Meal-A-Day In Desperate Need Of Volunteers To Keep The Program Operating Monday-Friday
The Meal-A-Day program is still in desperate need of weekly volunteer cooks for Wednesdays and Thursdays, program coordinators reported. Two cooks who can commit to coming each week at 7 a.m. until about 10 a.m. are needed on Wednesday and two on Thursday as well.
Volunteers who can donate time from 7 to 8:30 a.m. to help assemble and cook casseroles and vegetables, or donate time from 8:30 to 10 a.m. to package meals, cook desserts, and sanitize kitchen would also be much appreciated.
The Meal-A-Day Program currently has head cooks for both days but need two additional ‘sous’ cooks to help with mixing, stirring, chopping, and assembling the casseroles or vegetables for the day’s menu items and desserts for the next day.
Volunteers don’t have to know how to cook – just be able to follow directions. The head cooks know the recipes and can guide volunteers in the steps to help them get the menu items cooked and assembled for the day’s meals.
Many of the 150-160 senior citizens receiving daily meals desperately depend on Meal-A-Day.
Meal-A-Day depends on volunteers to provide this vital service. In a week, Meal-A-Day workers approximately 80 volunteer hours for preparing, cooking, and packaging meals and approximately 65 volunteer hours for delivering meals.
Program coordinators noted that Meal-A-Day’s volunteer base is aging. The program needs additional cooks and drivers to replace the dedicated volunteers when they have to retire from serving Meal-A-Day due to age or health, the program is continually in need of new cooks and drivers
In order to continue Meal-A-Day, additional volunteers are needed to ease the responsibility of the dedicated who have taken on extra duties to fill the gap when other volunteers are no longer able to continue donating their time to prepare and/or deliver meals for the program, program coordinators note. In fact several volunteers are at the Center 2-3 days a week to enable Meal-A-Day to continue on a Monday-Friday basis.
“We just can’t continue to ask this of our volunteers. We are just too short handed at this point,” program coordinators reported.
To volunteer, call the Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661 and ask for Cecil or Tina, or e-mail Meal-A-Day at [email protected].
“Please come be a part of Meal-A-Day! It is a rewarding experience. You meet a lot of nice volunteers who love helping our community seniors. Meal-A-Day needs 3-4 hours of 1 day out of your week to enable us to continue to bless our seniors with meals,” the coordinators urge.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
2022 SSHS Homecoming Royalty Announced
Homecoming mums, footballs, spirit items and other Wildcat gear washed the home side stands at Gerald Prim Stadium in Wildcat blue, sprinkled with gold and yellow as Sulphur Springs students, families and fans packed in to show support for the home team and see which of the 10 SSHS Homecoming nominees would receive crowns.
All of the young ladies are to be commended for their support of each other and aplomb each showed when her name was called, announcing her as a 2022 SSHS Homecoming nominee. The excitement and anticipation built as fans cheered, rang bells, and called out when their nominees’ names were called. The Blue Blazes welcomed each member of the court and her escorts as she took her place at the 50 yard line. Each nominee received a red rose and her mom received a yellow rose from cheerleaders. The band go into the spirit showing encouragement.
2022 SSHS Homecoming Princess Angeles Cruz, Queen Miley Fisher and Princess Addisyn Wall 
Addisyn Wall being crowned Homecoming Princess 
Addisyn Wall receives roses 
2022 SSHS Homecoming Princess Addisyn Wall 
Angeles Cruz announced as 2022 Homecoming Princess 
Angeles Cruz crowned SSHS Homecoming Princess 
2022 SSHS Homecoming Princess Angeles Cruz 
Miley Fisher announced SSHS 2022 Homecoming Queen 
Miley Fisher and family are excited at queen announcement 
Hug of congratulations for the new Homecoming Queen 
SSHS Principal Josh Williams presents roses to Miley Fisher 
Miley Fisher is crowned 2022 SSHS Homecoming Queen 
SSHS Homecoming Queen Miley Fisher 
Homecoming Queen and Princesses
The Homecoming festivities culminated with the announcements of the 2022 SSHS Homecoming Royalty. Addisyn Wall and Angeles Cruz each received a spray of flowers before being crowned the 2022 SSHS Homecoming Princesses. The large spray of roses and crown went to Miley Fisher, the 2022 SSHS Homecoming Queen.
