Saltillo ISD Names David Stickels Lone Finalist for Superintendent
Saltillo Independent School District has named David Stickels the lone finalist for Superintendent there. Stickels was chosen from among more than 30 applicants.
Stickels has been named as the lone candidate to fill the vacancy created when Kevin Wooley announced his retirement after six years as Superintendent and 32 years in education. Wooley leaves education to become Music Minister at Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church in Lindale.
Stickels, who lives in Mt Vernon, is currently the principal of the Elementary School, second through fourth grades in Pittsburgh, Texas. His work in education includes being an offensive line coach for two years at Texas Tech University and also for two years at Sul Ross University. He has been a classroom teacher-coach on the secondary level for 16 years and was Assistant Principal at Pittsburgh High School for seven years, vice-principal at Mt Vernon High School for two years, and for two years, Principal at Winfield High School.
Saltillo Principal Tim Lane said Saltillo schools are proud to have Stickels named the long finalist. Lane said Stickels will be a great asset to the school.
Child Nutrition Program Breakfast and Lunch Free Beginning Monday At SSES
The Summer Food Service Program sponsored by the Sulphur Springs Independent School District will serve both breakfast and lunch at the Sulphur Springs Elementary School, 829 Bell Street in Sulphur Springs beginning Monday, June 6th. The program will operate Monday through Thursday each week until July 28th.
Children between the ages of one through 18 are invited to attend. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:45 until 12:30. No meals will be served after 12:30 p.m.
The Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division have approved SSISD to operate as an “open” site. This approval allows any child, regardless of household income to eat free. No enrollment through applications or income guidelines is necessary.
Tira News
by Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council will meet on Tuesday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Tira Community Center. During the meeting, they will look into filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Mayor Floyd Payton, along with conducting regular business. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Joyce Dodd was in Paris last Friday, to meet six of her former coworkers from Cooper ISD. They met at TaMolly’s for a late lunch, to celebrate the retirement of Carlene Wilkins. Those in attendance were Tricia LaRue, Tina Lien, Kaye Ingram, Bree Randall, Joyce Johnson, Joyce Dodd, and the guest of honor, Carlene. Joyce said, “We had a good lunch and a lot of fun catching up on old and new times and memories.”
Dakota Weir and two friends came for a visit with Robert and Yvonne on Saturday evening. Yvonne commented, “Dakota fixed steaks for us and we had a good visit. Dustin Weir took us out to lunch on Monday in Greenville. We were thankful for the cool weather as our air conditioning is out.” She adds, “I am retiring at the end of the week. It is exciting.”
Chip Vaughn was in Knoxville, Tennessee last week, with the Sulphur Springs Middle School Destination Imagination Technical Team. Chip and their teacher, Clay Hansford, were the team managers. The group had advanced from the Regional and State levels and were competing in the Global Finals. During the closing ceremony on Saturday night, they were announced as the first place team in their event!
North Hopkins ISD is offering no cost breakfast and lunch for children 18 years of age and under, Monday through Thursday, June 6th through July 5th, in the school cafeteria. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-8:00 and lunch will be served from 11:30-12:00.
The families of the late Bob and Myrtle Lawrence met at the Tira Community Center for their annual reunion on May 21st. Georgia reports, “We enjoyed being together for fun, family, and lots of food. There was too much, as always.” Constantine Markides and Jimmy Smith manned the grill, preparing burgers and hot dogs. They had all the trimmings, chips, and lots of desserts. Those attending included Danny and Judy Rawson, of Denton, Con, Michelle, and Sophie Markides, of Houston, Mark, Julie, and Darby Lawrence, of Grand Prairie, Joyce Johnson, of Mesquite, Jimmy and Helen Smith, Chrissty, Kyleigh, and Bryndal Williams and friend Kevin Beggs, of Greenville, Chandler & Blake Evans, of Tyler, Gene and Ida Bratcher, of Sulphur Springs, Troy and Georgia Smith and Mary Rawson, of Tira, and Valerie Sanderford, from Edinburg, and her daughters and granddaughter, January from Waco, and Stephanie and Kennedy from Keller. Georgia says, “Our calendars are marked for the same time in 2017.”
