Higher Turnout for Early Voting Penultimate Day
On the penultimate day of early voting, the number of voters was second only to the first day as 327 went to the Sulphur Springs ISD Administration Board Room on Connally Street to cast ballots. The board room is the only location for early voting for both Democrats and Republicans in Hopkins County. Early voting ends today.
Early votes now total 2,415 with one day left, today, Friday, February 26. Thursday 309 Republicans and 18 Democrats cast ballots. Republicans have far outnumbered Democrats in response to Primary voting. For Republicans, 2204 have voted with one day remaining. Democrat ballots total 211 for the same time frame. Only Republicans have local contested races in the Primary election.
Early voting continues through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the SSISD Administration Board Room on Connally Street.
Miller Grove News by Brandon Darrow
Lots of news in the Grove this week. MG FFA and the Volunteer Fire Department are my main focus for this writing.
Wednesday night Miller Grove FFA students gathered at the Ag Shop for the annual Miller Grove International Show. This was a warm-up for Saturday’s Northeast Texas Livestock Association show at the Civic Center in Sulphur Springs. I wasn’t able to make it to theWednesday night but when I passed the school it looked like there was a large crowd. I wish the best of luck to our young competitors as they battle it out with the other local FFA groups this weekend. We have a good Ag program at school and I know Mr. McClure has been working with students and parents to get their show animals in shape for the big NETLA show.
Doug Lewis of the Miller Grove VFD contacted me lately and updated me on the status of the department and the great volunteers we have. In January, Jay Hoffman became the new fire chief with Justin Block being assistant chief. Bob Flecker still holds the office of treasurer and Doug Lewis is the new secretary for the department. At current time, there are seven active members that are all CPR certified. New members include Ray Sparks, Lester Ivy, and Geoff Hall. Not all members are available 24 hours a day but not to worry, the county department does respond to all fire calls and many EMS calls for the Miller Grove area.
The department is always in need of volunteers. Men and women 18 years of age or older are encouraged to help our local department whenever possible. And, there are may different needs that the department has. For an example, they need fire fighter responders, someone to input data into the computer, keep records for the county, help with housekeeping, help keep equipment clean and in service, maintain the exterior of the department and many other tasks. You even have the option to only respond to EMS calls or only fire calls. The volunteer options are plentiful and they would appreciate all the help they can get. Doug mentioned that there is even additional training such as colleges and academies that offer specialized training.
To volunteer there are a few basic requirements: age of 18, good driving record, a background check as well as a few other things. If anyone is interested in volunteering you can contact a current member of come to a meeting. They are held the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the firehouse on FM 275. The meetings are held at 7 pm. The second Thursdaymeeting is the business meeting and the fourth Thursday is the training meeting.
Other news includes the sale of the big fire engine, which was a little too large to make it down most of the county roads. A smaller response vehicle was purchased to replace the large engine. Also a ¾ ton pick-up was donated as an EMS responder. The Tanker was equipped with ladders so that it will qualify as a combination engine or tanker to respond to calls.
Time and funds are the two main donations that our VFD are looking for. Expenses include utility bills, fuel, insurance, equipment and several other things. Right now the note on the fire station totals $120,000 and is payable monthly. The department receives $5 per call from the county but most funding is by donation or fundraisers. I will be sharing more information about the fundraisers that are coming up in next week’s edition.
Happy birthday to my little nephew, Owen Darrow, & Bret Garrett on Feb. 28, Leslie (Smith) Frobish & Linda (Wise) Maeker on Mar. 1, Ruby (Bishop) Ross & Jerri (Byrd) Petty on Mar. 2, Thomas Renshaw on Mar. 3, and my father, Brett Darrow on March 5.
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].
Hearts of Life Presents Jana for Adoption
Hearts of Life presents Jana for adoption. Facility expansion and improvements are well underway at Hearts of Life.
Lady Cats Slugging Their Way to Victories
The Lady Cats Softball Team continues to hit extremely well and they slugged their way to two wins in three games at the Allen Invitational Softball Tournament Thursday.
The Lady Cats opened play with a 6-5 victory over Georgetown.
Then they lost a slug-fest to Forney, 12-10.
They ended the day outscoring Sachse, 10-9. The Lady Cats improved their season record to 8-1.
Friday the Lady Cats are scheduled to play Flower Mound Marcus at 9 a.m. and Allen at 1 p.m. Play continues in the tournament through Saturday.
Wildcats Open Regular Season with Loss at Rose City Classic
Eagle Stadium
The Wildcats Baseball Team opened the regular season with a loss and a tie Thursday in the Rose City Classic in Tyler. In their first game, the Wildcats lost to Forney, 11-0. A Jackrabbits pitcher, said to be committed to Texas A&M, threw a one hitter and struck out lots of the young Wildcats.
Later the Wildcats fought to a 4-4 tie with Kaufman. The game ended with a Wildcat thrown out at the plate trying to score the winning run. The 7-inning game was ended due to the tournament time limit.
