Alliance Bank Donation Made in Celebration of 25th Year of Independence Day Concert
Tom Sellers , left, presents Alliance Bank donation for Independence Day Concert to Sulphur Springs Symphony League representatives, Linda Galligher, center, and Kala Price-Mitchell, right.
Monday morning at 10 a.m. in the lobby of Alliance Bank, representatives of the Sulphur Springs Symphony League accepted a $10,000 donation from Alliance Bank that will assist in funding the annual Independence Day Concert set for July 2 on Celebration Plaza. This is the 25th year for the annual Independence Day concert.
Tom Sellers, President of Alliance Bank, presented the check to league representatives Linda Galligher and Kala Price-Mitchell. In presenting the check, Sellers said, the bank has been a supporter of this event since its beginning.
Linda Galligher, President of the Symphony League, said the cost of the concert is $30,000 and the donations made by Alliance Bank and GSC Enterprises will go a long way in making it possible.
A number of events are scheduled for this year. Alliance Bank will be hosting a Watermelon Eating Contest and providing a Photo Booth on the Plaza with complimentary pictures.
Sharp Arrested for Possession in Drug Free Zone a Felony 3 Charge
A Cooper man was arrested following a traffic stop. Sulphur Springs Police stopped Jeremy Lynn Sharp, 40, who proved to be extremely nervous during the interview. A strong odor of alcohol called for a street sobriety test. Failing that test led to a search of the vehicle. A clear plastic baggie of white chrystal substance thought to be methamphetamine was found.
Sharp was charged with possession of a controlled substance under 1-gram in a drug free zone, a Felony 3. He is in Hopkins County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Agrilife: Child Safety Tips
by Johanna Hicks
Ten Summer Child Safety Tips
You probably knew it was coming – the release of summer safety tips for children! June, July, and August are more dangerous for children than other months. Nearly one-third of all fatal child injuries occur during these three months according to Trend Lines, Natalie Pane, Senior Vice president for Research and Operations.
Deaths resulting from contact with bees, hornets, and wasps (1 fatality in 201,) the most recent year available), powered lawnmowers (1), or dogs (10) are so few they barely register statistically. Deaths caused by falling down stairs (5) and being struck by lightning (3) are similarly unlikely. By contrast, teen driving crashes (2,460), suffocation (e.g., infants in bed – 2,429), youth suicides (2,261), homicides (2.267), drug-induced deaths (791), pedestrian injuries (685), and toddler drowning (388), accounted for over 11,000 fatalities in 2014.
Given what we know are the most common fatal injuries, here are some tips for keeping the summer safe:
– Summer cruising: take frequent summer drives with your teen driver. Car crashes usually are a top concern, but the real culprit is teen drivers, both for the driver and their passengers. Nearly one in three of all fatal injuries of children in the United States are from motor vehicle crashes, and most involve a teen behind the wheel. After studying teen crashes, the CDC concluded that the main cause of teen crashes is driver inexperience. Most crashes happen during the first year the teen has a license.
– Even on hot summer nights, put the baby back in the crib. Suffocation accounts for 3% of accidental injury deaths, and this doesn’t include Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which would about double the number. Most of these death occur in the first year of life. Babies left to sleep in beds can wedge themselves between the mattress and the wall and suffocate because they aren’t yet able to move their heads.
– Store guns out of the home, and lock up prescription medications. Based on what we know about the strengths and challenges of the adolescent brain, it shouldn’t surprise us that their occasionally poor decision-making can have irreversible consequences when mixed with deadly means.
– When accidents happen, ask the doctor to NOT prescribe opioid pain medication. Accidental poisoning fatalities are not as much a toddler getting into the medicine cabinet, but a teen overdosing on opioids (oxycodone, for example). An estimated 20% of adolescents with prescribed opioid medications reported using them intentionally to get high, or to increase the effects of alcohol. Use of prescribed opioid pain medication before high school graduation is associated with a 33% increase in the risk of later opioid misuse.
– Stop using your smartphone when crossing the street, as well as in the car. Fatal pedestrian injuries don’t seem to get much attention, but they account for about 2% of child deaths. While you’re looking around, notice that people haven’t gotten the message about phone use while driving. And please be careful when walking or driving around the Sulphur Springs square. Lots of folks enjoy the water feature, market on the square, shops, and other attractions, so there are many pedestrians!
– Be vigilant about access to your pool, because toddlers who drown were often last seen in the house. Drowning is a leading cause of death for toddlers. In 2014, among children 1 to 4 years old who died from unintentional injuries, one-third died from drowning. Most of these deaths occurred in home swimming pools. More than two-thirds of those toddlers were note expected to be in or around the pool.
