Career Online High School Newly Launched at SS Public Library
Hello Sulphur Springs media outlets and library supporters:
Friday September 15, 2017 is the launch of our new program called Career Online High School. The library has been working on implementing this program for one year along with Gale, a leading provider of library resources and a Cengage company. We have raised money for scholarships, trained staff and are now ready to kick off along with these other Texas libraries: Dallas, Frisco, Houston and Grapevine! We are in good company but will lean on the community to help in getting the word out, rather than billboards and bus signs the larger area libraries are using. We are on Facebook, and will post tomorrow; I hope you will share this great program with your friends through email and Facebook. KSST will interview us Friday morning September 15 at 8am – I hope you can tune in.
Our goal is to reach adults without a GED or high school diploma and, if they are determined, to offer them a scholarship to begin the process of advancing their careers. There will be a direct social and economic impact on our community through this program.
Please don’t hesitate to call if you have questions or would like to schedule a presentation/program for your group. The Library is located at 611 North Davis Street, and our phone number is 903-885-4926.
Thanks for your support of your library and your community!
Hope Cain, Public Library Director
Paris Coach Sees Potential in His Team Going Into Friday Night’s Game; Paris Won Last Year
The Wildcats host Paris Friday night at The Prim for Homecoming. Steve Hohenberger is in his fifth year as Paris Head Coach after a long tenure as an assistant and head coach at Irving Nimitz. His Paris team is 1-1 so far this season with a 47-20 win over Terrell and a 45-13 loss last week to Pleasant Grove. Last year Paris had a good run in the playoffs and Coach Hohenberger feels they have the potential to do that again. However he stresses it’s early and he says his team has work to do. Coach Hohenberger says the Paris offense has struggled so far with execution. They are working with a new quarterback this year and Coach Hohenberger says Paris has had two injuries in the offensive line. Both are seniors and they haven’t been able to return yet. Coach Hohenberger says the Paris receivers are young and inexperienced. However colleges are very interested in two big Paris tackles that weigh 300 pounds or more. Coach Hohenberger says the Paris defense should turn out to be a good one, but like the offense, he says they are still a work in progress. They do have six defensive returning starters this year. Coach Hohenberger was a North Lamar quarterback in high school. One of his blockers was Jeremy Offutt, the current Wildcats offensive line coach. Chris Owens, now the Wildcats Golf Coach, was on Coach Hohenberger’s staff at Irving Nimitz. Coach Hohenberger expects the Wildcats game to be a big test for Paris Friday night.
Paris Game Last Year
From the sports history files, we go back about one year ago to September 9, 2016 as the Wildcats played Paris at Wildcat Stadium in Paris. Paris came out on top, 36-35. The Wildcats actually scored first as running back Lawrence Worth ran for a touchdown from four yards out and the Wildcats had a 7-0 lead with 10:18 to go in the first quarter. Paris rallied back with two short TD runs and they led 14-7 at the end of one quarter. The second and third quarters were good ones for the Wildcats. Quarterback Ryan Humphries threw two TD passes in the second quarter and another in the third quarter. His first touchdown pass went to Simeon Taylor and covered 37 yards. Humphries also found D.J. Hall for a 32 yard TD strike. The Wildcats were up 21-14 at the half. In the third quarter, Humpries hit Cor’Tavius Pruitt from 13 yards out for a TD and the Wildcats led 28-14 after three quarters. Paris scored twice to tie the score at 28-all with 6:18 left. Humphries teamed up again with Taylor for a 49-yard TD pass and the Wildcats moved in front 35-28 with 3:55 left to play. Paris had one final drive in them and they scored with just 1:33 left to play. The dagger was a two point run after the touchdown and Paris led 36-35. The Wildcats still had 1:33 to play but their final drive stalled at around the 30 yard line in the Paris end. The Wildcats are hoping for a better outcome in 2017.
100 Reserve Seats Added at Prim Stadium
There are some more reserved seats available for the Friday Paris game and for the rest of the Wildcats home season. Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens said Thursday morning that due to demand for reserved tickets, the reserve ticket section at Gerald Prim Stadium has been expanded by 100 seats. They are located at the top of Section B and they all have the blue seats in them.
He said there were about 50 seats left for the Paris game. Coach Owens said you may purchase single game seats at the reserve ticket window on Friday night.
Those who are interested in purchasing a season ticket packet in the new section, see Dwayne McMeans at Sulphur Springs High School during the week.
North Hopkins Tax Swap Will Maximize State Funding For Local Needs
Several information meetings have been conducted in the North Hopkins Independent School District to provide an overview of a proposed Tax “Swap” Ratification Election. Superintendent Darin Jolly said the tax swap will enable the district to maximize state funding without raising local rates. The additional money will used for what Jolly calls “big ticket” items including transportation fleet needs, parking improvements and expansion, energy efficiency upgrades for increased savings, and instructional needs for facility and equipment for 21st century learning.
