Game Day: SSHS Soccer, Basketball, and Tennis
The Lady Cats are at home and the Wildcats are on the road this Friday game day. The #18 state ranked Lady Cats’ basketball team will host Marshall in Wildcats Gym Friday night. A freshman team game is at 5 p.m., the JV contest is at around 6:15 p.m. and the varsity game should start at around 7:30 p.m. The Lady Cats are in first place and are 9-0 in district play. They are 23-3 for the season and they have won 16 games in a row. The Lady Cats defeated the Lady Mavs in Marshall, 82-15 back on January 3. We will have the Lady Cats and Lady Mavs varsity game for you Friday at around 7:30 p.m. on KSST Radio. We will also videotape the game for replay on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable at a later date.
The Lady Cats’ soccer team is also at home as they host Pine Tree Friday night in a district opener for each team. The game will be at the field at the SSHS Track/Soccer Complex. There will be a JV contest at 5:30 p.m. wth the varsity game to follow at around 7:15 p.m. The Lady Cats varsity enters district play with a season record of 5-3-2 in official UIL games.
The Wildcats’ basketball team is on the road at Marshall Friday night. They will have a freshman game at 5 p.m., a JV game at around 6:15 p.m. And the varsity match up at around 7:30 p-.m. The Wildcats are all alone in second place in district with a 6-1 mark. They are 21-5 for the season. The Wildcats defeated Marshall 72-40 in Wildcats Gym back on January 3.
The Wildcats’ soccer team opens district play at Pine Tree Friday night. A JV contest is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity playing at 7 p.m. The Wildcats enter district play with a season record of 7-1-1.
Finally the Wildcats’ tennis team is scheduled to play at a Hallsville tournament Friday. It got underway with matches at 8 a.m.
The Building Fund Begins
Members of the First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs presented a check to Senior Citizens Center Director Karon Weatherman. Members of FUMC gave what they could during a 5 month campaign in 2016. The funds were kept separate from other church offerings. “This was over and above our regular giving to the church,” said Campbell. The congregation voted to divide the donations 3 ways, and give to 3 separate needs in the community. The amount given to the Senior Center was $2738.33.
Anyone wanting to donate to the building fund can now do so. Contact Karon Weatherman at 903 885 1661.
Sue Anders, Karon Weatherman, Ursula Campbell, Nel Ferny, Nancy Rooks
Midterm Teacher Change Prompts Letter from SSISD to Parents
(Editor’s Note: See the complete interview with Rusty Hardin on Channel 18 News Friday, January 27, 2017)
A midterm teacher change at Sulphur Springs High School prompted a letter to parents from the district. The letter stated that the teacher assigned to instruct for more than 30 days does not hold an appropriate state teaching certificate. Texas law required the letter from the district.
In the letter, Superintendent of Schools Michael Lamb indicated the district’s support of the assigned teacher stating the individual is “…qualified to teach in this assignment.” Campus administration will be evaluating the teacher’s performance in the classroom to ensure the quality of instruction, according to the letter.
Rusty Hardin, Assistant Superintendent and Human Resource Director for the district, said a mid-year teacher change often causes difficulties in placing certified teachers in the specific classroom especially if it is math or science. In this instance, a teacher resigned to begin retirement from teaching. Hardin said the district seeks to match the incoming teacher based on their education background—studies in that specific subject. Hardin said to post a new teaching job in midyear, few responses are received. He stated the letter has to be sent for long term substitutes as well as replacements.
Hardin noted that 99% of the teachers in the SSISD are certified or seeking certification.
Hiring new teachers is a challenge for all districts. Hardin stated he goes to five job fairs each year and uses job posting sites as well. He stated that finding new teachers is becoming more difficult each year.
New Yoga Shop Opens
Bindi Yoga opened at 215 Main St. in downtown Sulphur Springs on January 26. Morning, noon and evening classes are being formed, from beginner to “hot” yoga. Cost is on donation basis. Owner and instructor is Vannoy Fite, who formerly conducted classes inside Bookworm Box.
Sulphur Springs Man Attempted to Conceal over 200-grams of Meth During Traffic Stop
Constant requests by a Hopkins County Deputy resulted in Joshua Aaron Blaylock, 24, of Sulphur Springs eventually giving up what he had in his hand and had attempted to conceal from the officer.
