Friday Game Day For Wildcats and Lady Cats Sports
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta is hoping for the same focus and effort from his team tonight that they displayed in a two-point loss to Texas High on Tuesday night. Tonight the Wildcats travel to Mt. Pleasant for a 7:30 p.m. game. The Wildcats are 2-6 in district play and they are in a sixth place tie.
The Lady Cats Basketball Team will be at home tonight at 7 p.m. for a game against Mt. Pleasant. They hope to keep pace with first place Hallsville. The Lady Cats are 8-2 in district play and 21-6 overall. They are in second place, I game back of Hallsville. We’ll bring you the Lady Cats and Lady Tigers rivalry game tonight at 7 p.m. on KSST radio. We’ll also videotape the game for replay later on Suddenlink Cable.
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats Soccer Teams also play Mt. Pleasant tonight. The Wildcats, 1-0 in district play, are at Mt. Pleasant for a 7 p.m. match. The Tigers are also 1-0.
The Lady Cats Soccer Team will play Mt. Pleasant at 7 p.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium tonight. The Lady Cats are 1-0 in district play and they have a six match shutout string and an eight match winning streak.
The Wildcats Tennis Team is playing in a Hallsville tournament today. It got underway at 8 a.m. this morning.
February Continuing Ed Classes at PJC-Sulphur Springs Center

Workers were busy putting the final touches on the new Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center campus building Friday. The signs were installed and faculty, staff and maintenance began moving from the old PJC-Sulphur Springs campus on Houston Street to the new location at 1137 East Loop 301 where spring semester classes will begin on Tuesday.
A wide variety of interests will be met through continuing education classes offered to the public at the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center in February. Classes will meet at the new location at 1137 Loop 301 East. Call 903-885-1232 for more information or to sign up for a course.
Microsoft Excel Level 1: Essentials will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Fridays, Feb. 5-12. Learn the basics of creating a worksheet; working with formulas and functions; formatting a worksheet; working with charts, and analyzing data using formulas.
Child Development Associate Training – Hybrid teaches core competency standards as part of career advancement in early childhood education. Students will learn how to help children successfully move from one developmental stage to the next. The class meets Mondays, Feb. 9-June 21, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Seniorific – Computer Essentials Level 3: Email teaches the basics of sending, receiving and forwarding emails, and how to set up an email account for those who haven’t yet done so. The class meets Tuesdays, Feb. 9-16, from 4 to 5 p.m.
The Initial Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers teaches lifesaving skills for respiratory and cardiac emergencies. The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. The American Heart Association certifies the class.
Microsoft Excel Level 2: Beyond the Basics will be held from 4 to 5:45 p.m., Thursdays, Feb. 18-Mar. 10. Learn more advanced techniques to analyze data, enhance charts and to automate worksheet tasks.
Holiday Cookie Decorating will create a dozen sugar cookies that you and your child or grandchild has decorated together. Tuition includes one adult and one child. All supplies will be included. The class is scheduled on Monday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Microsoft Word Level 1: Essentials covers creating, saving and opening documents; editing documents; cut/copy/paste and find/replace; formatting text and paragraphs; formatting documents; creating and formatting tables. The class meets Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 22-Mar. 9, from 4 to 5:45 p.m.
The Seniorific – Computer Essentials Level 1: Basics course is designed for the person with very limited, if any, computer training. Learn navigation of the Windows operating system; proper mouse and keyboard techniques; computer lingo and “buzz” words; and editing documents using cut/paste/copy. The class will meet Friday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, February 1 is Deadline for Voter Registration for March 1 Primary Election
Deadline for voter registration for the March 1st Primary Election is February 1. Also if you have moved to a new address in the county, February 1st is the deadline for changing your address. Voter registration and address changes within Hopkins County are to be submitted to the County Tax office on Jefferson Street in Sulphur Springs. Debbie Shirley, County Clerk, said your address determines the precinct in which you are registered to vote. That precinct determines your voter choices in the county commissioners and constable election this year.
Early voting begins Tuesday February 16th. Shirley stated that early voting usually begins on a Monday but, even though county workers will not take the holiday, Monday, February 15th is a state holiday. Early voting for all county voters both Democrats and Republicans will take place in the Sulphur Springs ISD Administration Building in the boardroom on Connelly Street in Sulphur Springs. The Admin building will be the only location for early voting. Hours for early voting are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each weekday until February 26. Early voting is also available on Saturday February 20th from 8 until 5 and Sunday the 21st from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Deadline for the clerk’s office receiving a request for ballot by mail is February 19th. When requesting a ballot, please include the party ballot requested.