Floyd Payton has shown progress in his road to recovery and enjoyed visits from good neighbors in the community – Lewis and Mary Beth Moore; Tami and Madison Joslin brought a delicious apple pie; Georgia Smith. with her famous Hawaiian Delight Pineapple pie; and Ben Jennings dropped in for a visit. Martha says, “Good to see Kenny Crowson as he is trying to get hay cut through out the neighborhood. The rains don’t seem to cooperate very well this year, although we appreciate the rain after so many years of drought. The Dursts are good to keep check on us, also we always enjoy calls from our special lady of the neighborhood, Mrs. Mary Rawson. Our son Brad Payton came on Monday for a few days, plus we have visits from the healthcare nurse and therapist. We thank everyone for their prayers and concerns.”
Minnie (Hillis) Reagor reports that it time for the Hillis Family Reunion again. She says, “Hope you will join us, as we gather with kinfolk from near and far… close relatives and extended families! We hope we will see you at the reunion, Saturday & Sunday, June 18th & 19th, 2016. (Annually, the 3rd full weekend of June) Mark Your Calendars! Any Hillis Descendent from any branch is welcome! Our branch descends from Andrew “Jackson” Hillis (1815/17 – 1878) who married 1) Aliza Elizabeth Hawkins, and 2) Mary Ann Shelton, branching out from the Lauderdale Co, AL & Giles Co & Lawrence Co, TN regions…spreading out across various states.” Minnie would like to receive contact updates and/or updates to the family tree. For more information you can reach Minnie at [email protected]. Enter 2016 Hillis Reunion in the subject. Also you can contact her by mail at Minnie (Hillis) Reagor, 2016 Hillis Reunion, 339 Greathouse, Vidor, TX 77662 or find more information at the reunion webpage: https://www.facebook.com/hillisfamilyreunion .
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].
Miller Grove News
By Brandon Darrow
Thankfully, this week is a little slower than last. I believe that it is partly because school is now out for the summer and partly because of all of the rain we have received this week.
Graduation went smoothly on Friday, May 27. The commencement exercises were held at 7 pm in the new gym with a large crowd on hand. I believe there were 21 graduates this year. Colton McDonald gave the invocation and then Jasmin DelCastillo gave the salutatory address. Eden Godwin introduced the speaker for the night, Mrs. Marci Hayden (English teacher). This was Mrs. Hayden’s first time to speak in public and I believe she did a very good job. Gary Billingsley announced the scholarships that the students had received and also noted that Tiffany McManus had already graduated from Paris Junior College with an Associates Degree. Congratulations to her for her hard work over the years. Derek McCreight gave the valedictory address board president, Eric Mabe, handed out the diplomas to the graduates. After the slideshow Colton Seaney gave the benediction. Afterwards, friends and family congregated in groups visiting with their graduate and taking pictures. This night marked another successful year completed at “The Grove.”
This last Sunday, Amy (Poteet) Nelms sang a special at church (Brashear Baptist). She was visiting with her parents (Johnny & Donna) and sister (Angela). She did a great job!
Happy Birthday to Halston Potts & Shandell Sixberry on Jun. 6, Lisa (Renshaw) Oler & Austin Tipps on Jun. 8, Jamie Hayes on Jun. 9, Angie (Moore) Stanton on Jun. 10, and Joyce (May) Cox on Jun. 11.
Happy 57th Anniversary to Don and Jerri (Byrd) Petty on Jun. 5. Lynn and Linda Johnson will celebrate their 48th Anniversary on Jun. 7. Congratulations to both of these couples.
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].
Animals of the Week: Every Animal at the Shelter
by Steven Payne
Current Animal Shelter Facilities
As a result of having reached maximum capacity for both cats and dogs, the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter has chosen to highlight every animal in the shelter in order to stimulate adoption rates and find homes for more animals. “We have limited space here, and we’re about to start using our outside kennels for holding, but we have to get shelters in them first,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “We’re hoping not to do that because putting them out there is the only way we can clean the kennels .”
The Shelter is currently housing over 46 animals — 15 cats and 31 dogs — either in the Shelter, with foster volunteers, or at local veterinarian clinics such as Bright Star vet clinic. In order to help attract more people to adopt, the Shelter has lowered adoption rates to $30 for a dog and $10 for a cat. “If the outdoor kennels fill up, then, unfortunately, we’ll have to pick and choose,” Officer Blanch said.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department has announced that the Animal Shelter does not investigate or respond to any calls from county residents regarding stray or wild animals. No other shelters in the surrounding area are able to help relocate any animals inorder to free up space for additional animals. “We’ve actually had another shelter call us because they were packed, and they’re nearly five times bigger than we are,” Officer Blanch said.
