Latest KSST News

June Monthy Checklist By Mario Villarino

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June Monthy Checklist By Mario Villarino

ksst ksstradio.comAs we move into the warmer weather, the popular “Monthly check list” for the gardeners released by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension  (compiled by Dr. William C. Welch, Professor & Landscape Horticulturist) has become handy for home gardeners. Here the list for the Month of June:

 

  1. Supplemental irrigation is essential for all but the hardiest plants in times of extended drought. Water lawn and garden thoroughly, but not too frequently. As a general rule, soak to a depth of 8 inches. Finish watering by early afternoon, to lessen the chance of disease.
  2. Check watermelons for ripeness regularly. They are usually ready when the bottom portion is definitely yellow green or even yellow in color.
  3. Take a critical look at your landscape while at the height of summer development. Make notes of how you think it can be better arranged, plants that need replacement, overgrown plants that need to be removed, and possible activity areas that can be enjoyed by family members.
  4. Check for insects and diseases. Destroy badly infested plants. Spider mites can be especially troublesome at this time. Select a chemical or organic control, or use insecticidal soap.
  5. Especially during dry summers, soil moisture becomes extremely important and essential for good plant production. Because continual watering is oftentimes costly and time consuming, it pays to conserve the moisture around plants. This is best done by mulching. A good mulch will retain valuable moisture needed for plant growth, and improve overall gardening success. Mulches are usually applied 2 to 6 inches deep, depending on the material used. In general, the coarser the material, the deeper the mulch. For example, a 2-inch layer of cottonseed hulls will have about the same mulching effect as 6 inches of oat straw or 4 inches of coastal Bermuda hay.
  6. There is still time to plant some of the colorful, heat-tolerant summer annuals. Direct-seed zinnias and portulaca, and purchase plants of periwinkle, salvia, marigold, and purslane. Be sure to water transplants as needed until roots become established.
  7. Removing faded flowers from plants before they set seed will keep them growing and producing flowers. A light application of fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks will also be helpful.
  8. House plants can be moved out of doors this month. Sink the pots in a cool, shaded garden bed to prevent them from drying out so quickly; water pots, container plants, and hanging baskets often. Monthly feedings with house plant fertilizer will encourage continued growth.
  9. Now is the time to plan for next spring. Consider digging and dividing any crowded spring bulbs. Once the bulbs have matured and the foliage has turned brown, it is time to spade them up and thin out the stand. Crowded bulbs produce fewer and smaller blooms. They usually need thinning every 3 to 4 years.
  10. June is the time to select daylily varieties as they reach their peak of bloom.
  11. Fertilize roses every 4 to 6 weeks. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer immediately after a flush of bloom.
  12. Continue to spray susceptible roses with a black-spot control such a Funginex every 7 to 10 days.
  13. Re-blooming salvias, such as Salvia greggii and S. farinacea, should be pruned back periodically during the summer. To make the job easier, use hedging shears, and remove only the spent flowers and a few inches of stem below. Fall-blooming perennials, such as Mexican marigold mint (Tagetes lucida), chrysanthemums, physostegia, and Salvia leucantha, should be pruned in the same manner during the summer to keep them compact, reducing the need for staking. This type of pruning should be completed prior to September 1, since flower buds begin forming about that time.

 

I have will start this week a Frequently Asked Questions where I publicly respond to common questions sent to the Extension Office:

 

  1. a) Q: We are getting some questions related to St Augustin lawn die-out. R: There are several reasons why  St Augustin lawns (or any other lawn) will decline, including soil pH, chinch bugs or fungal diseases. Start with a soil test first and then eliminate other causes.
  2. b) Q: Where to find plants for garden. A: As temperature increases, plant nurseries tend to stop carrying new plants because gardeners and plants tend to not do so well during the hot period of the year.  Some specialty nurseries will carry all year long plants or overlap seasonal plants or specialty plants.
  3. c) Q: Weed identification. A: It is important to photograph or collect plants with complete structures (leaves and flowers) to have them properly identify. A good example is the common Queen Anne lace (wild carrot) and poison hemlock. While Queen Anne Lace is a fairly benign plant, the poison hemlock is very toxic. In several cases (depending of the variety) it is the root system and it smell the only way to differentiate between both.

