Summertime Fun For 4-H Youth
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
Fortunately, 4-H activities don’t stop with the end of the school year. There are several events during the months of June, July, and August for 4-H members and other youth. Pay close attention to dates and registration deadlines. We don’t want anyone to be left out because of a missed deadline!
Multi-County 4-H Camp
This camp has been a favorite for 30+ years! Held in the beautiful East Texas setting of Lakeview Baptist Conference Center in Lone Star, this camp offers workshops, swimming, canoeing, paddle-boating, team-building activities, and much more. Workshops for the 2022 camp will include: Archery, Sportfishing, Horticulture, Healthy Lifestyles (team games), Zip Line/Rock Wall, and Crafting. Dates of the camp are July 11-13, 2022. The cost is $125 which covers, two nights lodging, 6 meals, all workshop materials, recreation, and great camp experiences. The facility also offers a gift shop, snack shack, swimming pool, and lake for outdoor recreation.
The deadline to submit the registration form is noon on June 1. Forms are available at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, as well as all Extension Offices in northeast Texas. Ages are 3rd through 12th grade. Adult chaperones must take the Child Protection Training before attending.
4-H Record Books
This is a great opportunity which can lead to recognition on the county, district, and state levels! The 4-H Record book includes your 4-H Story (about yourself, your family, why and when you joined 4-H, and your project experiences), your top 2 to 4 projects, leadership, community service, 4-H awards and recognition, non 4-H experiences, and career exploration. Entry categories include: Animal Agriculture; Beef; Citizenship, Civic Education and Community Service; Dog Care and Training; Consumer Education; Entomology; Fashion and Interior Design; Foods and Nutrition; Gardening and Horticulture; Goat; Health and Personal Safety; Horse; Leadership; Natural Resources; Photography; Plant and Soil Science; Poultry; Public Speaking; Rabbit; STEM; Sheep; Shooting Sports; Swine; Visual and Performing Arts; and Veterinary Science.
Age divisions are junior (3-5 grades); intermediate (6-8 grades); and senior (9-12 grades). Record books are to be submitted online beginning June 1. Registration closes on June 15.
4-H Project Tour Day
This is a highlight of the summer for many 4-H members. Tour Day includes various 4-H projects each year, with the 2022 event focusing on natural resources (Sulphur Springs Municipal Water Treatment Plant); companion animals (Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter); and aeronautics/STEM (Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport). This event is open to all 4-H members, but the deadline to sign up is June 1. We will provide lunch and County 4-H Council officers will be elected during the lunch meeting.
District 4-H Ultra Leadership Lab
This experience is designed for youth who will be grades 9-12 for the coming school year. The purpose is to help youth build leadership skills, gain information to take back to their respective counties, and to have fun while meeting and interacting with other youth across our district. Dates are June 27-29, at Camp Copass, in Denton, Texas. Special theme days will include Hawaiian Day, Country vs. Country Club, and Camp t-shirt day. The cost is $145 per 4-H’er, but due to the generosity of the Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign, our 4-H program will reimburse Hopkins County youth who attend. More information is available at the County Extension Office.
Youth Sewing Workshop
Set for August 8-10, this workshop is designed for youth 3rd-12th grade regardless of sewing experience. Make-and-take projects will be available each day. We’ll begin at 10 a.m. the first day and end around 2 p.m. Bring a sack lunch, sewing scissors, pins, seam ripper, and a tape measure. Times for the following days will be determined by participants. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Spaces are limited. (Workshop for adults will be August 2-4 – More on that to come!)
County-Wide 4-H Achievement Banquet
This event is a great way to wrap up the 4-H year! 4-H members will be recognized for county, district, and state participation. We will also recognize 4-H Rookie of the Year, Outstanding Junior, Outstanding Intermediate, and Gold Star recipients, as well as year pins for those who submit an application. Meal and entertainment will be provided. The date is Saturday, August 20, at the League Street Church of Christ, 6 p.m. The 4-H Foods project group will prepare desserts, and the County 4-H Council will decorate for the banquet.
Whew! Those are some fantastic opportunities for our youth! More information is available at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston Street, Sulphur Springs. Give us a call at 903-885-3443. 4-H membership registration information for the 2022/2023 4-H year will be available soon, so stay tuned!
Closing Thought
Children are not distractions from more important work. They ARE the most important work!
– C. S. Lewis
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, at the Hopkins County Extension Office by mail at P.O. Box 518, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; in person at 1200-B West Houston in Sulphur Springs; by calling 903-885-3443; or by email at [email protected].
