Who Did We Spot At The Saturday Morning Farmers Market?
Saturday’s Morning Market was bustling with people and vendors on the northwest corner just off Celebration plaza on square. The market covered the entire street between Alliance Bank and City National.
Chad Bourquin and his nephew were selling fresh vegetables and fruits. “I’ll be honest with you about my produce. You can trust the quality, I threw out cherries that I got just because they didn’t taste the way I wanted them to. I wouldn’t serve you anything I wouldn’t put on my own table.” Chad said proudly as customers looked at his variety of vegetables which included tomatoes, onions, and squash. He also had a bunch of fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, watermelons, and cherries.
Barrett (5th grader) and Cooper (3rd grader) Thesing were there selling fresh herbs and hand-squeezed lemonade. “The rosemary is from my garden at home, the sage and everything else is from my grandfather’s farm…We water [the herbs and vegetables] every day, and we’re going to just start with [herbs] and then we might branch out into vegetables. We grew these little tomatoes and tiny carrots, they don’t look right, but they taste amazing.”
Nancy Ferguson sold antique newspapers from World War II. “I bought these in an antique store in North Carolina, a whole stack of them. They were the original Stars and Stripes paper from World War II. Someone probably collected them, and brought them home after the war. I probably have 80 or so at home, and I thought I’d sell some sine it’s Memorial Day weekend…Anyone who remembers the war would enjoy them. It’s just WWII history you can even take them out of the frame and read them.”
Inmates from the Hopkins County Jail were there selling produce from the trustee farm. Giant, as well as regular zucchini, Italian zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and onions were sold. They also offered a mix and match option where you could purchase a variety of vegetables. Proceeds fund the garden.
Bobby Carpenter, a licensed canner, from Midway Farms was also at the morning market. Over the course of four days, she canned 153 jars of jam. “We raise 90% of what we can, and all our vegetables are grown locally. About 75% maybe 80% of what we canned this week was pickles. My daughter-in-law cuts them and I stuffed the jars.” She makes fresh bread too, and is even thinking about baking fried pies.
The market will be open next Saturday and through the summer, for people to buy fresh produce and enjoy the morning market!
Lil 4’s Plants Garden
Lil 4’s is a nonprofit organization that helps get kids off the streets. They provide food, motivation, and mentorship for kids ages 2 to 18. This Saturday morning, participants learn more about responsibility and nature, the Lil 4’s helped the Thesing family plant a garden. The garden is completely for the Lil 4’s, allowing them to grow their own vegetables that the kids eat as part of their meals.
“I want to teach [the kids] good values. When they get into the world, nature is the key to life. We always see bad stuff on the news and I want to show them that there’s not just bad stuff out there, and there’s more they can do to help. I love all of them like they’re my own kids.” Letitia Conliffe, founder and president of Lil 4’s, said. “My house is always full. They’re always coming over. Sometimes I have five, other times I have 12. I always say a family that prays together stays together, and this group is more like a family.”
“I thank God for Letitia, some of the things she does, she doesn’t have to do. She makes sure the kids are happy, and she never complains. She works from her heart…She’s just an awesome person.” Sandra Cummings, Vice President of Lil Fours, commented. “Letitia started this organization, helping kids, doing school supply drives, and feeding them. Most of the funds come from her own pocket.” That’s just how dedicated the entire team is.
“It’s amazing what these kids can do. They help each other with homework, and the older kids really are good examples for the younger ones.” Ben Thesing, coordinator for the project, said as he supervised a group of kids in the garden. “I first heard about it on KSST and we decided we wanted to help. We re-do houses and Latitia said they were looking for things to do outside.”
“We ask the community for help to support this cause of keeping the kids off the streets.” Letitia stated. Sandra added: “We have to get them out of their environment,” to show them the possibilities for a brighter future. This year’s goal for the organization is to raise enough money to take the kids to Memphis, Tennessee. The organization plans to teach the kids about diversity and let the kids reunite with their heritage-Native American, Black, White, Latino, or Mixed, Memphis is a culture site, which has a wide variety of historical information about different cultures.
