Heart Care At CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs-Since the opening of the cardiac cath lab at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs in 2009, patients in Sulphur Springs, Emory, Hopkins County and the surrounding areas have access to a state-of-art cardiac cath lab that provides diagnostics, imaging and treatments for heart patients close to home. Through a partnership with the trusted providers of Advanced Heart Care, the patients of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs are able to receive world-class treatment in their own community without the need to travel to Tyler or the Metroplex to access advanced cardiac care.
The interventional cath lab is fully equipped to perform balloon, stent and pacemaker procedures for heart patients, as well as completing electrophysiological studies and treating patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). These onsite services dramatically reduce the need for patients to travel outside the area to receive high quality cardiovascular care. In 2016 alone, the distinguished heart care medical staff at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs have provided services to more than 600 patients.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs offers a wide range of heart procedures and treatments, which include:
- Pacemakers, which treat abnormal heart rhythms
- Defibrillators, which help reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death
- Peripheral studies of blood vessels in the legs, neck and kidneys that can identify and measure blockages
- Cardiac catheterization procedures, including diagnostic tests for coronary artery disease, angioplasty and stents as well as 24/7 STEMI coverage for our Heart Attack patients.
- Intracoronary sonograms, where a tiny camera on a catheter can be threaded to the heart to help with diagnosis and evaluation
- Treatments for peripheral artery disease that include drilling out the plaque
In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities and treatments available to patients at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, health care professionals and first responders work together to exceed industry goals while providing rapid response to cardiac emergencies in the community.
“From the Hopkins County EMS first responders, to the Emergency Department and Cath Lab teams, collaboration among pre-hospital and hospital providers is a huge focus for our team,” said Brent Smith, Director of Hopkins County EMS. “Hopkins County EMS is dedicated to making our service among the best in the country and to continually improving our systems of care for all acute coronary syndrome patients.”
Hopkins County EMS recently received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Award for the second year in a row for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.
“The city of Sulphur Springs and surrounding counties can also take pride and find comfort in the fact that EMS personnel, the Emergency Care Center and the Cath Lab teams work together to accomplish and even exceed National Standards set by the American Heart Association.” said Nolan Willis, Director of Cardiac Cath Lab.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs’ approach to heart care incorporates the latest technologies and processes, while also including healing concepts and patient-centered features that involve the family along with medical staff to help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
“Our local patients enjoy being able to receive treatment close to home and being able to have their families close by,” said Paul Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “It is always our goal to provide compassionate, effective care to our patients. However, it is equally important that we do everything we can to provide them with a positive experience, and that goes beyond simply providing medical care. We seek to treat the whole patient, and that is a part of our system-wide Mission: to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”
Distinguished providers:
- Ram Aligeti, M.D.
- Manuel Cruz, M.D. FACC
- David N. Edwards, M.D. Ph.D. FACC
- Ryan Mandell, D.O. Electrophysiologist
- Jai Varma, M.D. FACC FSCAI
- Don Wurzburg, M.D. FACC
- Jill Ballantine, P.A.
CANHelp’s Back to School Fair for Hopkins County, August 4th, 2017
CANHelp is sponsoring a Back to School Fair. It will offer FREE: health and vision screenings, dental screenings and fluoride applications, immunizations for children and adults, haircuts, food and drinks, and more. The 2017 Back to School Fair is scheduled for Friday, August 4th from 3:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center.

