Local Man Exercises First Amendment Downtown
The past few days, a man has been spotted in the downtown area sporting bright green and yellow signs. Mr. Charles Oxford is a resident of Hopkins County and has a passion for local, city politics. Mr. Oxford has been present at two of the Paris Junior College town hall style meetings regarding the proposal of the new college taxing district and brought a series of questions before Dr. Pamela Anglin, President of Paris Junior College. Mr. Oxford believes that freedom of speech is precious and he’ll be exercising his freedoms throughout the next week.
Creative Art Contest Results And More By Johanna Hicks
Creative Arts Contest Results
The 2016 Hopkins County Fall Festival has come and gone until next year, and we could not have asked for better weather! Sun shine and a gentle breeze greeted fair-goers. Two of the highlights each year are the Arts & Crafts Show (by the way, I purchased some absolutely fabulous items handcrafted items!), and the Creative Arts Contest. Hopkins County residents showcased their talents in the Creative Arts Contest, and many people visited the exhibit during public viewing times.
There were 247 total entries in the 2016 contest. The categories with the most entries were photography and food preservation. The youth division had the most overall entries. Below are the results of the contest:
- Children (ages 10 & under)
– Art: Ezekiel Deterding – B; Katelyn Alexander – RB
– Bake Show: Kandise Ross – B; Lena Reyes – RB
– Food Preservation: Kaitlyn Myers – B
– Handiwork: Katelyn Alexander – B
– Holiday/Seasonal: Ezekiel Deterding – B
– Photography: Lena Reyes – B; Christian Ebel – RB
– Woodworking: Lena Reyes – B
- Youth (ages 11-19)
– Art: Savannah Deterding – B; Esparanza Deterding – RB
– Bake Show: Katelyn Allen & Hailey Halbert – B
– Clothing: Jorja Bessonett – B
– Creative Crafts: Kasin Wimberly – B; Wesley McDonald – RB
– Decorated Cakes: Kaylon Hume & Harrison Fite – B; Hailey Fouse & Samantha Ryman – RB
– Food Preservation: Marissa Greenway – B
– Handiwork: Aleigh Bessonett – B; Jorja Bessonett – RB
– Horticulture: Marissa Greenway – B
– Photography: Savannah Allen- B; Maurie Flecker – RB
– Woodworking: Tate Myers – B; Wesley McDonald – RB
- Adult (ages 20-69)
– Art: Gerri Miller – B
– Bake Show: Sheila Funderburk – B; Donnie Faltesek – RB
– Clothing: Kathy Kirkpatrick – B
– Food Preservation: Audrey Greenway – B; Jo Alice McCue – RB
– Handiwork: Joann Brennan – B; Karen Chapman – RB
– Holiday/Seasonal: Joann Brennan – B
– Horticulture: Linda Phillips – B; Audrey Greenway – RB
– Photography: Kim Beck – B; Kim Beck – RB (different class)
– Quilts: Kathy Kirkpatrick – B
– Woodworking: John London – B
- Older Texans (ages 70 & above)
– Bake Show: Hillis Bass – B; Bobbie Carpenter – RB
– Creative Crafts: David Dougan – B; Patricia Dorner – RB
– Food Preservation: Bobbie Carpenter – B; Bobbie Carpenter – RB (different class)
– Handiwork: Bobbie Carpenter – B; Bobbie Carpenter – RB (different class)
– Holiday/Seasonal: Patsy Bowman – B
– Horticulture: Sheri Walters – B; Patricia Dorner – RB
– Photography: Sheri Walters – B
– Quilts: Hillis Bass – B
– Woodworking: Charles Husbands – B; James Morgan – RB
- Nursing Home/Assisted Living
– Eldys Batchelor – B; John Hadley – RB
Congratulations to everyone who took the time to prepare and enter items!
EarthKind Living Expo
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is proud to bring this conference to East Texas, and for those who live in and near Hopkins County, we are fortunate to have the Expo right here in Sulphur Springs! The November 18th event will begin with registration at 8 a.m. , with the general sessions at 8:30 a.m. in Spence Chapel of First Baptist Church. The conference will introduce consumers, producers, homeowners, and volunteers to university research-proven techniques for quality living, environmental stewardship and overall well-being. Experts will share information on agricultural production, land stewardship, health and wellness, and Earth-Kind friendly homes.