2022 SSHS Homecoming pre-game preparation 
Sulphur Springs High School blue Blaze Drill Team 
SSHS Cheerleaders 
Addisyn Wall 
Tia Nash 
Jadyn Harper 
Miley Fisher 
Olivia Worth 
Olivia Worth 
Ja’Yden Holly 
Cheerleaders 
Ja’Yden Holly 
Jayla Abron 
Justice Jones 
Justice Jones 
Martha Gonzalez 
Angels Cruz 
2022 Homecoming Nominee Jaden Harper 
Cheerleaders await nominees, to whom they presented flowers 
Ja’Yden Holly 
Queen Miley Fisher 
Filled with Cheer Spirit 
Queen Miley Fsher 
Princess Angeles Cruz 
Princess Addisyn Wall 
Tia Nash 
Martha Gonzalez 
Justice Jones
TxDOT: Drivers, Pedestrians, Bicyclists Must Follow Traffic Laws and Stay Focused
TxDOT: Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists must follow traffic laws and stay focused Pedestrians and bicyclists account for 1 in 5 traffic deaths |
Sept. 23, 2022
AUSTIN – It’s a simple and undisputed fact: Following traffic laws and staying focused can prevent unthinkable tragedy on the road. Yet, in Texas, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities continue to rise.
In 2021 in Texas, 841 people died in pedestrian-related traffic crashes, an increase of 15% from 2020. Crashes involving bicyclists claimed the lives of 92 people. These 933 deaths account for 20% of the 4,490 fatalities on Texas roadways last year.
“Year after year, we’re seeing fatalities from traffic crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists climb,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Each of us has a shared responsibility to help reverse this trend. Whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot or riding a bicycle, we’re asking all Texans to be safe and smart, and that starts with obeying traffic laws.”
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign urges all Texans to know and follow the laws for safe driving, walking and biking. Those life-saving laws include the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which went into effect in 2021. Named after a Texas mom who was struck and killed in a crosswalk while walking her six-year-old son to school, the law requires that drivers stop and yield the right of way to people in crosswalks. Motorists who fail to stop and yield and cause serious injury to someone in a crosswalk can face criminal penalties.
Texas law states if you’re driving:
- Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Pass bikes at a safe distance and give bicyclists room to ride.
If you’re walking:
- Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
- Obey all traffic and crosswalk signals.
- Use sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
If you’re riding a bike:
- Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- At night, make sure your bike has a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
Raising awareness of these rules of the road is an important part of TxDOT’s efforts to encourage Texans to do their part to prevent pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative are key components of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of May 4, 2022. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.
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Hopkins County Records — Sept. 23, 2022
Land Deed Transactions
The following land deed records were filed and posted at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office:
- Paul J. Lyons and Sherry Ann Lyons to Donald Edwin Brewer, Paul J. Lyons and Sherry Ann Lyons; tract in the William B. Jordan survey
- BP America Production Company to VR4-Moria LP
- David Petty and Stephanie Lynn Petty to Jeff Dudley and Julie Dudley; tract in GC Roberts survey
- Kason Childress, Kris Childress and Lisa Childress to Craig Johnson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- David E. Black to Kaytlin Black known by Kaytlin Meadows, Mark Meadows and Nancy R. Perkins to Dusty Rhoades and Jeremy Jason Strange; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Charles Tutt III and Sarah Tutt to Karen Spalter; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Christopher Adam Lynch to James Daniel Gleason and Suzanne Marie Gleason; tract in the Jonas Vemooy survey
- Ashley Smith and Christopher Smith to Jalyn F. Vaughn and Hunter R. Vaughn; tract in the GW Downing survey
- Craig Anderson to Carol Jean Palmer
- Randall Keith Speight to Juan Martin Ortega and Maria Engracia Ortega; tract in the Johnson Wren survey
- Daniel Lee Smith and Betty Jean Smith to Logos Holdings LLC
- Jalayne Crystal Minter and Zachary Scott Minter to Jessica A. Farrias and Matthew L. Farrias; tract in the Helena Nelson survey
- Cody Elliott and Johnny Elliott to Juan Pablo Ugalde and Maria C. Ugalde; tract in the AB Koontz survey
- Consepcion Almendarez, who is the same person as Consepcion Gasca, to Jose Luis Gasca; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Lawrence R. Hall Estate also known as the Randy Hall Estate, Ruthmary Hall independently and as independent executor, to Jackson McLain Massek; tract in the Josiah Thompson survey
