Bill Bradford Road Eastbound Lane Opens Next Week; City to Develop Next Five Year Street Plan
As the holidays approach, Bill Bradford Road’s eastbound lane will be opened from Gilmer Street to Industrial Blvd giving drivers a more direct path to stores and shops located along that roadway. City Manager Marc Maxwell told KSST News Friday morning that the roadway will allow shoppers better access as the shopping season opens next Friday. He stated Bill Bradford Road should be completed in early February, 2017.
Work will continue on the westbound side of the roadway and a portion of that roadway will be closed. Water, sewer and utility improvements are complete. Only the concrete work remains.
As the City of Sulphur Springs nears completion of their five year plan for improvement of specific streets, work begins on a second five year plan that will specify additional streets for improvement. City Manager Marc Maxwell said that some streets need to be sealed but other streets need a total rework.
Those streets chose for the next five year plan will complement a larger planning process that will develop a new comprehensive plan for the city. Maxwell stated many will be involved in developing the new comprehensive plan.
Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen Picks PJC for Pre-Release Movie Premiere Sunday: Advance Viewers Will Help Select Movie Name
Cunningham native and Paris Junior College Distinguished Alumnus Duane Allen has chosen PJC’s Ray Karrer Theater for the first pre-release showing of a new Christmas-themed movie in which he stars.
The world premiere of the faith-based Christmas movie will be shown Sunday, November 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets for the movie are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children 12 and under. Afterwards, ticket holders will be treated to a meet-and-greet with Allen.
This unique event coincides with the sold-out Oak Ridge Boys performance the same evening at Love Civic Center benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Paris. It is also Allen’s 50th year with “The Mighty Oaks.” Allen will attend the showing, along with a few cast members and the writer/director of the movie.
“This is a very special production and will not be available this year anywhere in the country except in pre-release venues like PJC,” said Mark Nicolosi, Nashville-based writer and director of the film. “Those who attend will have the opportunity to make recommendations for the movie’s title. Following the showing, guests will be provided an email and social media information to share suggested titles.”
The movie is expected for home release by Fall 2017.
The movie is a “feel-good” Christmas story that allows viewers to experience the real meaning and the magic of Christmas. It is based on the scripture, Matthew 25:40: “What you’ve done unto one of the least of these my brethren, you’ve done unto me.”
Tickets are available at the PJC Business office, located at the east end of the Administration Building, 2400 Clarksville Street. Check, cash or credit cards are accepted at this location. Those wishing to reserve and pay by credit card by phone may call 903-782-0232. Tickets purchased by phone will be held at the theater’s will-call window beginning at 12 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, 8 West Plaza, will also have tickets available by cash or check.
The movie soundtrack features songs by The Oak Ridge Boys, Deborah Allen, George Canyon, Pam Tillis, Ricky Lee Phelps, Tayla Lynn, Regie Hamm and more.
A portion of the viewings proceeds are being donated to PJC by Allen and the production company.
Tira News
By Jan Vaughn
A large group of friends and family gathered at the Tira Community Center for a delicious meal, prior to the graveside service of Eric Payton, son of Brad and Virginia Payton and grandson of Floyd and Martha Payton. Please continue to be in prayer for them.
Also, please be in prayer for the family of Linda (Wester) Andrasko. Her graveside service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday morning, at the Tira Cemetery.
Mark Hixon is still looking for his missing Anatolian Shepherd. He is offering a reward for “Cooter’s” return. He provided another picture of his dog, in hopes that someone will have seen him. If you have any information on his location, please contact Mark at 903-268-1179.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I look forward to reports of your activities.
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].
National Diabetes Awareness Month By Johanna Hicks
National Diabetes Awareness Month
The timing of this column is either brilliant or discouraging. November is known as National Diabetes Awareness Month, and as many families share the wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, those who have been diagnosed with diabetes face a real challenge. The good news, diabetes can be managed with diligence and a little self-control.
You’ve probably wondered how you or someone you love developed diabetes. You may worry that your or their children will develop it too. Unlike some traits, diabetes does not seem to be inherited in a simple pattern. Yet clearly, some people are born more likely to develop diabetes than others. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes. Yet two factors are important in both. You inherit a predisposition to the disease, and then something in your environment triggers it. Genes alone are not enough. One proof of this is identical twins. Identical twins have identical genes. Yet when one twin has type 1 diabetes, the other gets the disease at most only half the time.
In most cases of type 1 diabetes, people need to inherit risk factors from both parents. We think these factors must be more common in whites because whites have the highest rate of type 1 diabetes.
Because most people who are at risk do not get diabetes, researchers want to find out what the environmental triggers are. One trigger might be related to cold weather. Type 1 diabetes develops more often in winter than summer and is more common in places with cold climates. Another trigger might be viruses. Perhaps a virus that has only mild effects on most people triggers type 1 diabetes in others. Early diet may also play a role. Type 1 diabetes is less common in people who were breastfed and in those who first ate solid foods at later ages.
