Shortage Of Full-time Drivers, SSISD Students’ Successes Could Mean Late Buses Next Week
Additional Full-Time School Bus Drivers Needed
Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education and Human Resources Justin Cowart Friday morning, Nov. 4, 2022 issued a letter to parents via the school Blackboard notification system letting them know that, due to students’ competitive successes and a shortage of full-time drivers, buses could run later than usual next week.
Below is Cowart’s notice:
Sulphur Springs ISD Parents & Guardians
Our staff and students have done an amazing job this year and we could not be prouder of them. SSHS students have been extremely successful in competitions this year. Today, our cross-country girls team is headed to state. The volleyball team made the playoffs, and the football team has clinched a playoff spot. Our Wildcat band is headed to state marching contest next week.
Due to the number of activities going on next week, Nov 8 - 11, we are working to cover transportation with our certified drivers and sub drivers. We are wanting to make you aware that your child(ren) may be picked up in the morning or dropped off in the afternoon later than usual.
If you are a parent/guardian who has the ability to drop off or pick up your student(s), we invite you to do so next week. This will help ease the possible delays for transportation. If you can’t do this, your child will still have a ride to and from school. We just ask for patience and understanding.
We are needing additional full-time school bus drivers. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact our Transportation Director Rob Huizinga at [email protected].
Reminder: Monday, November 7th, is a student holiday.
American Flag MIA
Keen eyes can tell something is missing from downtown Sulphur Springs. The American Flag that flies in the center of Celebration Plaza is MIA.
Tommy Allison contacted KSST early Friday morning to relay the message that the large flag had worn out. “That flag was 10 years old, and the harness just failed.” said Allison. City employees found the flag and collected the pieces. Bob Kerr of the Marine Corps League Hopkins County Detachment 1357 said the flag was showing it’s age a month ago, and was due for replacement at that time. “That flag and others will be a part of our flag retirement ceremony on November 11th.” said Kerr.
A new flag should be in place within a few days, weather permitting.
Nov. 7 Jury Panel Cancelled
The jury panel summoned for this Monday, November 7, at 8:30 in the morning at the Hopkins County District Court has been cancelled, according to Cheryl Fulcher, Hopkins County District Clerk. The 8:30 a.m. jury panel does not have to report for service on Nov. 7.
“We have another panel of summons out for Monday, November 14, and they must appear,” said Fulcher “We need to be sure the public understands that those receiving summons dated November 14 at 8:30 a.m. must appear at the Hopkins County District Court.”
Chamber Connection – Nov. 2: Several Community Events Coming Up
By Butch Burney, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
If you like wings and networking, then take note.
Join us next Wednesday for a fun Business After Hours, hosted by Wingstop of Sulphur Springs.
The Business After Hours will be from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office, 110 Main St.
Stop by for some delicious Wingstop treats as well as a networking meet and greet.
Wingstop will also have a grand re-opening for the local restaurant at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Heritage Car Show
The Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance invites everyone to attend the 17th Annual Heritage Car Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Celebration Plaza.
This is an outstanding display of antique and classic cars set to compete in several classes.
It is a free, family-friendly event in downtown Sulphur Springs surrounded by restaurants and shops.
UPRA Rodeo
Fresh off its season-ending rodeo at the state fair, the UPRA rodeo association will get back to ropin’ and ridin’ on the weekend of Nov. 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. each night and will feature team roping, bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, ranch bronc, steer wrestling, ladies breakaway, barrel racing, and tie down roping.
You don’t want to miss the chance to see these cowboys and cowgirls in action.
University Day at TAMU-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with Sulphur Springs for the CommUniverCity Day on Saturday, Nov. 5, when the Lions football team hosts Northwestern State.
The Lions will highlight and honor local educators, youth programs and residents. There will be on-field photos, hospitality areas, team interaction and a family fun zone.
For more information, contact Chris Tobiaz at 903-468-8756 or [email protected].
Epilepsy Awareness
There will be an epilepsy awareness fundraiser set for Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church’s The Roc. The fundraiser will include a car show, vendors and a spaghetti lunch.
All proceeds go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas.
Be The Service
Do you know of a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Be The Service is here to help. Join the Hopkins County Christian Alliance on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they give out 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need. Each box of food comes with a turkey and other items for a Thanksgiving meal.
The food distribution starts at 10 am until 2 pm. The line for the distribution begins in the Sulphur Springs High School Parking Lot. When you arrive, follow the traffic attendant’s directions. Also, please fill out all the information on the registration card that an attendant will give you that morning.