In addition,we are seeking community service agencies, schools, churches, and other local organizations to participate in the 2017 Back to School Fair to offer information about activities for children/youth and family services that are offered in our area. For Profit businesses that support our local communities are also welcome. There will not be a cost for a booth.
All of the information for the 2017 Back to School Fair may also be downloaded from CANHelp beginning June 15,2017. The completed Booth/Sponsorship Form must be returned to: CANHelp, P.O. Box 214, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483 or emailed to [email protected]. Application deadline for a booth only is Monday, July 17, 2016.If you would like to be sponsor, please ensure form is returned by Monday, July 3, 2017 to ensure your organization can be included in event communications and on marketing materials. We’re looking forward to your participation in this community event that will have the potential to reach thousands of local school aged children and their families.
Shanna Martin, M.A.
Executive Director
CANHelp & 2-1-1 Texas North East Region
www.canhelponline.org
www.facebook.com/211canhelp
www.twitter.com/canhelp
IP # 54750
Phone: (903) 885-9797 ext. 1
Fax: (903) 439-2270
Meet 3 Pilots from the Saturday Hot Air-Balloon Glow
Steve Lombardi, Houston pilot for the ReMax balloon, talked to KSST about how he got started as a hot air-balloon pilot. He originally flew private airplanes, for 29 years. “The crew and friendships make flying worth it.” There is a Remax office in Sulphur Springs and Lombardi was asked to be the balloon sponsor. The farthest he’s ever flown was 60 miles, and he enjoys competitive balloon events. He didn’t have a lot of training because of his prior knowledge of flying planes.
Bill Adler, Longview pilot for the Wildfire balloon, has been flying for 16 years. His wife wanted to ride a balloon and in 1996 he got her a ticket to fly. He never got in a basket until 2000. Adler said he used to be afraid of climbing ladders, but now flying hot-air balloons has helped him overcome his fear of heights. He now has 3 balloons: a 31,000 cubic ft balloon, a 56,000 cubic ft balloon, and a 77,000 cubic ft balloon. Adler and a Friend decided to create a “Hopper” chair instead of a basket, and the unique design is experimental, and rare to find. But they registered the balloon chair, with the FAA and it has an official “N#” like most aircraft and planes. Adler even says its easier to fly and land the chair than a basket! 
Scott Vesely, has been flying for 35 years. His dad gave his mom a balloon ride as a gift when he was 13, and by age 14 he was participating in flying. Vesely attends about 12 events a year, and the farthest he’s ever flown was 35 miles. “You’re at the mercy of the wind…It’s like being a bird, up in the air.” He offered advice to people who are interested in becoming pilots. “Find a flight crew…this is a group sport.” 
Meet 2017 Ms. Hopkins County Senior Patsy Crist
Patsy Crist, a 30-year resident of the Cumby area of Hopkins County, is the newly crowned Ms. Sr. Hopkins County. Her talent presentation was an “I Love Lucy Vitameatavegamin” skit. She was crowned by 2016 Ms. Sr. Lavonne Elam. There were 9 contestants in the 2017 pageant, held at League Street Church of Christ Fellowship Hall on Saturday June 10, 2017. The contestants were honored with a Tea on June 9, hosted by Leanetta Pryor of Hopkins House and pageant organizer Karon Weatherman. Making guest appearances during the pageant were former Ms. Sr’s Ina Gore, Stella Bagley, Betty Caudle and Ms. Texas Sr. 2014 Nancy Bolton. The pageant, now in it’s 8th year, celebrates the positive role of Senior women and their valuable contributions to their family, church, workplace, community and the world at large. Winners will advance to the Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant to be held in Tyler this fall. The Ms. Senior Classic competitions are open to women age 60 and older,


Ms Hopkins County Senior 2017 Patsy Crist (center) with First Runner Up Faye Robinson (left) and Second Runner Up Jan Gray (right)

2017 contestants, left to right, Mollie Shepard, Elizabeth Wilburn, Valerie Ross, Patsy Crist, Fay Robinson, Jan Gray, Pam George, Linda Pickle-Hill and Majel Reddick (seated)

Pageant Organizer Karon Weatherman with 2017 winner Patsy Crist, Ms. Hopkins County Senior 2016 Lavonne Elam and Ms. Texas Senior 2015

Co-emcees Chuck Roy and Enola Gay

First Runner Up Fay Robinson..her talent was a reading and a song

Second Runner Up Jan Gray…her talent was a story and a reading

Most Talented Linda Pickle Hill with her service dog “Atticus”…her talent was a patriotic reading and audience sing-along