The Shelter Offices continue to reach out to other shelters and rescues for help. One female dog and her pups are set to be relocated to a nearby rescue once they have passed their Stray Hold time limit. The Shelter will be at Tractor Supply this weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for their off-site adoption event.
Registration Underway for Summer Sessions at PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus
Justin Radney of Como, left, with the help of Academic/Financial Aid Advisor Carey Gable, registers for a summer class at the Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center. Radney is a student at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and will be home for the summer, so he is taking the opportunity to get ahead in his education process. Registration for Summer I and Summer II semesters is underway. Summer I classes begin on June 6 and Summer II classes begin on July 13. For further information call 903-885-1232 or go by the campus at 1137 East Loop 301 in Sulphur Springs.
SSHS Coaches Offer Youth Sports Camps
Again this summer, the Sulphur Springs ISD will offer sports camps in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, football and tennis.
Two camps will be offered next week. Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack will offer baseball hitting camps Monday through Wednesday mornings in the Multipurpose Building. One camp is for youngsters entering first through the third grades and there is another for children entering fourth through the ninth grades. Cost is $50 each.
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo’s softball camps take place Tuesday through Thursday afternoons in the Multipurpose Building. One softball camp is for girls entering second through fifth grades and another for those entering sixth through the ninth grades. These camps also costs $50.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman is having girls basketball camp June 20-23, mornings in the high school gym. The camp is designed for girls entering fourth through the ninth grades. Cost of this camp is $40.
A combined boys and girls soccer camp is scheduled for June 27-30 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. each day in the Multipurpose Building. Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins and Lady Cats Soccer Coach Jesus DeLeon will be instructors. It’s designed for students entering kindergarten through twelfth grades. Cost of the camp is $55.
New Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness, a former coach at Paris Junior College, will have his volleyball camps June 27-29 in the high school gym. One for entering fourth through seventh graders will take place mornings and one for entering eighth and ninth grade girls is scheduled for afternoons. Cost of each is $50.
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta will be offering three separate boys basketball camps July 11-14 in the high school gym. One camp for boys kindergarten through fifth grades is scheduled for mornings. Camps for those entering sixth through the eight grades and those entering the ninth grade will take place afternoons. Two of the camps costs $50 and the ninth grade camp is $35.
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens’ Wildcat Football Camp for boys entering third through the eight grades is scheduled July 26-28. The camp will take place mornings. Cost is $45. There will also be a separate Freshman Football camp July 26-28. It’s only for SSISD students and cost is $20.
Finally Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez will offer tennis camps July 25-29. One will be for students entering kindergarten through sixth grades and one is designed for students entering the seventh through the twelfth grades. Each costs $50.
Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens says camp forms are available on the SSISD website at www.ssisd.net. Campers can also be brought to camp sites on camp day to get signed up.
Ladies Love Taildraggers Fly-In is Saturday
The Ladies Love Taildraggers Fly-In is set for this weekend, rain or shine, June 3-5, 2016. Ladies Love Taildraggers is group of ladies who love to fly. Their mission is to introduce women to the world of aviation and have fun in the meantime. Early arrivals are set for Thursday, June 2nd. Arrivals are also expected throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, a Poker Run to benefit the Ladies Love Taildraggers Scholarship Fund will take place.
On their first stop they will land at Franklin County Airport in Mount Vernon, Texas, next at Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport, then Fox Stephens Field-Gilmer Municipal Airport in Gilmer; Home of the Flight of the Phoenix Museum. On their fourth stop they’ll fly into Gladewater Municipal Airport, then at Mineola-Wisener Field; Home of Royal Flying Circus Aviation Museum, and lastly return to the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport. That evening, Ann Pellegreno will serve as a guest speaker. In 1967, Ann Pellegreno flew around the world in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s flight.
Last year, the Ladies scheduled the same event but it was cancelled due to tornadoes that had hit the area. Departures are set for Sunday, June 5th.