 

For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].

ksst ksstradio.com

Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443

 

15 Money Tips For College Students By Johanna Hicks

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15 Money Tips For College Students By Johanna Hicks

15 MONEY TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

High school graduation has taken place, or will soon, for most high schools.  Many graduates will be embarking on a totally new adventure called college.  For many families, money is tight, and the cost of higher education can be frightening.  However, if we equip our youth with some money management tools, they will be able to handle most challenges.  Experts agree that careful planning and wise spending can stretch the bucks.

1)      Budget your money to last.  Know what you can spend and know when you’ve spent too much.  For some college students, budgeting is a first-ever experience.  It may sound difficult, but it is not impossible. Keep records of what you spend and compare your spending to what you planned to spend.  Keeping your checkbook balanced will keep you from going overboard.  I strongly suggest writing each debit purchase as well as checks written, in your check register even though your on-line account keeps that information.  Set a little money aside for emergencies.

2)      Be price sensitive.  Comparison shop to save money.  Know the community and what it has to offer.

3)      Use a debit card (check card) instead of a credit card to keep you from over-spending.   Again, don’t forget to write down what you spend in your check register or online system.

4)      If you have subscribed to a full or partial meal plan at school, use it.  Don’t leave money on the table by not using what you’ve paid for.  The average cost per meal on your meal plan is likely to be less than what you would spend “eating out”, but only if you use it.

5)      Be careful about how much money you spend eating out. Remember that beverages can really add to your cost – in fact, they may be the most expensive part of a fast-food meal.  Get into the habit of ordering regular tap water with ice and lemon/lime to accompany your meal and you will save a lot of money in the long-run.

6)      Staying connected. In college, computer “connectivity” is important.  If you are living in a dormitory, high-speed internet may be included in your total cost.  If you live off-campus, consider your options; some apartment complexes may offer wireless or high-speed connections.

7)      Buy used text books if they fit your textbook requirements.  Sell them at the end of the semester if you do not care to keep them for reference or to build a professional library.

8)      Get information from your financial aid office even if you do not have a student loan.  The offices usually stock information on budgeting, economizing, and managing credit.

9)      Pay your credit card in full every month.  Don’t charge everything.  Set rules for yourself.  People who use their credit card for “everything” tend to spend more money and often it is money that they do not have.

10)   Be wary of credit card solicitations (graduating seniors and college students will get a lot of these!)  You only need one credit card.  Some will give you gifts or other premiums.  Too much open credit damages your credit history.  Comparison shop for a credit card if you don’t presently have one.  They are not all the same. Look for a low APR, no annual fees and low/no extra fees and charges.  Pay special attention to how your interest rate will change if you are late in making a payment.  Pay credit card bills on time in order to avoid late fees – paying online may speed up payments.

11)   Avoid identity fraud by being careful with your personal financial records and numbers.  Avoid losing your personal belongings.  Keep vital information away from prying eyes.  Get a free copy of your credit report at the official website, www.annualcreditreport.com.  Beware of imposter websites when requesting a copy of your credit report.

12)   Avoid racking up extra costs needlessly. Library late fines cost money.  Traffic violations and parking tickets cost money, too, and damage your record.  Remember that hourly and daily fees to park in some convenient campus facilities cost much more than contract parking or other available student parking.  Plan for the extra time it may take to save on parking.  Or use bus service if it is available.

13)   Weigh the costs and benefits of employment while you are going to school.  Working more hours may provide more money but can increase the number of years (and the cost) of going to school.  On the other hand, working can provide you with valuable experience related to your interests, major or future profession.

14)   This tip has nothing to do with financial management, but is an important bit of advice.  Keep good company!  College students are faced with temptations, pressures, and far-reaching opinions.  Stay away from drugs and alcohol, and focus on the positive things.  Remember that bad company corrupts character, and good company strengthens character!

 

Closing Thought

“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones” – Lauren, age 5

Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]

Williams Plea Bargain Results in 10 Years Followed by Five Years, Day-for-Day in Prison

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Williams Plea Bargain Results in 10 Years Followed by Five Years, Day-for-Day in Prison

Thursday afternoon in a plea bargain agreement in Eighth Judicial District Court, Carae Williams, 22, of Sulphur Springs received 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Burglary of a Habitation revocation and five years for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone. He has to serve the 10 years before the five year sentence begins and the five year sentence must be served day-for-day with no eligibility for parole, according to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris, the Prosecutor in the case.