- Titus Holdings LLC to Tres Padres Investments LLC; tract in the AJ Butts survey
- Marisa Jones known as Marisa Kelley to Emilie Vaughn; tract in the Josiah Pettyjohn survey
- Linda Buchanan to Maria Claudia Machado; tract in the Newman McGee survey
- Mary Beth Morrison Barcus and Cynthia Kay Morrison, independent co-executors for the Mary Camp Estate and the Margaret Morrison Estate, to the Carla Frazier Family Trust and Rick Frazier Family Trust, Carla Fay Frazier and Richard Anthony Frazier co-trustees; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Juan Faunce and Traci Faunce to Inocencio Barrientez and Jean A. Barrientez; tract in the David Harris survey
- Andrew Larsen and Renee Larsen to Charles Tull III and Sarah Tull; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Ashley Patterson and Bodie Patterson to Anita Samson, James Samson, John Samson and Stefanie A. Samson; tract in the Jesse Odom survey
- Bryan J. Johnson to Parker L. Johnson and Preston M. Johnson; tract in the RP Boswell survey
- Alan J. Tiemeyer and Bonnie S. Tiemeyer to Tara Alison Jackson, Brian Scott Tiemeyer, Jeffrey Alan Tiemeyer and Joel Todd Tiemeyer; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Susan Miner and Thomas Miner to Rising Phoenix Real Estate LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Rising Phoenix Real Estate LLC to Casa Grande LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey
- David Oberlender, Deborah Kay Oberlender, David A. Vaughan and Timothy C. Vaughan to Kassandra Dejanira Hernandez and Ruben Hernandez Jr.; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
- Ashlei Thomas and Edwin A. Thomas to Nubia Denisse Ardis; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- The Ranches at River Ridge LLC to Channa Jayasinghe and Vasana C. Weerasinghe; tract in the Francis Hopkins survey
- Cody Williams and T. Williams to Melissa H. Forsythe; tract in the Westbrook Circle Addition
- Mary Lee Clark to Journey Properties LLC; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Kathryn Lynn Stuart, independent executor for the Michael Larry Stuart Estate, to Clete Mackey and Laura Stuart Mackey
- Ashley Marie Painter and Tristen C. Painter to Alan Screws and Kim Screws; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Joe Arnold who is the same person as Joseph Kent Arnold to Daisy Daze RV Park LLC; tract in the J. Pettyjohn survey
- Raymond Higgins and Theresa J. Higgins to Cassie Grider and Nathan Grider; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Jason Tully and Samantha Tully to Juan Rivas and Melinda Rivas; tract in the Jose Zunega survey
- Cindy Neighbors to Wood Investment Group LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Christopher Todd Higginbotham to Carol Elaine Cowley and James Brice Cowley; tract in the M. Ballanova survey
- Robbie Horton and Stanley Horton to Robert H. Friedman; tract in the John Bryan survey
- Anthony Todd Bernhard who is also known by Anthony Todd Hughes and Kathy Ann Bernhardt who is also known by Katherine Ann Hughes, to Deryl Leewright and Nancy Leewright; tract in the Thomas Lee survey
- Kenneth Sanchez and Tonya Sanchez to Andrews Fouse, Leah Fouse and Schylar Nicole Fouse
Applications for Marriage Licenses
The following individuals applied for marriage licenses at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office during the week of Sept. 16-22, 2022.
- Mason Daniel Virgel and Jacie Renee McGraw
- Jeffery David Cook and Crystal Lynn Wilson
- Denton Deewayne Winchester and Hannah Marie Chaney
- Juan Carlos Alvarez and Maliyah Savette Diaz
- Fred Andrew Bowers and Brenda Kay Taylor
- Hayden Kenneth Burnett and Tatum Renea Murphey
- Octavio Morales Gonzalez and Dioselina Guadalupe Cervantes
Meet The 2022 SSHS Homecoming Nominees
Sulphur Springs High School administrators this week introduced the 10 young ladies selected as the 2022 SSHS Homecoming Nominees. After a week of spirit activities, including a parade, the community will learn which of these seniors are selected as this year’s Homecoming Royalty during the pregame activities at Gerald Prim Stadium starting around 6:40 tonight (Sept. 23, 2022).
During a special media event, each of the 2022 SSHS Homecoming candidates talked with KSST to give Wildcat fans a chance to learn a little bit more about each nominee. View their interviews in the video above or read more about them below.
Nominee Addison Wall
Homecoming nominee Addisyn Wall is the daughter of Jessica Hogan and Geoffrey Wall. She has
layed basketball and volleyball for four years. She serves on the SSHS Student Council and is a member of the Key Club. Her writing skills resulted in her becoming a state Barbara Jordan Historic Essay Competition champion in the spring; she also competes in academic UIL journalism events.
