Cover Girl Contestants Prepare for Fall Festival
There are five young ladies competing for this year’s title of Cover Girl of Fall Festival. This tough field includes three contestants with mothers who were Cover Girl winners. Wednesday night the contestants got together at Plain and Fancy Sandwich Shop for a dinner for them and their mothers. KSST News talked with the five contestants and with reigning Cover Girl Miranda Rushin of North Hopkins.
ECLC Students Think Careers
Children in Kindergarten and Transitional First Grade at Early Childhood Learning Center in Sulphur Springs were thinking about careers Thursday morning. ECLC had Careers on Wheels. Representatives of various local professions brought their vehicles for kids to see. A ranch manager brought his horse and two air evacuation helicopters made dramatic landings outside the school. Event coordinator Cheryl Blount, a counselor and academic specialist at ECLC. and SSID Superintendent Michael Lamb talked to KSST News.
1K Before K at Public Library
The Sulphur Springs Public Library and ECLC has teamed up and issued a challenge to the parents of preschoolers called 1K before K ! The challenge is to read 1000 books to your child before they start kindergarten, according to Librarian Hope Cain. Found at www.1000booksbeforekindergarten.org , it promotes early literacy skills and encourages parents and caregivers to provide positive, nurturing early experiences by reading aloud to their children regularly.
Cain says, research shows that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to at home during early childhood. The brain develops more rapidly during the first three years of a child’s life than at any other time during the lifespan. Reading to children from an early age can help close the vocabulary gap and prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Most important, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading.
Additionally, Sulphur Springs Public Library has launched a Storytime for preschoolers to do just that, Cain said. The curriculum encourages listening, movement, songs and books and even sends a take home sheet of ideas each session. Preschool Storytime is offered at the Sulphur Springs Public Library on the first and third Fridays of every month at 10:30.
Sulphur Springs Public Library and ECLC launched 1 K before K in the spring of 2014 and were looking for a great response this school year. Cain stated, “We have a little girl whose parents took the challenge and have read 1000 books to her…before Kindergarten!!!” The child and her parents will be at the library at 3 Friday afternoon for photos and prize presentation.
Arkansas Man, 47, Contacts Local Minor’s Family When Relationship Fails
Timothy Darren Cameron, 47, of Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas currently resides in Hopkins County Jail on a $50,000 bond following his arrest in Arkansas. He is charged with sexual assault of a child. According to Rusty Stillwagoner, Chief Investigation Officer with the Sulphur Springs Police Department, Cameron met a local 15 year old female on Facebook in June and developed relationship. They made personal contact in July in Sulphur Springs and participated in sex.
The online relationship continued through September when they met again in Sulphur Springs. After that encounter, the minor attempted to break off the relationship. Cameron had other plans. He contacted the minor’s family members here by Facebook Messenger and told them about the relationship. The family contacted city police.
Chief Investigator Stillwagoner interviewed the minor who made an outcry for help. That outcry, along with other evidence was used in obtaining a warrant for Cameron’s arrest. Crawford County law enforcement made the arrest and Cameron was extradited to Hopkins County.
Flee the Flu
Flee the Flu
In last week’s column, I discussed several great opportunities that take place during the fall season. One event that is not great at all is the flu season! While it isn’t possible to predict exactly what the flu season will be like, we know that flu spread every year. Flu outbreaks can happen as early as October and can last as late as May, typically peaking between December and February.
The best way to protect yourself from flu is to get at flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older. Children younger than 6 months are a higher risk of serious flu complications but are too young to get the vaccine. Because of this, safeguarding them from flue is especially important. If you live with or care for an infant younger than 6 months, you should get a flu shot to help protect them. Of course, you can take everyday preventive actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others.
The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated against flu soon after the vaccine become available, which is NOW! It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection. Children ages 6 months through age 8 need two doses, which should be given at least four weeks apart.
While it is impossible to predict a good match between the vaccine and the viruses, the vaccine is made to protect against the flu viruses that research indicates will likely be most common during the season. Experts must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance in order for the vaccine to be produced and delivered on time. Unfortunately, flu viruses change constantly – from one season to the next, or even change during the course of a flu season. For this reason, there is the possibility that the vaccine doesn’t always match the virus. This happened last year, as you may recall. However, even if the vaccine is not a “good match” for the viruses, it still provides some protection against the illness. For this reason, the CDC continues to recommend getting the flu vaccine.
Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show
Several Hopkins County Fall Festival events have been highlighted in recent days, so I wanted to highlight one more! The Arts &Crafts Show is a unique event for crafters & artisans to sell their handmade, handcrafted, hand-painted items. The deadline has been extended in order to allow more vendors to take advantage of this opportunity. The event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria, north entry way, and north grounds.
