Hopkins County Dairy Festival Will Return In June 2022
Annual Salute To Dairy Industry will Feature With Pageant, Parade, Balloons, Ice Cream
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival will return in June, after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, with all of the traditional events of recent years, HCDF Board members announced this week during an informational reception hosted for interested 2022 Dairy Festival contestants and their families.

This year’s Dairy Festival theme is “Ice Cream for Dairyland,” and, yes, the Texas Championship Ice Cream Freeze Off is scheduled to resume at Shannon Oaks Church this year for all to enjoy. So community members can dust off their ice cream freezers and start practicing their best flavors to enter in the competition this summer. Those not entering can pay a small fee to sample the entries submitted for judging Saturday evening, June 11, 2022.
While many details are still being worked out, Dairy Festival Board members are excited to be able to once again host this salute to the dairy industry, a rich part of the county’s history.
The festival takes a lot of preparation in advance to make sure everything is in place for each of the six major event: Hot Air Balloon Rally & Flights, Dairy Festival Parade, Junior Dairy Show, Milking Contest, Ice Cream Freeze Off and the Queens Coronation Pageant.
The 2021-2022 Dairy Festival Board of Directors includes many dedicated longstanding members. Some like Treasurer Lynda Hager have been involved with Dairy Festival for more than 50 years; Balloon Rally Chairs Dr. David and Pam Black, more than 30 years. Vice President Carolyn McKinney, who recently retired from Southwest Dairy Center, is another who continues to serve.
Some are second generation board members, like Co-Pageant Hospitality Coordinator Gena Prickette, whose mom served on the board and who herself has been involved with it for 25 years. Co-Pageant Hospitality Coordinator Cindy Lancaster and Parade Coordinator David Watson noted they had so much fun when their daughters were involved that they have stayed on, Lancaster at least 27 years and Watson more than 15 years.
Also among the individuals contributing their talents and time to serve this year on the Dairy Festival Board, some returning members and others new members, include: President Robbin Vaughn; Secretary Sheilah Hale; Social Media and Media Correspondence Coordinator Brooke Howard; Queen Rachel Bramlett; Carnival Coordinator Lonnie Fox; David McCaig, who served as president for 2 years and oversees stage set construction; associate members Johanna Hicks and Karin McCormack; and members Jessica McInnis, Triston Pullen, Diana Ramirez, Jackie Russell, Megan Smith, Bryan Vaughn, Missy Caddell, and Sara and Gary Fraze.
This year, Pageant Coordinators Gena Prickette and Cindy Lancaster were excited to be contacted in advance by 12 Hopkins County juniors who are interested in participating in the pageant. The coordinators noted, in addition to being a lot of fun and work, the pageant provides not only an opportunity for the queen to represent Hopkins County at ribbon cuttings and area events, but provides scholarships for winners as well.
Rachel Bramlett has had the distinction of serving as Dairy Festival Queen for 3 years. Even when COVID shut down most of the world in 2020 and resulted in the Dairy Festival being canceled last year, Bramlett continued to represent the dairy industry and Hopkins County at local and area functions — even when it has meant having to miss some of her college classes. In fact, she extended her spring break an extra day for an introductory dinner hosted at Southwest Dairy Center March 21 for the 12 high school juniors interested in participating in this year’s pageant.
Among the potential 2022 Dairy Festival Queen Pageant contestants introduced Monday were Sallee Spraggins, Vanessa Wayne, Allison Peckham, Ashland Hooten, Khira Young, Jocelyn Yanez, Madelyn Sherman, Olivia Worth, Colbie Glenn and Miley Fisher. Unable to attend due to prior commitments, but scheduled to receive contestant packets, are Jayden Holly and Brylee Brock.
The young ladies received packets, schedules and information regarding their duties as pageant contestants, got to know the board members and who to contact for the various activities they will participate in.
The pageant contestants will assist Dr. David and Pam Black at the Hot Air Balloon Rallies, Glow and Flight scheduled June 10 and June 11; decorate a float in the “Ice Cream for Dairyland” theme and participate in the Dairy Fest Parade June 11; the Milking Contest for candidates, along with their parents and hot air balloon pilots; sell a minimum of 100 tickets to offset costs of hosting the festival; and, with talent and dress among the pageant requirements during the pageant.
The queen must also be able to attend local ribbon cuttings and represent the Dairy Festival at area events, she must also store the queen’s float, attend monthly Dairy Festival Board of Directors meetings to give an update of her activities and be involved in next year’s pageant and festival activities.
2022 Dairy Festival Events Schedule
Be sure to make the following dates and times from the following Dairy Festival Schedule:
Wednesday-Saturday, June 8-11
- Carnival on the Civic Center Grounds, coordinated by Lonnie Fox;
Friday, June 10
- Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting at noon on Celebration Plaza
- Hot Air Balloon Rally & Glow from 6 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting) at Shannon Oaks Church
Saturday, June 11
- Hot Air Balloon Rally and Flight from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. (weather permitting) at Shannon Oaks Church
- Dairy Festival Parade departs at 10 a.m. from Buford Park, following the traditional parade route down Connally Street
- Junior Dairy Show begins at 10 a.m. in the Civic Center Arena
- Milking Contest at 3 p.m. in the Civic Center Arena for pageant contestants, their parents and balloon pilots
- Texas Championship Ice Cream Freeze Off begins at 5:30 p.m. with judging and serving at Shannon Oaks Church
- Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow begins at 6 p.m. at Shannon Oaks Church
Saturday, June 18
- Coronation Pageant begins at 7 p.m. in SSHS Auditorium, at the Civic Center.
Both Lady Cats Finish Top-5 at State Powerlifting Meet in Corpus Christi