Chamber Connection – May 25: Lots Of Activities Coming Up
By Butch Burney
Graphic artists are invited to submit a logo for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse that will occur that afternoon. The deadline for submissions is May 31.
Sulphur Springs is on the centerpoint of the Path of Totality, which means we will assuredly have thousands of visitors that weekend. What that means is that Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County needs to gear up for that event. People travel from literally all over the world to witness a total solar eclipse, and we need to make sure that our county is at the forefront.
We have commissioned a domain, SSTotalEclipse.com and are working on the website to make sure people know we are prepared for them. To get it the website done, we need a logo.
So, we are opening up the Eclipse Logo Contest with the tagline “See You on the Centerline.”
If you are interested in participating, send your submission to me at [email protected]. The official logo will be used on the website and official SSTotalEclipse.com merchandise.
See you on the Centerline!
Golf for a Good Cause
The Reinforcement Foundation is hosting a benefit golf scramble on Friday, June 10, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Hopkins County EMS and Cumby Volunteer Fire Department.
Tee time is 1:30 p.m., followed by a banquet dinner and a concert by Tyler and The Tribe.
Registration fee for the four-person scramble is $500, which includes four tickets to the banquet and eight raffle tickets. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded. There will be plenty of contest holes.
Register on Facebook on the Reinforcement Foundation page or call 903-259-9904. Sponsorships are also available, starting at $100.
Baby Benefit
Heritage Home Health and Hospice is hosting a baby wipe and onesie drive benefitting Heart of Hope, a pregnancy resource center in Sulphur Springs.
Donations of baby wipes and white onesies (sizes 0-3 months) may be dropped off at Heritage Home Health & Hospice (1325 Shannon Rd E, Suite A, Sulphur Springs) or at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce (110 Main Street, Sulphur Springs) now through June 24.
Children’s Grief Camp
“Mending the Mess,” a grief camp for children ages 6-12, will be held June 23-24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, at t First United Methodist Church. The camp is part of Cypress Basin Hospice’s Camp Brave Heart.
For more information, go to the website CBHospice.org.
Clown Alley
Memory Makers Clown Alley will be performing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday, May 27, and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28. They are an association of professional and amateur clowns from Hopkins County.
For more information, visit CommunityPlayersInc.com.
International Day of Yoga
One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center invites everyone to come and join the celebrations for 8th International Day of Yoga on Tuesday, June 21. The global theme this year is “Yoga for Well-Being” and everyone in the community is encouraged to come join. One Soul will offer free classes all day.
International Day of Yoga is celebrated world-wide every June 21 to help spread awareness of the mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga.
One Soul’s schedule for the day includes:
- 6:30-7:30 a.m. Solstice Kundalini Yoga-DeAnna
- 9:30-10:30 am: Beginner Flow-Rachel
- 12:10-12:50 p.m. Family Yoga-DeAnna
- 6-7 p.m. Open Flow-Allison
- 8-9:15 p.m. Candlelight Flow & Nidra-DeAnna & Rachel
Classes that day are free and open to everyone. One Soul Yoga & Wellness Center is located at 1008 Main St., in Sulphur Springs. To learn more about the classes or to sign up go to www.OneSoulYogaStudio.com.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Fulgham’s Social Lounge will host a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at 1123 South Broadway. Please join us for their ribbon cutting.
- Aaron’s Rent to Own will have a ribbon cutting at its location at 1402 Mockingbird Lane at noon on Friday, May 27. Please welcome them to the Chamber.
- Family Dental will host a ground breaking for their new office on State Highway 154 South at 1 p.m. Friday, May 27.
- Project One Roofing hosted a ribbon cutting at their location at 209 Jackson St., on Friday, May 20. Please welcome them to the business community.
Wylie Teen Applying For Driver’s License Receives Ride To Jail Instead
A Wylie teen applying for his driver’s license received a ride to jail instead, according to jail reports.
Nathaniel William Caldwell went to Texas Department of Public Safety Office in Sulphur Springs to obtain a driver’s license. A records check showed the 19-year-old Wylie resident to be wanted in Collin County on a sexual assault charge. He was detained while DPS communications operators awaited confirmation from Collin County that the warrant was active.
The Wylie teen was taken into custody at 2:20 p.m. May 23, 2022, by DPS Trooper Arturo Ugalde and transported to Hopkins County jail, where he remained until May 24, 2022, on the Collin County sexual assault charge. His bond was set at $30,000, according to arrest 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.