While she enjoys writing, Addisyn said after high school she plans to attend Tyler Junior College to pursue a career as in dental hygiene.
“I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field, but then I actually started watching Grey’s Anatomy and I saw people stick needles in people and I was like, ‘No, that’s not for me.’ So, I looked into dental hygiene and I’m actually close with the orthodontist, Andrew Hodges, and I sort of got interested in it. Since then I’ve wanted a career in that,” Addisyn Wall said.
Nominee Tia Nash
Homecoming Nominee Tia Nash is the daughter of Elvria and Nate Mingo.
Tia plays on the Lady Cats softball team. She also active in Key Club, HOSA and serves on the SSHS Student Council.
While she’s glad to be a servant leader, Tia said she’s most excited about HOSA and learning more about the career she plans to go into. Tia plans to become a labor and delivery nurse.
“It’s just cool to me how the female body works, how the baby can come out. I’ve just always wanted to save a baby,” Tia told KSST this week.
Tia is currently in the health science practicum at SSHS, which will allow her to shadow professionals at the local hospital to get a first hand glimpse at her chosen career path.
Nominee Jadyn Harper
Homecoming Nominee Jadyn Harper is the daughter of Shaniqua Harper and Bam Jackson.
Jadyn plays on the varsity softball team and is also a varsity cheerleader.
She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, HOSA, Hi King Klub and serves on the Student Council. She said she loves being a leader, helping to lead people in the right direction.
Jadyn is currently in the practicum class at SSHS, a step toward her goal of attending college to become a certified Registered Nurse (RN).
“I just like helping people and just being in the hospital, I feel like is a good environment,” Jadyn Harper said.
Nominee Miley Fisher
SSHS Homecoming Candidate Miley Fisher is the daughter of Stan and Brandy Fisher.
She is involved in varsity cheerleading. She also is part of the Hopkins County High School Leadership group, Key Club and National Honor Society, and serves on the Student Council.
Miley said it is “very important to me to be a leaders at the school and to represent Sulphur Springs High School.”
After high school, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University to major in speech language pathology.
“My brother has had a lot of speech problems throughout the years and I’ve loved watching him grow in that with the help of a speech therapist. So, I’d like to be that for somebody,” Miley said. “I’ve seen first hand so it’s very important to me.”
Miley was “super excited” for all of the fun activities associated with Homecoming this week.
Nominee Olivia Worth
Homecoming candidate Olivia Worth is the daughter of Jessica and Chris Worth.
She serves in a number of leadership roles at SSHS, including being captain of the Blue Blazes drill team and president of the Hi King Klub.
“Being captain of the drill team is a lot of responsibility and you have to be able to lead your team in the right direction,” Olivia told KSST, when noting the importance of being a good leader.
She is also involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and the Hopkins County High School Leadership Class.
Olivia plans to attend Texas A&M to continue her career in nursing. She said watching her mom, who is involved in the medical field, inspires her to be involved in it too. She said she’d like to be a travel nurse, while getting her education.
She said she was excited about Homecoming Week and is thankful for the opportunity of being a Homecoming Nominee.
Listen to the Wildcats live on KSST Radio 1230 AM or watch the live stream from Homecoming Sept. 23, 2022, on the KSST Radio 1230 AM YouTube channel. Kickoff versus the Liberty-Eylau Leopards begins at 7:30 p.m.
Nominee Ja’Yden Holly
Homecoming Nominee Ja’Yden Holly is the daughter of Christopher Holly and Sonja Rush.
She is a member of the Key Club, FCCLA and the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy. She serves as vice president of the Hi King Klub. She’s also been involved in varsity track for four years.
Ja’Yden is currently in the law enforcement practicum program at SSHS, a stepping stone toward the future. She plans to attend Howard University to major in law enforcement with a goal of one day becoming a criminal defense attorney.
“I always like to give a helping hand and I feel like that is a really important role in the government,” Ja’Yden told KSST.
Ja’Yden said too was excited about Homecoming Week and is so thankful for the local community.
Nominee Jayla Abron
Homecoming nominee Jayla Abron is the daughter of Talea and Brian Kelly.
She is involved in the Key Club, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She also serves on the Student Council and is part of the Hopkins County High School Leadership group. Additionally, Jayla was a three-year cheerleader.
Jayla said serving in various leadership roles is “very important to me because it took a lot for me to get here,” and she is “super thankful that I am here now and able to be a leader for my peers.
