Tira News By Jan Vaughn
Tira News
By Jan Vaughn
We want to extend our sympathy to the family of Patsy Weir Templeton. Her funeral was held at the Tira United Methodist Church on January 5, 2016, under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. I apologize for the delay in reporting this, but I was unaware of her passing at the time. Patsy was the daughter of the late Harm and Lois Weir. Please remember her family in your prayers.
The family of Franky Joslin expressed their appreciation to the people of the Tira community for the encouragement, food, and support during their time of loss.
Doug and Gae Lou (Chapman) Haley, of Crowley, hosted a Christmas Eve party for twenty-four family and friends. Those attending included Betty (Chapman) Johnson and family, Jerry and June (Chapman) Vessel and family, and Pete and Dorreice (Horn) Shuptrine. Dorreice shared that they shared great food and lots of laughs!
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].
“Updated” Fire at Toliver Ford
An early morning three alarm fire at Brian Toliver Ford, 1040 Gilmer Street destroyed the service department and did at least 80% damage to the showroom and office area. Fire Chief Eric Hill said all city fire stations and five rural volunteer fire departments responded placing approximately 35 firemen into the fight. When firemen first arrived, the blaze was at least 30-minutes to an hour old forcing a defensive stance for the first five firemen who responded.
Explosions in the service area caused by gas tanks on autos and other flammable materials created even more difficulty for those who responded. The fire will be investigated by local Fire Marshalls with assistance from ATF. The state Fire Marshall’s office may also be called in depending on preliminary findings. 
Stretching the fire hoses from fire hydrant across Gilmer Street created a detour for traffic and later a slowdown as service trucks, fire trucks, Sheriff’s Deputies and emergency vehicles worked the scene. 
SS Elementary School Without Electricity Most of The School Day
by Allison Bledsoe
On Thursday, after a morning accident on Lee Street, Sulphur Springs Elementary School was without electricity or phone service for several hours during the school day.
Sulphur Springs ISD sent out emails and phone calls to parents notifying them of the outage. Children remained at school and were kept in rooms and areas with windows. The school’s cafeteria had already begun cooking lunch and had no outstanding struggles with finishing meals due to majority of the stoves being gas powered. The temperature throughout the building stayed at a tolerable degree due to the weather.
Electrical service was restored around 1:45 p.m.
Yates Sentenced to Life in Prison on Four Counts of Organized Criminal Activity
Thursday afternoon in 8th Judicial District Court a Hopkins County jury set the punishment for Stanton Wayne Yates, 30, at four life sentences in state prison and one 20 year prison sentence with a $10,000 fine. The sentences will run concurrent by law.
Yates was found guilty Wednesday of four counts of engaging in organized criminal activity and one count of burglary. Yates will remain in Hopkins County jail until transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The trial began Monday and jurors seemed relieved as they left the courtroom Thursday afternoon. The jury foreman gave a large sigh of relief as he held the gate for fellow jurors after they were dismissed. Approximately 40 witnesses were called by Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison.
Yates is one of two Hunt County brothers who were found in Collin County jail for burglary of a habitation. Yates’ brother, Perry Jeff Yates, pled guilty to burglary and was been sentenced to 20 years in the state penitentiary.
Mount Vernon Varsity Cheer Squad Wins Spirit 3A State Championship
The Mount Vernon High School Varsity cheer squad won the first Spirit 3A State Championship on January 13, 2016 at the University of Texas in Arlington.
The Spirit competition is composed of three competitive categories: fight song, time out band dance and the time out cheer. Mt. Vernon took the top score in the time out competition with a 98.167. They placed fifth in the fight song competition which allowed them to progress into finals.
The Mount Vernon cheer coach is Jenna Wilkins.
Wildcats Basketball More Focused for Friday Game
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said his team came out unfocused and didn’t really come to play in a disappointing 94-43 loss at Hallsville Tuesday night. Coach Cipoletta felt it was time for him to have a talk with his team. He did that Wednesday before practice. He said they weren’t playing the type of basketball he knew they were capable of playing. Coach Cipoletta added some stuff was happening in the locker room that he had to address. During the 45 minute session, he wanted to get the players attention and to let them know how things would be in the future. Coach Cipoletta let them know his expectations and how he would be running the basketball program. He made it clear they were welcome to be a part of it and if not, then the team would move forward. Coach Cipoletta said Wednesday’s practice was the most focused of the season.
The Wildcats host Pine Tree Friday at 7:30 p.m. In Wildcats Gym. For the third game in a row, the Wildcats will be facing a team coming off an emotional upset victory. Pine Tree surprised Texas High on Tuesday night.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Soccer In Tournaments
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ soccer teams begin tournament play Thursday.
The Wildcats, who had 1 win, 3 losses and a tie in a Forney tournament last weekend will be playing in a Rockwall tournament on Thursday and Friday. They must win their pool to have a game Saturday. Teams in the Wildcats pool are McKinney North, South Garland and Royse City.
Meanwhile for the Lady Cats, it will be just like old times as they will face three of their former district rivals in a Paris tournament that runs Thursday through Saturday. The Lady Cats play Bonham Thursday. They are scheduled to play North Lamar Friday and Paris Saturday. Paris defeated the Lady Cats in a scrimmage in Paris on January 5. Lady Cats Soccer Coach Jesus DeLeon says he expects his team to be competitive or even win this tournament. The Lady Cats are 4-1 so far this season after winning third place in a Terrell tournament last weekend.
Power Outage for 134 Customers of ONCOR
A Thursday morning accident on Lee Street affected electrical service to 134 customers of ONCOR including the Sulphur Springs Elementary School. A vehicle struck a power pole creating the outage. Power should be restored at approximately 12:40 p.m. Thursday.
