SSISD Board Approves Personnel Changes in Special Session
A special meeting of the Sulphur Springs ISD school board was held on Thursday, June 29, 2017.
PERSONNEL
Resignations
Jennifer Harrington Head Start 3 Teacher ECLC
Tammi Humphries Kindergarten Teacher ECLC
LaWanda Losey Grade 2 Teacher Travis
Taryn Dungan Technology Aide SS Elementary
Gregory Reed Grade 4 Teacher SS Elementary
Colby Smith ELAR Teacher Middle School
Kyle Smith Social Studies Teacher Middle School
David Stribling Math Teacher High School
New Personnel
Aimee Blackburn Kindergarten Teacher ECLC
Maria Chavarria SpEd Aide ECLC
Kelsey Kraemer Kindergarten Teacher ECLC
Kimberly Earhart Behavior Specialist Bowie
Tiffany Anderson Grade 4 Teacher SS Elementary
Jacie Reger Grade 3 Teacher SS Elementary
Jamie Rhoades Grade 3 Teacher SS Elementary
Angie Evans Grade 5 Teacher Douglas
Elizabeth Bialecki Head Band Director Middle School
Mandi Denton SpEd Teacher Middle School
Stormy Edge SpEd Aide Middle School
Rothman Tafel Asst. Band Director Middle School
Theresa Anderson Strings Teacher Middle School & High School
Joshua Peugh Math Teacher High School
Personnel Change New Position/Campus Former Position/Campus
Meghan Alcorn Instructional Tech. Spec/ Grade 5/Douglas
Carissa Williams Behavior Intervention Spec./Bowie SpEd Aide/Douglas
3 Summer Quick Trips
By Savannah Owens
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have time to take a long and expensive vacation. Stay-cations can be fun-until you run into your neighbors at the grocery store and get talked into helping them with yard work…The perfect solution?A weekend road-trip!
Idea #1
Leave on Friday around 10:00 am, and head to Waco, its about a 3 hour drive-stop by the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum before stopping by the famous spots from the T.V. Show “Fixer Upper”: Magnolias and the Silos Baking company, for some sweet treats before heading back on the road.
Fredericksburg is approx. 3 hours away from Waco. They also have a lot of hotels, and places to stay, click here for some great deals. Then Saturday morning, check out Main Street, and be sure to pick up some of the best fudge you’ve ever tasted from Fredericksburg Fudge shop! 
There are lots of historical sites to check out such as: The National Museum of the Pacific War and the Admiral Nimitz Museum open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the Pioneer Museum open from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm. 
After you’ve seen all of the exciting things in Fredericksburg drive one more hour to San Antonio,where you can stop for a good hamburger and onion rings at The Longhorn Cafe. 
After dinner take a quick tour of the Alamo before turning in for the night. San Antonio has a bunch of parks and museums to stop by, but make sure you check out the River Walk before heading home.
Idea #2
Take a day trip to Fort Worth, which is about a 2 hour drive.
Visit the Stockyards, the Amon Carter Art Museum, The Kimbell Art Museum, The Water Gardens and Sundance Square. No trip to Fort Worth is ever complete without stopping for lunch or dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant! The fajitas and tortilla soup are am amazing!
Idea #3
Wanting to get out of Texas entirely? Take the 2 and a half hour drive to Shreveport Louisiana. The Shreveport Water Works Museum, R. W. Norton Art Gallery, and Gardens of the American Rose Center are all places you won’t want to miss!
Hopefully with these quick vacation ideas, you will get to travel and have fun- without worrying about taking vacation days.
7-on-7 Benefits Players and Coaches
As the Wildcats’ football offensive coordinator, Matt Young finds a lot to like about 7 on 7. The Wildcats played fourteen games during May and June. Coach Young says the players develop camaraderie. He says when its’ 120 degrees on the turf, players that go through that together can’t help but get closer. Coach Young says Wildcats players learn how to communicate.
He says unlike other teams that use dads or former players as 7 on 7 coaches, the Wildcats players are on their own. They coach themselves. Coach Young says it makes the players communicate to find answers. He says they have to talk to make adjustments. Coach Young says 7 o 7 is beneficial because of the sheer number of reps players experience. He says there is no telling how many throws Cason Goodson caught out of the backfield while being contested. Coach Young says that can’t be simulated. He says that also goes for receivers such as Simeon Taylor or Landry Tyson. Coach Young adds quarterbacks Ryan Humphries and D’Corian Young made a lot of throws while reading defenses. He says they got more reps by far the past two weekends at state qualifier tournaments than they will during the entire summer.
