Saturday Prayer on Courthouse Steps Focused on Local Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMS, the Justice System, and Dallas Police Department
A prayer service for local law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, the justice system and for Dallas Police Department and families of those killed in Dallas this past week found over 110 on the steps of the Hopkins County Courthouse County Saturday at noon. Judge Robert Newsom introduced those public servants present including Sheriff-elect Lewis Tatum and Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders. He also invited all personnel present to the steps as prayer was made.
Prayer was led by Bruce Stinson, Chaplain for the Sheriff’s Office and by members of law enforcement and the public who were present.
Theatre’s Production Honors the Memory of Micah Reed and July 8th Proclaimed “Micah Reed Day, A Hero’s Day”
The Main Street Theatre’s presentation of August: Osage County was dedicated to Micah Reed and July 8th was declared “Micah Reed Day, A Hero’s Day” by City Proclaimation. The play now on stage at Main Street Theatre focuses on the devastating effect of cancer in the lives of the individual, family, and friends.
Fun Texas Roadtrips!
by Allison Bledsoe
Summertime in Texas is in full swing, temperatures are peaking and the air conditioning is more inviting than ever before. With summertime comes lots of free time for most and plenty of excuses to explore all that the best state in the U.S. has to offer. As a native Texan, many summers were spent in the water to keep cool and on the road making memories. We’ve compiled a list of road trips that Texans and Non-Texans (bless their heart) alike will enjoy and remember for a lifetime.
- Luckenbach, Texas
Okay, did you REALLY expect anywhere else for number one? Luckenbach is a perfect stop on your “Explore Every Famed Place In Texas” bucket-list. Luckenbach is just a few miles south of Fredricksburg, Texas in the heart of our beloved Hill Country. This sweet little stop is the perfect place to kick-back and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visit the General Store or attend a country swing acoustic set, either way Waylon Jennings said it best, “Out in Luckenbach, Texas Ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain.”
2. Enchanted Rock, Llano County, Texas
Enchanted Rock is a must when visiting the Hill Country of Texas. Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink dome-like rock about 90 miles from San Antonio. The dome rises at about 425 ft. over looking a small stream. When climbing Enchanted Rock you’re given two options, the Summit Trail that’s about 1/4 of a mile long with an elevation gain of 425 feet, or the Loop Trail that’s about 4 miles long and shows you several different granite peaks. The park entrance fee is $7, unless you’re a veteran, then it’s free. People come from across the country to get a glimpse of the granite peaks and are never disappointed.
3. Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas
If hiking trails or western swing is a little less your style, maybe Deep Ellum will rock Texas on home for ya. Deep Ellum, originally known as Deep Elm, is tucked away just a few blocks East of downtown. It’s a haven to those who crave a little more creativity and a lot more imagination. Deep Ellum is famed for it’s electric music scene, artwork, and plenty of places to sit down and discover new things to eat. Barbecue is a staple of basic Texan life across the state, but Pecan Lodge is nestled right in with all things delicious and eccentric. Pecan Lodge was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and named one of Texas Monthly’s top barbecue joints in the state. While you’re there, make sure to stop in on the Dallas Comedy House or any of the other neat venues the neighborhood has to offer.
4. Marfa Lights, Marfa, Texas
Folk tales and mystery stories have riddled towns in the Lone Star State since 1836, but lights in Marfa take the cake. Texans and Americans have speculated the origin of the mysterious lights spotted outside the quaint South Texas town of Marfa. These unique, source-less lights dance across the horizon and cause quite stir among all ages. Some speculate they’re the product of underground lightning, atmospheric reflections, or a sinister paranormal phenomenon. Whether you’re a cynic or a mystic, Marfa Lights is a one in a life time experience to say the least.
5. Guadalupe River, New Braunfels, Texas
Tubing down the Guadalupe River is just something you have to do before you die, no arguments. It’s the perfect way to stay cool, relaxed, and one of the best memories to make with your friends and family. After you find one of the several toob and raft rental places along the river, live music events and awesome restaurants are ready for you. Pour Haus is a down-home venue in the heart of New Braunfels downtown historic district. Live music is scheduled seven nights a week at Pour Haus, and of course, Open Mic nights on Tuesdays are a must. The River Hofbrau is a restaurant strategically placed on the banks of the river crossing Interstate 35. They offer a wide variety of all your favorite American food.
6. Czech Stop, West, Texas
This one isn’t technically a roadtrip in itself, but we’d be doing you a great disservice to not mention the best kolaches in all of Texas. Granted, it is a convenience store but you’ll get past that fairly quick. Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery are the perfect combination for the ultimate stop in your cross-state road trip. They specialize in all the best Czech cuisine and bring happiness to the hearts of kolache-lovers all across the Lone Star State.