Lady Cats powerlifting had themselves a solid day at 5A Division I State Powerlifting Meet held in Corpus Christi.
The three day state meet held Thursday through Saturday, Mar. 17-19 saw both athletes finish in the top-5, with one getting 4th in Corpus Christi.
Haylee Schultz squatted 195, bench pressed 105 pounds and deadlifted 260 pounds for a total of 560.
The sophomore’s efforts were good enough for a 5th place finish.
Two-time state powerlifter (the first in Sulphur Springs history!), Machelle Allen squatted 315, bench pressed 240 pounds and dead lifted 340.
For a total of 895, Allen got 4th place in her designation in Corpus Christi.
Allen improved upon her efforts last year which saw the then-freshman finish 7th at state in 2021.

Friday and Saturday, Wildcats powerlifting has four athletes in Abilene for the state powerlifting meet. The boys 5A Division I State Powerlifting Meet runs Friday and Saturday, Mar. 25 & 26.

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.
Welding Tips From Paris Junior College
WELDING TIPS
John Plemons, welding instructor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop, visits with new student Wendy Kent, left, and advanced welding student Kenneth Mize. For information about enrolling in the welding program, call 903-885-1232.

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.
Official Grand Opening Of Outdoor Fitness Court- Newest Addition To Pacific Park – Is This Friday
The official grand opening of the newest quality of life addition at Pacific Park, a sleek, modern outdoor Fitness Court® with a supporting mobile app, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, in the park.
The capital project is a featured part of an initiative launched by National Fitness Campaign (NFC), a nationwide consulting organization that partners with cities and schools to plan, build and fund healthy infrastructure.

In 2021, the City of Sulphur Springs was one of the recipients from around the country awarded a $25,000 grant from NFC to help support the program. In addition to grant funding, a city match and local partnerships from Saputo and CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital contributed to make the project possible in Sulphur Springs.
The new Fitness Court® at Pacific Park is an open-air wellness center that allows users to leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout. Created with adults of all ages in mind, the Fitness Court is adaptable for all fitness levels.
The Fitness Court is one of several improvements and upgrades planned at Pacific Park. The first was construction of a new HW Grays Community Building, with new sidewalk and parking around it. New playground equipment, improved drainage and a new basketball pavilion are among the improvements identified by the community and being funded in by grant funding and a voter-approved bond.
Residents are invited to attend an Opening Day Launch Event on March 25 at 10:30 a.m. to try the Fitness Court® and learn about upcoming community wellness events and programming. For more information, visit or contact Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski at 903-885-7541.