Blaylock was stopped by the deputy at 7:39 p.m. at the corner of Craig and Camp Streets. There the deputy observed him attempting to hide something in his hand. He also attempted to place the concealed matter in a Styrofoam cup. Finally he complied. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine.
Blaylock is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 200-grams, less than 400-grams and with Tampering With Evidence. He is being held on a total of $85,000 in bonds.
Tira News, January 27, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
Wesley Weir, son of Robert and Yvonne Weir, bowled with the “My Heroes” team on Saturday, and then he and his family had a great lunch at Redneck Café. Wesley had appointments in Dallas on Friday and Monday. Yvonne reports, “We have a new great-niece. Kaitlyn (daughter of Dana and granddaughter of Mary Helen) had a sweet baby girl this week. Her name is Avalynn.”
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, the North Hopkins Hospitality/Restaurant Management class prepared a wonderful meal for the board members, administrators, and a few others who attended the board meeting on Thursday night. The group, including 5 students, were served by the class teacher, Dee Ann Melton and Maygan Adams, another teacher at NH. The board members and superintendent wore corsages and boutonnieres, which were made by the Floral Design Class. Everyone enjoyed the formal dinner. I want to express my appreciation to the board, and to the teachers and students who made the evening so special.
Yvonne Weir, Regina Taylor, and I met Brenda Allen at Arturo’s Wood Fired Pizza for lunch on Thursday, in honor of Brenda’s birthday. We enjoyed a delicious meal and time of visiting.
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].
Bingo Friday at the Senior Citizens Center
The cards were hot Friday at the Senior Citizens Center on MLK in Sulphur Springs.
“String of Pearls” Takes the Stage at Main St. Theater
How the lives of twenty-seven different women were touched by a single strand of expensive pearls is revealed in Michael Lowe’s 2005 “String of Pearls”. Spanning 35 years, the slightly dark drama documents a moving journey of love and loss as the pearls are stolen, bought, bestowed, unstrung and nearly lost for good. Content is PG-13. Portraying the array of women are local actresses Aldyn Green, Jennifer Lansou, Monica Lancaster, Laura Teer, Brooke Howard, Maryann Miller and Sadie Connor. Direction and set design is by Triston Pullen. Associate Director is Cindy Lancaster. Set building was done by David Woody and his assistant Matt. Kate Hutley assists with front of house. There are six performances total, Friday and Saturday January 27 and 28 at 8pm and Sunday January 29 at 2pm. The same schedule will be repeated the following weekend February 3-5. Tickets are $10 each available online at mainsttheater.com or at the box office. Reservations can be made by calling the Box Office at 903-885-0107. Main Street Theater is located at 227 Main Street downtown Sulphur Springs. Promoting the play on the KSST Morning Show were Aldyn Green, Cindy Lancaster and Jennifer Lansou, whose interview can be seen on the January 27 Channel 18 TV News report on ksstradio.com.
Miller Grove January 27, 2017
by Brandon Darrow
This past weekend I took a short trip to Nashville, TN. The drive was long, but worth it. I was thankful that the trip was safe and no delays in traffic. I was glad to get to see Josh Turner on Friday night and Loretta Lynn on Saturday night. Josh just barely made it on stage in time for his segment on the Ryman Auditorium stage. He said his industrial freezer at home went out and he was having to move things from one freezer to another and ended up nearly being late. The great Loretta Lynn was on stage with her sister, Crystal Gayle, at the Grand Ole Opry and the two of them ended the night with singing “Coal Miner’s Daughter” with their sister Peggy Sue.
While in Nashville, a woman’s protest was going on around one of the blocks down town. It was interesting to say the least. Some seemed to be in favor of women’s rights, others seemed to be anti-Trump, and I truly believe that some of the folks marching had no idea what they were even doing.
Homecoming was Friday night and I think that it is the first Homecoming I have ever missed since I was out of town. I want to congratulate all of the students on Homecoming Court. It is a honor to even be voted onto the court. King & Queen honors went to Luke Brignon and Candace Earp; Runners up were Trent Wolfe & Kayla Ford and Aleigh Bessonett & Noel Tellez. The remaining 2016-2017 Court were Douglas Smith, Isabella DeLong, Ashley Purser, and Reed Hewitt. I also heard that we did win in the game that night against the Sulphur Bluff Bears. Good job Hornets!
The elementary teachers and students have all moved in to their new classrooms. I know everyone is enjoying the new building. The last step is to pour the concrete parking lot on the east side of the building and everything will be complete.