Coach Young says 7 on 7 is invaluable for players getting confidence in a play or coaches getting confidence in a player. He says players pick up little things that help them better understand football. Coach Young also sees benefits for defenders. He says there is no telling how many times cornerback Conner Burgin batted down the ball on go routes as offenses were picking on him. Coach Young says Burgin has developed confidence that will serve him well this fall. Coach Young also cited defensive back Cor’Tavius Pruitt, who moved to defensive back this spring after playing receiver last year, and who gained confidence during the 7 on 7 season.
Oklahoma Man Arrested for Meth Near Cumby
Blake E. Radke, 38, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma was driving a Kia at 61 mph in a 75 mph zone. He was traveling I-30 in the left hand lane at that speed without passing another vehicle or making a left turn. When stopped by the Cumby Police officer, it was noted that Radke had a glass pipe commonly used to smoke marijuana.
Blake E. Radke
Radke was asked if anything illegal was in the vehicle and Radke handed the officer the pipe. Asked about other illegal items and Radke said no. A records check showed Radke to have multiple arrests for drugs and theft. A probable cause search located a black zipper glasses case behind the center console in the rear seat on top of some tools. The case contained another glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine and a small clear plastic bag with a crystal like substance that tested to be methamphetamine.
Radke is in Hopkins county jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams. He is held on a $20,000 bond.
Juarez Man Arrested for Possession of Large Quantity of Meth
Marco Antonio Favela-Puga, 19, of Juarez, Mexico met Sgt. Harry Washington and Deputy Pruit of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department Interdiction Team Thursday evening around 7:30 p.m. In the encounter Sgt. Washington asked for and was granted permission to search the young man’s bags.
Three clear vacuumed sealed bags contained a white crystal like substance. Favela-Puga admitted the substance was his. The substance tested positive to be methamphetamine.
He is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than or equal to 400 grams.
Chamber Connection June 29, 2017
Have you seen the beautiful Sulphur Springs montage prints that have begun circulating Hopkins County? An artist has depicted Sulphur Springs with businesses, events, and history by creating a huge montage drawing. They are the neatest things! I keep getting lost in them each time seeing something that I have not seen before. If you would like to see one or purchase one, stop by the Chamber! We have them for sale for $10 each.
Summit Dental is welcoming a new Dentist to their office
Summit Dental, located at 422 Oak Avenue, is welcoming a new dentist to their office! Dr. James Ki Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea and came to the United States at the age of three. After moving around locations such as Iowa, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas, Dr. Lee considers Longview, Texas to be his hometown, where he graduated high school in Trinity School of Texas in 2006. After earning an undergraduate degree from Austin College in 2010, he entered dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he received his degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Christian Medical and Dental Association. Dr. Lee has served on various community events such as Texas Mission of Mercy and has also been involved in mission trips in countries such as Dominican Republic, Thailand, and Burma. He has recently joined Summit Dental in Sulphur Springs with the purpose of sharing his passion for dentistry with his patients and providing them with the highest quality dental care.
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 for all ages will be held on Tuesday, July 11, Tuesday, July 18th, and Tuesday, July 25th at 10:30 a.m. They will also have Storytime for the ages on Thursday, July 6th, and Thursday, July 20th at 6 p.m.
Tully Insurance is hosting a Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, June 30th at noon
Make sure you go by Tully Insurance on Friday, June 30th, at noon, to congratulate the Tully’s on their Grand Re-Opening! They will have prizes and refreshments! Tully Insurance is located at 109 Jefferson Street in Sulphur Springs.
26th Anniversary of the Independence Day Celebration on Celebration Plaza slated for Saturday, July 1st
Mark your calendars for a stunning and memorable night of a free concert and fireworks presented by the Sulphur Springs Symphony League. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. with fireworks to immediately follow. It is an event that should not be missed. Bring your families, your lawn chairs, or your picnic blankets and enjoy the sights and sounds of Independence Day in Hopkins County.
