Tira News By Jan Vaughn
Tira News
By Jan Vaughn
Some of the Tira residents will be participating in a community garage sale today (Friday) and Saturday, October 2nd and 3rd. It should be a nice weekend to be out shopping.
Destri Weir, Dacy Campbell, and Dustin Weir and their families met Yvonne and Robert Weir at Gloria’s on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall on September 19th to celebrate Destri’s birthday a little early. They enjoyed a delicious meal and a good visit.
Chip and I visited
with Linda Ellen and Grace Vaughn at Grace’s apartment in Sulphur Springs on Saturday evening, and then we met Garry and Gena Jordan, at Bayou Jack’s, where we shared a delicious meal outdoors and had a wonderful visit. Afterward, we enjoyed a carriage ride with Pat Chase. He is open for business every Saturday night.
Grace, Linda Ellen, Tiffany, and Morgan visited us and had lunch with us on Sunday.
North Hopkins Elementary School will be open to the public after the PTO program on Thursday, October 8th. Open house will begin around 7:30 and it will be a good opportunity to tour the new facility.
The North Hopkins Alumni Homecoming is almost here. The event will be held on Saturday, October 10th, beginning with registration and Bingo at 
4:30. A BBQ dinner will be served at 5:30, at a cost of $12.50 per person. Following the meal, there will be a brief video presentation honoring the Classes of 1965, 1975, and 1985, and then the Monday Night Jam band will provide musical entertainment. The annual homecoming is for all former students, staff, and their guests. Please pass the word.
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].
Wildcats v Tigers At Prim As The Coaches See Them
Friday night at Prim Stadium the Wildcats will seek their first win in district play as they host the Mt Pleasant Tigers. The Tigers have been a traditional rival for the Wildcats for a number of years. Before the players go head-to-head, the two coaches, Wildcat Head Coach Greg Owens and Tiger Head Coach Cory Homer talk to KSST News in separate interviews.
Cory Homer is a former MP Tiger who is now in his second year as Tiger head coach. Wildcat Coach Owens, a former Wildcat, is in his 10th season as Wildcat head coach. While the Wildcats seek their first win in district, the Tigers defeated Greenville last week.
Homer and the Tigers faced two 4-A schools, Paris and Liberty Eylau, as their pre-district season started. Both Paris and L E were in play-offs last year and Homer said they seemed to be strong with a lot more experience and ahead of the curve for this season. Against Jacksonville, another 5-A school, Homer said his Tigers let the ball get away from them with fumbles and time of possession as well as putting points on the board. He said the Tigers played well enough to win but the four fumbled helped Jacksonville defeat them. At Greenville, Homer thought his team had it all together. He said it has been a long time since the Tigers were 1-0 to begin district.
Homer calls the game at Prim a “long, epic battle” which is an old traditional rivalry. He remembered the preparation he and teammates endured as they readied to face the Wildcats. He said it was something that he treasured and something for which he has a high respect. He also expressed his respect for Coach Owens, his character, his coaching staff, and the teams they produce.
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens enters the game with losses to Rockwall Heath, Whitehouse, and a forfeit to Sherman in preseason and a loss to Texas High last week as district season began. Owens sees the key to the Mt. Pleasant and Wildcats game Friday being whoever can win the battle in the trenches: the shuffled Wildcats offensive line versus the Tigers four man defensive front and the Wildcats defensive front against the Tigers large offensive line. Coach Owens says his team needs the win.
Owens said his team’s attitude is “pretty good” as they renewed their focus early this week. Owens said he isn’t over the loss Texas High. Owens knows the Tigers have been struggling in previous years. However, Owens is aware that the win last week has been encouraging to the Tiger fans, team, and coaches. He said the Tiger O line is big with a shifty running back that looks for the open space. Owens said the Wildcat defense will have to be aggressive coming off the back and find a way into the Tiger backfield. The Tigers run more (60%) more than they pass (40%) unless they are behind and then it is 50-50, according to Owens. A variety of sets are used by the Tigers including shot-gun, two tight ends, H-back, pistol move. They will be a four-down look on defense. Their base defense is a 4-3 but will go 4-1 or 4-2 when the Wildcats are more spread out on offense. He is concerned about their secondary’s ability to cover.
Owens said whoever wins the line battles will win the game.
Chamber Connection – October 1, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Chamber Connection
October 1, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Visit the Chamber’s Facebook Page to Like your favorite Stew T-shirt! Ends Friday!
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting for Cricket Wireless!
We are happy to welcome Cricket Wireless to the Chamber of Commerce. Please stop by and check out their amazing cell phone plans and rates! They are located at 1217 S Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs!