Texas is home to all kinds of culture and unique attractions that all types of people can appreciate.
“Updated” McAndrew’s Tenure As CEO of Local Hospital Ended Friday
(Sulphur Springs – July 8, 2016) – Today, we announced Michael McAndrew’s departure from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic – Sulphur Springs and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic – Emory.
Health care is changing, which is why Memorial Hospital and Clinic began searching for potential partners. The leaders here chose CHRISTUS Health because both systems are committed to providing high quality, patient-centered, affordable health care locally.
When we announced the finalization of our joint venture, we said that we would look for ways to work together more effectively to strengthen our service to the community of Sulphur Springs as part of CHRISTUS’ commitment to the Northeast Texas market. A key part of our plan is to look to the future and determine the needs of the hospital and the community not just for now, but as we move forward and reposition the hospital for growth. After careful discernment and discussion together, we agreed that a leadership change was in the best interest of the hospital’s future.
“This change does not affect Michael’s tenure here, nor diminish his many accomplishments in Sulphur Springs,” said Jeff Puckett, CHRISTUS Health COO. “I want to extend to Michael my deepest thanks, as his14-year tenure saw the creation of a three-story office building and the growth of Memorial Clinic from one provider to 30. During this time, the hospital became a residency training site for Family Medicine and partnered to provide state-of-the-art cardiac services. It was this great work—carried out and supported by the district board, physicians and employees here—that convinced CHRISTUS Health we wanted to partner with MH&C.”
In a conversation initiated by KSST News, McAndrew said he does not intend to retire and that he will take some time to weigh other options. He stated he feels he is leaving on a positive note and told employees in an email today that he has no animosity regarding the change. “I do no regret for one minute having brought CHRISTUS here,” he told KSST News.
McAndrew said he will not rush into a decision regarding his future. He plans to take his time and discuss and plan his future with his wife. “Today has been a very emotional day but I’m happy with the decisions that have been made and look forward to new directions that my wife and I will plan together.”
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Effective July 12, Paul Harvey will become CEO of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Paul has over 30 years of experience in health care leadership. Prior to joining CHRISTUS, he was a leader within VHA, helping community hospitals make sustainable clinical and operational improvements. In addition, as much of Paul’s career as a leader has been spent in customer service and support, the hospital is confident that he will bring a sharp focus and experience to ensuring high levels of employee and physician engagement centered on patient care and quality. Paul and his family look forward to becoming fully engaged with the Sulphur Springs community.
The hospital and clinics are looking forward to hosting Paul and key members of the CHRISTUS Health leadership team next week, as we talk about how we might work together to grow and enhance the service and support we provide to the Sulphur Springs community and beyond.
Prayer Vigil For Law Enforcement Set for Noon Saturday at Hopkins County Courthouse Steps
Saturday, July 8th, at noon on the steps of the Hopkins County Courthouse County the public is invited to join in prayer as one community with Judge Robert Newsom and members of the Sulphur Springs Police Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department officers, EMS response teams and firemen to pray with and for them. Prayer will include the Dallas Police Department and local law enforcement and emergency personal.
Donations have been made for the event: Dana’s has donated ribbons. Party Gear has donated balloons. Brookshire’s Grocery has donated water.
Lake Hillier The Pink Lake!
Lake Hillier is a pink colored lake on Middle Island, the largest of the islands in Western Australia. From above the lake appears like a solid bubble gum pink.
The lake is about 600 meters long, and is surrounded by a rim of sand and dense woodlands of eucalyptus trees. No one fully knows why the lake is pink. Scientists speculate that the color comes from a dye created by bacteria that lives in the salt crusts. The vibrant color is permanent, and does not change when the water is taken in a container. The only living organisms in Lake Hillier are microorganisms including Dunaliella salina, which causes the salt content in the lake to create a red dye which helps produce the color, as well as red halophilic bacteria present in the salt crusts. Despite the unusual hue, the lake exhibits no known adverse effects upon humans.
Despite the high salt content levels, comparable to those of the Dead Sea, Lake Hillier is also safe to swim in. However, there are very few ways to reach Lake Hillier. Helicopter is one of the most common methods of travel. Cruises are also an option for passengers wanting to visit the isolated lake, and surrounding forest area. This Pink Lake would be an amazing experience to go and visit.
PJC To Host CMT Empowering Education Concert
To be competitive in the global economy, the state of Texas set a goal that at least 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 will have a certificate or degree by 2030. Paris Junior College (PJC) is crucial to the achievement of that goal in Northeast Texas.
