Celebration Plaza Christmas Light Show Begins Thursday
Celebration Plaza will be alive with dancing lights in sync with music tonight (Thursday, December 10th), according to City Manager Marc Maxwell. The light show is the result of a two year search for a company that could plan lights for the system the city has installed at the Plaza.
Maxwell told KSST news that finding a company to synchronize lights and sound for any town and city system was difficult. He finally gave up his independent search and contacted the company that had installed the sound system for the city. The company referred Manager Maxwell to Kroh Tech.
Kroh Tech, whose home office is Las Vegas, Nevada, has designed the creative show based on the imagination of Chelsea Kroh, daughter of the company CEO. Ms. Kroh said she took the songs that will be heard and designed the unique program to sync lights with either the song lyrics, beat, or background music. She is also excited for the community to enjoy her work. This is her first opportunity to design such a show for the city. Sulphur Springs is the first town for the company to set the light show. Much of their work has been carried out in Las Vegas and on multi-million dollar homes in the west.
Pavilion Construction Begins With Foundation Pour Thursday
At 5 a.m. Thursday morning Bar H Construction began the concrete pour for the flooring of the 62 X 90 feet pavilion now under construction at Buford Park. When completed the pavilion will have between 40 and 50 tables under roof with seating capacity for 200.
The Idea for the pavilion began with the building of Coleman Park in 1999, according to City Manager Marc Maxwell. He said there is a pad at Coleman Park that was put in place for the structure but the Buford Park location was chosen after the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class sought permission to raise the funds needed. The Buford site became the more desirable location because of the many activities such as the Annual World Championship Stew Cook Off and family use of the park.
Maxwell said the new pavilion combines a purchased package of steel posts and laminated beams that will keep the birds away and the planning coordinated efforts of John Berry and John Hileman to erect the structure.
Hearts of Life’s Ziggy Needs A Home
Ziggy is a Beagle/Bassett cross with lots of puppy energy. Hearts of Life will be at PetSense the next two Saturdays, December 12th and 19th, with puppies ready for adoption. On the 19th, for a $10 fee, you can bring your children and pets for a photo with Santa. For more information about Ziggy or an adoptable dog, call Hearts of Life at 903-439-5019.
Thirteen SSISD Educators Awarded Education Foundation Grants
Thirteen educators in the Sulphur Springs Independent School District received grants that will be used to introduce new and innovative hands-on learning experiences for their students. Board members for the newly formed Sulphur Springs ISD Education Foundation traveled from campus to campus Thursday morning to present the education grants to the teachers.
SSISD Superintendent Mike Lamb and SSISD Director of Human Resources and Communication Rusty Harden also joined the foundation board members in surprising the deserving teachers.
Gena Prickette, President of the Education Foundation, explained the application process for the teachers.
Seven grants were presented Thursday. Grant recipients Thursday include:
- Bowie Learning Habits for field trips and taking care of living organisms they purchase–teachers Kassie Smith, Kati Adair, and Alison Thompson. Grant amount $2,500
- Travis Hands on Technology for 3 iPads and 6 Osmo interactive learning stations-ELAR, Math–teacher Holly Thompson. Grant amount $2,094
- Lamar Second Grade The Ticketless Traveler, a study of 7 continents customs, traditions, and literature for all disciplines–teachers Karen Anderson and Kim Gillem. Grant amount $1,317.76
- Douglas Outdoor Learning Classroom and outdoor classroom for science academy which involves all students–teacher Tim Thomas. Grant amount $2,461.44
- SSES Out of the Box for 16 stand up desks-ELAR/SS/Math/Science—teachers Laura Smith and James Eilts. Grant amount $2,500
- Middle School MinecraftEdu for Minecraft computer game to enhance math skills—teacher Lane Doughtie. Grant amount $881
- Middle School Be a Poetry STARR for Holbrook and Salinger professional development with teachers and students-ELAR—teachers Stephanie Garner, Elizabeth Moss, and Jennifer Roberts. Grand amount $3,375.46
This is the first time the Education Foundation has awarded grant money to local educators. With the success of fundraising efforts this year, the foundation looks to assist more teachers in the future.