Agrilife: Preserving the Harvest
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]
Preserving the Harvest
With all the rain we have received lately, gardens are flourishing and produce is already being harvested! Our office has received some phone calls about home food preservation, and I wanted to share some basic information to get you started in the right direction.
Organisms that cause food spoilage – molds, yeasts, and bacteria – are present everywhere in the air, soil, and water. Enzymes that may cause undesirable changes in flavor, color and texture are present in raw fruits and vegetables. When fruits and vegetables are canned, they are heated hot enough and long enough in the jar to destroy organisms that can cause food-borne illness. This heating (or processing) also stops the action of enzymes that can spoil food quality.
Pressure canning is the only safe method of canning all vegetables (except tomatoes). Because fruits and tomatoes have a high acid content, processing can be done in a boiling water bath canner. Fruits can also be processed in a pressure canner, but it can take more time overall.
The Clostridium botulinum microorganism is the main reason pressure canning is necessary for vegetables. Though the bacterial cells are killed at boiling temperatures, the spores they form can withstand boiling. Jars of food are placed in a pressure canner which is heated to an internal temperature of at least 240°F. This temperature can be reached only in a pressure canner.
Boiling water bath canners are available in several types, but any big metal pot may be used if it is deep enough for the water to cover the jars by at least one inch and still have ample room for boiling (two to four inches above jar tops). The canner must have a tight-fitting cover and wire or flat metal rack with plenty of open spaces in it.
Canning jars should be free from nicks, cracks, or chips. Jars specifically designed for home canning are required. Commercial food jars such as mayonnaise or pickle jars break easily and may not seal. Use only half-pint, pint or quart sizes. Wash jars in hot, soapy water, rinse well, and keep hot until filled and placed in the canner.
Two-piece metal lids must be prepared for use. The flat lids can be used only once for sealing new products, but the ring bands can be reused as long as they are in good condition. Do not reuse lids from commercially canned foods for home canning.
When selecting produce for canning, select fresh, young, tender vegetables and fresh, firm fruits. The sooner you get them from the garden to the jar, the better. For ease of packing and even cooking, sort the vegetables and fruits by size and ripeness. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly whether or not they will be peeled. (Dirt contains some of the bacteria hardest to kill.) Do not let fruits and vegetables soak; they may lose flavor and nutrients. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.
At this point, canning of fruits and vegetables differs, so if you need more information, our office has publications to guide you through each step of the way, including raw packs and hot packs, closing the jars, processing times, and testing the seal. As a special note, unsealed jars of food need to be treated as fresh. The food can be eaten immediately, refrigerated, frozen or reprocessed. If you reprocess the food, the whole processing time must be repeated.
Do not taste or use canned fruits or vegetables that show any signs of spoilage. A bulging lid or leaking jar is a sign of spoilage. When you open the jar, look for other signs such as spurting liquid, an off odor or mold. All spoiled canned foods should be discarded.
Our office has publications on canning vegetables, canning fruits, and jams & jellies. These are free, and each publication offers a wealth of information!
Hopkins County Dairy Festival
This annual event will kick off with a ribbon cutting on the downtown square at noon on Friday, June 10. That evening, the Dairy-Airs Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place, along with the 5-K Milk Run. More hot air balloons, Dairy Show, Parade, Dairy Festival Queen contestant cow milking contest, and ice cream freeze-off will take place on Saturday, June 11. Be sure to join the festivities! Additional activities will take place throughout the week, ending on Saturday, June 18 with the Dairy Festival Queen’s pageant – “Dance to the Moosic”. Tickets may be purchased from any of the contestants, or at the door. Watch for more information in the coming days.
4-H Members Prepare for Exchange Trip to Virginia
Hopkins County 4-H’ers have been in the news a lot lately! We have some outstanding 4-H’ers, so we are proud to be sending a group of members and chaperones to Smyth County, Virginia for a 4-H Exchange Trip later this month. They will have a space at the Market on the Square, Saturday, June 11, to raise funds. Items available for sale will be neck wrap coolers, custom-made notepads, treats in a mug, body scrubs, framed t-shirt art, raffle for a hand-crafted quilt, and more. Be sure to look for the green and white table cloths! That’s where you will find their friendly faces.
Closing Thought
When you feel exhausted and overwhelmed by life, find a quiet place, inhale deeply, and take refuge in the Lord! – anonymous
