Five Sulphur Springs Martial Artists Win South USA Championships
Allen TX – Five students from Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts recently won the title of South USA District Champions at the invitation-only tournament June 16th in Allen, TX. The District Championship Tournament featured the top martial artists from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Students compete throughout the 2022-2023 season to collect championship points based on success in regional tournaments. Those in the top ten for their division in the state of Texas are invited to compete for the championship.
Alyssa Boulger won the title of District Champion in Combat, Sparring, Creative Forms and Extreme Forms. Sam Perry took home five championships in Forms, Weapons, Creative Forms, Creative Weapons, and Extreme Forms. Seth McElyea won Forms and Sparring Championships. Harleigh Stegient took home the title in Creative Weapons and Extreme Weapons. Daron Bilyeu won seven District Championships as well.
Haley Hopkins, Karisma Stegient, and Kaylon Roland all returned home with Bronze Medals in Combat. Noah Perry finished with a Silver Medal in Extreme Forms. Summer Miller, Taylor Roland, Dakota Foley, and Gaius Hanna all had great competitions, finishing just outside of the podium.
The 2023-2024 season kicks off August 5 in Allen with the Texas Twister Tournament. Those interested in martial arts competition may reach Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts at www.sulphurspringsata.com
Photo Attached left to right back row Daron Bilyeu, Seth McElyea, Gaius Hanna, Summer Miller, Sam Perry, Scarlett Allen, Karisma Stegient. Front Row Haley Hopkins, Noah Perry, Olivia Stegient, Ethan Calhoun, Harleigh Stegient.
Learn Important Techniques in Welding at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
CUTTING
Paris Junior College student Jonathan Leija of Greenville is working on his pipe welding skills as he does some plasma cutting during a recent class at the at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop..
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Sulphur Springs ATA Duo Win World Championships
Phoenix AZ – Two members of Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts brought home gold medals at the ATA World Tournament of Champions held July 12-14 in Phoenix, Arizona. This invitation-only tournament culminated the 2022-2023 competition season and featured the top martial artists from over 30 countries.
Ms. Harleigh Stegient won the gold medal as a member of Team USA is the H.U. Lee Memorial Songahm World Cup Combat competition July 14. This event featured teams of five athletes competing to score the most points to declare an overall winner. Ms. Stegient featured prominently in the rounds of competition as a starting member of Team USA. After defeating Team Uruguay in the Quarterfinals, Team USA scored a victory over Team Chile to advance to the final round. In the finals, Team USA earned a hard-fought victory over Team Paraguay to earn the championship. As an individual competitor, Ms. Stegient also won the World Bronze Medal in Combat Sparring and Extreme Weapons.
Co-owner and instructor Daron Bilyeu won his first World Championship on July 12. Mr. Bilyeu took home the gold medal in Creative Weapons as well as World Silver Medals in Creative Forms, Extreme Forms, and Extreme Weapons. He also qualified for and competed in the weapons and combat competitions of the World Tournament of Champions.
Alyssa Boulger earned a place in the World Tournament of Champions for the first time this season. She had a great showing by winning matches before being eliminated outside of the medals.
The 2023-2024 season kicks off August 5 in Allen with the Texas Twister Tournament. Those interested in martial arts competition may reach Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts at www.sulphurspringsata.com
Attached photo left to right – Daron Bilyeu and Harleigh Stegient celebrate their gold medals. Alyssa Boulger (left) scores with a round kick to the head.
Governor Abbott Defends Texas’ Authority To Secure The Border
Governor Greg Abbott today defended Texas’ right to secure the border through the recent deployment of floating marine barriers in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass as part of the state’s unprecedented response to America’s ongoing border crisis. In a letter to President Joe Biden, the Governor counters threats by the U.S. Department of Justice to sue the state over the barriers by pointing out that the U.S. Constitution grants Texas sovereign authority to protect its borders because the President refuses to enforce federal immigration laws.
“If you truly care about human life, you must begin enforcing federal immigration laws,” reads the letter. “By doing so, you can help me stop migrants from wagering their lives in the waters of the Rio Grande River. You can also help me save Texans, and indeed all Americans, from deadly drugs like fentanyl, cartel violence, and the horrors of human trafficking. To end the risk that migrants will be harmed crossing the border illegally, you must fully enforce the laws of the United States that prohibit illegal immigration between ports of entry. In the meantime, Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused. Texas will see you in court, Mr. President.”