For Sulphur Springs Elementary School, electrical service and phone lines into the school were affected. Parents were asked to message teachers or call 903-885-2153, extension 1107 if there were any questions regarding their child.
In an earlier story, the street name was erroneously reported to KSST.
SS Elementary School Without Electricity or Phone Service
The SSES campus is currently without electricity or phone service. The campus is able to function properly otherwise. If you need to reach the school please message your teacher or call 903-885-2153 ext. 1107
Chamber Connection January 14, 2016 by Meredith Caddell
Chamber Connection
January 14, 2016 by Meredith Caddell
Reilly Springs Jamboree, Enola Gay
Reilly Springs Jamboree Ribbon Cutting-Saturday, January 16th at 6:30pm
We will be hosting the ribbon cutting for the Reilly Springs Jamboree-Hopkins County’s Original Music Venue, this Saturday, January 16th at 6:30! Tony Ramey will be the featured guest for the Reilly Springs Jamboree, with Enola Gay as producer. The show starts at 7:00. They are located at 109 CR 1439, SS.
Biggest Loser Community Challenge begins February 15th…Register NOW!!!
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is so excited to announce our partnership with NBC’s The Biggest Loser Community Challenge! This is a national wellness initiative designed to help employees become healthier. This company vs company competition invites teams of four to join an eight-week, online health & wellness community challenge. The challenge is for companies of all sizes (no limit to the amount of teams you can sign up!) and people of all fitness levels. It is truly designed to get our community moving, eating better and having fun!
This company vs company competition invites teams of four to join an eight-week, online health & wellness community challenge. The challenge is for companies of all sizes (no limit to the amount of teams you can sign up!) and people of all fitness levels. It is designed to get our community moving, eating better and having fun!
Business are encouraged to register teams of employees to represent their company in the challenge. For only $100 for a team of four, this exciting wellness offering is an affordable and fun way to kick start the new year for employees.
Past contestants of The Biggest Loser will guide teams through eight weekly challenges. Challengers will also receive weekly motivation and nutrition tips from trainer, Dolvett Quince. Participants will earn points for each minute of activity they engage in, as well as additional points for completing weekly tasks and logging additional challenge activities designed to improve nutrition and overall wellness. Each participant will have access to their own private wellness account and mobile app, where they will journal challenge activities, access weekly health guidance and keep their eye on friends and competitors on live leaderboards. The focus of the challenge is not on weight loss and all personal information, including weight, is completely private. WARNING: Side effects may include weight loss! Prize drawings will be made each week, with over 10,000 prizes to be won across the country, including trips to LA to see the Finale live! More information, registration and key dates can be found online at: www.biggestlosercommunity.com.
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is going to enhance this 8-week challenge! The winning team will receive $1000! Also, every week, the Chamber will offer a community-wide workout opportunity! 4 of those weeks will include an actual Biggest Loser Challenge! Winners on these dates will receive a prize. Register now!!! Healthy People. Healthy Companies. Healthy Communities!
Would you like to recognize an Outstanding Educator? Deadline Extended to January 15th!
Here is your chance…this year the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee wants to allow all Hopkins County Citizens to nominate their candidates for “Outstanding Professional Educator” (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher) “Outstanding Para Professional Educator” (Secretary or Aide) and “Outstanding Auxiliary Educator” (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria). We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to nominate that “special educator” that has had an impact in their lives. You may pick up a nomination form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and then either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than January 15th! Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected] and our mailing address is P.O. Box 347, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize a special educator!
Nominations for Large and Small Business of the Year! Deadline extended to January 15th
Please submit your nomination for Large Business of the Year or Small Business of the Year. Nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other. You may pick up a nomination form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than January 15th! Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected] and our mailing address is P.O. Box 347, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
Additional Chamber of Commerce Banquet Nominations
Many other awards are presented at the Chamber of Commerce membership banquet (February 18, 2016). Aside from the awards mentioned above, nominations are also being accepted for:
Citizen of the Year—Echo Publishing Company—P.O. Box 598, SS, TX 75483
Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483
Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131 SS, TX 75483
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—P.O. Box 347, SS, TX 75483
Agriculturist of the Year—Professional Ag Workers—c/o AgriLife Extenson, P.O. Box 518, SS TX 75483
Each of these nominations should be submitted in writing and mailed to the above mentioned address.
Mother’s Culture Club “A Night in New York City – 2016 Father/Daughter Dance, Sat., February 6.
The Mother’s Culture Club presents the annual 2015 Father-Daughter Dance, “A Night in New York City”, Saturday, February 6th, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. There will be dancing, door prizes, refreshments and an ultimate photo artistry photograph. All proceeds benefit local children’s charities. Call Ashley Ortiz, 903-348-3518 to purchase tickets
Important Dates to remember for 2016
Chamber Banquet-February 18th
Spring Fever Bike Rally-March 12th
Chamber Golf Tournament-April 8th
Homemade Ice Cream Freeze Off-June 11th
Hopkins County Stew Contest-October 22nd
We would like to welcome our newest members to the Chamber of Commerce:
Grapevine Grains
387 CR 1785
Yantis, TX 75497
214-677-6052
Vickie Smolek, Owner
Health Food Store, Wholesale
Reilly Springs Jamboree
Hopkins County’s Original Music Venue
109 CR 1439
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Enola Gay, Producer
Entertainment – 3rd Sat. of Month – Jamboree
Margo’s – A Brush of Class
Art Lessons, Paint Parties, Crafts & More
212 N. Davis
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-439-7903
Dragon Ranch
209 Paris Street
Cumby, TX 75433
Rebecca & William Posten
214-405-0581
Venue – Meetings/Weddings/Receptions/Parties,Etc.
That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!
Meredith Caddell
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