– Be mindful about modifying sleep schedules. Regular sleep patterns and adequate sleep don’t change during the summer. Sleep is critical for so many functions, from cognitive performance to basic safety. School-aged children
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]
need between 10 and 11 hours of sleep per night, and teens need about 8 to 9 hours.
– Try new ways to eat better, cook together, and start a new activity routine. The summer is a great time to get better at planning ahead! Go to the farmer’s market on Saturday, and come home to cook a few meals for the week. Or cut up all those veggies and have them available in the refrigerator for a quick snack.
– Schedule annually recurring reminders to make doctor and dentist appointments. (Thanks to my doctor and dentist for sending reminder cards in the mail!!) The U.S. Office of Adolescent Health advises that even though teens are generally healthy, regular visits allow health care providers to screen for healthy development, provide shots/screenings, and brief interventions.
– Set aside time to express gratitude and/or volunteer together. Research suggests that volunteering may have health benefits for the entire family. While you are out together, you will also be keeping the conversations going. Believe me, kids grow up faster that we expect, and those precious times together should be cherished!
Closing Thought
Make the most of the best and the least of the worst – Ethel Sexton
Evans Named Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen
Sadie Evans was named Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Saturday night following competition in the Sulphur Springs Schools Fine Arts Auditorium. Emma Boyett was first runner-up, Ann Marie Winborn, second runner-up, Lauren Helm, third runner-up, and Alexis Howard was named Miss Congeniality.
Queen Sadie Evans, sponsored by Dial Study Club and Askins Propane Company, is the daughter of Jason and Angie Evans, and the granddaughter of Roger and Rita Wright and also Donnie and Pam Evans. Sadie enjoys performing in opries and showcases, participating in musical theater, playing guitar, songwriting, spending time with her lovely friends, traveling, and of course, dancing. She has been in vocal training for two years with Septien Entertainment Group and prior to that she had four years of vocal and theatrical training locally with Shining Star Productions. Sadie received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, She is Student Body Vice President, Class of 2017 Parliamentarian, Head Pledge for Hi King Klub 2016, Secretary of Thespian Society, and Dare To Dream Anchor. She also is a member of Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, FCCLA, UIL Poetry and Prose, UIL One Act Play, and Hi King Klub. Sadie received Best Actress, All Star Cast, and Honorable Mention All Star Cast Awards in UIL One Act Play. She also was the winner of the Lindale Idol contest and received Best Vocalist Award at Septien Entertainment Group showcases. Sadie participated in Work Camp and attends The Way Bible Church. An extra fact about Sadie, her great grandmother, Dorothy Hinton, and family donated the Holstein cow in front of the Southwest Dairy Museum in honor of her great grandfather. In the future, Sadie plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a degree in Musical Performance and Songwriting.
First Runner-up Emma Boyett, sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers Museum and Texas Farm Credit. is the daughter of Oran and Jeanine Boyett. Emma likes to go shopping, read, cheer, and attend church activities. She is a member of SSHS Band, UIL Solo and Ensemble, SSHS Cheer, Key Club, Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. Emma is a member of South Garland Baptist Church and their youth group. She has been a major part of Jeans For Teens Blue Jean Drive for five years and has collected over 5,000 pairs of jeans for teenagers in shelters. She has been apart of Tornado Cleanup Assistance, Special Olympics helper, DNOW Missions, SMACK Musicals, Meals for the Multitudes, and Competitive Gymnastics. In the future, she plans to attend Texas A&M College Station for an undergraduate degree and continue on to get her doctorate in Dental Surgery.
Second Runner-up Anne-Marie Kennedy Winborn, sponsored by Saputo and Hopkins County Minor Emergency Clinic, is the daughter of Jennifer Lansou. She enjoys playing tennis, cheering, and participating in all genres of dance. Anne-Marie is a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, SSHS Varisty Tennis team, Key Club, and SSHS Cheer Squad. She is the Historian for Business Professionals of America and National Technical Honor Society Vice President. Anne-Marie has received the Agricultural Proficiency Award in Veterinary Science, 1st place in Presentation Management at Business Professionals of America Regional competition, and numerous dance awards from multiple regional dance competitions. She volunteers with Work Camp, Help-A-Child, Animal Shelter, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, and Bright Star Veterinary Clinic. She is working toward her Vet Assistant Certificate. In the future, Anne-Marie plans on attending college to study either Veterinary Medicine or Pharmacology.