The Wildcats, 0-1-1 for the season, are scheduled to play Westbrook at 11 a.m. Friday at Tyler Lee Field. Later the Wildcats will face Nacogdoches at 3 p.m. at Mike Carter Field. The tournament will continue through Saturday.
Cumby FFA Showcased on KSST Morning Show
Cumby High School FFA are involved in Hopkins County Junior Livestock Show. Cumby FFA is a productive and successful program for students involved.
Animal of the Week: Tia
Tia is a short-haired domestic cat approaching three months old. She was found with her sister Tamara on Clayton Rd February 10. Both have lived together until recently when Tamara was adopted Thursday, February 18.
“We had a phone call on Clayton Road,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “The man was allergic and somebody had dumped a bunch of kittens on him, so we went out and they both came running up to us. They were raised by somebody, because wild cats don’t just come up to you.”
The two kittens were named after the characters of an old TV show called “Sister Sister.” Tia is a playful and loving kitten, and since her sister was adopted, she has wanted more attention from people.
“She’s all by herself now and has nobody to play with, but she has a ball,” Officer Blanch said. “When we’re cleaning, we’ll leave her in an empty cage for a couple of hours with toys and she’ll have a ball playing and wearing herself out.”
Tia is also playful with other animals. She has played with dogs and cats alike, and she continues to seek attention from others who visit the Shelter.
“We actually had her out with a dog earlier and the dog ran from her,” Officer Blanch said. “She tried to kneed his forehead. She sat there making kitten biscuits on his face.”
Both Tia and her sister Tamara are blind in one eye. Tia has not been taken to a veterinarian clinic, so Shelter officers are unable to determine if the blindness is a result of injury of if she was born with it.
“Tamara had a mark on her eye, but it looked like it was clearing up,” Officer Barbi said. “As for Tia, it doesn’t seem to be bothering her. She gets around really good.”
There will be no off site adoption this weekend, but the Shelter will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Netla Buyers Luncheon Highlights
Yvonne King and Netla President Kevin Gibson introduce Netla Officers and Superintendents
The Netla Buyers “Prime Rib” Luncheon is an event to look forward to! It represents the last restful moment for everyone
President Don Smith introduces Farm Bureau Directors and Agents.
involved in the Hopkins County Jr. Market Livestock Show! Emcee Yvonne King exclaimed “It’s showtime!” and it truly was, with the first livestock events beginning that very afternoon. First, though, lunch attendees enjoyed a delicious beef meal provided and cooked by Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau directors and served by FFA students from all over the county.
SSHS FFA President Morgan Mayers and Sulphur Bluff FFA President Hudson Northcutt spoke about how FFA involvement has helped them succeed in school and plan for college and a career.
Morgan Mayers
Hudson Northcutt
Among FFA Officers attending were Alexus Salleen and Hannah Caudle of Miller Grove FFA with Harrison Fite and McKenna Morgan of Sulphur Bluff FFA….and Josh Couch, Spencer Brewer and Dakota Watkins of Sulphur Springs FFA.
Alexus Salleen and Hannah Caudle of Miller Grove FFA with Harrison Fite and McKenna Morgan of Sulphur Bluff FFA
Josh Couch, Spencer Brewer and Dakota Watkins of Sulphur Springs FFA
Wildcat Tennis Hosts “End of Winter Tournament”; Includes Brackets for Adults
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez is hosting a tournament Saturday at the Wildcats Tennis Center. It’s called the End of Winter Tournament. It will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with a Middle School competition. A High School competition will follow. In the afternoon beginning at 1 p.m., adult competition will get underway. Coach Martinez says he has had a good number of entries already, especially for men’s singles and men’s doubles. Entries are also being accepted for mixed doubles. Coach Martinez expects good weather Saturday. High temperature should be in the mid-sixties with no rain in the forecast. Entry fee is only $10 for singles players or $15 for doubles. Entries have been received from Greenville, Mt. Pleasant and Paris. To enter, email Coach Martinez at www.tma[email protected] or call him at (512) 216-8014. Deadline to enter is Friday at 7 p.m.
Later Coach Martinez says he’ll be offering tennis instruction for youths 10 and under. He’ll also be bringing back his women’s free clinic. Coach Martinez adds the Tennis Center will be hosting its’ first school tournaments next week. There will be one for JV players next Tuesday and one for Varsity players Friday week.
SSHS Track Teams Open Season on Local Track Friday
The Wildcats and Lady Cats Track Teams will open their season at their own Sulphur Springs Meet on Friday. Field events begin at 4 p.m. Lady Cats Track Coach Triston Abron is expecting big things from his team. He is intrigued by discus and shotput thrower Abby Beggs, a freshman. Other throwers will include Destiny Godbolt, Destinee Weeks and Layla King. A gymnast, Jaylynn Dukes, will be trying her hand at pole vault. Hurdlers will include N’ysa Dugan, Mackenzie Moore, Brook Williams, newcomer Faith Hatley and Abby Baer. Sadavia Porter will runs sprints. Also returning is Imani Taylor, an Area Finalist in the high jump and a Regional Finalist in the triple jump. Coach Abron says his team will be so much better this year and he says that’s due to the team having so much speed.