Sample ballots are available on line at www.hopkinscountytx.org. Use Quicklinks “County Clerk” and go to drop down box “elections”. The sample ballot you seek may be chosen according to the correct precinct number. Check your voter registration card for precinct number or contact the county clerk’s office. Sample ballots are also available at the polling place. You may use the sample ballot as a guide for your voting when casting your ballot on the voting machine.
When preparing to cast your ballot, the election worker will ask you in which party primary you wish to vote. You must choose Democrat or Republican. At that time the worker will mark you voter card and assign the appropriate ballot. Shirley reminds voters that you must vote according to party divisions in this election. In the general election you may choose to cross party lines.
Training for election workers is set for February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The four hour training will take place each day beginning at 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. Training will include the use of the equipment, the processing of voters, and a mock election reenacting the election experience for the worker.
Shirley invites those interested in working in elections to join in the training. She currently needs four (4) election judges for the March 1st Primary.
Multi Family Garage Sale at KSST
Come one, come all to the Multi family garage sale hosted by KSST. Look for the Big White Tent.
Hours are 8 am till 5pm Friday and Saturday only.

Miller Grove News
by Brandon Darrow
First I would like to pass along my condolences to the Wright/Armstrong and Stripling/Garmon families this week.
Judith “Judi” Renee Armstrong Wright passed Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Houston and was laid to rest in Miller Grove Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 23. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville was in charge of the arrangements. Judi was born in Dallas on June 14, 1968, the daughter of James Edward and Bonnie Sue (Durmon) Armstrong. She married Robert Wright on Feb. 7, 1987. He survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Rachel of Lone Oak; her mother, Bonnie Armstrong of Lone Oak; brother, Timothy Armstrong of The Woodlands; and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her father.
Another Miller Grove local, Geneva Faye Garmon Stripling, passed this week. Her remains will be interred in Miller Grove Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at 2 pm. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home in Emory is in charge of arrangements. Geneva was born on Aug. 16, 1915, in Point, Texas. She was the first daughter born to Frank Russell Garmon and Ola Ferrell Landrum Garmon. She married James Wesley Stripling on July 23, 1939. He preceded her in death in 1999. Geneva was honored this past year with a 100th Birthday celebration with many friends and family members in attendance. Anyone who knew Geneva knows how much she loved to quilt and was an active member for many years in the Miller Grove Quilting Club. She helped sew the Miller Grove History Quilt that was made for the Texas Sesquicentennial celebration, which hangs in Miller Grove High School’s hallway on display. She was called home on Wednesday, Jan. 27, while at Hunt Regional Hospital in Greenville. She is survived by her brother, Hollis Garmon; daughters, Jeanetta Smith and Kay Stripling; son, James Richard Stripling; 3 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was also preceded in death by one sister, three brothers, and a son-in-law.
Miller Grove School Homecoming was held last Friday night. The parking lot was full and the bleachers packed inside the gym. Our girls didn’t have a game that night but the boys played against Roxton and unfortunately lost, by only 3 points. Basketball Beau and Sweetheart, Trey Lester and Candace Earp, were revealed before the boys game. After the game the homecoming court took center stage with 1st runners-up being Bailey Penny and Colton McDonald along with 2nd runners-up Candace Earp and Trey Lester. Homecoming King and Queen were Derek McCreight and Aleigh Bessonett. Other court members were Eden Godwin, Jonathan White, Kayla Ford, and Brennan Green. Congratulations to all of the young men and women who were voted onto court this year – what a honor.
After the homecoming festivities the Lady Hornets were given their State Rings for winning the coveted position of State Champs in Cross Country this fall. Ring recipients were Rosa Schones, Kayleigh Lester, Alex Zeigler, Ashley Purser, Candace Earp, and Aleigh Bessonett. Coaches were Ana Billingsley, Gary Billingsley, and Richard Ramsey.
Things for the cemetery’s annual Memorial Day are starting to come into focus. We have had several commit to participating on the program and hope everyone will have an enjoyable time this year. For those of you who need a reminder, it will be held on Saturday, May 7 at 10:30 am, at Miller Grove Methodist Church.
Happy Birthday this coming week to John Mooney on Jan. 31, Kaden Mabe on Feb. 2, Lance Mabe on Feb. 4, and Stephen Sparks on Feb. 6.
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].
Tira News By Jan Vaughn
Tira News
By Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to Patti Wiebold in the loss of her brother, Barry Miller, of Dallas. Please remember the family in your prayers.
Sherry Smiddy shared an invitation from Cross Spur Cowboy Church to “come out and join the fun” at their “Sweets for you Sweetie” auction on February 14th at 10:30 a.m. All proceeds will go to the youth group.