The purpose of the election is to allow the district to move $0.13 from the Interest and Sinking (I&S) (debt payment) tax rate to the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate. This move will not increase the total tax rate. The proposed change generates the same projected local tax revenue – $981,648, because the pennies are just “swapped” between M&O and I&S, but the move increases the projected state revenue by $251,635 for the 2017-2018 school year.
Early voting by personal appearance beginnings Tuesday, September 19, 2017 and ends October 2nd. Early voting hours are 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. each weekday and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. on October 2, 2017 at the North Hopkins ISD Secondary Office, located at 1994 FM 71 W, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Voting on Election Day, October 6th will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the North Hopkins ISD Administration Building Board Room, located at 1994 FM 71 W, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Homecoming Royalty Named in Friday Pregame Activities 6:30 p.m. at Prim Stadium
This is Homecoming week at Sulphur Springs High School. Sixteen Homecoming nominees, who are hoping to be selected as Homecoming queen, have been chosen by the high school student body.
The nominees are Alyssa Abron, Karlee Adams, Makenzie Alexander, Allie Avery, Gracie Boyer, Vanessa Diosdado, Hannah Dixon, N’sya Dugan, Aubrey Faulks, Anden Hammack, Maggie McGlamery, Jacie McKinney, Kate Potts, Anna Sapaugh, Imani Taylor and Mieke VanBenthem. Interviews and pictures of the homecoming court are available on Tuesday September 12 Channel 18 News. (The interview begins at the 6:30 mark in the video.) High School Assistant Principal Vanessa Abron, who coordinates Homecoming activities, says this is the largest Homecoming court that she can recall since she became involved with Homecoming back in 1998.
There will be at a Homecoming Pep Rally Friday afternoon at around 3 p.m. on September 15. Homecoming nominees will be presented at Prim Stadium prior to the Wildcat/Paris game. The court will be introduced and the Homecoming Queen announced beginning at 6:40 p.m. Friday.
What Might Have Been; Lady Cats Face Hallsville at 4 p.m. Friday
Nineteenth century American poet John Greenleaf Whittier once penned the proper sentiment for Tuesday night’s Lady Cat 3-2 loss at Texas High. “For all sad words of tongue and pen. The saddest are these. It might have been”. The Lady Cats were poised to win in Texarkana when the Lady Tigers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
In set five, the Lady Cats had a 12-9 lead when a timeout was taken. Coming out of the break, Lady Cats Coach Justin Maness says the Lady Cats missed a serve and then seemed to lose focus. The Lady Tigers scored the match’s last five points to win set five, 15-12. Coach Maness calls the back and forth match unbelievable. He says Texas High is a good team. Coach Maness says his two middle blockers played well Tuesday night. Both Autumn Tanton and Mieke VanBenthem had 12 kills apiece. Coach Maness says it was a tough loss but he says a good Hallsville team is coming up next for the Lady Cats.
The Friday game has been moved up to 4 p.m. Five Lady Cats are in the Homecoming Court and the extra thirty minutes for the game should allow them to play and to participate in Homecoming activities before the Wildcats’ football game Friday night.
Herd Wins First Varsity Match; Team Tennis 1-1 om District
Wildcats Team Tennis Coach Tony Martinez was pleased with his team’s 14-5 district win over short-handed Marshall at the Wildcat Tennis Complex Tuesday afternoon. The win evened the Wildcats district record at 1-1.
Coach Martinez awarded the Wildcat Ball to freshman Katie Beth Herd, who won her first varsity match. Herd won in girls’ singles despite losing a first set, 6-0. Herd won set two, 6-0 and then captured the match with a 10-7 tiebreaker win. Senior Jazzmin Cruz, who just took up tennis a few months ago, won her girl’s singles match, 6-1 and 6-0 despite a slight heel injury.
The Wildcats got strong plays from the boys. Captain Alex Benitez led the way along with Jonah Kirkpatrick and Blaine Flemens. The boys’ doubles team of Chase Crouch and Logan Schumacher won their match against Marshall, 8-3. Coach Martinez may have found a mixed doubles team for the future. He put youngsters Aaron Lucas and Heather Harris together and they won. Coach Martinez said they played well together and picked each other up. Coach Martinez said his message to his team before the match was a simple one. He told them to have fun, compete and make sure they hit the ball over the net and let their opponents hit into the net or out of bounds. After the match, the team celebrated three players with birthdays Tuesday: Zoe Wilson, Schumacher and Lucas. Coach Martinez said the Marshall coach chose to leave some players at home for team rules violations, such as missing practices.
Guess They’re Staying; CHRISTUS Logo Affixed to Hospital Building Wednesday
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital is now identified by the hospital logo on the front wall of the building. The emblem welcomes those driving Jim Masters Boulevard, the entrance to the hospital off Airport Road.
It replaces the Memorial Hospital logo that once graced the main building. The hospital name was changed when Hopkins County Memorial Hospital District sold 51% of ownership the hospital to CHRISTUS Health. The sale was finalized July 11, 2016. The logo change took place Wednesday, September 13, 2017.