Third Runner-up Lauren Helm, sponsored by Mothers Culture Club and Sulphur Springs Chrysler Dodge Jeep, is the daughter of Jonas and Melanie Helm. Lauren enjoys running, playing soccer, babysitting, helping in the Special Education class, off road racing with her father, and going on mission trips. She participates in National Honor Society, Key Club, Cross Country, First Baptist Church Youth, and SSHS Soccer. Lauren is an academic athlete, Varsity Ladycat Soccer Captain, Cross Country MVP, and 2nd team All-District for Cross Country. This summer, Lauren plans to attend mission trips in Austin, Texas and Costa Rica. In the future, Lauren plans to go to college and pursue a degree in Psychology to become a children’s counselor.
Lightning Chances Increase Saturday Evening
Dangerous lightning is possible in the Hopkins County area over the next three hours. At 7 p.m. Saturday evening a lightning strike occurred within 1.5 miles of KSST studios. It was just one of several within a 15 mile radius of our studios. The potential of thunderstorms is 20% tonight.
Saturday afternoon around 6 p.m. a thunderstorm was making its way into the county traveling east to west from Titus to Franklin Counties and toward the Sulphur Bluff area in Hopkins County. The storm had a 60% chance of producing hail.
A heat advisory for the area is scheduled to end at 8 p.m. Saturday night, June 18th.
Commercial Growth in County Spurs Need to Find Answers for Roads
Lack of regulation in the county is one reason County Roads are becoming a big problem in Hopkins County according to Commissioner Precinct 1 Beth Wisenbaker. More people building houses, agricultural changes, and commercial operations opening such as open dirt pits, selling timber and dairy operations of 1,000 or more cattle, dairy’s that cut their own silage using heavy equipment and 18-wheeler trucks driven home full by residents on county roads means that roads that were good no longer hold up to that type use.
Wisenbaker said that answers must be found due to the continuing growth of the county. She says the county is on the cusp of expanding growth from the metroplex and more and more development can be expected. Her desire is for all to get down to business and come up with answers but that cannot be done when the problems are made personal.
One of the problems that the county faces is that, unlike the city, businesses are not regulated. The only businesses that, by state and county law, can be regulated are sexually explicit businesses. Cities have zoning laws that enable them to better protect specific areas from the difficulties found in unrestricted building. She pointed out that many people live in the county because they do not want to be regulated in the use of the property. Some residents confuse the spending boundaries that divide the city and county. She stated that some have asked why the county has spent money on Celebration Plaza. The county has not. That is a city project. She also noted that questions were asked as to why the FEMA money would not be spent on city streets that need repair. Again, the recent FEMA grant moneys have all be focused on county roads by government mandate.
“We are well beyond our tax base, Wisenbaker stated. She said repairing and reconstructing county roads comes down to money. The county needs more money and people must make a living since a portion of that will go to pay taxes—property and sales taxes. State government gives each commissioner and those who are elected following them, authority over their roads. However, there is not an engineered standard in Hopkins County. She said if a standard were passed, then every commissioner and those who follow would have a plan to follow. With standards in place, roads could be built in specific ways to meet specific needs. Going to a unit system with one engineer/supervisor would enable this, she said.
Wisenbaker said all kinds of engineering services are available free to the county. Yet, with all the free engineering, the plans presented to county commissioners are more than their budgets will allow, according to Wisenbaker.
Queen Sidney Deitze reviews her Royal Year
By Enola Gay Mathews
A year ago, this young lady was hopeful that she would be chosen to wear the crown of Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen. Today, she is about to hand that crown over another young lady at the end of the 2016 Queen’s Pageant. And as all seventeen-year-olds do, Sidney has changed, grown and matured during her final year of high school, and has set some long-term goals for life.
Sidney is unique in that she held “dual titles” this Spring. She was Salutatorian of SSHS Class of 2016 while also representing the Dairy Festival and local dairy industry. Her ambition is to become a doctor. She begins classes at Baylor this Fall in Pre-Med, working towards a degree in Medical Humanities. Her specialty may be in Cardiology, but time will tell as she is wisely taking this journey a step at a time! She’ll be heading for Waco in mid-August.