She has taken some business classes while attending SSHS, which have only reinforced her career goals. After high school, plans to attend Texas Southern University, where she will major in business management and administration.
“I’ve always had an interest in being an entrepreneur and owning my own business, being a business woman,” she said.
Jayla said she is “super excited” to be nominated for the Homecoming Court and blessed to have the opportunity.
Nominee Justice Jones
Homecoming Nominee Justice Jones is the daughter of Chanta Givens and Anson Jones.
At SSHS, Justice is a member of the Track Team.
In addition to her school involvement, Justice is very active in the community. She serves as the head coach for the East Texas Bulldogs Youth Cheer Team and the current Miss Juneteenth of Sulphur Springs. She’s the president of the Morning Chapel Baptist Youth Department and serves as Junior Usher.
“I love Sulphur Springs. I’ve gone here for 12 years,” Justice said.
After high school, she plans to continue serving the youth of her community. She plans to major in education, with a goal of becoming an elementary teacher.
Justice said she loves kids and would like to teach either kindergarten, helping give students that basic foundation in education, or third grade, the mid-elementary level.
She said she was very excited about Homecoming Week and is very grateful for this opportunity.”
Nominee Martha Gonzalez
SSHS Homecoming Nominee Martha Gonzalez is the daughter of Laura and Gerardo Gonzalez.
She is involved in FCCLA, Key Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Hi King Klub She serves on the Student Council and as Class Secretary. She also is part of the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy.
“I take a lot of time to get to know people and know how to lead them and be able to see them succeed in among our community and class,” Martha said.
Being able to help others is especially important to Martha. She plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce to double major in both social work and paralegal studies. While social work, helping kids “have a nice and amazing childhood,” will be her main focus, she feels paralegal studies will be a useful tool to draw from in social work.
Martha said she is extremely grateful to be a Homecoming Court Nominee and to see who is crown Homecoming Queen and Princesses.
Nominee Angeles Cruz
Homecoming Nominee Angeles Cruz is the daughter of Cecilia Cruz.
She serves on the Student Council and is involved in Key Club, National Honor Society and HOSA. She too is part of the Varsity Soccer Team.
Outside of school, Angeles is involved in the St. James Catholic Church Youth Group.
She said having an active role leadership role in some of these groups is very important to her.
“I want to go into entrepreneurship and make a name for myself. I believe a good leader can create a vision and embrace that and embody that into something big to motivate people to create a name for themselves. I am totally ambitious,” Angeles Acknowledged. “If I could have the world in my hands I totally would.”
She is currently involved in the pharmacy tech practicum offered through SSHS, which allows her to get hands-on experience working at a pharmacy. She plans to attend the University of Texas-Denton to pursue a degree in pre-medicine with a goal of one day becoming either pharmacist and either a pediatrician or RN.
“I really wanted a challenging career for myself because I like putting myself through things, obstacles that I can overcome and maybe get better at, improve in,” Angeles said. “I really wanted to learn new things, not necessarily just the helping part, but I also wanted to intake all of the information that can be given to me.”
Angeles said she is excited to be a Homecoming Court Nominee, which is a great opportunity for her. She also enjoys getting to see the girls get all dressed up and pretty, and is excited for Friday night.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Honor Flight DFW Sendoff For 3 Veterans
More than 50 people gathered between the Veterans Memorial and courthouse steps, waving flags, patriotic signs in hand, to offer thanks to three local veterans for their dedication and service. The Veterans Honor Flight Sendoff has become a tradition in Hopkins County, another way local residents can show respect and appreciation to the honorees selected to participate in the special weekend in Washington, D.C., designed specifically for veterans.
Thee Hopkins County veterans selected for two upcoming flights were honored at the Sept. 22 Veterans Honor Flight Sendoff from Celebration Plaza.
On Sept. 23, 2022, Gerald Heard of Sulphur Springs will board Honor Flight 48 from Love Field, which is slated to return Dallas Saturday night, Saturday, Sept. 24. Heard is a Vietnam veteran.
Veterans Fay Huffman and Steve Huffman of Pickton were honored during the Honor Flight Sendoff Thursday. Their flight isn’t until Oct. 21-22, however. When someone thanks them for their service, Steve is quick to let you know that it was their pleasure and honor to serve.
Judy Rawson Heaps has been working on the DFW Honor Flight Board since she took her dad, Jean Rawson on the very first honor flight in May of 2009. She and Lynda Hager coordinator locally to make sure the community knows about any upcoming DFW Honor Flights with county veterans participating as honorees, so as many as possible attend the Sendoff to make the trip that much more memorable for each honoree and to allow the community to show respect for the men and women who have in the past fought for the freedoms enjoy in the USA.
