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.
Alert Clerks Determine Package Suspicious
Clerks at The Shipping Zone thought the package suspicious. The package was received at the Shipping Zone on Gilmer Street around 2:30 p.m. Thursday and was bound for a Florida address. The clerks contacted Sulphur Springs Police.
The Special Crimes Unit investigators responded to the call and clerks opening the package found inside 1.2-grams of suspected methamphetamine and 2.6-grams of Hydrocodone pills in a prescription bottle with no label. They found the individual who had left the package for mailing around 6 p.m.
Christi Lynn Attaway, 55, of Cumby was arrested for Manufacture Deliver Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams (Felony 2) and for Manufacture Deliver Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3 less than 28-grams (State Jail Felony). She is in Hopkins County Jail held on a bonds totaling $45,000.
City Hall Comprehensive City Plan Focus Areas Revealed; Priorities and Timelines Are A Future Discussion
by Savannah Owens
At the Thursday night meeting for the Comprehensive City Plan at City Hall, Ian Lockwood, Lead Designer, reviewed several options and examples to address areas of focus for the city. The areas of focus for the city included land use, community facilities, economic development, parks and open space, culture, streets, utilities, as well as funding and implementation. This session did not include prioritization or timelines for any of the options, which will be discussed during future sessions.
The proposed plan will be based on the feedback from the public that was captured in an online quiz (which included 600 participants) and from the attendees from the Monday-Thursday’s meetings. Sulphur Springs officials are leaning towards having a more traditional plan, which is ideal for towns that want to keep their historical characteristics. According to Lockwood, a traditional technique would be evident in the design of roads, and focused on accessibility and connectedness.
When discussing ways to finance the options, suggested payment methods included increasing property tax rates from the current $0.44 cents per $100, to $0.59 cents per $100 as well as potential impact taxes that would be funded by developments that use city infrastructure and resources.
“Industry and investment love a vision and predictability,” Lockwood explained. He encouraged Sulphur Springs citizens to find the city’s strength which Lockwood believes is in our water department. “One of your super strengths is in your water…It’s probably one of the best in Texas.”
The city officials also plan on working on sustainability and green initiatives. Lockwood mentioned that the plan includes “… recycling initiatives, as well as renewable energy.”
“If we keep doing what we’re doing we will be in big trouble, so we have to change something for the better,” stated Lockwood as he finished explaining what would be the next steps. After considering and weighing all the suggestions, the planning team will create a blueprint, and submit it for approval sometime in July.
After the encouraging comments about the proposed layout, Lockwood, stated that the plan will be long term, and that establishing short term goals and objectives would require him to come back at a later point as the deadlines and time-frames were clearly not addressed at this stage of the design planning process.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report May 17-23, 2017
May 17th
At 7:58 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 in Quitman.
At 8:38 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 in Quitman.
May 18th
At 7:35 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 in Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 10:31 a.m., to CR 1540 in Alba. A woman, 76, was pronounced deceased by the Justice of the Peace at 12:35 p.m.
At 4:02 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2270/2275 in Mineola.
At 5:59 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1804 in Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3600 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:15 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. An individual on the scene had an active warrant. Narcotics were found in the individual’s vehicle. Heather Lanae New, 32, of Big Sandy, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and an outstanding warrant.
At 8:26 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 W of 154 in Yantis.
May 19th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:55 a.m., in reference to a residential burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, entered the victim’s home and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1975 near Yantis, at approximately 1:10 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. The reporting party stated one of the tables in the residence was damaged, and a wire to the air conditioner had been cut. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 12:29 p.m., in regards to criminal mischief. The reporting party stated the back door was damaged, along with several miscellaneous items in the house. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2264 near Mineola, at approximately 11:26 p.m., in reference to an assault. The victim stated that an unknown person walked up to him, hit him in the face, and then left the scene. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
May 20th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 12:41 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Kyle Sparks, 26, of Mineola, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
At 5:57 p.m., cows were reported out on Fm 778/CR 3250.
May 21st
At 1:02 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088/CR 4628.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1570 near Alba, at approximately 8:25 a.m., in reference to an assault. An individual was assaulted at the residence. Billy Hankins, 44, of Alba, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
At 5:18 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 E/CR 3230.
At 9:47 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2869.
May 22nd
At 12:19 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 2869.
Deputies were dispatched to Autumn Wind Court in Mineola, at approximately 12:33 a.m., in reference to an assault.
At 7:09 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 in Quitman.
At 7:45 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 E in Winnsboro.
At 8:38 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 E/CR 3230.
At 11:37 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 3056.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3265 near Mineola, at approximately 12:14 p.m., in regards to a theft. The reporting party’s jewelry was stolen by an unknown party. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 3:08 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154/CR 3230 in Quitman.
At 3:09 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1560 in Alba.
At 4:52 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 North of Quitman.
May 23rd
At 8:53 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088, near CR 3987.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2245 near Mineola, at approximately 10:43 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. The victim was assaulted at the residence by an individual known to him. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Total Jail Count – 150 prisoners – 124 males and 26 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.
Tira News May 26, 2017
The Tira City Council will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the Tira Community Center. Following the meeting, the group will be dedicating the community food pantry in memory of former Mayor Floyd Payton.
Mick and Linda Petty spent this past weekend in Bolivar, Missouri, attending their granddaughter Reagan Humphrey’s graduation from Southwest Baptist University. Reagan received a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Accounting and Psychology.
The Aiguier Cemetery Association will have their annual homecoming on the cemetery grounds on Sunday, June 4th. A pot-luck lunch will be shared at noon, followed by a brief business meeting.
The families of the late Bob and Myrtle Lawrence met on May 20th and 21st for their annual reunion at the Tira Community Center. Georgia Smith reports, “We had the smallest group that we have ever had, partly because none of the families in Wichita Falls came.” She adds, “We lost a member of our family. Patsy Lawrence passed away. They were all missed and we said a prayer for the family.” Those attending were Joyce Johnson of Mesquite, Charlene Lawrence of Fort Worth, Mark, Julie, and Darby Lawrence of Grand Prairie, Danny and Judy Rawson of Denton, Sophie and Constantine Markides from Houston, Chandler Smith and friend, Cody, from Forney, Helen and Jimmy Smith and Kyleigh Williams from Greenville, Gene and Ida Bratcher of Sulphur Springs, Mary Rawson and Troy and Georgia Smith of Tira. Georgia says, “We hope to have more next year.”
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and take time to remember those who gave their life for our freedom.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
June Monthy Checklist By Mario Villarino
As 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:
- 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.
- Check watermelons for ripeness regularly. They are usually ready when the bottom portion is definitely yellow green or even yellow in color.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- June is the time to select daylily varieties as they reach their peak of bloom.
- Fertilize roses every 4 to 6 weeks. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer immediately after a flush of bloom.
- Continue to spray susceptible roses with a black-spot control such a Funginex every 7 to 10 days.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