John Chester Dutch Oven Cooking Contest- October 3rd, 2015
Don’t miss the annual John Chester Dutch Oven Cooking contest. Each team will consist of 2 cooks who will prepare a meat, vegetable, bread, and dessert. Entry fee is $25 and cooks must furnish ingredients for their dishes. Cash prizes for First, Second and Third place. For full details and an entry form contact Rick Wilson at (903) 885-9692.
Lights of Life Half Marathon-October 3rd benefitting the HC Health Care Foundation
Registration is $75 for an individual entry, $80 for Partner Relay (2 person) or $100 for a Team Relay (4 person). You may register Saturday morning from 6:45-7:10 at Celebration Plaza. For more information please call 903-438-4799. If you have already registered, packet pickup will be Friday, October 2nd from 6-9pm at Celebration Plaza.
Sassy Classy Afternoon Tea benefitting Lights of Life Campaign & Gala, Thursday, October 8th
Years ago, we weren’t as busy as we are today and we had time to “be still” and enjoy friendships. Let’s re-create those special friendship moments while sipping afternoon tea. “Hats would be fun, but not required!
The Tea will take place Thursday, October 8th from 4-6 at Sulphur Springs City Hall, 201 N. Davis. It is a $40 donation, which includes Champagne! Please make reservations ASAP, by calling 903-438-4799. Etiquette tips will be presented by Emily Glass. Tea Hostesses are Danna’s, IdziBitzy Bakery & City of Sulphur Springs
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]!
“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!!
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!
Plano Street, Bill Bradford Road Next on City’s Street Agenda
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell gives us the latest on street work on the agenda for the Capital Construction 
Crew. Work on North Davis Street has been completed and the crew is working on Rockdale Road. Summer paving is near completed.
Next up is Plano Street. Plano will be a water, sewer, and asphalt rework, according to Maxwell. Bill Bradford Road will begin soon as well. Maxwell called the rework of Bill Bradford Road a big project. The Bill Bradford project, which will cost 1.4 million, is currently held up in enginering awaiting the conclusion of Atomos Energy line work. Maxwell said the water line will be constructed of material that should last 100 years.
September Weather Summary
September continued a trend of subpar rainfall months for Sulphur Springs. It was the fourth straight dryer than normal month. The city Water Treatment Plant recorded 1.02 inches of rain. Normal for September is 3.35. Still because of a very wet first five months of the year, the city has still received above average rainfall for the first 9 months of 2015. Average is 33.25 inches and we have received 36.02 inches. That’s plus 2.77 inches for the year to date. Rain fell in only three days in September, the last one on September 9. October is usually a wet month and we average 5.21 inches during a typical October. We had our last 100 degree day in September on the 7th. Average high last month was 92 and average low was 68. The low for the month was 56 degrees.
October Continuing Education Classes at PJC Announced
A variety of continuing education classes will be offered at PJC-Sulphur Springs during the month of October.
Training for pharmacy tech and medication aide positions are available from the Continuing Education Department at the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center in October. Classes will meet at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus, located at 1202 W. Houston St. Call 903-885-1232 for further information.
Other classes include:
Microsoft Word Level 1 covers creating, saving and opening documents; editing documents; cut/copy/paste and find/replace; formatting text and paragraphs; formatting documents; creating and formatting tables. The class meets Fridays, Oct. 2-9, from 8 to 11:30 a.m.
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is awarded to individuals who have completed 120 hours of classroom training as set forth by the Council for Professional Recognition. The class meets Tuesdays, Oct. 6-March 1, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Pharmacy Technician course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board PTCB exam. The class meets Oct. 13-Dec. 3, Monday and Wednesday, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
The Medication Aide course will instruct in the preparation and administration of designated medications by non-licensed Nursing personnel employed in licensed health care agencies including the responsibilities associated with such administration. The class will meet Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 19-March 7, from 5 to 9 p.m.
A Nurse Aide class will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Oct. 19-Nov. 3, and the clinical meets Monday through Friday, Nov. 9-17. The class offers preparation for entry level nursing assistants.
County Hay Show Winners Named Thursday
Hay! The 2015 Hopkins County Hay Show winners have been announced, according to Don Smith, member of the Ag Worker’s member. Winners were selected by judges from samples submitted by local hay producers. The highest protein analysis as well as the physical score (ie appearance, lack of foreign matter) determined the judge’s scores. The top four with score and protein:Ribeye Cook-off, Christmas Program, Fall Festival Arts Contest
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]
Beef Cooking Demonstrations Coming Soon!
Sulphur Springs will be the host for a special event on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, on Celebration Plaza. The NETBIO Cattleman’s Classic and Ribeye Round-up will feature several opportunities to enjoy the cooler weather, the beautiful downtown plaza, and celebrate Texas beef!