 

Harris stated the “…diligent, excellent police work…” of Detective Bo Fox and members of the Sulphur Springs Police Department were instrumental in the prosecution of the case. He stated that several officers put in a lot of time and effort to bring Williams to justice.

 

Williams, 22, of Sulphur Springs has been wanted since December, 2016 for violation of probation for Burglary of a Habitation. Williams was arrested in April, 2017 at a residence on Randolph Street where he was staying when local police received information of his location. A few months ago, Williams evaded arrest in a foot chase with law enforcement in Tyler.

 

He had been arrested in April, 2016 for burglary of a habitation and for possession of a firearm by a felon. At that time he was living on Calvert Street. A resident at 621 Houston Street had called Sulphur Springs Police to report a man in her home looking for a weapon. She said the man was wearing a camo jacket. As SSPD approached the residence, the officer spotted a subject that matched the description walking on Locust Street near Van Sickle. He made contact with Williams and patted him down for officer safety. The weapon was located in the waistband just above Williams’ front pocket. Williams told the officer he was a felon and had been released in 2014. The arrest was made at that time and Williams eventually received probation.

 

In December, 2016 Sulphur Springs Police responded to a call regarding individuals unlawfully in an empty residence on Calvert St. Williams met officers at the door with his clothes in his hand. Williams was advised he was not allowed in the residence. A pat down followed resulting in the discovery of a clear baggie containing what was believed to be cocaine. A videoed field test confirmed the substance to be cocaine. Williams fled the area after bonding out of jail at that time.

 

At the time of Williams’s arrest in April, Detective Fox told KSST News that Williams was also a registered sex offender who was out of compliance.P

Mayor Proclaims Friday, May 26, 2017 Red Poppy Day

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Mayor Proclaims Friday, May 26, 2017 Red Poppy Day

Thursday afternoon at City Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, Mayor Emily Glass read a proclamation naming Friday, May 26, 2017 Red Poppy Day in the city. In the proclamation she invites residents “…to join in observing the day to honor every service-member who has died in the name of liberty, freedom and democracy while also showing their support for living veterans, service-members and their families.”

Members of and veterans of the military had been invited to attend.

The Proclamation:

WHEREAS, poppies are worn and displayed as a symbolic tribute to our fallen and the future of living veterans and service members; and

WHEREAS, at the end of World War I, The American Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of freedom and the blood sacrificed by troops in wartimes; and

WHEREAS, the use of the poppy symbolically comes from the poem In Flanders Fields, which movingly begins, “In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row”, referring to the poppies that sprang up in the churned earth of battlefields across Belgium and France where soldiers died fighting ; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion Family has long utilized the red poppy as its official flower, symbolizing the blood shed by those who have served in our U. S. military, and it is fitting that as The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary approach their 100th anniversaries, they expand the meaning and the symbolism of the poppy, mirroring the manner in which the poppy is symbolically showcased in England and Canada in celebratory fashion on their Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day and Poppy Day; and

WHEREAS, wearing a poppy will unite citizens from across the country who decide to show their patriotism; and

WHEREAS, the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, supports the designation of May 26, 2017, as “National Poppy Day” and recognizes the importance of honoring those that have worn our nation’s uniform.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Emily Glass, by virtue of authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim May 26, 2017, as RED POPPY DAY and encourage our citizens and visitors in Sulphur Springs to join in observing this day to honor every service-member who has died in the name of liberty, freedom and democracy while also showing their support for living veterans, service-members and their families.

 

Street Dance Planned by H C Marketers

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Street Dance Planned by H C Marketers
Dale Cummings will be performing at the Hopkins County Marketers Association Street Dance onThursday, June 8th from 5:00 – 7:00 at Heritage Park Museum. Bring Your Lawn chair and enjoy the Music and Refreshments.

Channel 18 News Thursday, May 25, 2017

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Channel 18 News Thursday, May 25, 2017

Graduation News Around Hopkins County

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Graduation News Around Hopkins County

                                     CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!