Honoree Heard, a US Army veteran having served during Vietnam, will be accompanied by his son, Jason. Both are from the Sulphur Springs.
Fay and Steve Huffman are both Vietnam veterans as well. Faye served in the Air Force and Steve in the Navy. They’ve asked their son and daughter, David of Grand Prairie and Yolanda Cottrill of Dublin, Ohio, to join them on the Honor Flight as their guardians.
Each honoree selected to take part in a DFW honor flight is allowed to select one person to go with them to help them carry their gear and help out wherever possible to make the trip as worry-free and enjoyable as possible for their veteran. If there the veteran does not have anyone who is able to go with them, they have only to let the Honor Flight Board know and they will help find or assign a volunteer to serve as a guardian/support for the veteran. There are also medical personnel along who give of their time, just in case a veteran honoree needs medical assistance.
These 36-hour flights are offered at no cost to the honoree, but others participating do so at their own cost. This weekend’s DFW Honor Flight includes 14 Marines — 10 honorees and 4 others volunteering as guardians for any who does not have someone who is able to go with them and to help take care of the honorees — who are giving their time to serve their brothers and sisters in arms.
The Hopkins County veterans then join the other veteran honorees and guardians, typically very early the next morning, in Dallas to begin their flight to DC, where they will be taken to see the Veterans Memorials erected to honor the fallen. For many, this is a moving time, providing each veteran with an opportunity to see the names of those they served with forever remembered for their sacrifice or perhaps even a brother, father or grandfather who gave their lives for our freedoms. A banquet type event also typically is held during the Honor Flight for the honored guests.
Prayers of thanks for protection and safety for these veterans were offered near the beginning and end of the DFW Honor Flight Sendoff. First Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. Jeff Gravens and Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom provided those on Sept. 22.
County Treasurer/Veterans Service Officer Danny Davis lead the pledges to the USA and Texas flags. The National Anthem followed. The Military Salute song, which includes music from each branch of the US Armed Forces, is played, and all veterans present asked to hand up or really mess things up.
Lonnie Fox provided sound and music for the occasion, Polly Swatsell provided and handed out small USA flags to those wishing to show patriotism and support. Newsom provided the opening an
Those who did not get to make the trip with their hero can follow along on the Honor Flight DFW page https://www.facebook.com/HonorFlightDFW Facebook
North Hopkins Students Meeting Challenges Of Chicken Farming at Cluckingham Palace
As the North Hopkins Elementary classes began settling into another week of caring for the inhabitants of Cluckingham Palace, the school’s gifted and talented students were busy researching ways to help their feathered friends produce more eggs.
The hands-on enrichment project continues to be a learning experience for these younger students. Each class is designated a day during the week to care for the donated chickens, rotating to a new class of students daily until all classes at NHE from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade have taken a turn feeding, watering, and collecting the eggs the laying hens have produced. The students visit the pen shortly after classes begin each morning and again in the afternoon, shortly before classes end.
Eggs are stored safely until a full carton of eggs is available, then the GT students sell them on a first-come, first-served basis to school staff. The GT group researched prices garnered from based on the output by the laying hens, and developed a marketing plan. They notify school employees the eggs are available per their plan, then conduct business.
The week the birds arrived at school, donated by three local farming families, the hens were fed from the Cluck Bucket. For the most organic option, a marked bucket was provided for students to donate the fresh fruits and vegetables left at the conclusion of their school meals. That food then was carried out to Cluckingham Palace, where it was placed in a type of trough for the birds to enjoy a little fresh product.
By Monday, the hens’ productivity had all but stalled. Instead of collecting at lest a couple of eggs daily, often with more fresh eggs collected in the afternoon than first thing in the morning, the birds seemed less included to lay in certain temperatures.
This was a good lesson in the risks involved in the agriculture business, especially those depending on the weather and other conditions beyond their control. All day Tuesday, the students collected only one egg. So, the GT kids began researching again, looking for ways to make the hens more comfortable or happier so they will produce more eggs. What they learned was that temperature can impact egg production, but a change in diet can help overcome that obstacle.
The GT students recommended switching the yard birds’ food. The Cluck Bucket filled with leftover fruits and veggies was replaced with buckets filled with hen scratch, feed and oyster shells, from which the elementary students scoop up a small handful of feed and pepper the floor of the chicken coop with it.