In addition to highlighting Texas’ right to defend its borders, Governor Abbott argues against claims that Texas’ floating marine barriers violate Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Governor Abbott also included a copy of the January 8, 2023 letter he hand-delivered to President Biden in El Paso and the November 16, 2022 letter to the President that outline America’s current immigration laws President Biden must enforce to satisfy his constitutional obligation to safeguard American citizens and the sovereign authority of states to protect their borders when the President refuses to do so.
Hopkins County Records – July 24, 2023
- Kathleen k McKenzie and Michael Ryan McKinzie to Cheryl Kirkley and J Lyndell Kirkland; tract in the Nacogdoches Univ survey
- City Cemetery Society Sulphur Springs to Annette G Saldana; tract in the Block A Sunset South survey
- City Cemetery Society Sulphur Springs to Annette G Saldana; tract in the Block A Sunset South survey
- Price Rental LLC to Madison Skinner
- Brian Shurtleff to Angus Property Ventures LLC; tract in the E Melton survey
- Lara C Virtue and Robert A Virtue to Benjamin Todd Whillock and Heather Ashley Whillock; tract in the J Palvadore survey
- Martha Bonilla Flores to Fatmir Cosic and Indira Cosic; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Sherryann Theresa Baldin Rackley to Patricia Donna Baldin Burns; tract in the Lucy Ann Cullum survey
- Patricia Donna Baldin Burns to Randy Ryan Williams; tract in the Lucy Ann Cullum survey
- John Heilman to Claudia Lopez and Eduardo Lopez; tract in the Daniel Draper survey
- Dan Iven Hamiter SR Estate, Martha Deann Lee and Martha Deann Lee IND EXEC to J&K Wagoner Group LLC and J&K Wagoner Group LLC Series I; tract M A Bowlin survey
- C Courtney Clemmons, Laura Dawson, PLC Properties and M Paige Dawson Rodriguez to Blake Hamilton and Julie Hamilton; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Brittan Dodwell and Blake Hamilton to Julie Hamilton; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Lorrie Kaye Abbot to Kaleigh Hatcher and Kevin Hatcher
- Dan F Bolch Estate, Mary Perarl Bolch Estate, Paula Suzanne Ferguson Guardian and Paula Suzanne
- Ferguson IND EXEC to Mary L Sample and Tracy S Sample; tract in the G Chander survey
- Dee Brandon to Russell Brannon; tract in the William Moses survey
- Daniel Robert Cummings to Cameron A Slavens and Jacqueline L Slavens; tract in the Daniel Halbrook survey
- C McMullin and Marcia Mills Mikles to Dwight Rucker; tract in the H D Parsons survey
- Chris Voss to Jami Brooks and Lance Brooks; tract in the Thomas Lee survey
- Wayne Cooper to Micah Andrew Walden; tract in the Round Rock Circle survey
- CMH Homes INC to Colby Tyler Anderson and Linda Dale Tuck; tract in the Ruthy Matthews survey
- Ben Lamar Cunningham JR, Jeanne Cunningham, Jeffery Duane Cunningham, and Ellen Jane Cunningham-Jaggers to Alexandria Price; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Jonathan Grant to Clem E Davis and jane M Davis; tract in the G Neely survey
- Zack Brown to Kristin Michelle brown; tract in the East Meadows survey
- Brad Beers Trustee to Rose Kamalsky; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- C L Ellis and Darrell Gene Miller to Andrea Kendall and Jon C Kendall; tract in the Tobe Ford survey
- Michael Shane Wilton and Misty Kay Wilton to Ann L Heartfield and Roy A Heartfield JR; tract in the Thomas B Garrett survey
- A C Browning, Anne M Browning, F O Browning and Siggie Fanning to Naomi Irby and T C Irby Paula Sue Allen Irby to Kevin Charles Barry and Paula Kay Barry; tract in the John Shaw survey
- Mrosamond Construction LLC to Suanne Shockey Johnson; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Alan Charles Stubblefield, Jason Lee Stubblefield and Michael Jay Stubblefield to Mike Peoples; tract in the John D Bloodwork survey
- Juana Jennings to Fatmir Cosic and Indira Cosic; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Amir Rahman and Melissa Walker to Shanti Homes INC; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Heidi Pickering and Shannon Pickering to Michael Pickering; tract in the Mariana Ballanova survey
- J A Bridges to Saltillo ISD; tract in the J W Hatchel survey
- Aaron Major and Jill Major to Jody Lee Cooksey; tract M A Bowlin survey
- Carolina Estrada and Jose Romero to Elijah Meek; tract in the John Procello survey
- Courtney Clemmons SPA, Jeff Clemmons and Courtney Dawson to Dawson Clemmons and Jackson Clemmons
- David Rabun and Patricia Rabun to Ann Larie Caudle; tract in the Juan Palvadore survey
- David Ray Talley and Mary Elizabeth to Holly Ann Talley and Jason Talley; tract in the Jesse K H survey
- Pamela Jane Taylor to Barbara Grubbs; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Emily Jane Graves and John Bryce Graves to Alvaro Eligio Torres and Ana Marina Torres; tract in the R Meadows survey