A few indoor spaces remain, so if you or someone you know would like to set up a booth, let me know. Vendors do not have to be from Hopkins County. As a matter of fact, we have numerous exhibitors that travel long distances to take part in the Arts & Crafts Show each year!
Fees vary according to the size and location of the space, as well as age. (There is a slight break in price for those over the age of 60.) Guidelines and application forms are available at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Sulphur Springs, 1200-B W. Houston, or online at Here, click on ‘publications.’
If you are not interested in being a vendor, come shop! There will be some unique, hand-crafted items that can’t be bought in stores. I always do some of my Christmas shopping during this event!
Closing Thought
The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves – Ray Kroc
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]
Chamber Connection October 8, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Live 2 Lead Conference featuring John C. Maxwell, October 9th at Texas A&M Commerce
Live 2Lead is a half-day, leader development experience designed to equip attendees with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways. They will learn from world-class leadership experts, be prepared to implement a new action plan, and start leading when they get back to the office with renewed passion and commitment! For more information and to get tickets, please call 903-461-1823 or visit the website www.Learn-Live-Lead.com
Stew Cook Meeting, Tuesday, October 13th & Stew Tickets go on Sale October 13th
All Stew cooks, please mark your calendars for the stew cook meeting that will be Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00pm at the Southwest Dairy Museum. We will distribute the ingredient checks and go over any changes to the stew contest! Also, tickets for the stew contest will go on sale the same day. They will be at Alliance Bank, City National Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Pilgrim Bank, Texas Heritage National Bank & the Chamber of Commerce! Once again, tickets are only $5.
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening for Aluf Plastics, Tuesday, October 13th from 11:30-1:30
Aluf Plastics is pleased to invite you to the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration of their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. They will have a VIP Tour, BBQ Lunch & Raffle Prizes. Please RSVP to 845-365-2200×406 or email [email protected]!
Fall Festival Business After Hours, Tuesday, October 13th, 5:00-6:00pm at the Civic Center
Please join us as we kick off the Fall Festival with their Business After Hours Mixer, Tuesday, October 13th from 5-6 at the Civic Center. They will have food, beverages and prizes! Stop by and hear about all of the many activities taking place during the fall festival.
Hopkins Place to celebrate all Veterans with special guest speaker Derek Jameson, October 29th
With Veteran’s Day quickly approaching, Hopkins Place would like to celebrate ALL Veterans with a special guest speaker, Derek Jameson. The event will take place Thursday, October 29th from 6:00-7:00pm. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sherrie at 903-439-1202.
“A Man Called Jon” Red Carpet Premiere on November 1st at Shannon Oaks.
The film, “A Man Called Jon”, was shot on location in Terrell, TX. We are hoping the city of Sulphur Springs will come out and support this film. They will be hosting the Red Carpet premiere on November 1, 2015 first screening at 3:00pm-5:00pm and another at 5:30pm-7:30pm at Shannon Oaks Church, 1113 E. Shannon Road, Sulphur Springs. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. They are hoping to pack it out to send a huge message to Hollywood. For tickets please call Eric King at 903-348-0404 or visit their website at www.kingandbrownenterprises.com.
Load the Wagon & Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride, Saturday, November 14th
Saddle up your horses and help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fight cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The event will take place on Saturday, November 14th at Two J Ranch, 993 CR 2331 in Como. Gates will open at 7:00am, Saddle Up at 9:30 and Ride out at 10:00am. A free lunch will be provided, but remember…it is a fundraiser to help St. Jude’s Hospital, so donations will gladly be accepted. There will be horses and mule wagon rides available. There is a $10 minimum donation for you to ride your own horse. If you would like more information, please call Jean & Jim Murray at 903-488-3030 Sandy Billodeau @ 903-488-3311 or Jr. Gregg at 903-488-3685. Others assisting in this great event are Cathi & Jim Wright 903-488-4811 Don Meeks 903-488-3456, Mike Mund, T.W. Little, Daniel Walker, Carole Hatch and Jo Marie Neal, so any of them will be able to give you more information. If you have never participated in this event, it is spectacular and you should! Not only is it raising money for an amazing hospital, but to see the hundreds of people, loaded up in their wagons, heading out for the cause…it is absolutely incredible, so please try to attend!!
Stew Shirt 2015
Congratulations to Aaron Chennault! His stew t-shirt received the most likes on Facebook, therefore will be the one sold at the stew contest on October 24th! Aaron wins $100 and the opportunity to be a stew judge at the contest! Thank you to everyone who voted!