After the dietary change, Tegan Thompson was pleased to locate an egg when she and the other second graders in Amanda Caviness’ class took their turn tending the flock Tuesday afternoon.
The birds seem to enjoy the attention, especially the regular treats the students sprinkle upon the Royal Floor. They don’t mind the youngsters among them, some offering a swipe or “pet.” The rooster is even tempered enough to enjoy being picked up and carried by students.
The project has involved the various groups in the school coming together building and readying the chicken coop for the arrival of the chickens, which vary in color and size, as well as community members who voted on the coop’s name in addition to helping with supplies and providing the birds. The project teaches responsibility, real life lessons in raising livestock for food while also reinforcing required TEKS lessons, in a real-world fun way illustrating the concepts discussed in the curriculum. And the kids seem to enjoy this hands-on, fun learning approach.
This is one of several new programs at North Hopkins ISD this year. Another hands-on project the school is excited about starting this year is construction of a raised vegetable garden that can be used to provide produce for the school cafeteria or potentially even the new Royal Birds, depending on the types, growth and success of the project.
Reserve A Seat For the 49th Christmas Joys Holiday Program Before They Are All Gone
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Family and Community Health Extension Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
The month of October is knocking on the door, which means the annual Extension holiday program, “Christmas Joys” is not far behind! Formerly known as Christmas Show and Tell, this program was started by my predecessor, Janie Crump, and I have continued the legend. It is a highlight of the year for many people. Not only is it an entertaining program, but for me personally, it kicks off the holiday season!
The 49th annual “Christmas Joys” program is on the calendar, and we are currently accepting reservations. Below are the details:
- When: Monday, November 7
- Where: Southwest Dairy Museum
- Time: 1:30 p.m., repeated at 5:30 p.m. (select one time – both programs are identical)
- Cost: $5 payable at the door, children under 10 are admitted free
- To reserve a seat, call 903-88-53443. We MUST have a name and phone number for each seat reserved, so please don’t call and ask to reserve 15 seats without having a name and phone number for each person.
Because we need to follow the fire code for the facility, we will cap reservations at 80 per session, which includes children. However, we will start a waiting list in case someone has to cancel.
For those who have attended in the past, you will see some of the same familiar faces. I will serve as emcee and presenter. Popular Master Wellness Volunteers Susie Faltesek and Joan Brennan are returning to present some fabulous ideas for crafting and decorating. Some new faces this year are Master Wellness Volunteers Pat Connally and Wendy Johnson who will present a new twist on holiday foods for adults and children. Wrapping up the speaker line-up is Miachel Herrera who will do a presentation on charcuterie boards and entertaining. Staff members from the Southwest Dairy Museum will conclude with information about their products, and you will have the opportunity to sample many of their cheeses, spreads, and dip mixes.
As of this writing, the 1:30 p.m. session is over half full, and the 5:30 p.m. session is almost half full, so don’t delay in reserving your spot! Each attendee will receive a swag bag and a booklet containing the recipes and directions of items presented during the program.
National 4-H Week
Each year, 4-H members, leaders, and parents recognize National 4-H Week. The 2022 celebration will take place October 2-8. As part of the celebration, Hopkins County 4-H’ers will be collecting items for the Sulphur Springs Middle School Communities in Schools. Items may be dropped off at the Hopkins County Extension Office. Contact our office at 903-885-3443 for a list of things we will accept.
Another feature of National 4-H week is the 4-H Project Show. 4-H members are encouraged to enter this year’s contest. Entry categories are: Art, baked goods, crafts, clothing, decorated clothing/ accessories, food preservation, general sewing, holiday, horticulture, jewelry, leather work, metal work, needlework, photography, poetry, scrapbooks, or woodworking. Items will be accepted from October 3 through 6, judged on Friday, October 7, and on display to the public October 10-14 at the Extension Office. 4-H members may enter the same items in the Fall Festival Creative Arts contest. Just be sure to let us know so we can label them accordingly.
Closing Thought
Prayer should be our first response – not our last resort.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at 903-885-3443; or by email at [email protected].