- Huyen Nguyen and Karl White to John Justan Puckett; tract in the S Waggoner survey
- Pennymac Loan Services LLC to Allen Cosby and Peggy Cosby; tract in the Mary Lee survey
- Brenda Chrisman to Angela Beth Dagenais and Louis O Dagenais II; tract in the Edmond P Gains survey
- John Heilman to Lance Hankins; tract in the Aiguier survey
- John Heilman to Nicky Cline; tract in the E Melton survey
- Charles C Mitchell and Dina L Mitchell to Scott Carlyle Mitchell and Shannon Phillips Mitchell; tract in the John Turner survey
- Jerry F Johnson IND EXEC and Socttie Nell Riley Estate to Jerry Johnson; tract in the Helen Nelson survey
- Joshua Lockwood to Bulmaro Garcia and Rosa M Godina Rivera; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
- Danette Sears and Dwayne Sears to Jacob Randell Perkins and Lila Dlayne Perkins; tract in the R B Craft survey
- Nancy Shaunessy to Shaunessy Family trust, Nancy B Shaunessy Co Trustee and Patrick A Shaunessy Co Trustee; tract in the J Graves survey
- Jamie Lynn Bianchi and Russell E Bianchi to Jace Garrett Burchfield; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- James E Collis JR and Suzanne M Collis to Kathleen L Wiltermood; tract in the William B Birdwell survey
- Maria Lopez to Erwin Lageschaar and Theresia Lageschaar; tract in the IRA Stephenson survey
- Gregory Carr to Lauren Jacobs and Paul Jacobs; tract in the J Gahagan survey
- Lauren Jacobs and Paul Jacobs to Brian Christopher Jackson and Elizabeth N Jackson; tract in the J Gahagan survey
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Earns National Recognition For Stroke Care
(Sulphur Springs, Texas) – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has received the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines ® – Stroke Silver Plus achievement award.
The recognition was awarded for the hospital’s commitment to ensure stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
The hospital also earned the AHA’s Rural Stroke – Bronze recognition for exceeding acute stroke performance metrics for hospitals in rural communities.
“Being recognized by the American Heart Association validates the exemplary stroke care that we are providing on a daily basis,” said Kala Anders, stroke program manager. “These achievements establish confidence within our community that we are dedicated to ensuring all patients have access to the best practices and life-saving care.”
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients.
“These distinctions show the great strides our facility has made in advancing quality, evidence- based stroke care, and has set us apart as a leader in the region for stroke care,” said Dr. Vikas Pandey, stroke program medical director.
The CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs stroke program is also accredited by The Joint Commission as a primary stroke center and as an acute stroke ready hospital.
Solicitation Process Coming Soon for Ecosystem Services Projects
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will soon begin seeking proposals from public or private entities to construct nature-based carbon sequestration infrastructure or other projects that will harness other similar ecosystem services on TPWD properties.
House Bill (HB) 4018, passed in the 88th Texas Legislative Session and effective Sept. 1, allows TPWD to enter into agreements through an innovative conservation model providing both wetland protection and carbon credit-based revenue to the agency.
The legislation authorizes development of nature-based structures on land primarily used for game or fish conservation, protection or management. Additionally, projects may be constructed on TPWD land primarily used for parks, recreation or historic sites.
TPWD will be looking for partners willing to fund all construction costs for nature-based structures and establish a revenue-sharing model for carbon credits. Private money may fund construction adjacent to select public lands, and TPWD will deposit any funds received for that purpose to benefit either state parks or game and fish management, depending on the project’s location.
“We are preparing to move as quickly as possible to secure partnerships that will benefit Texans and help support our mission,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “We appreciate the opportunity provided by HB 4018 and the leadership of Representative Ashby, Senator Kolkhorst and Governor Abbott, who signed this bill into law on June 2.”
Why does a Yard Tree Have to be so Big?
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
As urban areas grow and new housing development become established, yard sizes decrease and various rules become word of mouth or absolute rules for home owners’ associations HOA. One of the dumber rules (my opinion!) is that each new house gets two front yard shade trees. The rule itself isn’t so dumb, but how it is imposed leaves much to be desired.