SSISD…Graduation on Friday May 26 at 7:00 pm  in the Arena of the Hopkins County Civic Center. There are 285 graduates wearing the cap and gown, with Lydia Burleson and Tori Mattison representing the top of the Class of 2017.

NORTH HOPKINS…28 students will be handed their diplomas on Saturday May 27 at 3 pm in the W.S. Long Gymnasium. Mary Brown is Valedictorian and Christian Matlock is Valedictorian.

SALTILLO…Anna Gallegos and Brenda Castro are the top students in the Class of 2017, with 17 graduating on May 26 at 7 pm in the Kerry Garmon Memorial Gym.

YANTIS…Gracie Beech and Amanda Hendricks are Val and Sal of the Yantis Class of 2017.

SULPHUR BLUFF…There are ten students in the Senior Class with graduation in the new Bears gym at 6:30 pm on May 26. Katelyn Allen and Jaden Goldsmith earned top honors.

COMO-PICKTON….Graduation is May 26 for the Senior class of the Como-Pickton Eagles, at 7:30 pm in Ron Heflin Field.  There are 45 graduates. Jasmine Boyd and Valeria De Leon earned honors as top students.

CUMBY ….Ethan Coble represents the Class of 2017 as Valedictorian with Jesslin Bond as Salutatorian. Graduation will take place May 26 at 7 pm at Texas A and M Commerce Ferguson Auditorium. There are 31 Cumby Trojans graduating.

MILLER GROVE…Misses Alleigh Bessonett and Kayleigh Lester are the top students of a class of 23. Graduation day is May 26 at 7pm in the new Hornets Gym.

 

9-1-1 The Connection is Saturday at Celebration Plaza

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9-1-1 The Connection is Saturday at Celebration Plaza

Saturday, May 27th at Celebration Plaza, the 9-1-1 Connection sponsored by the City of Sulphur Springs Police Department and others will provide food, fun, Kid’s ID, face painting, bounce house, and more for all ages. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Police, EMS, Fire Department and others will interact with children during the event. The public is invited.

Judge Says Cappiello a Swindler, Liar; Gives Maximum Sentence

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Judge Says Cappiello a Swindler, Liar; Gives Maximum Sentence

Chad Alan Cappiello, 48, received the maximum sentence allowed under law Wednesday afternoon at (May 24, 2017) in Eighth Judicial District Court. However, Judge Eddie Northcutt made it evident that if more time could have been assessed, two years day for day was the maximum sentence, he would have pronounced a much longer sentence because Cappiello had swindled too many people and, having been shown mercy in other court proceedings, had not changed his ways.

Chad Alan Cappiello

Chad Alan Cappiello

Northcutt called Cappiello, who also used the name Russell in his home remodeling business that swindled two Como women out of $15,000 and a number of other clients across the state for varying amounts, a liar. Northcutt noted it was a monumentally poor decision for Cappiello to have his 8-year old son in court for the sentencing. Northcutt stated he would have to temper his words to Cappiello for that reason. The judge then immediately said that he was surprised Cappiello’s pants had not erupted in an inferno because Cappiello was a liar. That word, liar, appeared several times during the judge’s statements. Other words used by the judge to refer to Cappiello were swindler, bully, intimidate, and writer of threatening letters.  He also noted that in recorded conversations, Cappiello was rude and condescending toward his wife and was attempting to alienate his sons by a previous marriage from their biological mother.

The judge noted that in Cappiello’s request, he had asked for mercy and the opportunity to repay the $15,000 owed the two Como women and to repay the money owed in Bell County. Cappiello is on probation in Bell County for similar charges here. Cappiello had also compared himself to the Old Testament’s Job, a man of many sorrows who was misunderstood. Northcutt, a Bible scholar and Sunday School teacher, told Cappiello that he was no Job. Northcutt stated that Job was a righteous man and that Cappiello was not.

Following a theme of justice and mercy established by Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison, Judge Northcutt noted that he was extending mercy by not adding a fine, up to $20,000 possible, so that Cappiello’s family would not be made to suffer. Justice was evident, according to Northcutt, in giving the maximum two years day-for-day allowing Cappiello to “come to the end of yourself.” Quoting Paul in Galatians, Northcutt said, “For whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.”