For more information and to find out how you can be involved visit the foundation’s website at www.ssisdeducationfoundation.
Corvette Club Santa For Seniors Blanket Drive Called Success
Tim Gee, Vice President of the Sulphur Springs Corvette Club, called their first, but not their last, Santa for Seniors blanket drive a success with a great turnout during the three days of the event. Gee said, “Thank you” to the citizens of Hopkins County for their donations to the drive that garnered the needed new blankets, electric blankets and funds to reach the goal of 140 blankets for needy senior citizens in Hopkins County.
Gee said Karon Weatherman, Director for the local Senior Citizens Center had set the goal at 140. Blankets collected were already being delivered this week. Weatherman said the drive would keep the seniors “warm and toasty”. Not only will the blankets be distributed to those receiving Meal-a-Day, they will also be given to other needy seniors as well. The Corvette Club has 40 members.
On the first night of the drive, Gee pointed out that a number of senior adults in the county would need the blankets for warmth, especially when heating bills would normally increase during winter months.
Among those giving Monday evening, a dad and his son stopped to allow the lad to make a donation. As they were driving, they heard of the event on KSST. The lad was the second donation made Monday and created a teaching moment in generosity, both for the elementary aged child and for those who observed.
Chamber Connection December 10, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Chamber Connection
December 10, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Attention All Chamber Members….Membership Directories are being prepared NOW!!!
Chamber Members, we are going to print a little earlier than normal for the 2016 Membership Directory. We are going to have it ready for distribution the first part of January, so we need you to do a few things…
- Please go to www.sulphursprings-tx.com and click on the membership directory. Please check to make sure that we have the correct information for your business. We have been trying to check and recheck it but I’m sure we have made some errors, but we want to fix them.
- If your membership investment is past due, payment arrangements need to be made prior to
December 11th.
- If you find information that needs to be corrected, please call the Chamber at 903-885-6515!
- If you want to place an ad in the directory, please contact Lee Ann Peugh at 903-885-8663.
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting and grand opening for Tin Roots Garden Center and Gift Shop! If you have not stopped in, you need to, just in time for Christmas! They offer a wide array of precious clothing items for men, women and children! They also have lots of accessories and gift items. Not to mention, the wide selection of plants, greenery and specialty items for your garden! Stop by and check it out! They are open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30 and Sunday 1:00-4:00 through the holidays! For more information call 903-335-3563. They are located at 1213 Mockingbird Lane.
Would you like to recognize an Outstanding Educator?
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 December 31st! 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!
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 December 31st! 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 145 Brashear, TX 75420
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.
Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting for Express Care, POSTPONED til January 4th from 5:30-6:30
We are so excited to invite you to the Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting for the new urgent care facility on the southside of town in the old Radio Shack Building, 1139 S. Broadway-Express Care! We will host their ribbon cutting at 5:30 and there will be lots of food and beverages. We hope to see you there!
We would like to welcome the newest members of the Chamber of Commerce:
Lobo Home Inspection, PLLC
1025 CR 1176
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-951-0636
Shane Wilton, Owner
Home Inspection
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
Dinner Bell’s “Feed My Sheep” Cookbook Available; Every Book Sold Provides Food For 14 People
Get ready for Dinner Bell Cookbook giveaways on KSST during the Morning Show with Enola Gay through Christmas week, exclusively for KSST listeners!
Listen between 7 and 9am weekdays to be the caller with the answer our cookbook question of the day.
Each winner will receive a 200-page full color ‘Feed My Sheep’ cookbook, value $25, compliments of the Dinner Bell ministry and KSST.
The cookbook is available at several retail outlets.
Animal of the Week: Sassy
Sassy is a six-week old white cat with a small patch of tan fur on the top of her head. She was found on Colorado Street and delivered to the Animal Shelter by an associate of Animal Shelter Officer Annie DeWolfe.
“She is a sassy little girl,” Animal Shelter Barbi Blanch said. “She’s by herself in her cage and she has a ball playing, jumping, and doing flips. She just wants to be loved, just a little purr box.”