The kids really enjoy being in the Lil 4’s; if it wasn’t evident from their smiling faces, here’s a bit of what they think:
“I really like the Lil 4’s because we help each other out and the community. It’s a great place and feels like your home. It teaches kids how to be someone and a better person in life.” said Kelsie Conliffe.
“We get to learn a lot, and be ourselves. We learn more about each other and have amazing mentors.” said Zachariah Goobson.
Devon Hamilton said his favorite part of the Lil 4’s was “playing, eating, and having fun and watching movies.” The experienced gardener mentioned he also helped with gardens at Travis Elem. and at ECLC.
Brianna Conliffe enjoys “Doing new stuff every day.”
Diamone Gotcher, member of 2 years, couldn’t pick a favorite reason for being in the Lil 4’s. “There’s a lot of things.” He said smiling.
Trinity Hamilton likes getting “to know more people, and getting to do things.”
Zariyah Kates said she likes gardening and “the seeds” were the best part of helping out.
If you would like more information on how to get involved with the Lil 4’s, visit their office at 200 Fuller St or visit their Facebook page .
Sulphur Springs High School Graduation
On Friday May 26th, 275 Seniors graduated from Sulphur Springs High School.
The Salutatorian, Tori Mattison, thanked her classmates for “supplying me with memories that will last a lifetime.” She encouraged her fellow graduates saying they were “not at the end of our story but the end beginning…Wherever we each may go from here, may we each strive for greatness.”
The Valedictorian, Lydia Burleson, had a particularly moving speech, praising the teachers saying “without the dedication of the teachers of Sulphur Springs I would not be here,” or attending Yale. “Class of 2017, let’s show the world who we can become…The future is not something way in front of us, it is right here. And with a degree, we are better able to grab that future…We cannot just sit back and watch…we must do more…I challenge [the underclassmen] to do more…” She explained the symbolism from “handing us our diplomas is handing us our future.”
KSST interviewed some of the graduating seniors.
Jquiten Gasaway said after graduating, he plans on going to the military, with the National Guard. His favorite subject in school was Math. His favorite part of high school was graduation. His favorite teacher was Ms. Newsome.
Jaspyn Johnson plans to attend PJC, then A&M at Commerce for Early Childhood Development. Her favorite school subject was English, and she was on the tennis team. Her favorite teacher was Ms. Herman. She wanted to thank her parents and her best friend Madison.
Jason Ponce is planning on going into the marines. His favorite subject was Government, and he was in the drumline in the band. His favorite part of highschool was graduation and his favorite teacher was Ms. Newsome.
Lamier Pryor plans on going to College Station and majoring in Psychology/ sociology to become a mental health counselor. Her favorite school subject was Chemistry. Her favorite parts of high school would be Prom and going to Wataburger with her mom. She’d like to thank her mom, and tell her she loves her.
Easton Suman said after graduation he plans to attend A&M at Commerce so he can major in Criminal Justice to become a Game Warden. He enjoys hunting white-tail deer. He was the mid linebacker on the school football team, and the 2nd baseman on the baseball team. He is looking forward to having fun in life. His favorite teacher was Ms. Bailey.
Cheyenne Thompson plans to attend Connections, a cooking school. She hopes to be a chef, and her favorite dish to make is spaghetti. Her favorite class was IPET, the pre-teaching class. Her favorite teacher was Ms. Stribling.
Malarie White plans to go to TJC (Tyler Junior College) for medical school. She enjoyed being in NHS and participating in the blood drive. She was nervous and excited for graduation.
Kadrie Davis had some proud family in the crowd, specifically 3 year old cousin, Jaaron Williams who was cheering and said “I love you.”
Congratulations to all the SSHS graduates and good luck to you all in the future!
SSISD Special Meeting Friday Focused on Personnel
A special meeting of the Sulphur Springs ISD school board was held on Friday, May 26, 2017. The only item of business for the board focused on personnel changes.