On Friday, October 16, representatives from the Texas Beef Council will provide cooking demonstrations starting at 12:00 noon. They will discuss the various cuts of beef as well as the most suitable ways for cooking. Demonstrations will show how simple it can be to attain a juicy, flavorful, beef product.
The Ribeye cook-off will ensue on Friday afternoon. Cook teams are already signed up and making plans to compete for the best ribeye! Steak Dinner tickets may be purchased for $25 each. Tickets are available at Texas Heritage National Bank, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Hopkins County, or online at www.texashnb.com. The dinner will be served starting at 6:15 p.m. on Celebration Plaza. To end the day, a free concert, open to the public, will start at 8:00 p.m., featuring Johnny Lee and the Urban Cowboy Band, so bring your chairs and enjoy some of your country favorites!
For the running enthusiasts, Saturday, October 17 will feature the 5-K Run for the Beef, starting at 8:00 a.m. leaving from Celebration Plaza. Cost to enter is $30. You may register at Fieldhouse Sports or on-line at www.racechiptiming.com.
Christmas Joys Holiday Program
Wow, we’ve had a great response for this annual event! Extension’s “Christmas Joys” is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at the Southwest Dairy Museum. The 1:30 p.m. session is full and we have started a waiting list. If you have signed up and find that you won’t be able to attend, PLEASE call us so we can contact those on our waiting list! Seats still remain for the 5:30 p.m. session, but it is half full, so don’t wait too long! Call 90-3885-3443 and leave your name and phone number. We must have a name for each seat reserved.
This year’s program will feature tasty recipes, craft demonstrations, gift-giving ideas, and more. Special guests include Carrie Brazeal, Collin County Extension Agent, and Melisa Rhodes, Van Zandt County Extension Agent, in addition to Dairy Museum staff, and yours truly. The cost is only $5, which include a goody bag, booklet of all the recipes and demonstrations, and refreshments.
Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest
I hope you are making plans to participate in the 2015 Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest! All ages are welcome to enter. Categories include clothing, quilts, creative crafts, needlework, scrapbooks, food preservation, baked goods, decorated cakes, photography, art, horticulture, dolls, woodworking, and holiday/seasonal. We also have a division for nursing homes and assisted living residents.
The entry fee is only $1 per person, regardless of the number of items entered. That’s quite a bargain! For a full description of categories and guidelines, drop by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, or go to http://hopkins.agrilife.org and click on publications. You may also call our office and we’ll e-mail the information to you.
Closing Thought
Celebrate living in Hopkins County – a special place for family, friends, faith, and fun!
Compassion for Patients, Low Infection Rate Highlight CMS Survey of Memorial Hospital
One surveyor said that she liked seeing the compassion of the employees for the patients. That was one reply given by the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) survey team that concluded a full book survey of Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Wednesday. The three day survey was initiated Monday following an infection control complaint made to CMS. That complaint was found invalid and unfounded but the investigation team offered to do a complete survey which is to be conducted every four or five years. The hospital accepted the offer.
Five years ago when the survey was completed, the report stated that Memorial was one of the best hospitals around. This week’s survey listed a few discrepancies. Michael McAndrew, CEO at Memorial, said “Almost everything was fixed by last night.” The other corrections should be completed before the end of the week. When all are completed, it will be another five years before a survey team returns according to McAndrew.
Due to the presence of the survey team, some surgeries had to be canceled as the team surveyed the surgical equipment. The full book survey focuses on infection control, patients’ rights, and psych patients. The local hospital does not have a psych ward, thus that segment of the survey was not conducted.
Infection rates at the local hospital are very low. McAndrew stated that all hospitals are faced with infection control issues. He is pleased with the response of the hospital team as they keep those rates very low locally.
Several years ago when the survey became mandatory for all hospitals, Memorial chose to use CMS for the surveys because, as McAndrew told KSST News, they created the survey and they do the survey for free. There are specific companies that do the full book survey but those charge for the work.
Walk to Remember Nears Goal
The Garden at Memorial is the site for A Walk to Remember
Terrific Tuesday’s is very near their fundraiser goal as they prepare for Thursday’s Walk to Remember at The Gardens at Memorial, according to Karon Weatherman , Director of the Sulphur Springs Seniors Center. Donations will be received up to and even following the walk. Even if you do not plan to walk, you may donate.
A number of mini-walks at area assisted living residences and care homes served as a prelude to the Thursday event.
The annual Walk To Remember is a fundraiser for Terrific Thursdays, a respite care program for local Alzheimer’s patient caregivers. To donate, contact Karon at 903-885-1661. Weatherman stated that donations of any amount may be given.