The lineup of speakers is very knowledgeable about this land stewardship effort, according to Larry Pierce, AgriLife Extension regional program leader. “You have experts in the various fields — and somebody like Gary Price, who is a rancher, can provide a really good perspective about how Earth-Kind methods can improve production and the overall quality of a working ranch operation.” Dr. Jenna Anding, Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist, is extremely knowledgeable in her field, and will provide great insight on her topics.
Speakers for the general session include:
- Dr. Ron Gill, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Dr. Susan Ballabina, AgriLife Extension executive associate director, College Station – Research-based Truth in Agricultural Production, Land Stewardship,
Health and Wellness.
- Gary Price, owner 77 Ranch, Blooming Grove – Environmental Stewardship, Managing for the Next Generation.
- Dr. Jenna Anding, AgriLife Extension associate department head, department of nutrition and food science, College Station – Food Waste
Concurrent sessions will include:
- Clint Perkins, AgriLife Extension agent, Wood County – Earth-Kind Pasture Management
- Tim Hartmann, Earth-Kind program specialist, College Station – Vegetables and Herbs
- Dr. Steve George, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Dallas – Earth-Kind Landscapes
- Jheri-Lynn McSwain, AgriLife Extension agent, Shelby County – Earth-Kind Kitchen and Denita Young, AgriLife Extension agent, Rains County – Kitchen Composting, Pantry Pests, Vermiculture
- Janet Rowe, Master Gardener, Rockwall – Earth-Kind Beekeeping
- Mandy Patrick, AgriLife Extension agent, Houston County – Earth-Kind Home Air Quality/Energy Efficiency/Water
In addition to the speakers and sessions, exhibitors will be on hand to display their related products and information.
The sessions will be followed by a panel discussion and question and answer session. There is truly something for everyone, and registration is now open. Cost is $25 if attendees preregister by Nov. 10 and $35 the day of the event. Lunch is provided in the fee. For more information and to register, go tohttp://agrilife.org/earthkindliving. If you need assistance in registering, contact the Hopkins County Extension Office, and we’ll be glad to help! I serve as one of the team members for the planning of this conference, and we are looking forward to a great response!
Closing Thought
If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong. Geese flying in formation ‘honk’ to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed. – author 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]
Sulphur Springs Public Library Update By Hope Cain
Don’t forget about the Public Library this fall season!
ON HALLOWEEN, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness we will PINK OUT at the library, so bring the kids by because we love to see the kids dressed in their Halloween best to post on our Facebook page! We will have the greatest spooky books ready to be checked out!
AT MY DESK: I enjoyed the article in American Libraries titled “How Audiobooks Can Help Kids Who Struggle With Reading” by Linda Flanagan October 23, 2016. Teachers and parents who read aloud to children have long known that good stories have the power to captivate the most restless of kids. Being able to listen well and remember what was said was an essential part of the oral tradition.
The pairing of seeing the words in a book and listening to someone read it, seems to make a difficult process a little easier for a struggling child. Reading aloud is an important part of readiness for young children not to mention has a calming effect on that child. Good stories have the power to captivate restless children.
Research has identified a profound link between listening and literacy. Educators like Mary Ann Scheuer, sees how exposing kids to the spoken word via rich stories improves literacy. Books require readers to decode every word, while stories told, free up the listener to connect with the story. Hearing real people tell their stories triggers an emotional connection to the story which improves learning which in turn motivates the children to continue listening. Well told stories can also fill in the vocabulary gap if children have not been exposed to a large array of words over their lives.
Audiobooks open up a world of reading to many struggling readers. One teacher encourages the students to make a movie in their minds while listening. These students are able to participate in class discussion about plot and character and many will go on to read the book after hearing it read aloud.
In addition to the selection of audiobooks for children at the Sulphur Springs Public Library, here’s a few of the great audiobooks available through Overdrive for the kids:
39 Clues series
Harry Potter series
Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce
Redwall by Brian Jacques
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCAmillo
Frog & Toad, by Arnold Lobel
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
Lemony Snicket series
Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
Along with many classics and classroom assigned selections
Additionally, tell the library staff if there is an audiobook you would like and we don’t have. We are often happy to have you assist us in building our collection. After all, the library is here for you!