Miss Congeniality Pam George…shared a song for her talent

Best Interview Valerie Ross…her talent is singing

Best Philosophy of Life Elizabeth Wilburn…read a poem for her talent

Best Evening Gown Mollie Marie Shepard…presented a spitirual song

Best Personality Majel Reddick…shared a poem she wrote

Pageant judging panel
MS. HOPKINS COUNTY SENIOR CLASSIC WINNERS2010
Stella Bagley, Como
2011 Betty Caudle, Yantis
2012 Ina Gore, Sulphur Springs
2013 Sonja Baker Norton, Yantis
2014 Clydene Fielden, Sulphur Springs
2015 Wanda Wilson, Dallas
2016 Lavonne Elam, Sulphur Springs
2017 Patsy Crist, Cumby
Friends spotted at the Freeze-Off!
Isaiah Flores drove over 270 miles to visit the Dairy Festival. KSST caught up with Flores at the ice cream festival. “I can’t wait to come back next year! There was a Strawberry Lemon Crunch, that’s the one I voted for.” This was Flores’ first time to attend the Dairy Festival, and he went to every event. “My favorite part was probably the parade, and catching candy for all the little kids.” Flores also enjoyed visiting iconic sites around Sulphur Springs. “What I really enjoyed about the dairy museum was how educational and applicable it was.”
Linda Galligher commented about the ice cream festival’s new location at Shannon Oaks. “It’s a perfect place to have the event. There’s perfect weather and shade under the oak trees.”
SSES Third grade teacher, Laura Owens, was spotted talking with students and other teachers at the event. Owens thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream festival, saying “it was amazing! I tried a little bit of everything and ate more ice cream than I probably should have…But I especially liked the key lime cheesecake!”
Vallesha Adams and son Zaiden had a blast at the Freeze-Off. Adams said “We love it. It’s been 20 years since we’ve been back, my husband just retired from the military and I’m introducing my kids to hometown traditions.” Zaiden age 2, got a coke float from the DairyQueen booth at the freeze off. After eating the whole thing, he announced “It was good!”
Family Fun at Saturday Night’s Hot Air-Balloon Glow
Saturday Night’s Hot Air -Balloon Glow was spectacular! Approximately 30+ balloons were on the ground at Shannon Oaks Church of Christ at 6:00 pm. The expected balloon flights were cancelled due to weather restrictions and high winds. A few balloon baskets were set up front for families to climb in and take pictures with some of the flight crews and the rest of the pilots let families take pictures up close in front of the inflated balloons. The Stone Grove Band was on hand to capture the mood of the evening with popular oldies and crowd pleasing songs. They rocked out the night with a saxophone, and flutes accompaniments to the band.
Hundreds of families gathered on the lawn with blankets and lawn chairs to watch the event. Some even brought their four legged friends. It was a pleasant evening with a gentle breeze. Everyone enjoyed watching the balloons inflate and glow off and on through out the night. The mosaic of colors and lights from the balloons that were illuminated at a variety of different times filled the skyline and created a festive, fun time for everyone.
Shirley Brock and Rob Griffin said the balloons were their favorite part of the Dairy Festival. Originally from Kansas, Shirley commented that she visited the Dairy Festival many times, even when she had lived in Kansas. Her granddaughter Megan Brock, was a former Sulphur Spring Dairy Festival Queen.
Derrick Dillion was in attendance with his niece Ashlynn Reed from Pickton. They have been attending the Dairy Festival since moving from Chicago 5 years ago. Dillon’s Favorite part of the festival is the Ice Cream Freeze Off competition. His favorite flavor of ice cream this year was Pecan Pie. Ashlynn’s favorite part was collecting candy at the Parade.
Sara Belmonte and her family were excited to see the Balloon Glow event for the first time. Belmonte explained that they’ve visited the Dairy Festival for the last 10 years, but have only attended the Ice-Cream Freeze Off . Belmonte’s youngest daughter, Angel, said her favorite part was the ice cream. Her favorite flavor was chocolate. The Belmonte family first heard about the Dairy Festival from an aunt who lives in Brashear.
Ashley Ward and family are Sulphur Springs locals who enjoy the Dairy Festival every year. Ward’s favorite part of the festival was the hot air balloons because her “kids are fascinated by them.”
Tye Boatman was in attendance with her well behaved dog, Cutter. Boatman has been coming to the festival her whole life. Her family owns a dairy, her son was in the parade, and her daughter was showing at the junior cow show. Her favorite part of the festival is the Dairy Junior Show. Boatman laughed as her dog, Cutter enjoyed the music and the Balloon Glow event by sitting in her chair. Boatman asked Cutter to “Smile for the camera!” and Cutter, of course. happily complied.
The Hopkins County Championship Ice-Cream Freeze Off: WINNERS!!
The Ice-Cream Freeze Off was a huge hit! There was a large crowd at 5:00 pm even though the event didn’t formally begin until 5:30 pm. Every attendee was given a People’s Choice Award ballot so that they could vote for their favorite ice cream flavor. Approximately 50 Ice-Cream Freeze Off contestants created a variety of icy goodness in 5 categories: First Timers, Little Dip, Big Dip Classic, Big Dip Novelty, and Super Scoop.
Winners:

People’s Choice:
Kim Dillard-Butter Pecan

First timers:
1st place: Gary Spraggins
2nd place: Jennifer Evans
3rd place: Lee Beck

Little Dip:
1st place: Machelle Allen-PB Nutty Bar
2nd place: Addison Bowers-Banana
3rd place: C.J. Deleon-Chocolate Butter Cashew

Big Dip Classic:
1st place: Kim Dillard-Vanilla
2nd place: Carlie Penson-Chocolate
3rd place: Tori Cotton-Vanilla

Big Dip Novelty:
1st place: Monte Wise Reese’s PB Cup
2nd place: Henry Penson-Key Lime Cheesecake
3rd place: Tony Colton-Salted Carmel

Super Scoop:
1st place: Jo Alice McCue-Chocolate
2nd place: James Ross-Creamy Strawberry
3rd place: Jo Alice McCue-Banana Pudding
Bobby McDonald Milking Contest
For the first time, the Milking Contest was re-named in honor of Bobby McDonald. 2016 Dairy Festival Queen Sadie Evans was there to give advice and encourage the 2017 Dairy Festival contestants. Judges included Bobby McDonald’s Mother and Sister.



Here were the winners:
Contestants:
1st place: Peyton Dietze with 3.16 lbs
2nd place: Marissa Greenway with 1.49 lbs
3rd place: Jaci Reed with 1.07 lbs

Contestant Parents:
1st place: George IV and Jessica Reinheart with 3.99 lbs
2nd place: Jason and Jill Dietze with 2.93 lbs
3rd place: Rudy and Christy Boyer with 2.50 lbs