Northcutt also pointed out that he hoped the prosecutors and judges in the court proceedings that Cappiello will face in charges in other counties will do what has been done in Hopkins County. The judge also told Cappiello that this will have time for his current wife to make a number of decisions regarding her future.

Cappiello does have the right to appeal the decision of the court. However, Judge Northcutt stated that he deemed Cappiello a flight risk and remanded him to jail.

In closing remarks, Assistant DA Harrison noted that Cappiello had not paid restitution in other cases where he had been found guilty even though he had been on probation. He said “People like him do not deserve anything other than the full penalty.” Harrison noted the Matthew 19 parable of the unmerciful servant who had received mercy for his own huge debt but had shown no mercy for a debtor who owned him little. The unmerciful servant was found out and placed with the torturers. Harrison stated that is what Cappiello deserved.

Noting that Cappiello had used the name Russell in business and that his wife had never been referred to by her last name, Harrison referred to his wife as Kristi Secret Last Name. She had been the telephone contact for those who responded to websites and other advertising for Cappiello’s company.

A Hopkins County Jury found Chad Alan Cappiello guilty on two counts of Theft of Property more than $1,500 but less than $20,000. The verdict was rendered around 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Cappiello, a remodel/repair contractor who also uses the alias Chad Russell was not facing his first day in court for an offense related to this type of theft. A witness from each of three other instances that have gone to court in Texas counties were called to testify in this case. There had been other arrests as well.

Cappiello spent a year in jail in Lonoke County, Arkansas and from there went to Harris County Texas and then to Bell County Texas. Cappiello still has pending felony theft charges in Jasper and Gatesville (Coryell County) and he is currently on felony probation for theft in Temple. In 2000, the defendant went to prison for felony theft and possession of cocaine. He was convicted of misdemeanor theft in Houston in August 2015. He was previously on felony probation for Securing Execution of a Document By Deception in Robertson County, Texas. He was also previously on felony probation for felony theft in Leon County, Texas.

Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison stated, “People like Mr. Cappiello have been emboldened by years of outmaneuvering law enforcement, evading justice, and receiving soft probation sentences. This week, a Hopkins County jury sent a clear message to folks like him that in this community, theft is still theft. The State will be arguing for the maximum punishment at Mr. Cappiello’s sentencing on May 24.”

Texas Ranger Jason Bobo, Company F Central Texas, was called to prove intent in the case. Ranger Bobo had investigated Cappiello regarding one of Cappiello’s thefts in Gatesville, Texas. A roof repair was promised when $5,000 in cash was paid to Cappiello and the remainder of the project was financed. The Ranger stated that no work had been performed and that in the investigation he found a number of phone numbers that changed consistently, the failure to provide a true address, and the use of lease or rental vehicles by Cappiello.

In opening remarks, Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison noted that Cappiello changed his name from Chad Russell to Chadley Cappiello and then then Chad Cappiello over the past 23 years. However, he uses both the last name Russell and Cappiello as it suits the opportunity to defraud individuals of money in remodeling and/or repair schemes. His current wife Kristi Cappiello also uses her maiden name as a telemarketer for their business ventures. Harrison pointed out that when anyone attempted to find the location of the business, they were unable to locate the Cappiellos’ due to masking websites, email origination, and the use of cell phones. He stated that attempts to go to addresses listed for the company were fruitless. Even the managers or owners of the buildings where their listed address would take the individual seeking to get a refund for work had no knowledge of the business.

An internet search performed by KSST News shows shows Cappiello has been charged in several counties on similar charges. Cappiello has operated in various areas of the state and has been charged in several counties, some without success for the prosecution. The local case focuses on charges filed and an indictment rendered by a Hopkins County Grand Jury regarding the theft of property, to be exact, money paid for work never completed in a home remodel in Como.

Chamber Connection May 25, 2017

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Chamber Connection May 25, 2017

The deadline is approaching for the Ice Cream Freeze-off! The Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th Annual Ice Cream Freeze-off on Saturday, June 10th at 4 p.m. on the Civic Center grounds.  We have many sponsorship opportunities available to partner with the Chamber during Ice Cream, so please consider joining us for this fun day!  You know what else we need?  People to make and enter ice cream!!!!  Have you ever thought about entering your delicious homemade ice cream?  The entry is free of charge, so just go for it! Call the Chamber for more information, (903) 885-6515, or visit our website at www.hopkinschamber.org.  We all scream for ice cream!