HOAs generally have no concept of what tree species should come with the house, generally leaving such decisions to tree nurseries of similar organizations. Regrettably what we see planted are small trees that will grow to super-size. The number one tree chosen appears to be live oaks which can have a limb spread 50’+ on all sides, and they’re planted 15-25’ away from the house. The only question is how many years (probably 8-10) before serious tree trimming begins. First, keep the limbs away from the side of the house. Then, in a few more years, trimming to prevent shingle and other roof damage begins.
I mentioned live oaks, but there are numerous red oaks, elms, pistachios, and others that become huge. With large trees, you get plenty of shade, but you also get so much of it grass will have difficulty surviving.
There are numerous smaller trees, some of which have perfect shape that will do well in your yard. Little Gem southern magnolias are simply a smaller version of the southern magnolia. It will grow to a maximum of 25-30’ tall with a slightly less wing spread. Then, there’s my favorite non-commercial tree, the golden raintree. It is a fast-growing tree reaching 25’ up and out. The flowers (yellow) are unique as are the seed pods which resemble Japanese lanterns.
These are just two of many mid-sized trees available. Why not Google mid-sized trees for yards.
Trying To Walk A Check Got One Man A Free Meal, In Jail
July 23, 2023 – An attempted dine and dash didn’t turn out too well for a downtown diner Saturday night, as restaurant staff called local police to report the destitute diner around closing time.
When Sulphur Springs Police arrived on scene at the downtown eatery to investigate, the suspect explained he simply did not have any cash, nor his debit card to pay his tab. As police continued to sort out the case, a neighboring restaurant manager appeared to report that the same suspect had walked out without paying a tab at his establishment as well. The Sulplur Springs Police officer promptly placed the patron under arrest and transported Michael Duane Kelley to the Hopkins County jail. A records check showed that the suspect had two previous convictions of theft, so the new charge was upgraded to a State Jail Felony. Kelley remains in the Hopkins County Jail receiving three free meals a day as he awaits his bond to be set on the matter.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
NETBIO Gives Eight College Scholarships to Students Majoring in Agriculture
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission
Public Information Services (NETBIO)
NETBIO GIVES EIGHT COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Cattle producers and buyers attending the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) cattle sale at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction Friday witnessed the presentation of college scholarships to students majoring in agriculture.
NETBIO awards scholarships each year to young college students from the Northeast Texas area who are interested in completing their degrees and returning to the area to practice their agriculture-related trades.
The scholarships were established in honor of Veterinarian J. D. Norris and cattleman Jim Jacobs, both of whom were instrumental in organizing NETBIO. The organization also awards scholarships in honor of its retired and longtime CEO Dwyatt Bell. A scholarship was established this year in honor of Carson Hicks of Sulphur Springs.
Each of the scholarship recipients receives $2,000 toward their scholarships as they continue their education.
NETBIO CEO Kregg Slakey presented eight scholarships and introduced the recipients to the livestock sale audience. Receiving the Dwyatt Bell scholarship was Hailey Byrd of Dangerfield, who is attending Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The Jim Jacobs Scholarship went to Beau Bankston of Sulphur Springs, who is attending Texas &M University-Commerce. The Carson Hicks Scholarship went to Dylan Hannah of Commerce, who is attending Texas A&M University in Commerce.
Receiving the four J.D. Norris scholarships were Ty Salisbury of Wills Point and attending Texas Tech; Hunter Grant of Pittsburg, attending Texas Tech; and Sidney Williams, attending Texas Tech. Also Erin Caldwell of Boswell, Okla., attending Oklahoma State U. and Lindsey Tarby of Princeton, Tx., a Texas A&M University student.
Speaking for the membership, Slakey said NETBIO members are proud of the young people who have received the scholarships in the past and those seeking agriculture degrees today. “We are glad we can help these young people attain their dreams.”
NETBIO was organized in 1996 to promote pre-conditioned stocker and feeder calf production and to hold sales offering producers the opportunity to sell their cattle in truckload lots. Eight sales are held each year in Sulphur Springs.
To receive a brochure and additional information about the organization and upcoming sales, call 903-885-2455.
NETBIO SCHOLARS
Three of the eight 2023 Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) college scholarship recipients were at the NETBIO cattle sale Friday, July 21, to receive their awards. Presenting the awards was Kregg Slakey, CEO of the NETBIO organization. At the sale to receive their scholarships were, from left, Sydney Williams of Amarillo, Hailey Bell of Dangerfield, and Dylan Hannah of Commerce. Others receiving scholarships were Beau Bankstown of Sulphur Springs, Ty Salisbury of Wills Point, Hunter Grant of Pittsburg, Erin Caldwell of Boswell and Lindsey Tarby of Princeton.