Type 2 diabetes has a stronger link to family history and lineage than type 1, although it too depends on environmental factors. Lifestyle also influences the development of type 2 diabetes. Obesity tends to run in families, and families tend to have similar eating and exercise habits. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, it may be difficult to figure out whether your diabetes is due to lifestyle factors or genetic susceptibility. Most likely it is due to both. However, don’t lose heart. Studies show that it is possible to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes by exercising and losing weight.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million Americans—almost 10 percent of the population—have been discovered to have diabetes and 86 million more are at risk. Currently the United States’ annual direct health care costs and lost productivity due to diabetes and prediabetes total $322 billion. But diabetes isn’t just an American epidemic, it’s a global crisis. That’s why we need to shift our attitudes about diabetes, treating it with the urgent attention it deserves.
So what are the symptoms of diabetes? The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Women with gestational diabetes often have no symptoms, which is why it’s important for at-risk women to be tested at the proper time during pregnancy.
There are 4 key factors to controlling diabetes: checking your blood glucose, eating the right amount of carbohydrates, getting the recommended amount of physical activity, and taking prescribed medications. For more information on diabetes, go to www.diabetes.org, visit with your physician, and sign up for the next “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series.
If you are looking for a delicious recipe that is sure to please…and one that is suitable for a person with diabetes…give this one a try!
Chocolate Pudding Cake
Ingredients:
30 graham cracker squares (15 sheets broken in half), divided
1.4 ounce box sugar-free, fat-free instant chocolate pudding mix
1 ½ cups fat-free milk
12 ounces fat-free whipped topping, thawed and divided
¼ cup mini-chocolate chips
Directions:
1) Arrange 10 graham squares, slightly overlapping, on bottom of 8-inch square pan.
2) In a large bowl, prepare pudding according to package directions. Cool in refrigerator for 5 minutes
3) Fold 6 ounces whipped topping into pudding and incorporate well.
4) Spread half of the pudding mixture over graham squares in pan; cover with 10 of the remaining graham squares. Repeat layers.
5) Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
6) Top dessert with remaining 6 ounces light whipped topping. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
Recipe serves 12 and has the following nutritional content: calories – 160; carbohydrates – 28 g ; protein – 3 g; fiber 1 g
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Closing Thought
“Your success as a family… our success as a nation… depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house” – Barbara Bush
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]
SSHS Successful Golf Coach Resigns
Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens has formulated a plan to replace successful Wildcats Golf Coach Ross Funk. Owens is expected to make a recommendation for the school board to consider at their next meeting. Citing personal reasons, Funk submitted a letter of resignation that was approved by the Sulphur Springs School Board at their Monday night meeting. Funk has been Wildcats Golf Coach since the 2008 season. He replaced Doug Evans, who retired. Funk took his entire team to the state tournament in 2015 after they finished third at the regional tournament. Coach Funk also took Garrett Landers and Brodie Blackmon to the state tournament after they qualified at regional. The Wildcats under Funk had several top ten finishes at regional tournaments. His team captured the district championship in 2012. Six times his Wildcats teams were second in district play and qualified for the regional tournament. Only Coach Funk’s first team in 2008 did not qualify for regional. He was also a special-ed teacher.
The school board Monday also accepted the retirement of former head volleyball coach and assistant volleyball and assistant softball coach Eric Buck. Buck retired from coaching a couple of years ago. He was also a social studies teacher. Buck had been pondering retirement since the beginning of the school year.
Place Your Bids at Annual Symphony Auction
Sulphur Springs Symphony League officers Maleta Reynolds, Kayla Mitchell and Linda Galligher
Get ready to place your bids on dozens of useful items and services in the 25th annual Radio and TV Symphony Auction! The much-awaited event is Saturday November 19, 2016 starting at 6pm inside the KSST Radio/TV studios. You can keep track of what’s coming to the auction block by listening to KSST 1230AM, or by listening streaming on ksstradio.com. Cable viewers can also watch the action on Channel 18 TV. Throughout the evening, items will be brought forward and bids taken by phone from callers at their homes,. The sole way to bid is by phone. Please make note of the phone number for bidding, it’s 903-885-0700. The auction will close when every item is sold. The annual fundraiser is staffed by Symphony League members and helpful volunteers, and moneys raised goes to the projects of the Symphony League all year, including the Independence Concert near July 4, the Children’s Concert each spring, scholarships for music students and to purchase instruments for students in the SSISD Strings Program.
Chamber Connection November 17, 2016
Get ready!!!! Holiday season is here and life is getting busy! Here are many fun things you can do!