Warning Sirens To Be Tested March 24 In Sulphur Springs
The City of Sulphur Springs plans to test the warning sirens throughout the city at lunch time Thursday, March 24, 2022, to ensure all are functioning properly, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornados, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs. This will only be a test, conducted around 12 p.m.

City Spring Clean-Up Week Planned April 18-23, 2022 For Sulphur Springs Residents
The annual City-Wide Spring Clean-Up has been set for Monday-Saturday, April 18-23, 2022. Sulphur Springs residents may bring large items to discard from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on clean-up days to the city collection site, located about half of a mile east of Flowserve.

City Manager Marc Maxwell stresses, Spring Clean-Up Week is strictly for city residents, not for commercial interests. This simply allows city residents to transport household trash, brush and larger items that won’t fit into their designated trash cans to the dump site annually. Those things which can fit into trash cans should be placed in them and discarded accordingly.
To verify the person arriving with garbage is a resident, living within the city of Sulphur Springs, those bringing large items to discard will be asked to show proof of city residents by presenting a driver’s license or city utility bill (water bill) with their physical address on it.
No containers or appliances with hazardous or harsh materials will be accepted at the city collection site If discarding a refrigerator for instance, the city resident must show documentation the substance has been removed. No paint, batteries, tires or other household hazardous wastes will be accepted.
Residents do have to bring their own items to the clean-up site; the city will not furnish a means to do so. There are typically people on-hand to help city residents who do take advantage of the City-Wide Spring Clean-Up by bringing items to dump. They can help with some items but residents for the most part will be responsible for offloading their own items.
County Cleanup
Hopkins County residents will also have the opportunity the following weekend to dispose of larger household items during Hopkins County Cleanup Days. The four county precinct barns will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 29 and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 30. No tires, shingles, chemicals, household hazardous waste, pesticides or paint will be accepted. Those hauling large items are asked not to bring it in gooseneck trailers as they are hard to unload. Click here for additional information about Hopkins County Clean Up Days.
Thursday Gameday Has Three Teams in Action

Thursday, Mar. 24 brings track & field, team tennis and Wildcats golf in action.
Team tennis are back on the road but taking the trip to Galveston for an Invitational tournament.
Coach Tony Martinez & Co. look for an exciting yet intense trip as they take on talent from all over the state of Texas, the likes of which team tennis would not normally face throughout the year.
The Galveston invitational runs for three days, starting today, Thursday, Mar. 24 and running through Saturday, Mar. 26.
Wildcats team tennis has a quick turnaround though, not only having to make the trip back to Sulphur Springs this weekend, but on top of that Coach Martinez’s team has their biggest challenge yet looming at the beginning of next week.
The District 15-5A Tennis Tournament begins in Longview on Monday, Mar. 28 and continues through Tuesday, Mar. 29.

Wildcats golf play in their District preview on this Thursday gameday. Coach Jeremy DeLorge’s squad was originally scheduled to play the contest Monday, but weather forced it to be pushed back to today, Thursday, Mar. 24.
Just like team tennis, its a quick turnaround for Wildcats golf as they play again next week. Again like tennis Sulphur Springs has their District tournament at the beginning of next week.
Wildcats golf play in a two-day tourney to determine the District 15-5A championship Monday and Tuesday, Mar. 28-29.
Sulphur Springs had an impressive two matches leading up to today’s District preview. Wildcats golf placed third as a team in Grand Prairie and saw Caleb Kesting place win the tournament after shooting 76, four over par.
Its the second top-3 finish for the junior in three contests.

Track and field make the short bus trip over to Paris for another invitational.
Sulphur Springs looks to build on a strong start to their season, one which saw top-8 finishes for both squads.
The Lady Cats placed 8th while the Wildcats finished 5th.
Two women from Sulphur Springs won their events and another Wildcat managed to do the same.
Track & field have another tough test ahead of them though on this Thursday gameday in Paris for the Wildcats Relays.
The invitational over in Paris begins on Thursday, Mar. 24 at 4 P.M.

