ray Parnell
Parnell is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Tamper Fabricate Evidence ($10,000 bond).