In the interest of drawing even more individuals to PJC, the school has partnered with CMT (Country Music Television) to host a free concert event featuring country artist Morgan Myles on July 29, 2016. CMT launched its EMPOWERING EDUCATION initiative in 2012 to encourage viewers, no matter their age, to enroll or re-enroll in school to reach their full potential.
PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin said music is one component of the event, which aims to inspire individuals to further their education. In addition to incredible performances, the evening will feature a panel of PJC students sharing their personal success stories to inspire others to further their education.
Morgan Myles was recently named a 2016 Artist to Watch by several publications. Myles will share her own experiences with education and her powerful country-soul sound. Joining Myles as the opening act will be Sulphur Springs resident and artist Hannah Kirby, a recent contestant on NBC’s “The Voice”.
Kirby stole the hearts of the U.S. and international audience on NBC’s The Voice, placing in the top eight during the eighth season of the show, guided by coach and country superstar, Blake Shelton. She was also a dual credit student at the PJC – Sulphur Springs Center and one of PJC’s success stories.
The concert event will be held at the Love Civic Center in Paris. A resource fair for individuals and their families will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the concert will start at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for the event are free and children are welcome. To pick up tickets in advance, individuals should visit www.parisjc.edu/concert or one of the following locations:
PJC – Sulphur Springs Center, 1137 Loop 301 East, Sulphur Springs
PJC – Greenville Center, 6500 Monty Stratton Parkway, Greenville
NE Texas Workforce Center, 1716 Posey Ln., Sulphur Springs
Man Arrested In the Act of Burglary of a Habitation
An Alabama man’s attempt to commit theft was thwarted by a call to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office by an observant RV Park manager.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call in reference to a disturbance at Shady Lake RV Park on Highway 19 Thursday. There, the manager of the park told deputies that a person inside a trailer did not belong there. Deputies interviewed Michael Arlie Freeman, 38, who said he was working for the owner and staying there. The owner was contacted by phone and said he had authorized no one to be inside the trailer. Freeman, who is from Alabama, admitted to deputies that he had entered the trailer with the intent to commit theft.
Freeman is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Burglary of a Habitation, which is a Felony 2. He is being held on a $20,000 bond.
Local Law Enforcement and Community Responds to Ambush of Dallas Officers
As news of Dallas Police Officers killed and wounded in an ambush style shooting that occurred during Thursday night’s protest march in the city, local law enforcement, clergy, and citizens responded to the incident.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders stated the incident is “…tragic…[and that he is praying for all the families.”
SSPD Detective David Gilmore posted to social media, “… my heart is broken for my fellow officers in Dallas who were murdered and injured last night. I pray to THE God of Peace that he is with the families of those lost and with the officers who are fighting for their lives. I pray the officers who lost their lives are in the company of Jesus Christ and away from harm and the EVIL that is in this world. I also pray for the officers who are charged with investigating this evil and pray that our Lord have his hand in their work. There are no words for the sorrow I feel today or for the disdain I have for those that committed this act of cowardliness.”
Hopkins County Sheriff-elect Lewis Tatum told KSST News that those in leadership in law enforcement are always concerned about the safety of their officers. He said this happening so close to the county brings these concerns close to home. “We are blessed to live in Hopkins County and we hope this does not happen here.” Making sure training is up to date, officers are aware of their surroundings and not to allow the day to day to make one complacent are the primary concerns for his officers. Tatum said Sheriff Butch Adams and he would make available any assistance that may be needed as officers move through their concerns generated by the Dallas incident. He said the county would respond to memorial services as protocol allows. Tatum said the local community has always given support to local law enforcement. “I can’t imagine anything like that happening here but then I couldn’t imagine anything like this happening in Dallas either.”
Morning Chapel Baptist Church Pastor Harold Nash, Jr. told KSST News that he is broken hearted. He stated that he called the local chief of police and county sheriff to express his prayers for local law enforcement and government as well as for Dallas, the state, and the nation. He said that although there are those who would differ in opinion regarding things happening in the nation the need to support law enforcement is a priority.
Citizens locally posted to social media and expressed their support for local law enforcement. Art Romanat, city resident stated, “I’m really sorry about the killing of the Dallas police officers who had their lives taken while trying to protect their citizens. We as citizens of our town are blessed with a great Police Department and a great Sheriff’s Department who protect and do their best to keep us from grief and harm in so many ways. We need to show more appreciation for the job they do going in harm’s way every day and night for all of us. My thanks to all our Officers for their efforts and accomplishments.”
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