Stinson RV Resort hosted a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, November 11th at noon
Stinson RV Resort hosted a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, November 11th at noon. They are located at 3641 East 1-30 in Campbell, Texas. Their park is family built, owned and operated. They offer 75 pull through sites with black asphalt pads, 30/50 AMP service, full hook-ups for water, sewer, and electric, general store, bathhouse/laundry facilities, and a three-acre pond for catch and release.
AgriLife Extension is hosting the 2016 Earthkind Living Conference on Friday, November 18th
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is sponsoring the 2016 Earthkind Living Conference on Friday, November 18th at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. Registration is open from October 10th to November 10th with admission prices being $25. After November 10th, and on site, tickets will cost $35. This conference will introduce consumer, producers, and volunteers to Earth-Kind Living, a balanced system using university research proven techniques for quality living, environmental stewardship, and overall well-being. For more information and to register, visit https://agrilife.org/earthkindliving.
Wesley United Methodist Church will host their Fall Roundup on Saturday, November 19th
WUMC is hosting their annual Fall Round-up on Saturday, November 19th, at 614 Bellview Street in Sulphur Springs. The Country Store with homemade goodies will open at 3:30, stew and chili are served from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., silent auction from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the live auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are All-You-Can-Eat for $6.00. Children ten and under are $4.00, and under five are free of charge. Quart sales begin at 6:30 p.m. and cost two tickets. Child care is available!
Sulphur Springs Symphony League will host their live auction on Saturday, November 19th at 6 p.m.
The Sulphur Springs Symphony League will host their live auction on KSST, Channel 18, and on their website on Saturday, November 19th beginning at 6 p.m. You can preview the auction items at KSST tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Reilly Springs Jamboree scheduled for Saturday, November 19th at 7 p.m.
The Reilly Springs Jamboree is scheduled to host Jake Penrod, 2016 AWA Vocalist of the Year, and Comedian Willie P. Richardson, on Saturday, November 19th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 per ticket. For more information call Enola Gay at (903) 438-3568 or Roger Reed at (903) 348-7114. The Reilly Springs Community Center at 109 CR 1439 in Sulphur Springs.
6th Annual Turkey Trot scheduled for Thanksgiving Day on Celebration Plaza
Get ready to make room for your Thanksgiving meal by participating in the 6th Annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 24th, on Celebration Plaza. The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8 a.m. with a $30 entry fee. The 10K Run will also begin at 8 a.m. with a $40 entry fee. Pace for the 10K is 12 minutes per mile. There is also a Kids Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. for ages 10 and under. Entry fee for the Fun Run is $5. Register at Fieldhouse Sports by November 12th to guarantee your t-shirt. Packet pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, November 23rd, at the ROC from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Heritage Park will host Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 26th at 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Park will host their annual Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 26th beginning at 6:00 p.m. While in the park, visitors can enjoy a spectacle of lights, strolling carolers, musicians, a live nativity scene, and Santa Claus. Free hot cocoa, coffee, punch, cookies and other goodies are served in various building on the grounds. Most of the historic buildings are open, with volunteers dressed in period costumes to help give the feeling of stepping into the past. The festival will run from 6 pm to 9 pm. The $5 admission ticket is eligible for one of our many door prizes to be given away, compliments of local business owners.
Merle Norman is hosting an Open House November 29th -December 3rd
Merle Norman is hosting an Open House from November 29th to December 3rd. Tuesday the 29th through Friday the 2nd, the Open House is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, December 3rd, please pop in the Open House between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Merle Norman will give 10% off retain during the Open House hours. Be the first to shop limited-edition gift sets and experience festive makeup looks at the year’s most special beauty event for Merle Norman. Merle Norman is located at 202 Davis Street North in Sulphur Springs.
Reed’s Auto Detail will host a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, December 1st to mark their new location
Reed’s Auto Detail will host a Ribbon Cutting Celebration to open their new location at 412 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Please come by and check out the new location!
Phinesse Farms Winery will host a Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, December 1st at 5 p.m.
Phinesse Farms Winery, located at 223 Main Street in Sulphur Springs, will host their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, December 1st at 5 p.m. They will have refreshments and samples of their Hopkins County grown wines. Please make plans to stop in, check it out, and welcome Phinesse Farms Winery!
Lights of Life Tree Lighting is scheduled for Thursday, December 1st, at 6 p.m. in the Gardens at CHRISTUS
The Lights of Life Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 1st, at 6 p.m. in the Gardens at CHRISTUS. You can make a $25 donation to be given in honor or memory of someone. This donation will be represented as a light on the Lights of Life Christmas tree, and with a luminary that will line the walkway leading to the Christmas tree. You can take the luminary home as a remembrance of your loved one. There will also be pictures with Santa, Christmas carols, cookies and hot chocolate. Please contact the Healthcare Foundation for additional information, (903) 438-4799. Please mail your donations to: 115 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482. The deadline for luminaries is November 30th.