HCSO: 2nd Suspect In Tuesday Night Pursuit Identified, But Yet To Be Apprehended
Vehicle, 20 Others Reportedly Stolen From Ennis Dealership
The second suspect who fled on foot into a wooded area following a vehicle pursuit Tuesday night in Sulphur Springs has been identified. The vehicle used in the incident was one of more than 20 reported to have been stolen from an Ennis dealership, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Because one suspect from the chase remained at large, Sulphur Springs ISD notified parents and staff Wednesday morning that district campuses were in lock-down mode as a precaution.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were made aware Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, a Dodge Challenger displaying a license plate that came back to a Kia Soul was traveling on I-30 east headed toward Sulphur Springs. The white car was also determined to have been stolen as well, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Deputies spotted the car as it took Exit 127 off I-30 onto Jefferson Street. A traffic stop was initiated on the 2022 model Dodge Challenger on Jefferson Street near Weaver Drive Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, HCSO Deputy Joshua Davis noted in arrest reports. The driver allegedly fled from law enforcement in the vehicle, continuing to attempt to evade officials. The car traveled onto Ramsey Street, and ended up in a back yard between College and Putman Streets, where Davis reported seeing two black males exit the car and take off running.
Davis chased the passenger, calling out for the man to stop. The deputy reported catching up to Eddie Lamar Ringo Jr. at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday; the 24-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man had reportedly run into “a thick wooded area” on College Street at Ramsey. When asked for the driver’s information, Ringo allegedly told the deputy he had never met the driver before, and claimed the driver had picked him up at a gas station in Arkansas.
Ringo was transported to HCSO jail, where he was interviewed by the arresting deputy about the incident. The Arkansas man reportedly initially told police he did not know the man who had been driving the Challenger, and had never met him before. When the deputy told Ringo he believed he was lying, the 24-year-old allegedly claimed he had only seen the man around but did not know his name, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Ringo was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:14 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, on a misdemeanor evading arrest or detention charge and a third-degree felony hindering apprehension of a felon charge, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Meanwhile, additional officers from around the city converged in the area of the stolen car as well as last known direction the driver was observed running toward. The suspect Tuesday night was reported to have been last seen wearing a red shirt and green pants. He was reported to have lost his shower slides and at least one sock while fleeing authorities. He was reported to have last been seen heading south, then southwest into a nearby thicket to the west, near where the passenger was taken into custody on College at Ramsey Street, according to sheriff’s reports.
A perimeter was established in the area, with officers methodically searching within the area. Officials’ efforts, including that of a trained police canine, were reportedly hampered by the thick copse of trees in the area. Around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, a thermal imager was being utilized in the area to try to detect the suspect’s heat signature in the dark, wooded area.
Authorities around 11:40 p.m. responded to what were thought to be the sound of gunshots southwest in the area where the pair had run. At midnight authorities were still searching the area, including south on College Street, back to Putman and Ardis Streets. Deputies checked out a report of someone with a flashlight on Beckham Street headed toward Maxwell Street. Officers, at one point, were contacted about someone knocking or banging on a wall and window in the Caldwell Street area, then dispatchers reported receiving more than one call reporting windows and doors being hit or knocked on in the area of Ardis and WA Streets, just off MLK, east of Oak Avenue. One witness reported seeing a man in a red hoodie around 11 p.m. Tuesday at an Gilmer Street car lot.
Officials were still searching for the man after midnight. The driver of the Dodge Challenger, a car thought to possibly be a new car taken from a dealership or car lot, remained at large late Wednesday morning.
Sulphur Springs ISD sent alerts to students’ parents and guardians around 11 a.m. Wednesday, and notified staff that the district would be in lock-down mode as a precaution due to the suspect remaining at large.
By midday Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, HCSO reported “We were later able to identify the driver as Markevus Taggart BM 08/10/2002. Both are from the Pinebluff Arkansas area.” The second suspect was last seen in a red hooded shirt, green shorts and thought to just have one sock on, according to HCSO.
“Warrants will be issued for the offenses that occurred in our area in relation to the fleeing and use of the stolen vehicle. Based on the information we have, we believe the suspect is no longer in the area,” the Sept. 21, 2022, HCSO press release stated regarding the second suspect.
The Dodge Challenger also was determined to have been “stolen along with 20 other cars from a dealership in Ennis. The entering agency will continue the investigation into the stolen vehicles.”
The passenger in the chase, Eddie Lamar Ringo Jr. who is also shown in jail reports to be known by “MTF Mista,” remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. His bond was set at $30,000 on the hindering apprehension charge and $5,000 on the evading arrest or detention charge, according to jail reports.
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.
2 SSHS Seniors Among 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students
Sulphur Springs High School Principal Josh Williams announced today that Lausen Ost and Alexis C. McCoy have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their
pursuit of academic success.”
Congratulations to Alexis McCoy and Lausen Ost on this outstanding academic achievement.