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PROGRAMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
LOOKING FOR HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS? November is the Friends of the Library Fundraiser. A minimum donation will enter you into a chance at a great weekend getaway prize to your choice of 4 resorts! The donations will go toward an indoor digital sign so you can see all of our programs and events in one place. Winner will be announced December 1.
Adults: Play LIBRARY BINGO for a free Sulphur Springs Public Library canvas book bag. Also, COMPUTER COACH is a help session, by appointment with a library staff member, to assist you with technology you have questions about.
TEENS had a great month here at the library. The Bookface photo contest was fun, exciting and creative. In case you haven’t heard: Annmarie Gunn won first place, Jacelyn Wilkinson won second and Jayden Johnson was third in our Facebook, Bookface contest! Like us on Facebook and stay tuned for more great events at the Public Library.
Kids love our MULTIPLAYER MINECRAFT program every Tuesday at 3-6pm and the youngest library members love PRESCHOOL STORYTIME the first and third Fridays of each month at 10:30am. We are hoping to reach more preschoolers for better attendance at Storytime.
DID YOU KNOW…we have eBooks and eAudiobooks??! Our numbers have risen steadily in the two years since we began. EBook users have increased circulation 49% since last year and eAudiobook users have increased circulation 111%. WOW, somebody likes audiobooks. Would you like to get started on eBooks and eAudiobooks and don’t know how? Visit Sulphur Springs Public Library for more information. We are happy to show you and even help set up your eReader. eReaders make a great Christmas gift and a visit to the library after Christmas is just the thing to get started.
Submitted by Hope Cain, Director
Sulphur Springs Public Library
November Garden Checklist By Mario Villarino
November Garden check list
The end of October and beginning of November is the perfect time to start getting ready for our cold season. Pastures and lawns are dormant and there is plenty of activity in the gardens trying to keep up with dropping needles and leaves and pruning. Here the recommended list of activities for November for the garden by the staff at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension:
- Don’t forget to give your landscape a steady amount of water, through irrigation or by hand, if there is not adequate rain.
- As soon as the November weather appears to be settled, it is time to select and plant such annuals as pansies, violas and ornamental cabbages and kale.
- Plan now for your spring flowering season with a mixture of annuals and perennials.
- Don’t get in a hurry to prune woody plants. Late December through February is usually the best time to prune them.
- Place orders for seeds this month so you will have them available when you are ready to plant. By ordering early, you will be more certain of getting the varieties you want. In addition to ordering seeds that you are already familiar with, try a few new kinds each year to broaden your garden contents.
- November through February is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. In the Panhandle, planting is often delayed until February or early March.
- Bring in late-blooming plants such as decorative kalanchoes or Christmas cactus so they may finish flowering in the warmth of the house.
- Reduce the fertilization of indoor plants from late October to mid-March. An exception would be plants in an atrium or a well lighted window.
- Drain gasoline from power tools and run the engine until fuel in the carburetor is used up.
- Drain and store garden hoses and watering equipment in a readily accessible location. The lawn and plants may need water during a prolonged dry spell.
- Continue to set out cool-season bedding plants, such as pansies, violas, stock, snapdragons, and dianthus.
- Prepare beds and individual holes for rose planting in January and February. Use composted manure, pine bark, and similar materials mixed with existing soil.
- Use good pruning practices when selecting Christmas greenery from landscape plants. Don’t destroy the natural form and beauty of the plant.
- Prolong the life of holiday-season gift plants by providing proper care. Check to see if the pot wrap has plugged up the bottom drainage. Don’t overwater. Keep out of drafts from heating vents and opening doorways. Fertilizer is seldom needed the first few months.
- Take advantage of good weather to prepare garden beds for spring planting. Work in any needed organic matter, and have beds ready to plant when needed.
- Don’t forget tulip and hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator. They can be planted any time in December if they have received 60 or more days of chilling.