The Animal Shelter chose her for Animal of the Week because of the fact that she is alone in her cage with no siblings, as opposed to the other cats. They are also pushing her adoption because she has been trained to use a litter box and is still young enough to continue being trained.
“She should make an awesome Christmas present for anybody,” Officer Blanch said.
Sassy’s near solid color scheme has actually saved her from being born deaf, according to Officer Blanch. Most cats that are born a solid color and with matching eyes tend to grow up deaf. The Animal Shelter does not know why this is, but it is believed to be connected to the genetic makeup of cats. Sassy has matching eyes and her small tan patch of fur has determined that she will not lose her hearing.
There will be an off site adoption at Atwoods this weekend, December 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sassy, however, will stay at the Shelter with the other cats, as off site adoptions only cause anxiety among cats. The strange location, loud noises, and new people scare cats. The Shelter will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Let’s Go Gold And Blue!
By Sami Harmon
Photo Credit: Lexi Colley
Did you know rugby is the most popular sport in Australia and Africa? So, what is the most popular sport in America? You probably guessed it, football. So of course we join in the football fun here at Sulphur Springs Middle School with our amazing Middle School football teams, the Wildcats.
There are two main teams, the A team and the B team, who play against other schools. Though, being on the either football team isn’t just as simple as signing up and getting in. You must prove you are good enough and it takes many hours of training and studying plays; they also must watch film from their games and improve on what they are doing wrong. Not to mention they practice twice a day! They practice Monday-Thursday and they play on Thursday afternoons at 5:30 and 6:30.
In order to train, both A and B team split up into their individual positions and work different drills that are specific to their jobs on the field. Then they come back together, and try to apply the things learned in the individual drills to their team drills. To quote Coach Scroggins, “… it is vital that each person does their job or the system does not work.”
According to the coach, his favorite part about being a part of our schools football team is being able to build relationships with kids that he can influence in a positive way. He wants the players to not only win on the field but to win in life by making decisions that will move them in positive directions.
If you would like to join, the expense is about $100, Most of the players buy a package deal from Fieldhouse Sports that includes a t-shirt, shorts, and a bag. The other expense is their cleats. The school provides the athletes with all of the other gear which would equal several hundred.
The 8th grade Wildcats have had good seasons so far with A team at 4-2-1 and B team with only one loss is at at 6-1. The teams both have two games left to play before the season comes to a close. The 7th grade teams are also playing but they are playing against themselves in intramurals. The Aggies team which is coached by Coach Henry is 3-1-2, the Cats that is coached by Coach Scroggins are 4-1, the Hornfrogs coached by Coach Hicks are 2-2-1, and last are the Longhorns coached by Coach Futch and they are 0-5. Coach Scroggins said “the future of the Wildcats is looking bright.”
Sulphur Springs Middle School Orchestra
Sulphur Springs Middle School Orchestra
By: Alexis Wasilowski
Have you ever wondered what the school orchestra was up to? Well we did and here is what we found.
The 2015-2016 orchestra is doing wonderful. They had a performance on the 23th of October. They played at the Hopkins county stew festival. They started there fundraiser on October 16th, it is over on October 30th, and all of the funds go to the kids and their trips for this year, and new instruments, supplies. Their winter concert is on December 8th at 6:00p.m.in the cafeteria at ssms.
The sixth graders last year who are on the UIL ensemble and they are showing a lot of promise. The current sixth graders are a blend of fifth graders from last year and students that are new to our school district. They are learning how to preform together and are getting better every day. There are 17 sixth graders in the orchestra right now.
There’s a fundraiser in town
They started there fundraiser on the 23rd of October. The things that are in there fundraiser are fragrances like Eternity, Trail of spices, Chery blossom ETC. Also there are wax melts, room spray, sensei pots, candles, car air freshener ETC. they have a lot more things online.
There are thirty students in the UIL orchestra. For their UIL competition they are preparing three contrasting pieces. They are also give a piece of music and are graded on it without ever seeing it before.
Here’s a quote from Brianna Boykin. “You never know about what music you’re going to get next. You make a sheet of paper into something beautiful piece of music. Mr. Smith I don’t know how to explain him, he is crazy but amazing. Everyday there is something new in our adventure.”
