Children’s Museum Sets Daddy Daughter Dance
When young girls wish upon a star, dreams come true. “Wish Upon a Star” has been announced as the theme of the 2016 Daddy Daughter Dance at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum. “We hope to make dreams come true for young girls and their dads, granddads, uncles or brothers,” said Sharline Freeman, Executive Director of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum.
Beckey Thompson, President of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum Board of Directors, will chair the event for the third year. Under her leadership, each year has surpassed the previous year. This year’s event will feature Valentine crafts, dancing, food, and balloon entertainment. Of course, the decorations will feature stars. “We are using special effects to give the Daddy Daughter Dance an entirely new look for 2016. Our goal each year is to make a girl feel special, and we feel that we will provide a special setting for this year’s dance”, said Beckey Thompson.
“There will certainly be activity on the dance floor. We like to give the young girls and their dads “dad friendly” dances”, said Daniel Starks. Daniel has been the disc jockey for the Daddy Daughter Dance for the last two years. From past observation, he is now an expert in what type of dances work best for dads and daughters.
As this year’s event approaches, the experience of the Beckey and Daniel should bring new ideas based on their past observations. Food is also part of the Daddy Daughter Dance, and food for the event will be provided by the Thalian Culture Club. Tickets are now on sale for $30 for a young lady and her dad, granddaddy, uncle, or brother. On January 23 the ticket price will be $35. On February 6, the day of the Daddy Daughter Dance, tickets will be $40. Not included in the ticket price will be an optional professional photo which will begin at $8.
Tickets may be purchased at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum or by calling 903-886-6055.
Texas Marriage Education by Johanna Hicks
Saying “I Do” in 2016? Don’t Miss this Opportunity!
One of my absolute favorite classes to teach is the Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop. The information is so practical, and opportunities for group and couple interaction add to the fun and comradery. The state of Texas recognizes marriage education as a crucial element in the success of the marriage relationship and waives the state portion of the marriage license fee for couples who provide proof that they attended a workshop. This is where I can help!
Each year, I provide Twogether in Texas marriage education workshops and the first one for 2016 is rapidly approaching. Here are the details:
- When: Saturday, January 23
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Cost: free
- Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up
The topics covered are very practical and relate to issues faced in every marriage relationship. 1) Marriage Expectations – what expectations does each person, whether spoken or unspoken, bring into the relationship? How will chores be divided?; 2) Communication – Who is the expander and who is the contractor when it comes to communication? What do the words “fine” and “nothing” mean to you?; 3) Conflict Resolution – Learn the steps to resolve conflict and how each person can contribute; 4) Money Management – practice team work with your “bean budget”, learn what money means to your partner; 5) Goals and Dreams – What do you want your marriage to look like 5, 10, 20 years down the road? Hear from couples who have stayed on course and learned the importance of “until death do us part.”
One of the major benefits of participating in the workshop (other than the excellent information) is that engaged couples will receive a certificate to take to the County Clerk’s office to save $60 when applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year, so even couples who are planning a fall or early winter wedding may still take advantage of the savings if attending the January workshop.
Lunch, refreshments, and a special surprise will be provided, thanks to local supporters who believe in the importance and purpose of this workshop. All I ask is that couples contact the Extension Office by calling 903-885-3443 so that we may adequately prepare. Leave your name and phone number. We will call a couple of days in advance to remind you of the workshop. If the January workshop doesn’t fit your schedule, other sessions will be held on May 21 or August 20.
Growing a Healthy Texas
I recently had the privilege of attending the state-wide Extension conference in College Station. Roberta Anding led the session “Why is Nutrition So Important and What Can We Do?” Her sessions focused on a nation-wide trend that is a growing concern. She stated that children and teens who eat away from home consume 160 and 297 extra calories, respectively. Sodium intake increases by 396 mg, and soda and sweet drink intake is significantly higher when eating out.
She indicated that poor eating habits include high consumption of junk foods, lack of variety, consuming larger portion, and depending on convenience foods. Related health concerns include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and changing the gut microbiome (70% of immune cells are in the gut). More and more children, even as young as pre-schoolers, are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes which is typically thought of as adult-onset diabetes. Nutrients of concern are vitamin D, calcium, protein, and iron.
So what can parents and grandparents do? Provide healthier food choices – milk, leafy green vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. Shop the outside aisles of the grocery store – fresh produce, dairy products, lean meats, and limit pre-packaged and processed food choices.
Closing Thought
“Be a river of blessing – not a stagnant lake” – Vicki Hitzges, author and motivational speaker
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]
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.