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.
3 Jailed March 21-23, 2022 On Felony Warrants
Three people were jailed on felony warrants March 21-23, 2022, in Hopkins County, according to arrest reports.

(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steve Huffman took custody of Carlotta Fiona Davis-Noyes at Jefferson County jail in Beaumont at 11:30 a.m. March 22, 2022, and transported her to Hopkins County jail.
The 47-year-old Beaumont woman was booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:01 p.m. March 22, 2022, on two warrants for violation of probation, which she was on possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges from Jan. 19, 2019 and July 4, 2020, according to arrest and jail reports.
Davis Noyes, who is also known by Carlotta Fiona Noyes, Carlotta Davis Noyes, Carlotta Fiona Noyes Davis and Carlotta Fiona Davis, was held in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, March 23, 2022, without bond on both charges, according to reports.

HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson, aware of to outstanding charges for Jesus Escobedo-Fernandez‘s arrest, went to a Fore Street residence and took the 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man into custody at 4:21 p.m. March 21, 2022.
Wilkerson transported Escobedo-Fernandez to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 4:40 p.m. for bond forfeiture on two charges: a manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance charge and a manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, March 23, 2022; his new bond was set at $50,000 on the first charge and $90,000 on the second charge, according to jail reports.
Escobedo-Fernandez, who is also known by Chewy and Jesus Escobedo, was originally arrested Aug. 30, 2021, by Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Unit investigators on a warrant on one controlled substance charge. The officers reported Escobedo-Fernandez sold more than 1 gram of methamphetamine to a confidential informant, during an investigation by the officers. This led to a warrant and arrest of the then 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man, the SCU officers reported following Escobedo-Fernandez’s arrest in 2021.
Escobedo-Fernandez was released from jail on Aug. 31, 2021, on a $25,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, only to be returned to the county jail Sept. 3, 2021, on a warrant for the second charge; he was released from the county jail on Sept. 4, 2021, on a $45,000 warrant on the second charge, according to arrest and jail reports. Escobedo was indicted in December 2021 on the drug-free zone charge, according to jail reports.

Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Trooper G. Rodriguez stopped a Hummer H3 at 8:24 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2022, on State Highway 19. The passenger, identified in arrest reports as Melton Medina-Tuirubiates was found to be wanted on a felony warrant. Once the warrant was confirmed as active, the 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody on the charge.
A HCSO deputy transported Medina Tuirubiates to Hopkins County jai, where he was booked in at 9:19 a.m. March 21, for violation of probation on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 4 controlled substance charge. Medina Tuirubiates (who jail reports show he is also known by Meo Medina-Tuirubiates, Meo Medina Martinez, Meo Medina Tuirubiates, Mell, Mello and Carlos) remained in Hopkins County jail March 23, 2022, without bond set on the warrant.
He was indicted in February 2021 on the controlled substance charge , according to court records.
Dining Out With Diabetes