Community Seeds will hold 7th Annual Christmas Benefit on Thursday, December 1st, 2016
Community Seeds will hold their 7th Annual Christmas Benefit including prime rib and live entertainment on Thursday, December 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Greenville, Texas. The proceeds will benefit the poor and undeserved people of Hunt, Rains, and Hopkins Counties. Individual seating is $75 per seat, table sponsorship is $2500 to seat eight, and corporate sponsorship is $2500 and seats 12. Please RSVP by phone or email by November 12th. The number to call is (903) 634-5673 and the email is [email protected].
The CASA Cookie Walk is scheduled for Friday, December 2nd from 9 a.m. to noon
CASA will host the annual Cookie Walk on Friday, December 2nd from 9 a.m. to noon at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs in the Family Life Center. Cookies are $5.00 per pound. You can choose the cookies you would like to take home. Make plans to cookie shop on December 2nd!
Lion’s Club will host the 9th Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 2nd at 6:30 p.m.
The Lion’s Club is hosting the 9th Annual Christmas Parade presented by Carriage House Manor on Friday, December 2nd at 6:30 p.m. The parade begins at Buford Park and goes East on Connally Street to the square. It turns left onto Church Street and left on Houston Street to end in the Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot. Line-up begins at 3:00 p.m. on December 2nd. Registrations are due by noon on Tuesday, November 29th. There is no entry fee, but donations are accepted if made payable to the Sulphur Springs Lions Club. All entries must be decorated with working Christmas lights.
Sister Babyz 5th Annual “Give Back” Fashion Show is scheduled for Friday, December 2nd, at 6:30 p.m.
Sister Babyz Boutique is hosting their 5th Annual Fashion Show on Friday, December 2nd, at 6:30 p.m. at The Venue at 219 on Main Street. Sister Babyz will match all contributions of up to $3,000 to benefit the Angels from the Salvation Army in our area. There will be door prizes, gift card giveaways, live music, a photo booth, refreshments, and a hot chocolate bar (provided by Idzi Bitsy Bakery).
Hopkins County presents A Christmas Carol on December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the SSISD Auditorium
For the first time ever, the fine arts organizations of Hopkins County are coming together to bring Sulphur Springs a truly special event! The Main St. Theatre’s Community Players, Northeast Texas Symphony League, and the Northeast Texas Choral Society are joining forces to present “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”. The Bright Star League of Cultural Arts is also helping with coordinating this production. The performances will be Friday, December 2nd, Saturday, December 3rd, both at 7:30pm. There will be a third performance on Sunday, December 4th at 2pm. All performances will be held at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium at the Civic Center. Please help the local arts by getting your tickets at communitychristmascarol.com and come spend #ChristmasTogether! Tickets are $20 for General Admission and $35 for VIP.
Divorce Care held weekly at First United Methodist Church at 6:00 p.m.
Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group that will help you heal from the hurt of divorce or separation. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. You will learn practical information that will help you deal with the challenges of being divorced. Best of all, you will gain hope, healing, and help for your future. Divorce Care Meets every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 beginning on October 5th at the First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs in the Open Door Sunday School Classroom. This is found in the basement of the main building. There is childcare if needed. They will meet for 14 weeks with one week of a special session entitled “Surviving the Holidays”. This is scheduled for November 16th. Contact information is Tom Young at [email protected], (903) 413-1673 or Debbie Young at [email protected]; (903) 243-1235.
Welcome to the newest member of the Chamber of Commerce, Amber Gilbert. We are happy to have you!
Three Arrested In Two Separate Narcotics Investigations
A Special Crime Unit investigation in the 1200 block of Church Street at 2:25 p.m. Wednesday resulted in two individuals arrested for possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.
Kourtney Michelle Dean
Larry Vincent Ray Villarreal
SCU Investigators went to the Church Street location in reference to a narcotics investigation. During the investigation, Kortney Michelle Dean, 23, gave investigators a small amount of marijuana that was inside the dwelling. While inside a security sweep of the dwelling led to a bulge underneath the mattress. Thinking the bulge a weapon, the investigator checked and discovered a green plastic box between the mattress and box springs. In the box was methamphetamine, less than 200-grams. Larry Vincent Ray Villarreal, 27, also lived at the residence and was arrested along with Dean.
Donald Shane Douglas
In a separate investigation, at the same location later that day, Donald Shane Douglas, 52, was found to have under 1-gram of methamphetamine in the back of a cellphone case. After being read his rights, Douglas claimed possession of the meth. The cellphone number was identified as belonging to Douglas. Police Department sources told KSST News that the two investigations are not connected.
Dean and Villarreal are in Hopkins County jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, over 4-grams but less than 200-grams.
Douglas is in Hopkins Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 under 1-gram.