Kim and Lee Beck spent the long weekend in Austin and the surrounding area, visiting with Jason before he leaves for Navy Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. She said that Fredericksburg was fun, Enchanted Rock was a challenge, and Luckenbach was a nice visit with the gentleman that married them “in that crazy little town.” She adds, “We did not see Willie, darn it!”
The North Hopkins School Homecoming games are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2nd. Make plans to come out and cheer on the teams and see the crowning of the homecoming queen.
Grace Vaughn turned 95 on January 18th. Her daughter, Linda Ellen Vaughn, spent the weekend and her birthday with her. On Saturday, the 16th, Jim and Sandra Vaughn came from Broken Bow for a visit. They took Grace and Linda to the Dip Net in Sulphur Springs, where they met Tim and Lori Vaughn, John Vaughn, and Chip and Jan Vaughn for an early birthday lunch. Charlie Vaughn was working and unable to meet the group, and other activities prevented daughters-in-law, Linda and Susan Vaughn, from participating in the celebration.
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].

Registration Is Now Open For Boys Baseball Association
Registration is open for the Sulphur Springs Boys Baseball Association. The league is open to ages 3 and up. Registration ends February 27th. Registrations are being accepted at Fieldhouse Sports.
Dr. Brown Named to A & M System Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Education
COMMERCE, TX—Early Childhood Education Professor Dr. David Brown will be inducted into The Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators. The academy celebrates teacher educators for their contributions to the field.
“Because of the hard work our faculty put into preparing teachers for the classroom, The Texas A&M System is known throughout the country for producing some of the best teachers,” said Chancellor of The Texas A&M System John Sharp. “Through the Academy, we recognize those who have worked tirelessly to ensure that students are equipped with the experience and knowledge necessary to become top-quality teachers themselves. I am proud to honor and welcome the latest inductees.”
For 34 years, Brown has served as a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Before teaching at A&M-Commerce, he taught kindergarten, first grade and a combined kindergarten and first grade class.
“For more than three decades, Dr. David Brown has epitomized excellence in education,” said Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dan Jones. “His selection as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators award is a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to exemplary education, which is at the core of our mission.”
Throughout his career, Brown has contributed to early childhood education through his service on various departmental, university and national committees, including the Advisory Panel for the Education of North Texas Area Universities, the United Way of Greater Dallas Outcome Review Committee and the National Head Start Association Red Researcher’s Team. He has also worked to improve early childhood education as a consultant to the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services and Texas Education Agency.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be inducted into The Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators. Further, I am grateful just to be joining this esteemed group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education,” said Brown. “This honor reflects dedication and commitment to preparing school leaders to meet the demands of an ever changing and global society.”
Brown is not the only A&M-Commerce professor to have earned this distinction; last year, Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance Dr. Sandra K. Kimbrough was selected for the academy. Associate Professor and Teacher Educator of Agricultural Science and Technology Dr. Robert L. Williams, earned the distinction in 2014, and in 2013, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education Dr. Barbara Hammack was added to the elite group.
Each academy member receives a $1,000 stipend, a commemorative medallion and a certificate. The ten new inductees will be officially recognized at the Chancellor’s Century Council annual meeting in Austin this March.
The inductees are chosen by other academy members. Faculty, staff and students may nominate any full-time faculty member who positively impacts teacher education.
What Is NTHS?
by Allison Bledsoe
Earlier this week, KSST introduced those inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at Sulphur Springs High School. Some have questioned, “What is NTHS?”
Before 1984, no organization was in place to recognize the achievements of students in Career and Technical Education courses across the country. That was the year Jon Poteat and Allen Powell, at H.B. Swofford Career Center in Spartanburg County, South Carolina founded NVTHS (National Vocational-Technical Honor Society). Over the years the Society has recognized students to help advance excellence in career and technical education and has raised the bar for student achievement. Today, the Society serves thousands of member schools and honors more individuals for their achievement and leadership every year.
In 2003, the National Board of Directors unanimously agreed to change the name of the organization from National Vocational-Technical Honor Society to National Technical Honor Society. NTHS continues to carry out it’s original mission to publicly recognize young men and women committed to excellence, values, courage and achievement.
Sulphur Springs High School began their chapter of National Technical Honor Society around 2014. They chose to name their chapter the Geral Kennedy Chapter. Mr. Kennedy was the first Vocational Director at Sulphur Springs High School. He began his tenure at Sulphur Springs High School in the 1966-1667 term. He was the person responsible for beginning the programs for Machine Shop, Vocational Office Education, Marketing and Distributive Education, Industrial Cooperative Education, and Vocational Education for the Handicapped.
Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Shelter Presents Trixie for Adoption
Trixie and her twin sister Dixie are available for adoption at Heart of Life Animal Rescue Shelter. Trixie and Deborah Balkcom stopped by KSST Wednesday as she seeks a home.