Resignations
Omie Penny Pre-K Aide ECLC
Kayla Bohannon Grade 4 Teacher SS Elementary
Misty Abron English Teacher Middle School
New Personnel
Sarah Graham Kindergarten Teacher ECLC
Marcos Garza Athletic Trainer Middle School
Bailey Bohlken Math Teacher/Coach High School
Cassie Reeder HSTE/Trainer High School
SSISD Kindergarten Registration is Online May 30-June 2, 2017
Registration for Sulphur Springs ISD Kindergarten has a process that is different for the new school year.
Sulphur Springs ISD Parents: The 2017-2018 Kindergarten Roundup is Tuesday–Friday, May 30-June 2, 2017. The district now uses online registration through Skyward Family Access which can be completed at home or, if one needs access to a computer, in the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Parent Center, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. If parents are planning to register a kindergarten student for school, please do so during this week, so that your child will be included in the current count
Only a parent or legal guardian may register a child. Online registration must be filled out completely. All documentation listed below will be needed to complete the registration process. Parents may be deliver these items to the ECLC Front Office through Thursday, June 15.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE REQUIRED TO VERIFY STUDENT INFORMATION FROM ONLINE REGISTRATION:
1 Proof of Residency (such as electric, water, or gas bill, etc.)
(You must reside in the Sulphur Springs Independent School District.)
Parent or Legal Guardian’s Photo ID
Child’s Official Birth Certificate
Child’s Social Security Card
Child’s Up-to-Date Immunization Record
Dr.’s Notes Concerning Allergy/Health Needs
Custodial Documents or Court Orders, if applicable
Call 903-439-6170, extension 6111 or 6112, or go to www.ssisd.net for more information.
SSHS Seniors Practice for Friday’s Graduation Ceremony
The 2017 Sulphur Springs High School Graduation will be on Friday May 26 at 7:00 pm in the Arena of the Hopkins County Civic Center. SSHS Staff expect that the commencement will end around 8:30pm. Guest and Visitor parking will be in the civic center parking lot.
275 Students will be taking part in the Friday night ceremony, and 28 students will be honors graduates. Special recognition honors go to Lydia Burleson, who is this year’s Valedictorian, and to Tori Mattison, who is the Salutatorian. “It’s just a celebration for the graduates and their families, as recognition of all their hard work.” Leslie Harred, SSHS counselor, said as she helped with the final arrangements.
Preparations for this event have been in the works since Wednesday May 24th. A stage has been set up in the center of the arena covered with sunflowers and decorated with glittery letters. The staff worked all day Wednesday, Thursday, and part of Friday to make sure everything is ready for the graduates and their families. Friday morning from 9:00 am-11:00 am, students and participating faculty and staff attended a practice session, where students practiced finding their seats and walking across the stage. Congratulations to all graduates and their families!
Annual Ice Cream Freeze-Off Changes Time, Location
The 16th Annual Ice Cream Freeze-off has changed the time and location, according to Lezley Brown, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. The Ice Cream Freeze-off will continue to be on Saturday, June 10th, but the time has changed to 5:30 p.m. and the location has moved to Shannon Oaks Church front lawn.
Brown invites the public to enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream for $3.00 (while it lasts), then watch the hot air balloons take flight at 6 p.m. all in the same place.
She said the various ice cream categories will remain for people to make and enter their homemade ice cream. There is no entry fee.
Baseball Bat Used in Aggravated Assault Family Violence
Hopkins County Deputies responded to a call on County Road 4586 Thursday when a female resident at that location said she had received a phone call from Joe Lee Cathy, 55, stating that he was on his way to her house. She was struck with a baseball bat several times about the head causing severe lacerations as well as possible broken bones in her arm and upper body. Cathy was not there at the time of their arrival.
Around 11:42 p.m., Cathy (picture not available) was arrested for Use of Sidewalk. During book in at Hopkins County Jail, he was interviewed by deputies and investigators concerning the incident at the county road address. He confessed to using the bat to injure the victim.
Cathy is in Hopkins County Jail being held for Aggravated Assault Family Violence with a Deadly Weapon, Use of Sidewalk, and Parole Violation. He is held on a $500,000 bond for the assault.