American Legion Post 66 encourages National Poppy Day on Friday, May 26th

American League Post 66 encourages the community to wear red poppies on National Poppy Day, Friday, May 26th.  With Memorial Day on the horizon, the American Legion encourages all patriotic Americans to wear or display a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to still fight for our country following World War I. For more information about National Poppy Day and to purchase poppy themed items, visit online at www.legion.org/PoppyDay.

Texas Heritage Bank is hosting an open House on Thursday, June 1st from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Texas Heritage Bank is hosting an Open House on Thursday, June 1st from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Make sure and stop by for good food, prizes, giveaways, and an authentic chuckwagon.  Food includes Dutch Oven brisket, chips, drinks, and Dutch Oven cobbler. Yum!!! Texas Heritage Bank is located at 215 N. Hillcrest in Sulphur Springs. See you there!

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is offering Cooking with Chef Cruz on Tuesday, June 6th at 6 p.m.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is sponsoring “Dinner Tonight -Cooking with Chef Cruz” on Tuesday, June 6, at the Hidden Lakes Hunting Lodge in Yantis, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Chef Cruz Minjarez will demonstrate recipes using red stag, buffalo, duck, and quail.  Family & Consumer Sciences Extension agents will share recipes for side dishes as well as information on food safety and storage of wild game.  Early registration by May 12 is $20.  After May 12, registration is $25.  The first 20 to register will have the opportunity to serve on the tasting panel.  Registration information is found at http://hopkins.agrilife.org, or you may contact the Extension office at 903-885-3443.

Camp Brave Heart will be held June 8th and 9th at First United Methodist Church

Cypress Basin Hospice’s Camp Brave Heart will be held June 8th and 9th at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day. This is a free, children’s grief camp that is offered to our community. They are looking for children ages 6-12 that would benefit from this camp as well as community volunteers that would like to help with camp activities. Questions about the camp should be directed to Shiles Hubbell at (903) 577-1510, and questions about volunteering should be directed to Niki Haynes (903) 577-1510

Opening Ceremonies Ribbon Cutting for the Dairy Festival is scheduled for Friday, June 9th at noon

The Dairy Festival officially kicks off with a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, June 9th at noon on Celebration Plaza.  Make plans to be there and celebrate the start of the Dairy Festival!

5K Milk Run is scheduled for Friday, June 9th

It is time for the 59th annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival’s Balloon Rally and 5k Milk Run! This year’s chip timed race will be held on Friday evening, June 9 at 7:00pm. Imagine running down a country road, on a beautiful summer evening in Hopkins County, beneath a sky filled with colorful balloons. This unique family event features an out and back course that begins and ends at the balloon glow and launch area! Stick around after the race and enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of brilliantly colored balloons and live entertainment from the main stage. All runners 18 years and older will have their bib numbers entered in a drawing for a ride in a hot air balloon on Saturday, June 10th. All winners will be announced on Friday night after the run. Register today at: www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com.

Sulphur Springs Public Library presents their Summer Reading Program for June and July

The Sulphur Springs Library is hosting a summer reading program called Knights and Princesses Summer Reading Program 2017.  Every Tuesday at 3 p.m., they offer multiplayer Minecraft.  Storytime with Medieval Times will be held Wednesday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m., and the Summer Reading Program Kickoff and Registration will be held on Thursday, June 8, at 6 p.m.

Ribbon cuttings:

The Oaks Bed & Breakfast hosted their Grand Opening on Thursday, May 18th at 5:30 p.m.

The Oaks Bed & Breakfast, located at 516 Oak Avenue in Sulphur Springs, hosted their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, May 18th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Owners Ben and Allison Thesing hosted tours and gave the history of the building and how it became a beautiful bed and breakfast.

Corner Grub House hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, May 24th at 2 p.m.

Corner Grub House, located at 113A Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs, hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, May 24th at 2 p.m.  Corner Grub House prepares a variety of home cooking right on Celebration Plaza, and they offer indoor and outdoor seating. Owners are Mike and Amanda Story.