Wildcat Track Team Continues to Improve
The competition increased a lot for the Wildcats’ track team at a Gilmer meet last Friday. Wildcats Track Coach Matt Young called it the Northeast Texas Junior Olympics featuring Gilmer, Pittsburg, Carthage, Liberty-Eylau, Marshall and Tatum. Still several Wildcats did well.
In the 3200-meter run, Landon Thornton won the race and Peyton Vickery came in third. Mason Cleveland scored in pole vault clearing 9 feet.
The Wildcats 4X100-meter relay team of Damiyon Dugan, D’Corian Young, Cason Goodson and Lawrence Worth took fifth place. Eli Sellers was second in the 800-meter run. Terrell Turman finished sixth in the 110-meter hurdles. Ryan Humphries was third in the 100-meter dash and first in the 300-meter hurdles. The Wildcats finished 1-2-3 in the 1600-meter run. Vickery was first with Thornton second and Sellers third. The Wildcats 4X400-meter relay team got sixth. It was made up of Landry Tyson, Michael Jefferson, Tiesan Goodson and Lawence Worth.
The Wildcats and Lady Cats will compete in a Lindale meet next Thursday.
Lady Cats Defeat Pine Tree 20-1 Thursday at Lady Cat Park
The Lady Cats’ softball team did a thorough job of washing out the bad taste of last Tuesday’s loss to Pine Tree by clobbering Marshall, 20-1 at Lady Cat Park Thursday afternoon.
After starting pitcher Bailey Haggerty kept Marshall off the scoreboard in the top of the first inning despite giving up 2 hits, the Lady Cats sent 16 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first and scored 12 runs on six big hits. The Lady Mavs committed four errors in the inning. Jaye Doughtie’s triple drove in 3 runs. Kelsey Wallace had an RBI double. Alyssa Abron drove home two runs with a single. Brinklee Driver and Kristen Allen singled in runs. Doughtie drove in two more runs with a double. The Lady Cats added 3 more runs to make it 15-0 after 2 innings. Driver hit a three run homer well over the new blue left field wall at renovated Lady Cat Park. The Lady Cats went up 17-0 after three inning by adding two more runs. Ashley Moore drove in both runs with a single.
After Marshall got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth, the Lady Cats scored three more fourth inning runs to make the score 20-1. Moore had another RBI single. Sadie Stroud, Doughtie and Wallace all had singles in the inning and Driver bashed a double off the outfield wall in left center. Bailey Haggerty got the pitching win allowing only 2 hits and no runs in two innings with 1 strikeout and no walks. Alli Fite pitched the last three innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit with 6 strikeouts and 1 walk. The Lady Cats had 16 hits in all. Driver was 3 for 3 with 4 runs scored and 4 RBI’s. Doughtie was 3 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 5 RBI’s. Wallace was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI. Moore was 2 for 2 with 3 RBI’s.
The Lady Cats are now 3-1 in district play and they are 16-5 for the season. They will play Texas High in Texarkana Tuesday evening.
Aslan Family Increase Endowment, Establish Two Mathmatics Awards Benefiting A & M Commerce
COMMERCE, TX—Dr. Bill Aslan, former faculty member and Professor Emeritus, recently established two mathematics awards and increased the Aslan Family Graduate Endowment by $10,000. These combined gifts amount to $30,000.
Aslan’s recent contributions follow 23 consecutive years of support, benefiting Texas A&M University-Commerce students. These latest Department of Mathematics awards will support an outstanding undergraduate and a graduate student completing their studies during the academic year.
“Dr. Aslan impacted the lives of countless students during his tenure as professor in the Department of Mathematics,” said Dr. Brent Donham, dean of the College of Science & Engineering. “He continues to touch the lives of students through his benevolence to departmental scholarships and achievement awards. Dr. Aslan embodies the spirit of the A&M-Commerce mission to provide a personal, accessible, and affordable educational experience.”
Dr. Aslan earned a bachelor’s from Midwestern State, a master’s from the University of North Texas, and a doctorate from Texas Christian University. He and his wife, Gloria, began their association with A&M-Commerce when he accepted a position as an assistant professor of mathematics in the summer of 1967. Aslan considered fellow faculty “work family,” which influenced his family to remain in the Commerce community.
Dr. Tingxiu Wang, Department of Mathematics department head, writes, “We are very grateful for Dr. Aslan and his family. During his tenure of 46 years as a professor in the Department of Mathematics at A&M-Commerce, he taught numerous students and was loved by his students. He cares about students and the department. His generosity helps recruit both undergraduate and graduate students, awards students, allows many students to complete a degree, and encourages and inspires the faculty.”
Interim Vice President of Advancement and Mayor of Commerce Wyman Williams adds, “I’ve known Bill for forty years, visiting his classes and sharing his passion for mathematics education. Bill demonstrated a passion for educating and helping his students succeed, and it’s great to see him continue that legacy through his continued financial support.”
During Aslan’s time in the mathematics department, daughter Gloria and son James both completed their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from A&M-Commerce, then known as East Texas State University. Dr. Aslan believes being members of both A&M-Commerce and the City of Commerce communities enriched the lives of he and his family.