Trinity Harvest is hosting a Gospel Singing Fundraiser on July 7th
Trinity Harvest, located at 1150 Shannon Road E in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a Gospel Singing Fundraiser. They will start the evening with BBQ for $5 per person at 6 p.m. The Gospel Singing portion of the night will begin at 7 p.m., and entrance is by donation. Featured on this night are: Dustin May, The Hines Family, Laurenda Yoder. There will also be a silent auction from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please make plans to enjoy this wonderful night!
ECHO Publishing is getting ready for their Grand Re-Opening on Wednesday, July 12th at noon
ECHO Publishing is hosting their Grand Re-Opening Celebration on Wednesday, July 12th at noon. ECHO is located at 401 on Church Street. Come on by and check out remodeling of ECHO and eat some wonderful BBQ. See you there!
Etiquette by Emily is hosting a Business Etiquette Breakdown on Tuesday, July 25th
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Business Etiquette Breakdown on Tuesday, July 25th from 5:15 until 6:15 at The Oaks Bed & Breakfast. Chamber members and their employees receive “before” cost of $5 per person and “at the door” cost of $8. Non-Chamber of Commerce members’ cost will be $7 before and $10 the day of the event! This course will help you become more comfortable and confident in a business atmosphere with resume building, learning introductions and practical application with key community business leaders! Reserve your spot today by calling (903) 243-6222.
Ribbon Cuttings:
Taco Bueno hosted their Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, June 27th at noon
Taco Bueno hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 27th at noon. Everyone enjoyed seeing the new building, located at 1324 S. Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs, and sampling their current menu. They are now open and ready for business.
The Alcove2 hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, June 28th at 11:30 a.m.
The Alcove2, located at 101 Gilmer N. in Sulphur Springs, hosted their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, June 28th at 11:30 a.m. The Alcove2 is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hopkins House hosted a Grand Opening for their Massage Spa on Monday, June 26th at 1 p.m.
Hopkins House hosted a ribbon cutting celebration and Grand Opening for their Massage Spa for residents and community. Carmen Kelley will be at THE SPA at Hopkins Place each month offering Therapeutic Massage to the residents and to the community. She has trained in multiple natural health modalities such as: Diet & Nutrition, Clinical Aromatherapy, Body Systems, Reflexology, and various Massage Therapy Techniques.
New members:
We are excited to welcome our new members to the Chamber of Commerce! Welcome Sulphur Springs Christian Preschool, Cumby Food Pantry, Taco Bueno, and Texas Art & Frame. We are thankful to have you!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
13 year old collecting for Deputies
If you have any questions or comments or wish to donate or purchase a T-Shirt, call or email Silvia Reyes at (903) 569-3711 or [email protected].
Celebrate July 4 With a Cookout at VFW Post #8560
Everyone is invited to the Sulphur Springs VFW Post Home on Tuesday July 4 between 1 pm and 3:30 pm for a hamburger and hot dog cookout. Serving will take place inside the banquet hall. The post home is located at 1 Veterans Drive, located on East Industrial Drive along I-30 next to BEF Foods. VFW Post #8560 has a rich tradition of serving veterans, military families and the local community.
PJC Board of Regents Prepare for Restructure of Board; Conceal-Carry Policy Moves Forward
A draft policy to implement state law allowing conceal-carry at Paris Junior College was recently reviewed by the Board of Regents, and plans were made to appoint an at-large regent to represent Lamar County.
The regents were updated on the development of the conceal-carry policy, which was finalized by a committee after comments from April town halls were taken into consideration. The policy will now be reviewed by PJC legal counsel.
With the passage of HB 4276, PJC may now restructure the board to include Lamar County. Discussion centered on taking applications for an at-large regent position to represent the county. Dr. Anglin will finalize a form for applicants to fill out. PJC elections are held in even-numbered years, so the next regent elections will be held in November 2018.
In other business, the Regents:
- Received a financial report showing that in the ninth month of the fiscal year, revenues remain ahead of expenditures.
- Received reports on summer enrollment and fall and spring semester retention by course and faculty member (meaning the student did not drop from beginning to end of the semester).
- Approved private offers to purchase 21 properties previously bid-off by the City of Paris, per the Texas Property Tax Code Section 34.05(i).
- Learned of an award PJC received at the recent Texas Association of Community College Business Officers annual meeting. The Billy Hibbs Safety Award for exemplary safety practices resulting in the lowest loss ratio in 2015-2016 was awarded to PJC for having the best worker safety record among all community colleges in Texas.