Keeping Tomatoes In The Garden
By Mario Villarino, AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected]
Tomato growing is a very common practice in Hopkins County gardens. As I was preparing this piece, the Hopkins County Extension Office was receiving frequent phone calls related to tomato health and tomato growing.
As I was going through some of those questions, a common one was related to leaf curl up and nutrition of the tomato. Tomatoes need phosphorus, nitrogen, potash and minor elements to grow.
Starting your plants off with an ample shovelful or two of compost will go a long way toward making sure the soil will provide for their needs. It will also aid the soil in holding onto moisture, which will prevent problems such as blossom-end rot.
Many gardeners also add a synthetic or organic fertilizer. Some types, such as water-soluble granules or fish emulsion, can be applied when watering. There are also granular forms that can be mixed with the soil before planting or used as a side dressing, and time-release fertilizers, which can be added to the soil at planting time. No matter what kind of fertilizer you use, always follow the directions on the label. Do not over-fertilize because this will cause lush plants with little fruit set. It’s best to select a fertilizer that contains more phosphorus (P) than nitrogen (N) or potassium (K). Phosphorus promotes flowering and fruit set.
Remember that tomato fruits are a sought-after food for wildlife and birds, and many tomatoes get damaged by those pests while still on the vine. A good strategy is to collect the tomatoes and allow them to ripe inside BEFORE wildlife and birds can even get a change to hurt them.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
June Is The #1 Month For Swimming And Summer Fun At Cooper Lake State Park
By Steve Killian, Complex Superintendent, Cooper Lake State Park, [email protected]
Cooper, Texas — What better place to enjoy all summer has to offer than Cooper Lake State Park! The lake water temperature is just perfect in June to cool off, splash around, and enjoy! Our amazing park rangers have finished prepping the swimming beaches for you through the addition of soft white sand just in time for the summer season. With high gas prices this year, make Cooper Lake State Park your nearby destination for summer fun!
Cooper Lake State Park will present 25 educational and recreational programs during the month. June’s spotlighted programs are “Archery 101”, “Fishing with a Ranger”, and “Stargazing”! Archery 101 is a very popular program where kids are introduced to the sport of archery. An in-depth class will precede learning the physical nature of archery. Targets will be set up for everyone to hone their shooting skills. Space is limited for this extremely popular class, so please reserve your child’s spot by emailing our education ranger ASAP – Ranger Alicia (alicia.o’[email protected]v). “Fishing with a Ranger” is a visitor favorite. Bring your own poles and bait or just show up and use the fishing gear and bait supplied by the park. Remember, no fishing licenses are required for this event or anytime you’re fishing at a Texas State Park from the bank or pier! Experience dark skies at Cooper Lake State Park and gaze through our high-powered telescope at stars, planets, and other astronomical bodies while being educated by Ranger Alicia. She has been known to weave in star stories from Native American cultures and others during this awe-inspiring program.
Bring each fun and learning-packed Saturday to a fitting conclusion with your family and friends by relaxing at a picnic table watching your food cook on one of our many day-use picnic grills. If you are camping, relaxing around a campfire in the evening is unbeatable! The flickering light and warmth of a campfire will lift your spirits and reconnect you to feelings shared by past generations. There is no better place to share a story or eat a meal!
Fish from the bank, off our piers, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctors Creek floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish are commonly caught at both park units. June is a great time to fish at Cooper Lake!
Kids can play on one of three playgrounds found at the park complex. Other popular activities are hiking our trails or just resting under a giant Post Oak tree or camping at one of our tree-canopied campsites. Texas State Parks are great places to relax, recreate and recharge!
Park entrance fees are $5 for adults, with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in a vehicle you’re in can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70. This pass is good for over 12 months from the day of purchase. All programs are free with a valid entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit and like our Facebook pages, or call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur, 903-945-5256, or Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek, (903) 395-3100).
Doctors Creek
- Friday, June 3
- Beginning Bird Watching – 9:30 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Parking lot near the Trail Head. Bring your binoculars, water, and sunscreen. We’ll walk, stop, and talk a bit about the birds we see along the Cedar Creek South Loop.
- Saturday, June 4
- Fishing with the Ranger – 1-3:30 p.m. Meet at the Blue Bonnet Fishing Pier. A Day of Free Fishing! Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Sunday, June 5
- Reading with the Ranger – 1 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Join us for a story about the nature around us.
- Saturday, June 11
- Go Take a Hike – 9 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Parking lot near the Trail Head. Join a ranger on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek North Loop getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Sunday, June 12
- Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. A chance to let loose your inner artist!