The sustained generosity demonstrated by the Aslan family is one powerful way they express a heartfelt gratitude for the vibrant career, community, and educational opportunities they enjoyed for more than four decades.
Soccer Doubleheader Almost Certain as Bi-District Playoffs Begin
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Jesus DeLeon is almost certain that a Wildcats and Lady Cats soccer bi-district playoff doubleheader will be taking place at Princeton on Friday, March 24. The Lady Cats will be playing Royse City at 6 p.m. Coach DeLeon says he is fairly certain that the Wildcats will be playing Lovejoy at 8 p.m. He likes the idea of the Lady Cats and Wildcats doubleheader.
Coach DeLeon says it’s great for the entire soccer community as supporters of both teams will come out. He says the Lady Cats are motivated when the Wildcats are watching and vice versa. Coach DeLeon says members of the teams are friends and some even date each other. He says the doubleheader aids motivation, creates excitement and brings members of the community out. Coach DeLeon says Royse City reminds him of district opponent Texas High. He says the Lady Bulldogs have size, are athletic and he adds they have a couple of midfielders who are difference makers.
Coach DeLeon says the playoff game will be difficult as all playoff games are. He says there is a way for the Lady Cats to win but he warns they can’t make it easy for Royse City or give anything away for free.
Redeeming Zoe Seeks Donations to Fight Human Trafficking
“Photos for Freedom” provides area residents an opportunity to become involved in an effort to fight human trafficking. The event is set for Celebration Plaza April 14 & 15. (See accompanying photo.)
Redeeming Zoe is a faith-based 501 c-3 dedicated to giving hope and a future in Jesus Christ to at-risk and exploited children in the Philippines. CEO, Hillary Evans, and Marketing Director, Becca Haskell, founded Redeeming Zoe in 2016.
Both graduates of Texas A&M University-Commerce worked with an orphanage in the Philippines for a year. That experience opened their eyes to the epidemic of human trafficking. They saw, first hand, girls being trafficked by boat and children having to meet certain quotas for their pimps as they sold snacks on the streets. They could not sit back and do nothing.
Over the last year, they have been gathering research and meeting with other organizations on what the best way to approach this fight would look like. Over the next five years, Redeeming Zoe will make efforts to plant a community center in Cebu City, Philippines. Their focus will consist of reaching the community, strengthening the family and saving children from the devastation of child exploitation. As exploitation increases, it is becoming more available and profitable online.
Hillary and Becca are dedicated to putting programs in place that bring value to the families in the Philippines. They are currently in the process of raising funds. In April they will be hosting an event called “Photos for Freedom”. There will be two photographers on site and an informational table with t-shirts for sell as well.
Based out of Sulphur Springs Texas, Hillary and Becca will be moving to Cebu City Philippines. They are available for speaking engagements at events, churches, schools, and other venues as they raise funds for their efforts to fight child exploitation.
Harris Named Interim Fire Chief at North Hopkins
In a press release issued Wednesday night, March 15, 2017, the North Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department announced a change in administration. The press release was issued one week following the departure of Craig “Moose” Morgan as Fire Chief. According to the release Morgan is no longer associated with the department. The announcement follows a change in management at The Way Radio Group where Morgan was listed as President. Bobby Harris, a member of the NHVFD and also a partner in The Way Radio Group, has been named Interim Fire Chief.
The release reads, “The North Hopkins Fire Department has had a change in its administration. As of 03/08/2017 Craig “Moose” Morgan is no longer the Fire Chief or associated with NHFD. The Interim Fire Chief is Bobby Harris. There have been no other changes in this organization. NHFD will continue to provide excellent emergency care and services to the citizens of our Fire District. Thank you for your continued support.”
The Way Radio Group, in a press release recently, stated they will continue to provide Christian music through one station they operate and will be changing the format of another. They will continue their events scheduled as well.
Extremely High Levels of Meth Found in 1-Yr and 3-Yr Old Children
When a one year old and three year old tested positive for methamphetamine and tested to have extremely high levels of meth in their system, Child Protective Services removed the children from the care of parents and the Special Crimes Unit secured warrants for two arrests.
Kayla Marie Letney, 27, (picture not available) and Rustin Yates Russell, 40, who live on Highway 11 East near Winnsboro, were arrested on warrants for Injury to Child with Intent Bodily Injury. Letney is being held on a total of $100,000 in bonds and Russel is also in Hopkins County Jail being held on a total of $100,000 in bonds.
He Threw “Joint” Out the Window
When Jacob William Jordan, 37, of Sulphur Springs threw something out the window of his vehicle at 12:19 a.m. Thursday morning, the Hopkins County Deputy that was following him decided to investigate. A traffic stop was initiated and, when asked, Jordan said he threw a “joint” out the window.
The deputy, astutely noting that “joint” is slang for marijuana, observed a green leafy substance all over the driver’s lap. Jordan was asked to exit the vehicle and was arrested.
On the way to jail, Jordan began trying to strangle himself with the seatbelt. The deputy stopped and waited on another deputy to drive to the jail while the first deputy sat in the back seat with Jordan. At the jail, the jail staff found a clear plastic baggy of green leafy substance inside his clothing.