As Dairy Festival Queen, Sidney enjoyed the parades most of all. Riding on the Queen’s float with her parents towing it behind their truck, waving at the crowds and watching the kids scramble for candy are happy home-town experiences that she will treasure forever. Interaction with children amazes her, especially when they look up and ask “Are you really a Queen?” She appreciates her friend 2005 Dairy Festival Queen Kate Watson Davis who has been a mentor. Sidney cherishes a day when she visited Mrs. Gideon’s first-grade class at Travis Elementary School during story time because she got to hand out Dairy Museum gifts and chat with the students one-on-one. Her milking contest experience is also a good memory. She received coaching from Chris Koon, a local dairyman who also impressed on her the festival’s importance to the industry. Chris not only helped her learn to milk a cow, he enlightened her with the reasons why the cows in the barn are so vital to the lives of current and previous generations of families. The Interview with Judges portion of the Dairy Festival competition also impressed Sidney, and she feels that boosted her confidence for future job interviews. She also has enjoyed mentoring and encouraging this year’s contestants, especially through rehearsal week, bonding with the girls. Also a new Deitze family tradition has begun, as Sidney says her sister plans to follow in her footsteps and enter the Queen’s Contest next year!
A couple more “firsts” for Sidney….the Queen’s float is brand-new and she was the first to ride on it, and the Civic Center auditorium is also “brand new” and Saturday’s Pageant is the first event to be held on that stage.
As Sidney leaves behind her crown and her hometown, we could echo the same advice she has given to this year’s contestants, “Just be yourself, do your best, and you’ll be fine!”
CM Healy Book Signing at The Bookworm Box
On Saturday, June 25th, a book signing at The Bookworm Box will be held by CM Healy. CM Healy writes stories and poems for children as well as young adult fiction. A few of his books include Before the After: Princess Lillian, If Mom Became an Octopus, The Lion & The Red Balloon and Other Silly Stories, and Missing Numbers. The signing will be held from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. The Bookworm Box is located at 204 Main St in downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Colleen Hoover is a local author who founded The Bookworm Box, a book-based subscription service. Subscribers receive a box every month containing two autographed books and “book swag”. The Bookworm Box has over 2,000 subscribers monthly, because of continually sold-out subscriptions and the support of authors and readers they were able to open a functioning, one-of-a-kind brick and mortar bookstore that specializes in signed books in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Most of the books sold are donated by authors. The bookstore has held several book signings with well-known authors, such as E.L. James, Tarryn Fisher, Caroline Kepnes, Colleen Hoover and more. The Bookworm Box is also expanding their children’s books section.
After overhead costs, 100% of all profit goes to charity. In 2015, The Bookworm Box closed out with over $300,000 in donations. A few of the charities The Bookworm Box has donated to include Haystack, The Rose Foundation, Yantis ISD, Make a Wish, Hearts of Life, United Way, Toys for Tots, Walk To End Lupus, National Brain Tumor Society and more. To be considered for receiving donations the foundation or organization must be a 501c3. The Bookworm Box itself is in the process of becoming a 501c3, enabling those who make donations to be able to take their donations off their taxes.
Once a month The Bookworm Box holds a “volunteer packing day” where volunteers from all over the country come and help pack subscription boxes. Everyone is welcome to come join on those days, even if they aren’t able to stay the entire time. For more information on volunteer days call 903-919-5027. The Bookworm Box is open Tuesday-Saturday 12-5 and will stay open a little later on Friday and Saturday during summer.
The Bookworm Box encourages local authors of all genres who want to hold a book signing to contact them at [email protected].
A & M University-Commerce Offers Middle School Females an Engineering Summer Program
COMMERCE, TX—Texas A&M University-Commerce Engineering Summer Program offers the opportunity for female middle school students who have demonstrated ability in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas to work in teams on several STEM projects ranging from programming robots to designing and creating model wood bridges.
“This marks the eighth year that the Department of Engineering and Technology has offered a summer engineering program and only the second where the emphasis has been solely on middle school girls,” said Dr. Andrea Graham, assistant professor of engineering and technology.
Funded by a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Grant Award, the goal of the program is to provide students with an early opportunity to explore engineering as a potential career and to help prepare students for the academic rigors of engineering coursework.
The goal of the program is being accomplished using a three-phase approach:
I – To Enlighten: Throughout the camp presentations, camp counselors and invited industry guests will help to invalidate perceptions and stereotypes that many girls have experienced regarding their math and science abilities.
II – To Engage: Students will participate in hands-on activities and begin to consider solutions to real life issues facing our world in a team-centered environment.
III – To Empower: Through interactive activities and information, students will gain knowledge about engineering disciplines and be encouraged to pursue these careers without hesitation.
“It is well known that females are drastically underrepresented in engineering disciplines, and while academia is making great strides in recruiting more women to major in engineering disciplines, we still lag behind in retention and persistence in the fields,” Dr. Graham said.