- Friday, June 17
- Stargazing – 8 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Swim Beach. We’ll have the telescopes out. How many constellations can you see and name?
- Saturday, June 18
- Pollinators and the Flowers that Attract Them – 9 a.m. Meet at Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Why are pollinators important? What flowers or plants attract pollinators? Is planting a pollinator garden easy? Learn the answers to these and more.
- Saturday, June 18
- Photography 101 – 10:30 a.m. Meet at Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Learn about composition, the rule of thirds, leading lines, the golden hour, and space. We’ll take a short walk on the lookout for photo chances.
- Sunday, June 19
- Wildlife Detectives – 10 a.m. Meet at the Pelican Point Parking Lot. We’ll take a short walk on the Cedar Creek North Loop. Explore how to determine the types of animals that may have been here from the signs they leave behind.
- Friday, June 24
- Dutch Oven 101 – 1-4 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Happy trails on a cattle drive, yes indeed. Cast iron cooking was a part of that happiness. Reserve your spot for a hands-on cooking demonstration by calling (903) 945-5256 and or by emailing Alicia O’Connor at alicia.o’[email protected].
- Saturday, June 25
- Roving with the Ranger – 2-3:30 p.m. Stop Ranger Alicia while she roves around the park and ask questions about the interpretive items she’s carrying.
- Sunday, June 26
- Back Yard Bass Fishing – 1 p.m. Meet at Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Learn how to fish on dry land. Join us as we learn to tie a hook onto the line, cast, catch, and release our fish while exploring fishing rules and fishing ethics.
South Sulphur
- Thursday, June 2
- Beginning Bird Watching – 9:30 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Bring your binoculars, water, and sunscreen. We’ll walk, stop, and talk a bit about the birds we see around the day use area.
- Saturday, June 4
- Fishing with the Ranger – 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall. A day of Free Fishing! Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Sunday, June 5
- Reading with the Ranger – 10 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Join us for a story about the nature around us.
- Saturday, June 11
- Go Take a Hike – 11 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Join a ranger on a short leisurely hike on Coyote Run Trail getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Sunday, June 12
- Art in the Park – 1 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. A chance to let loose your inner artist!
- Friday, June 17
- Kid Fishing – 3-5 p.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall. Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Saturday, June 18
- Pollinators and the Flowers that Attract Them – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor. Why are pollinators important? What flowers or plants attract pollinators? Is planting a pollinator garden easy? Learn the answers to these and more.
- Saturday, June 18
- Photography 101 – 2 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Learn about composition, the rule of thirds, leading lines, the golden hour, and space. We’ll take a short walk on the lookout for photo prospects.
- Sunday, June 19
- Wildlife Detectives – 1 p.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. We’ll take a short walk on Coyote Run Trail. Explore how to determine the types of animals that may have been here from the signs they leave behind.
- Thursday, June 23
- Dutch Oven 101 – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Happy trails on a cattle drive, yes indeed. Cast iron cooking was a part of that happiness. Reserve your spot for a hands-on cooking demonstration by calling (903) 945-5256 and or by emailing Alicia O’Connor at alicia.o’[email protected].
- Saturday, June 25
- Archery 101 – 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet at South Sulphur Buggy Whip Restroom. Registration is required, program limited to 15 participants. Reserve your spot by calling (903) 945-5256 or click on the following link to email Alicia O’Connor – alicia.o’[email protected]. No experience needed. Ages 10 and up. Equipment provided.
- Sunday, June 26
- Back Yard Bass Fishing – 10 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Learn how to fish on dry land. Join us as we learn to tie a hook onto the line, cast, catch, and release our fish while exploring fishing rules and ethics.
- Thursday, June 30
- Hike with a Master Naturalist – 10 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Enjoy a short walk – Topic TBD
Tuesday Is Election Day for Party Primary Runoffs In Texas
Tuesday, May 24, 2022, is Election Day for Party Primary Runoffs in Texas. Registered Hopkins County voters may cast ballots in either the Republican or Democratic runoff until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Voting has been consolidated to six centers. Registered Hopkins County voters may cast ballots at any of the following six consolidated voting locations:
- Lutheran Church (Front Foyer), 1000 Texas Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- H.W. Grays Building (Meeting Room), 411 Beckham Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Hopkins County Courthouse, (1st Floor Courtroom), 114 Church Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Grace Family Church (Fellowship Hall), 2201 Loop 101 East Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Hopkins County Civic Center (West Hall), 1200 Houston Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482; and
- League Street Church of Christ (Front Foyer), 1100 South League Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Only Hopkins County voters who had registered to vote on April 25 are eligible to cast a ballot at a county polling location. Voters may cast ballots in only one of these elections, and will be declaring themselves as either a Democrat or Republican by voting in that election.