Jordan is charged with Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair, a Felony 3.
Chamber Connection March 16, 2017
We loved the Spring Fever Bike Rally!!! Saturday, March 11th was the Hopkins County Spring Fever Bike Rally. We had a wonderful day in some very chilly temperatures, but we had cyclists come from all over to see our beautiful Hopkins County scenery! Thank you to our very appreciated sponsors: The Bookworm Box, Lowe’s, Oncor, Alliance Bank, Grocery Supply, CBJ, City of Sulphur Springs, Farmers Electric Cooperative, City National Bank, A&S Air Conditioning, Saputo, Atmos Energy, Interstate Body Shop, Connally Street General Store, Scott McDearmont, M.D., Professional Land Title Company, Kelly’s Tax Service, Hampton Inn, BobcatTexas.com, Super Handy, Rotary Club of S.S., Family Life Church, The Way Radio, Journey Baptist Church, Teen Court, Davis Street Baptist Church, Debra Huffman of Nations Lending, Juvenile Probation, and First United Methodist Church Ignite, Splash Kingdom Water Park, City National Bank, Farmer’s Electric Cooperative, City of Sulphur Springs, Sulphur Springs Police Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Divide Baptist Church, Miller Grove School, Cumby First Baptist Church, Peerless Baptist Church, Brashear Baptist Church, Hopkins County EMS, Brian Toliver Ford, Jay Hodge Chevrolet, Sulphur Springs Dodge, Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart, Fix & Feed.
H & R Block is hosting a Block Party on Saturday, March 18th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
H & R Block, along with other local businesses, is hosting a Block Party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 18th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. They are located at 1402 Mockingbird Lane in Sulphur Springs. They will have some fun events for the kiddos, a giveaway, a local nonprofit adoption event. Make plans to stop by and check it out!
Marlene’s Sass & Class is hosting a Grand Opening in her new location on Wednesday, March 22nd
Please join us as we welcome Marelene’s Sass & Class to 212 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. She will host the opening of her new location on Wednesday, March 22nd at noon. Stop by and check out the new store!
Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting at Blood Drive on Friday, March 24th from 10 a.m. to 3 pm.
Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting a Celebration of Life Carter Blood Drive on Friday, March 24th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are located at 890 Camp Street in Sulphur Springs. For more information, call Shelly Scheckel at (903) 926-6688.
The Largest Exhibitor Expo for Hopkins County is Returning on Saturday, April 1st
The 2nd Annual Home & Outdoor Expo will be held on Saturday, April 1st from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. The Home & Outdoor Expo is presented by The Way Radio Group and Jay Hodge Chevrolet. Vendors and guests are welcomed.
| Hunt County Regional is offering March Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt County Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on March 23rd in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21.To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering Parenting Connections Classes Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering “Parenting Connections”, a 4-lesson series on Child Growth & Development, Parent-Child Communication, Positive Discipline, and Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem. The series (2 lessons per session) will be held on Thursday, March 23 and Thursday, March 30, 6:00 p.m., at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. Please call 903-885-3443 to enroll. FBC will host at 55+ Health Fair on Tuesday, April 4th at the ROC from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is hosting a 55+ Health Fair on Tuesday, April 4th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Roc, 115 Putman Street in Sulphur Springs. The 55+ Health Fair will have free health screenings and including cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, body composition, and blood oxygen. They will also have information about pre-need counseling, home health, medical equipment, chiropractic, and pharmacy information as well as deaf and hard of hearing equipment demonstrations. Door prizes will be given away at 12:00 noon. For more information please call Fred Lewis at (903) 885-0646. Cross County Cowboy Church hosts Scroggins Family Benefit on Saturday, April 8th Cross Country Cowboy Church, located at 1515 TX Hwy 19 in Sulphur Springs, will host a benefit for the Scroggins Family. Jason Scroggins was first diagnosed with brain cancer on January 18, 2013. He beat that battle but has been diagnosed again. The benefit for this family will include stew and chili by donation only starting at 4 p.m., silent auction starting at 3:00 p.m., live auction starting at 5:30 p.m., and horseshoes with a sign up at noon. To make donations, please contact Angela at (214) 755-0994, Tori at (903) 440-2588, or Richard at (469) 644-2425. |
Wesley United Methodist Church will host Free AARP Tax Aid on Saturdays until April 8th
Wesley United Methodist Church will host free AARP Tax Aide starting this Saturday, February 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will complete your taxes for free every Saturday and Tuesday until April 8th. Each tax preparation day will last from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church is located at 614 Texas Street in Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins County Fall Festival is Hosting the Circus!
The Hopkins County Fall Festival is hosting the Kelly Miller Circus on Tuesday, March 21st at 4:30pm and 7:30pm, and Wednesday, March 22nd, at 7:30pm. The Big Top performances will be on the Civic Center grounds. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce!
Ribbon Cuttings:
Solar Nails & Spa hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Tuesday, March 14th at noon
Solar Nails and Spa, located at 1335 S. Broadway in Sulphur Springs, hosted their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 14th at noon. Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. They offer a wide variety of spa services for women, men, and children.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