We would like to welcome our newest members to the Chamber of Commerce:
Brightstar Church
525 Gilmer Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Michael Branch, Pastor
903-440-2806
Soundmind Productions
5755 CR 1100
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-440-2806
Michael Branch, Owner
Video Production
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
Glass Shares High Tea Etiquette at Lights of Life Sassy Classy Tea at City Hall
Thursday, October 8, 2015 – Donna Rudzik, Gloria Mitchell and Polly Swatsell, the 2015-2016 Lights of Life Campaign chairs, will welcome guests to enjoy afternoon “Sassy Classy” tea at the beautiful City Hall. Emily Glass will be the guest speaker. While the ladies enjoy afternoon tea Emily will share proper “High Tea Etiquette”. Sitting and enjoying friendships seems to be a social event that has been lost due to the hectic schedules of today’s fast paced high tech world. Hopefully the afternoon tea will allow some “down time to be still” and enjoy those friendships. Michelle Idzi of Idzi Bitsy Bakery will provide the delicious afternoon treats and Danna’s Florist will provide the special touches that will make the afternoon memorable.
Funds raised through the afternoon tea will go toward the 2015-2016 campaign goal of $250,000. As we continue to raise funds to help purchase cutting edge equipment, that not only benefits the hospital but the community, the funds raised through the 2015-2016 campaign will be used to purchase;
- Six LUCAS CPR devices for EMS which will provide the EMS Department the tools and abilities they need to improve survival rates during cardiac arrest. The LUCAS CPR provides consistent and quality chest compressions without the need to stop compressions to perform other clinical procedures.
- And additional funds will be added to the Foundation “Leaving a Legacy” Endowment Fund.
For more information about the 2015-2016 Lights of Life campaign and gala and mini-events, please call the Health Care Foundation office, 903-438-4799. We hope you will join us as we work hard to make a difference for the hospital and the community.
Help-a-Child Set for Saturday
Help a Child 8th Annual event is Saturday at Parker Auction Complex located on Highway 19 South. Wade Bartley was the guest Wednesday on KSST’s Morning Show. He told listeners the passion to help children has been on his heart for a number of years. He stated the event has received community support for three charities. The three charities are the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for children in Dallas (50%), Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center which serves eight Northeast Texas counties (25%), and the Southern Christian Home for Children (25%).
He stated that around 15 chili teams will compete for a $500 prize. A briquet contest will also be conducted. He expects around 12 teams to cook briquet. Chili and Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler for $5 for all you can eat will begin serving at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, the consession stand will open for the tractor pull. Brisquet sandwiches will be served.
A tractor pull featuring the Lake Country Antique Tractor Club will begin at 9 a.m. The event is free. At 6 p.m. the Lone Star Garden Tractor Pull, a group that uses “hot-rod” garden tractors and lawn mowers, will take place. That tractor pull will cost $10 for adults and children 10-years of age and under are free. Bicycles for children will be given away during the evening event.
Twisted creation will make balloon animals for the children present.
Animal of the Week: Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin is a one to two year old Pocket Pit Bull. Her name came after the Animal Shelter Officers took note of her ” punk rock star” look. She was found running loose on I-30 at Broadway ST and taken to the Animal Shelter on October 1. She was found with a pink collar around her neck and she has yet to be claimed by anyone. She has tested negative for heartworms.
“She hasn’t had any obediance training,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “She’s really shy at first but she gets along well with other dogs. Both of our dogs have played with her.”
Despite her lack of obediance training, Janis has shown signs of basic potty training. Janis’s shy behavior exhibits signs of possible abuse, or perhaps living on her own for some time, according to Officers DeWolfe and Blanch.
“She just takes a little bit of time, a little bit of tender, loving care and she’ll be trying to sit in your lap,” Officer Anne DeWolfe said.
She will be involved in an off-site adoption at Attwood’s on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Janis Joplin is full size
Pit Bulls like Janis carry a bad reputation for being aggressive animals. However, like all other domesticated dogs, Pit Bulls imprint on their owner, and as such, their behavior and personality mirrors the bahavior and personality of their owner.
“I believe that a Pit Bull is going to be whatever you want it to be,” Officer DeWolfe said. “If you want a fighting dog, they want to please you, so that’s what they’re going to try to do. If you want a happy-go-lucky family dog that is just going to love you and play around all day, they will do that happily. They want to please. They want to be your friend, and unfortunately we have people out there that want to take advantage of that.”
Both Shelter Officers seldom have negative interactions with Pit Bulls. Officer Blanch can recall one instance in which she encountered an aggressive Pit Bull.
“In a lot of cases, it’s a fighting scenario, and sometimes it’s the way they were treated,” Officer Blanch said. “We did pick up one that the owners left and it was not a friendly dog at all. There was nothing we could do for her. She was in the back[of the shelter] and as soon as you opened the door you could hear her growling. That’s the only one in the time I’ve been here that has turned out like that. She had lived on a chain, because I saw the big chain in the back. They had released her from her chain and left her there.”
Regardless of the few aggressive encounters, both officers think of Pit Bulls as loving, kind, and playful animals.
“I had one sit in my lap and I think that’s the only one that has come close to killing me,” Officer DeWolfe said. “She just sat in my lap and probably about suffocated me with love.”