Under Texas law, voters who cast a ballot in either party’s primary election may vote again, but must vote in the same party’s primary runoff election. Voters who did not cast a ballot in the March 1st Primary Elections may vote in either party’s Primary Runoff Election.
“The candidates you will be voting on have made it to the final round of their parties’ primary elections, and this is your chance to decide who you want to compete for those public offices in November. Make sure to do your research on the candidates, make an informed decision, and prepare to make your voice heard in the runoff elections by visiting VoteTexas.gov!” Texas Secretary of State John Scott said in a news release.
The winner of each election will then face the top candidate from the other parties on the Uniform Election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.
Democratic Runoff
Democrats will be able to vote for their choice in four different state races.
On the Democratic ballot for Lieutenant Governor are Mike Collier and Michelle Beckley.
Democrats too will decide between Rochelle Mercedes Garza or Joe Jaworski as their candidate for Attorney Genera.
Seeking the Democratic nomination for the office of Comptroller of Public Accounts are Janet T. Dudding and Angel Luis Vega.
Jay Kleberg and Sandragrace Martinez are vying for the Democratic nomination for Commissioner of the General Land Office.
Republican Runoff
Republicans will be able to vote for their choice in three different state races.
Vying for the Republican Party nomination for Attorney General are Ken Paxton and George P. Bush.
Republicans Dawn Buckingham and Tim Westley are in a runoff for the Republican Party nomination for Commissioner of the General Land Office.
Sarah Stogner and Wayne Christian are the two Republican candidates for Railroad Commissioner.
Voter ID Requirements
When voters arrive at the polling place, each will be asked to present one of the seven acceptable forms of photo identification, which are:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
For voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo ID can be expired up to four years. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time.
If a registered voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID, that individual may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) (PDF) at the polls and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or voter registration certificate.
Como-Pickton Junior High Receives Exxon Mobil Grant
Como-Pickton Junior High has been awarded an Exxon Mobil Grant to enrich math and science instruction in the classroom. The grant of $500 was made possible by funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation through our local McGraw Oil and Joe Bob’s Convenience Store. CPCISD extends thanks to the community for supporting CPCISD.
Austin Academic Center Hosts Commencement For Class of 2022
Austin Academic Center hosted a commencement service Monday afternoon for the Class of 2022.
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Mike Lamb welcomed the gathering of family and friends who filled the Board Room of the SSISD Administration Building May 23, 2022. Hopkins County Military Coalition presented the colors, and Danette Lovelady sang the National Anthem.
Class member Stephanie Zuniga gave an invocation, a prayer of thanks and for the class as they continue to the next phase of life. Dr. James Payne, Austin Academic Center Principal, presented the graduates. SSISD Board President Robert Cody certified each of the 15 members of the Class of 2022 met all requirements for graduation.
Sulphur Springs High School Counselor Leslie Harred called the names of the 13 members of the Class of 2022 who opted to participate in the graduation ceremony, while Dr. Payne offered congratulations as he presented each with their diploma.
The Austin Academic Center Class of 2022 includes Rylie Brooke Arrington, Victoria Desirae Brooks, Jade Elexus Fanks, Aubrey Nicole Giles, Harley Jean Gordon, Aimee Michelle Harris, Nicholas Alexander-Joseph Joy, Trayvin Lee Newmann, Lizabeth Olguin, Fernando Montes De Oca Jr., Amarie Brion Snowton, La Khysh’ya D’Aunzanae Waterhouse, Audrey Rheann Wilemon, Trevor Aiden Wooden and Stephanie Judith Zuniga.
Afterward, the students participated in the school song one last time, joining pinky fingers across the aisle.
Stephanie Zuniga then offered the benediction and Dr. Payne dismissed the Austin Academic Center Class of 2022. While the traditional hat toss that often symbolizes the conclusion of that level of schooling wasn’t as widely observed, the rush of family and friends with flowers, hugs and congratulations in these students achievement in completing high school and earning their diplomas was heartfelt.
Send Off Planned June 9 To Recognize Area Veterans On Honor Flight DFW
Four area veterans will be honored at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9, in front of Hopkins County Courthouse with a send-off for Honor Flight DFW, which will carry them to Washington D.C. to see the veterans memorials and participate in special events designed specifically for veterans. All are encouraged to come downtown to help show appreciation and to honor these men who have served.