Be The Service is an annual event sponsored by local churches right here in Hopkins County.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Vita Bella Cups and Diner hosted a ribbon cutting on Oct. 27 for the shop at 218 Main Street. Go by for boba tea, iced and hot coffee drinks and refreshments.
- Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop will host a ribbon cutting at their new address, 224 Connally St., a few doors down from their previous location, at noon on Friday, Nov. 11. Please join us for this event.
- Hampton House Jewelry and Rockshop will host a 30-year ribbon cutting at their shop on Main Street at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Please help us celebrate their achievement!
Community Invited To ‘Be the Service’ By Helping With Thanksgiving Food Program
Area churches have come together again this year, through the Hopkins County Christian Alliance, for the purpose of serving the community through the annual “Be the Service” project. The community, for a number of years, has helped provide for those in need all of the food needed to provide a Thanksgiving meal, completely free. This includes a Thanksgiving turkey with all the fixings and groceries that one might need to put on a Thanksgiving meal for their family.
“To be clear, you’re not going to receive a prepared meal. You are going to receive a frozen turkey and several bags that will go along to help prepare a Thanksgiving meal, and hopefully, some additional food as well, just to get through the season,” noted Jason Dietze, executive minister at First United Methodist Church and treasurer for the Christian Alliance.
“We don’t want anyone going hungry this holiday season, this Thanksgiving,” said Rusty Posey, pastor of Hope Family Fellowship and secretary of Hopkins County Christian Alliance. “And again, as Jason said, we hope to have food for more than a Thanksgiving meal. Last year, I believe we had some pasta and some sauce and different things in there that would provide an additional meal. That is our hope again this year, that we are able to do that.”
Participating churches are selling tickets for a $10 donation to help fund the Thanksgiving food program.
“We call them tickets. It’s just a way for us to sell and funding this project,” Dietze clarified
“They are $10 a piece but you don’t have to give $10 to help. Ten dollars is the amount we’ve kind of set to cover the cost of the food,” said Posey. “Any proceeds we collect and don’t use will actually go to help feed families all year long through the local food bank.”
Posey explained that the partnership with the Community Chest and their affiliation with the area food bank really helps the Christian Alliance procure the food provided to needy families for Thanksgiving. This helps stretch every dollar that is given even further to help even more families at the start of this holiday season. Dietze noted that the Community Chest does much of the “leg work,” another community contributor that makes the Be the Service food project a success each year.
To purchase a ticket or make a donation to Be the Service, contact a local church as nearly all are participating in this effort. Those that aren’t participating can usually help guide potential contributors to the one that is. Community Chest and the food bank can also help those wishing to make donations to Be the Service program.
Be the Service food will begin distributing Thanksgiving meals Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. Simply drive to the Sulphur Springs High School parking lot, where the line will begins. Go through the softball and baseball parking lots into Barbara Bush Parking lot. All volunteers will meet at Bush Primary at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Those who would like to help are more than welcome to meet with the other volunteers at Bush Primary to help with distribution. Children 14 and younger who arrive must be with a parent the entire time. A few people will also be donating their time to deliver meals to people they know of who are in need but are unable to get out to pick up a box of food during distribution.
The food distribution will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. or until all of the meals are gone on Nov. 19, 2022.
“We will open the line at 10. Theoretically, 10 to 2 o’clock is our scheduled time. We have close to 1,000 meals available. If we were to run out, we run out. There’s no ticket needed, no anything. Just show up in your vehicle at the high school parking lot off of Houston Street, turn right there by the Dairy Museum and they will guide you through the line,” said Dietze. “If that is something that will be of benefit to you and your family, we are honored to help with that.”
Those receiving meals do not need a ticket. They need only show up and go through the line.
“You need nothing but a ride to get you there and they will get you through the line and hopefully bless you with some wonderful, wonderful food. If you want to help out, you are welcome to show up that morning at Barbara Bush Primary to help put boxes together, and if you want to help financially, contact ,” Dietze said.
Healthier Holiday Meal
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent, Family and Community Health Agent, [email protected]
The upcoming holiday season is rapidly approaching. This is usually the time of year when we overindulge on our food choices. However, holiday meals can be made healthier without any significant difference in taste by using some basic recipes substitutions of alterations. Dr. Jenna Anding, Specialist in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at College Station, reiterates what I have taught in my diabetes classes.