My condolences to the Clark family. Doris LaVerne Clark, wife of Roger Clark, passed on Jan. 17 at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. She and Roger have lived in Miller Grove for several years. Many of you may remember that Roger was a volunteer on Miller Grove VFD a few years ago. Funeral services were held Jan. 22 and Mrs. Clark was laid to rest on Jan. 25, at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, two sons, and many other family members.
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
Hopkins County 4-H Prepare for Contest Season By Johanna Hicks
Hopkins County 4-H Prepare for Contest Season
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office is abuzz with activity this time of year! Not only are some of our 4-H members preparing for the Junior Market Show, but many others are beginning preparations for the 4-H Fashion Show, Food Show, Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Share-the-Fun, Food Challenge, Consumer Decision Making Contest, and 4-H Photography Contest.
This week’s column will highlight the 4-H Photography Contest. If you have ever been in our office, you will notice a photo displayed on our wall with the caption, “These ARE my good dance shoes.” The picture depicts a young girl dressed in a white tutu wearing pink ad brown cowboy boots, standing in front of a white-washed fence. The photo, taken by former 4-H member Kaitlynn George, and won the state 4-H contest for Best of Show – Artistic Quality. Photography is a popular project in Hopkins County, and we offer three events throughout the year in which 4-H members can participate.
Registration for the District 4-H photography contest is open until midnight, February 6, on the 4-H Connect link. When registering, the first photo is $10, and only .50 for each additional photo. The three age divisions are: Seniors (grades 9-12), Intermediates (grades 6-8); and Juniors (grades 3-5). Photo categories are:
- Animals – Domestic
- Animals – Wildlife
- Catch-all
- Details & Macro
- Digital Darkroom
- Dominant Color
- Elements of Design
- Food
- Marine/Aquatic
- Nature/Landscape
- Night Photography
- People
- Plant/Flora
- Storyboard
- Theme “Reflections.”
All photos must have been taken by the 4-H member within one year prior to the entry deadline. Photos may be submitted only one time and in only category. Each member may enter one photo per category for a maximum of 15 photos.
Actual photos must be received in the District Office or the Morris County Extension Office on or before March 17. (Note: I have a conference in February and can hand deliver them to the District Extension Office in Dallas, but I must have the photos by February 13th in order to do so.) All photos must be permanently mounted on photographic mount board or a board of like thickness (foam board is acceptable.) Photos must be no larger than 8 X 10”, suitable for hanging without additional framing. Masonite, photo folders, corrugated cardboard and poster board are not acceptable.
For a full description of each category and the required label to be attached to each photo, go to the District 4 website http://d44-h.tamu.edu/event/photography. You will find all the information you need for a successful journey into the 4-H Photography Contest!
4-H Food Show and Fashion Show
These two contests have been around for years, and even though they have seen some changes in entry categories, they remain to be tried and true! In the 4-H Food Show, the 4-H member selects a category (protein, grains, fruits & vegetables, or dairy) and furnishes an entry form which includes the recipe and a brief description of their involvement in food and nutrition. On the day of the contest, the member brings the prepared dish and is interviewed by a pair of judges about the dish. After all judging is complete, the dishes are set out for display, and awards are given. Those who receive 1st place in their age division and category will advance to the District 4-H Food Show. Our county 4-H Food Show is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, as part of the Bobby McDonald Memorial County 4-H Roundup. Also taking place that same day will be the 4-H Fashion Show, Food Challenge, and Fashion Storyboard.
The 4-H Fashion Show is another popular contest. There are actually two choices for participation – construction (the 4-H’er makes his or her outfit) or consumer buying (the 4-H’er purchases his or her outfit). A registration form is required, which includes project activities, as well as information about the garment. On the day of the contest, the 4-H member actually wears their outfit during an interview by a pair of judges. Following all judging, 4-H’ers participate in a fashion show where they model their outfit for parents, guests, and other 4-H’ers in attendance during the awards presentation. Again, those who place 1st in their age division and category advance to district competition.
Entry forms for both of these contests will be mailed to 4-H members who signed up for Foods & Nutrition, and Clothing & Textiles when they registered for 4-H. We are hoping for a good turnout! If you have any questions, please contact our office at 903-885-3443.
Closing Thought
Nothing nurtures success like a steadiness of purpose – unknown
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]