Four Vietnam veterans will be honored Thursday during the send off. Making the trip this year will be Air Force Veteran Phillip Gabbert, who will be accompanied by his son Ben Gabbert of Sulphur Springs; Army veteran Richard Patterson, accompanied by volunteer Troy Tutle of Sulphur Springs; and Air Force veteran Gene White, who will be accompanied by his daughter Linda Howell of Sulphur Springs. Also to be honored will be Army Veteran Troy Gilbreath, who made the trip last fall.
The veterans will depart for Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 10, 2022. Trip highlights typically will include visiting the National World War II Memorial, US Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Air Force Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Korean War Veterans Memorial, United States Navy Memorial, Tomb of the Unknowns and an Airmen of Note Concert. The veterans will return Saturday night, June 11, 2022.
The send off Thursday, June 9, 2022, will include reciting the pledges to the flags, lead by Veterans Service Officer Danny Davis and singing of the National Anthem by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings. Veteran Clayton McGaw is slated to recite “That Ragged Old Flag.” League Street Church of Christ Minister Jerry Savage will offer a prayer. Lonnie Fox will provide music for a military salute.
All are encouraged to attend the send off to honor these men for their service. Polly Swatsell will provide flags for any who wish to have one to show patriotism and support of veterans and Armed Forces personnel. Closing remarks will be offered by Judge Robert Newsom.
The Honor Flight departing on Friday, June 10, 2022, will be the 47th to depart from DFW. Judy Rawson Heaps has worked on the DFW Honor Flights board since her dad, Jean Rawson, made the first flight in May of 2009.
Some Tips To Help Stay Safe This Memorial Day
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
In honor of our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, we say THANK YOU. May these heroes always be remembered for their contribution in making our nation free.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” –John 15.13
Memorial Day Safety
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season. Many will take their first dip in the lake or pool, have their first cookout, or take a long weekend road trip.
Unfortunately, Memorial Day weekend can be one of the busiest weekends for our Emergency Department. Nobody’s holiday plans include a trip to the hospital, so keep an eye out for potential safety hazards so you can have a safe and fun holiday weekend:
- Stay Hydrated and Drink Responsibly:
- While our weekend is looking to have milder temperatures, most people don’t notice how fast they can dehydrate with outdoor activities such as biking, running or swimming. It’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with your water intake.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, and do not drive a car, boat, ATV, or any other heavy machinery after ANY alcohol consumption. Make a plan for a designated driver ahead of time and stick to the plan.
- Avoid Burns from Grills and Fires:
- Make sure the grill has been thoroughly cleaned -Don’t wear any lose clothing when you’re cooking
- Never light your grill or fire with lighter fluid, and make sure your propane is turned off and coals are completely out when you’re finished -If a fire does get out of control and you don’t have a fire extinguisher, call 911 right away. Don’t try to put the fire out yourself.
- Prevent Drownings:
- Try appointing someone as lifeguard rather than assuming one of your partygoers is keeping an eye on swimmers.
- Never leave a child unattended around water.
- Make sure younger children are within an arm’s reach in the pool.
- Never drink alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers.
- Have children wear life jackets at all times while boating.
- Drive Safely
- Buckle Up! Make sure you have all the appropriate car seats and that they are installed correctly. A whopping 50% of passenger vehicle fatalities are unrestrained.
- Prepare before you go: Before you hit the road, make sure your car is safe to drive.
- Drive distraction free: put your phone away until you reach your destination.
- Slow Down. Speeding is the number one factor in 25% of all traffic fatalities.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation if you will be consuming alcohol.
*Disclaimer: These tips are not official medical advice. In Case of Emergency, call 911.
Inpatient Hemodialysis Now Available
We are now offering inpatient hemodialysis for patients who are battling End-Stage Renal Disease while in inpatient status. This is an effort to keep patients and their families in the community by avoiding being transferred out for their hemodialysis needs. We are excited to be able to offer this service. Registered Nurses Dana Ingram and Brigitte Zeigler are leading this effort.
For questions about the CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs Inpatient Dialysis Program please contact Dana Ingram at 903-438-4409 or [email protected].
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health offers Pediatric and Adult COVID vaccines at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. Net Health will provide vaccines from10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily every four weeks as listed:
- May 31 – June 3,
- June 27 – July 1,
- July 25-29,
- August 22 – 26,
- September 19 – 23, and
- October 17 – 21.
No appointment is necessary.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