- Want to start cuttings of your favorite Christmas cactus? As soon as it has finished blooming, select a cutting with 4 or 5 joints, break or cut it off, and insert the basal end into a pot of moderately moist soil. Place it on a windowsill or other brightly lit area. The cuttings should be rooted within 3 to 4 weeks.
- Don’t spare the pruning shears when transplanting bare-rooted woody plants. Cut the tops back at least one-third to one-half, to compensate for the roots lost when digging the plant.
- Take advantage of bad weather and holiday time to study seed and nursery catalogs as well as good gardening books.
- Berrying plants, such as holly and yaupon, may be pruned now while they can be enjoyed as cut material inside the house.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
A & M-Commerce’ Texas Affordable Baccalaureate Program Receives 2016 Star Award
COMMERCE, TX—The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on Wednesday awarded the 2016 Star Award to the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate program at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Launched in 2014, the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate program is the state’s first entirely competency-based bachelor-level degree from a public institution. It was created in response to a challenge issued by then-Gov. Rick Perry in 2011 to develop a low-cost alternative for completing a college degree. The entire program is offered online and allows students to earn a bachelor of applied science degree with an emphasis in organizational leadership at their own pace.
“The Texas A&M University System and our Board of Regents are committed to controlling costs while providing a high-quality college education,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “I salute Texas A&M University-Commerce for its leadership in making a quality college education available to more Texans.”
Each year, the Coordinating Board’s prestigious Star Award recognizes “exceptional contributions” toward meeting one or more goals of the state’s long-range higher education plan, 60x30TX. This strategic plan aims to establish a globally competitive workforce in Texas by ensuring that 60 percent of 25- to 34-year olds in the state hold a postsecondary credential by 2030.
The Coordinating Board received 39 nominations and 35 applications for this year’s Star Award. There were ultimately six finalists, including the Tarleton State University’s Intern 2 Learn program.
“In addition to our pride in A&M-Commerce for succeeding in a tough field of competitors, we are also glad that Tarleton State was also recognized for its efforts to secure a prosperous future for Texans,” Sharp said.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $4.2 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities and seven state agencies, the Texas A&M System educates more than 150,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $946 million in FY 2015 and helped drive the state’s economy.
Wildcats’ Basketball First Scrimmage November 5
Members of the Wildcats’ basketball team had their first practice Wednesday. Some more players are expected once the football season is over. Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta is in his third year and this year could be special.
First of all, Coach Cipoletta expects to have good numbers. Plus he has played lots of young players the past few years and though they took their lumps, they now have experience. And then there’s Victor Iwaukor, a cat quick 6 foot 7 sophomore who thrilled crowds at JV games last year with his dunks and blocked shots. He’s expected on the varsity this year. The Wildcats return excellent three point shooters Keaston Willis and Bryson Lynn along with athletic Ke’Ontae Dunn and some others.
Some of last year’s JV sharpshooters have decided not to return but some athletic big players are expected to help out on varsity. Coach Cipoletta also expects footballers Simeon Taylor and Ryan Humphries to return once football finishes up. Taylor played a lot as a freshman before injury knocked him out last year. Humphries skipped basketball last year after being a solid scorer on the freshman team two years ago.
The Wildcats will scrimmage Princeton and Royse City at Emory Rains on November 5 and Royse City and Denison at Royse City November 10 before opening the season November 15 at Athens.
basketball
Lady Cats Basketball Awaits Volleyball Success
The Lady Cats’ basketball team, minus at least five players from the playoff bound volleyball team, opened practice October 19. Right now Coach Jeff Chapman, starting his seventh year as Lady Cats’ coach, has three varsity players: Daieyshia Pruitt, Sadavia Porter and Destinee Weeks. Once the volleyball players complete their season and show up, Coach Chapman is expecting far better numbers than he’s had.
Right now Coach Chapman has put things on hold. He’s not scheduled any scrimmages. He has scheduled Winnsboro here on November 8 but he’s quick to say he will cancel that game if volleyball is still going on. Coach Chapman says he could throw young players into the fire in scrimmages and regular season games but he says he would probably put too much pressure on them. Coach Chapman makes it clear he wishes the volleyball team success. He feels their winning ways will serve them well when they eventually hit the basketball court.