Signs denoting the emergency room entrance had been changed almost immediately following the sale.
Chamber Connection September 14, 2017
Chamber Connection-September 14th
Here’s a little update on the 48th Annual Stew Contest! The Chamber has already mailed out Stew Cook letters and Sponsor letters. If you have not received your letter, please call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515. If you would like to cook or sponsor a stew pot for the first time, please don’t hesitate. Give us a call and we will get you signed up!
Deadline to enter and KEEP YOUR STEW SITE from last year is Friday, September 15th. On Monday, September 18th, you may come by the Chamber and choose a new site based on availability. The 48th Annual Stew Cook-off is scheduled for Saturday, October 28nd, and that will be here before you know it!!
Texas WIC is offering a partnership to help with your child’s haircut
Jeff Luster at Studio 9 Hair Designs has partnered with WIC for a discount on children’s haircuts. You may receive $5 off haircuts for children 5 years old and under as long as you bring your ID with name and current WIC shopping receipt. The offer is valid September 1st through September 30th. The hours available for hair appointments are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and are by appointment only. Contact Jeff Luster at Studio 9 Hair Designs, 421 E. Industrial Dr., Suite 208, in Sulphur Springs by calling (903) 335-1491.
SmartTech is holding a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on Friday, September 15th at 4 p.m.
SmartTech Home Solutions is hosting their ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday, September 15th at 4 p.m. SmartTech is located at 1217 S Broadway St., Suite A2, in Sulphur Springs. Make plans to come by and welcome this new business to Hopkins County.
The Lights of Life Style Show is scheduled for Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m.
The HC Health Care Foundation is hosting its annual Lights of Life Style Show on Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Entry fee is a $25 donation and there will be door prizes and a raffle. Dinner and fashions will be provided by Lou Nells. For ticket information contact the Foundation office at (903) 438-4799 or Lou Nell’s at (903) 885-0664.
First Baptist Church is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast on September 16th
First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast called “Captivated: The Wonder of Christ on the Winding Road”. The simulcast will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church. This is a free event, but you must register at www.ssfbc.org, or in the church office, or at ROC to attend.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show is scheduled for September 15th and 16th
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their 18th Annual Quilt Show on Friday, September15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 16th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Door prizes are given away throughout the day, and children’s activities are available, too! The quilt show will be located at the ROC, 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs.
Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, September 16th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, September 16th, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets. Many local and out of town vendors will be here participating in this first-time event. You don’t want to miss this!
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes starting in September
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes that are scheduled to begin Monday, September 18th at 5:30. Reserve your spot before they’re gone. Classes will be located at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. It will run weekly for four weeks. Cost is $75 per student, and there is a discount for siblings. Call 903-243-6222 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot!
First Baptist Church will hold monthly Diamond Set Meetings beginning in September
The 60 Plus Ministry of First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs will begin its monthly Diamond Set meeting next Tuesday, September 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. There will be free blood pressure checks and information by Legacy Hospice. The special program will be presented by Rev. Fred and Jane Randles. The luncheon meal will cost $5.00 per person. Everyone is invited to attend this time of good food, great music, medical information and fellowship.
SSISD hosts a ribbon cutting celebration for their new student construction project
SSISD is holding a ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 21st for their new construction project at 128 Fore Street at 2:30 p.m. Sulphur Springs High School is proud to announce that their Construction Tech I students will be undertaking the project of building a home on 128 Fore Street in Sulphur Springs during the 2017-18 school year. This is the second year of their Architecture and Construction programs, and they are excited about this opportunity for our students. The project will be completed under the direction of their Construction instructor, Mr. Harold Smithson, with community contractors, local companies, the SSISD Maintenance Director, Mr. Dan Froneberger, and the SSISD Maintenance Staff actively supporting and helping throughout the process. The Principles of Architecture and Interior Design students, under the direction of their instructor, Mrs. Christina Davis, will be making the interior selections to finish out the project. Come by and support this amazing new project for SSISD.
Texas AgriLife Extension Office is hosting classes this month
Texas AgriLife Extension Office is offering Cooking Well with Diabetes as a series of four classes. Attend this series of four fun-filled, interactive classes packed with research-based information and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes. It is located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street in Sulphur Springs on September 14, 19 and 24 at 1:30 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. (your choice). Cost is $25 and payable at the first session. Call 903-885-3443 to reserve your space or if you need additional information.
Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation is holding a Sip & See
The Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation is holding a Sip & See on Thursday, September 28th, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the home of Dr. Scott & Deanna McDearmont, 729 Church Street in Sulphur Springs. Tour this 120-year-old home that has been owned by a U.S. Congressman, State Representative and judge, shoe store owner, and two local doctors. Admission is a $25 donation at the door. John Sellers will be the guide for the evening, and appetizers will be provided by Plain & Fancy. Reservations are required by September 27th. You may make reservations by calling (903) 438-4799.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