By JOHANNA HICKS, Texas AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
The title actually has two meanings: 1) for persons who have diabetes, they take diabetes with them when dining out; 2) for persons with diabetes, there are some tips for dining out. When eating out, you do have choices. The following tips for eating healthfully in restaurants are based on suggestions from the National Diabetes Education Program.
- Take time to look over the menu to make a healthy choice. If you don’t see what you want, ask about it. The worst your server can say is no, and it is possible he or she will say yes.
- Ask whether the restaurant has nutrition information available for menu items. Chain and fast food restaurants often do. Look on-line ahead of time if you know which restaurant you will be visiting.
- Choose steam, grilled or boiled dishes instead of fried or sautéed items to help lower the fat content.
- Be the first at your table to order so you aren’t influenced by what others are ordering.
- At fast food restaurants, order the smallest entrees, sides and caloric beverages – not the large, “value sized” versions.
- Eat half your order, then think about how full you feel. If you are not longer hungry, ask for a carry-out box for a second meal or snack later.
- Order salad dressing, gravies, sauces and spreads on the side and then use sparingly.
- Order a salad for starters and share a main dish with a friend.
- When you crave high-calorie foods such as desserts or high-fat snacks, have a small portion or share a serving with a friend. Permitting yourself an occasional treat, rather than always denying yourself, can help you stick to your meal plan more often.
- Avoid all-you-can-eat restaurants or buffets where it’s difficult to control portion sizes and how much you eat.
With warmer weather making its way to us, many people will have vegetable gardens. Here’s a great recipe for your garden cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes!
Gazpacho
Ingredients
- 6-inch cucumber, peeled and seeded
- ½ medium green bell pepper, seeds, pith and stem removed
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cups chopped tomato
- 1 cup low-sodium tomato juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 drops hot sauce, optional
Directions
- Quarter cucumber and pepper; place in blender or food processor. Add all remaining ingredients and blend or pulse until well combined and mostly smooth.
- Add hot sauce if desired and stir. Pour into a container with a lid and chill for 2 hours before serving.
Serve cold. Makes 4-6 servings.
Per serving: 99 calories, 15 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 3 g fat, 189 mg sodium, 3 g fiber
Closing Thought
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality
– Warren Bennis
Contact Johanna Hicks, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; by phone at 903-885-3443; or by email at jshi[email protected]
2022-23 Head Start And Pre-Kindergarten Registration At SSISD To Be Held Next Month
Sulphur Springs ISD Head Start and pre-kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year will be held next month. This year’s Head Start and Pre-K roundup offers virtual and in-person registration, but all families with eligible children must provide the same required documentation.
Head Start and pre-k programs are located inside Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center, 600 Calvert Street.

Head Start provides: certified teachers/assistants, two nutritional meals and a snack per day, full-day educational services, outdoor playground facilities, limited transportation services, social services, parent involvement activities, speech/hearing/vision evaluations, health/dental screenings and accepts children experiencing homelessness and children with mild, moderate or severe disabilities as determined by individual needs.
Families will have 3 options of when and how to register: virtual registration April 4-8, in-person registration by appointment April 19-22 or in-person Saturday registration by appointment on April 30.
Registration Requirements
To be eligible, all families must meet income qualifications and applicant children must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before September 1, 2022 to apply. The family must live in Sulphur Springs Independent School District to be eligible to apply for consideration for either program.
All families will need to provide the following required and applicable documents in order to apply for enrollment in Head Start or pre-kindergarten at Sulphur Springs ISD:

- Proof of household income – 2021 tax returns and 2021 W-2 Forms, or if those documents are not available, a notarized letter from an employer which includes yearly salary on official letterhead;
- Proof of district residency – a utility bill such as a recent electric, water or gas bill;
- Parent ID/driver’s license;
- Child’s up-to-date immunization record;
- All of the following which apply:
- TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families);
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income), if applicable;
- SSA (Social Security benefits);
- Child support/alimony;
- WIC card;
- Military documents (LES/FSSA);
- Current Medicaid, private insurance or CHIP card;
- Food stamp documentation;
- Foster Care 2085 Form;
- Child’s IEP- Individualized Education Plan;
- Doctor’s notes concerning any allergy or health needs the child may have; and
- Custodial or court order.
Once the registration, interview process and applications have been completed, families will be notified by letter whether or not their eligible child has been accepted into one of the programs or has been placed on a waiting list for one of the programs. The district’s online registration must be completed for students enrolled in Head Start and pre-kindergarten programs.
Virtual Round-Up Week

Virtual Round-Up Week has been officially designated from April 4-8, 2022, however, the required documents may be submitted beginning Monday, March 28, 2022. Families can use a smartphone camera to scan the QR code (at right), for virtual registration.
All required documents should be emailed to Rita Taylor, ERSEA specialist, at [email protected], along with the parents’ best contact number. After an interview process, applications can be emailed or picked up at Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center the designated time.
In-Person Round-Up
Parents enrolling their children in person should collect all required and applicable documents, then call Douglass ECLC secretary Pam Scott to schedule an appointment between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. the week of April 19-22 or between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022.
Parents must bring all documents when arriving for the designated appointment to ensure the registration is not delayed. Following an interview process, applications will be provided. After an interview process, applications will be provided.