Sulphur Bluff Cross Country Team to Run in Regional Meet
Both the Sulphur Bluff Bears and Lady Bears will be participating in the regional cross country meet this Saturday at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie after a good showing at a recent district meet. It’s quite an
accomplishment for both teams but especially for the members of the Lady Bears, who make up the first girls cross country team in the Bluff in quite sometime.
The Lady Bears include Dianna Rosas, Kiersten Brown, Hailey Halbert, Emily Guajardo, Irma Garza and Dalena Wilkins.
Members of the Bears team are Turner South, Brennon Seymore, Jonathan Brown, Trayton South, Ishmeal Wade, Jacob Watts, Ricky Hatfield-Taylor and Jaden Goldsmith.
Chamber Connection-October 27
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
by Lezley Brown
I have had elders counsel me that decades before this one were in fact scary and unforeseen. Words like this have encouraged me to understand that when in the moment, time can be scary. I’m unhappy about the world we are living in because so often it seems the bad overpowers the good. The election is a nightmare. Violence is shocking and ever present. Words are abundant and hurtful. But I witnessed something this weekend that paused all bad in the world, even if just for a day. Saturday came. Saturday my Facebook feed was bubbling over with happiness… weddings, pumpkins patches, baseball victories, and the Stew. The Stew! Over 7,000 people attended the 47th Annual Stew Contest in the most perfect weather imaginable. We couldn’t have ordered better weather. I watched the day unfold like it was drawn as a Normal Rockwell scene. Toddlers clutched balloon strings in their hands and ran through the dewy green grass allowing their balloons to chase them. Children slid down antique slides with shrills of excitement into the arms of their parents. A husband smiled sweetly at his wife while stirring his stew pot, and she in return gave him a quick wink. Friends, gathered together on picnic blankets, threw their heads back in laughter and seem to let time escape them for a bit. Grandparents cradled their grandbabies and walked through the stew grounds taking in the smells and sights and feelings ever present on Saturday. Volunteers worked so tirelessly and yet still seemed to laugh and smile and kid with each other. The day was beautiful. I was so thankful to be a part of it. Thank you to everyone who attended the stew, cooked in the stew, worked during the stew, and loved the stew. We all needed Saturday! What a wonderful day!!! I’ll see you back there next year on October 28th!
Cross Country Cowboy Church to host 7th Annual Fall Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, October 29th at 7 p.m.
Cross Country Cowboy Church is hosting their 7th Annual Fall Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, October 29th at 7 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Tickets are $5, and the first 500 ticket holders receive a free meal of hamburger or hot dog, fries, and a drink. Kids four and under may enter for free. There is fun for the whole family including free kid scrambles, wild cow milkin’s, and a team bucket race. There is a $600 entry fee to be a contestant in the rodeo. Proceeds benefit local residents fighting cancer through the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. Contact Rowdy France for more information, (903) 243-2524.
The Circus is coming to the Civic Center on Thursday, November 3rd
The Great Benjamin’s Circus will be in Sulphur Springs on November 3. Show times are 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Tickets are available at a discount online at www.benjaminscircus.com.
Janeen’s Country Cottage celebrates 25 years on Tuesday, November 8th
Janeen’s Country Cottage will host a ribbon cutting and open house at 630 N. Davis Street in Sulphur Springs on Tuesday, November 8th from noon to 2 p.m. to celebrate 25 years of business! Please make plans to come by the open house to congratulate Janeen and her staff, to eat some refreshments, and to visit with friends. What an exciting time for Janeen’s Country Cottage!
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.
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.
The Senior Citizens Center is honoring local Veterans during the month of November
Karon Weatherman from the Senior Citizens Center is planning to honor local veterans during the month of November. If you are a veteran and would like to have your photo on the wall at the Senior Citizens Center, please bring in or mail a photo of yourself in your military uniform. These photos will be returned in excellent condition. You may submit 5×7 photos, but nothing larger. The address to mail the photos is: Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Blvd, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482. Photos need to be submitted by Friday, October 21st. The Senior Citizens Center is eager to say thank you to veterans for their service.
I hope you all have a great weekend! Trick or treating will happen Monday night!