- Reducing fat, sugar, and calories in traditional recipes: If a recipe calls for a cup of sugar, try using three-fourths or two-thirds of a cup. If it calls for a half-cup of oil, shortening, or other fat, try one-third cup instead. For recipes using cheese, milk, cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, or mayonnaise, use reduced-fat versions instead. And mashed potatoes taste great with defatted broth instead of butter. This reduces both fat and calories. Modifying a complicated recipe may not always produce the desired texture, so test it on family or close friends before going “all in” on a holiday meal.
- Keeping traditional holiday foods nutritious: A sweet potato contains fiber as well as vitamins A & C. A medium-sized baked sweet potato contains about 100 calories, but many people add sugar, butter, marshmallows, and other ingredients which really ups the calorie count. Opt for just a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon for a healthier solution. Fresh cranberries contain phytonutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties that can promote health and may reduce the risk of disease. Adding fresh cranberries to salads and baked items such as muffins and cookies adds a little extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cooking methods for healthier eating: You may leave the skin on the turkey during cooking and then remove the skin before serving to reduce overall fat content. For holiday vegetable dishes, steaming vegetables brings out the flavor without adding extra fat. Adding herbs and spices instead of salt can add flavor without upping the sodium content.
Even with healthier ingredients and preparation techniques, it is important to show restraint when eating holiday meals. You can expect to take in some extra calories during the holidays, but try to plan accordingly so you can keep your calories in check. While you’re enjoying the holiday season, don’t forget to schedule in some type of physical activity to help burn off those extra calories!
Hot Fruit Compote
(Serves 12)
Ingredients:
- 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
- 15-ounce can peach slices, drained
- 15-ounce can sliced pears, drained
- ¼ cup butter
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 10 maraschino cherries (optional)
Directions:
- Heat oven to 375ᵒ F
- Combine fruit in a 1 ½ quart casserole.
- In saucepan, combine the rest of the ingredients, except the maraschino cherries. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted.
- Pour over fruit; bake 25 minutes until heated. If desired, garnish with cherries and serve.
Note: I also like to add slivered almonds for a little crunch and protein!
Closing Thought
Opportunities are never lost – someone will take the ones you miss. – Andy Rooney
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
Grocery Supply Company Enterprises, Inc. Held its 34th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
On October 31, GSC Enterprises, Inc. held its 34th annual charity golf tournament at The Tribute and Old American Golf Club in The Colony, TX. The company raised $90,000.00 that was presented to six local and regional charities. These charities included Morgan’s Mercy Mansion, Lake Country Casa, Child Advocacy Center, Community Chest, and The SSISD Education Foundation.
Morgan’s Mercy Mansion: Not pictured
Lake Country CASA: Amy Glenn
SSISD Education Foundation: Ryan McKenzie
Community Chest: Heather White & Cathy McElroy
GSC: Michael Williams, John Prickette, Ryan McKenzie, David Burns, Rob Cody
Greater Emmanuel MBC Presents Friends and Family Day November 6th
Send-Off Planned For State-Bound Wildcat Band
A send-off is planned Nov. 8 for the state-bound Wildcat Band, who will be providing a Community Performance of the show which has earned recognition at several competitions last month.
First, the Sulphur Springs Wildcat Band invites the community to “Come Fly With Us” at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. This is a great opportunity for local fans to catch the Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band in the students’ final home performance at Gerald Prim Stadium before heading off to state.
Then, those who wish to show their support for the Wildcat Band are invited to meet in the SSHS student parking lot at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, to give the band a big send-off with well wishes. Encouraging posters, signs, cheering and clapping are encouraged as the band bus departs for San Antonio.
The SSHS Wildcat Band is then slated to take the Alamodome field at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, to perform in the preliminary round of competition at the UIL State Marching Competition in San Antonio. The top teams will then advance to the finals to compete for the state marching title.
These musician have been working since summer, striving to get better with each performance, on their show.
The Wildcat Band advanced to state first by earning straight first division ratings from all judges at the District UIL Marching Contest, then by finishing second at the UIL Area Marching contest.
They hope the most recent improvements will allow them to “fly” atop the state marching list.
NOTICE OF SCHEDULE CHANGES
- SSHS Administrative Assistant Johna Shipley Friday morning noted that the Wildcat Band will still be in San Antonio on Veteran’s Day so SSHS’ annual Veteran’s Day program has been moved to Monday, November 14.
- Absences for students who wish to attend the Wildcat Band’s state performance in San Antonio on Wednesday and Thursday will be excused as well.
A Pizza Party at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
PIZZA PARTY
Students were treated to a pizza party at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus recently. Enjoying their share of the pizza were June Busby, Vivyan Muniz and Maci Wright.
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.
