April 2022 Designated As Fair Housing Month In Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers during the presentations and announcements portion of the April 5 City Council meeting, proclaimed April 2022 as Fair Housing Month in Sulphur Springs, and noted the importance of the fair housing laws.
Sellers noted that Title 3 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination in housing and declares it’s nation policy to provide within constitutional limits for fair housing in the United States.
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, (and as amended) handicap and family status. Title VIII of the Act is also known as the Fair Housing Act of 1968, what the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notes was intended as a follow up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
George Romney, the Michigan Governor who successfully campaigned for ratification of a state constitutional provision that prohibited discrimination in housing, was named Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Samuel Simmons was appointed the first Assistant Secretary for Equal Housing Opportunity.
The principle of fair housing is not only a national law and national policy, but a fundamental human concept entitlement for all Americans.
In April 1969 arrived, HUD celebrate the Act’s 1st Anniversary, during which the Title VIII Field Operations Handbook was completed, and a formalized complaint process was instituted. HUD hosted a gala in the Grand Ballroom of New York’s Plaza Hotel. Advocates and politicians from across the nation shared in the evening, including members of the National Committee Against Discrimination.
In subsequent years, the tradition of celebrating Fair Housing Month grew larger and larger. Governors began issuing proclamations designating April as “Fair Housing Month.” Schools sponsored poster and essay contests focused on fair housing issues in April. Hud, working with the National Association of Homebuilders, National Association of Realtors, and the American Advertising Council provided “free” billboard space throughout the nation to get the fair housing message into neighborhoods, industrial centers, agrarian regions and urban cores. Every region also had its own celebrations, meetings, dinners, contests and radio-television shows that featured HUD, state and private fair housing experts and officials.
Continuing to designate April as Fair Housing Month provides an opportunity for all Americans to recognize that complete success and a goal of equal housing opportunity can only be accomplished with the help and cooperation of all Americans, Sellers read from the proclamation during the regular 7 p.m. City Council meeting.
In proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month in Sulphur Springs, Sellers Tuesday night urged all citizens to become aware of and support fair housing laws.
Baseball Making Up Tuesday’s Game at Home For Wednesday Game Day
Baseball is at home hosting the Lobos on this Wednesday game day.
Sulphur Springs originally was scheduled to host Longview on Tuesday, Apr. 5 but outfield drainage issues forced the district match-up to be pushed one day to today, Wednesday, Apr. 6.
Coach Jerrod Hammack’s team has to get a win Wednesday over the Lobos if they wish to stay in the playoff race.
Sulphur Springs fell in Hallsville last Friday 9-1 and fell to 1-4 in district play. Baseball looks to snap a two-game losing streak Wednesday.
The Wildcats host Longview on this Wednesday Gameday.
The Lobos (2-3, 4th in 15-5A) bring a two game winning streak into Wednesday’s game. A win over Longview tonight goes a long way to staying in the playoff hunt.
That game tees off at Wildcat Park Wednesday, Apr. 6 at 7 P.M.
Wednesday’s baseball’s district match-up with Longview will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM. If given permission, we will also livestream Wednesday’s game on to KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
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.
April 6 Chamber Connection – Lots of Upcoming Activities Planned This Month
Be A Super Hero April 7, Help With Kids Kingdom Rehab Weekend of April 22-23, School Days Lunch & Learn On April 20
By Butch Burney, Chamber CEO/President
Kids Kingdom needs your help the weekend of April 22-23, just as it did when it was built 25 years ago.
The Sulphur Springs Leadership Class has selected to rehab Mary Bonham’s Kids Kingdom in Buford Park. And just like when it was constructed quarter-century ago, everyone is invited to help.
Friday and Saturday, April 22-23, have been designated as work days to re-stain all the wood in Kids Kingdom and spread mulch. It will be professionally power-washed before that weekend to prepare for the staining.
The class is also planning to replace and/or repair the equipment, such as the handicap swing, chains, swings, tires, etc. for the playground, restore the ground mulch and install lighting for safety and security.
Church and civic groups, as well as individuals, are encouraged to help with the project. To sign up to help, go to the website: https://forms.monday.com/forms/bcbe10e346b300167c125ad23b7dd17c?r=use1 or contact the Chamber at 903-885-8515 or [email protected] to sign up to help that weekend!
School Days
Education will the be topic of the Chamber’s next Lunch and Learn, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.
Cumby ISD faculty will be on hand to talk about their PTECH program and how student internships can benefit businesses and students alike.
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Mike Lamb will also be on hand to discuss the $93 million bond proposal that will go before voters in May.
Cost of the Lunch and Learn is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers. To register, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email me at [email protected].
Wildcat Jazz
Wildcat Jazz Band’s 2nd Annual Jazz on the Square is coming to downtown at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21. They will feature songs from Three Dog Night, The B-52s, the Blues Brothers and more.
Living Well
Be Well, Live Well is the topic of a four-session program offered by Texas AgriLife Extension Office.
The sessions are April 11, 14, 18 and 21, at 10 a.m. each day. Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 or [email protected].
Be a Kids Superhero
You can be a superhero in attire and deed with the CASA Superhero Virtual Walk to promote Child Abuse Awareness. During the month of April, you are encouraged to walk or run anytime anywhere while earing a superhero costume, cape or simply a blue shirt. Post your photo on social media with the hashtag #lakecountrycasa.
Spring Market
The Spring Market on Main is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, on Main Street. Come out, shop, eat and purchase from vendors, booths and shops.
Warrior Run
The 10th and final Tanner Higgins Warrior Run is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Celebration Plaza. There will be a 5K Warrior Run and a one mile Grunt Run. Registration is $20.
Rodeo Weekend
The Nottingham’s Sulphur Springs Dodge UPRA Rodeo will be contested April 15 and 16 in the Hopkins County Civic Center Arena at 7:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $10 for adult, $5 for children ages 6-12, and 5-and-under are free. Tickets can be purchased at Circle E Western Store.
Pop Up Shopping
Beauty Grace, at 220 Connally St., will have a pop up shop Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, a perfect time to shop for Easter attire.
Night With Champions
Texas A&M-Commerce is hosting a Night With Champions, celebrating student-athlete success and the university’s transition to Division I on Friday, April 8, at the Rayburn Student Center. The event starts at 5:15 p.m. with a VIP reception and the program begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds support student-athlete scholarships.
For more information, contact Lion Athletics at 903-468-8760 or email [email protected].
Ribbon Cutting
The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at noon Tuesday, April 12, at the museum on State Highway 11. Please join us for that event.
Lady Cat Softball Walks-Off Longview in 12 Innings
It took almost two full games’ lengths, but Lady Cats softball pulled out the win Tuesday, Apr. 5 in walk-off fashion.
Sulphur Springs beat Longview 1-0 in 12 innings.
A pitcher’s duel ensued Tuesday night at Lady Cat Park.
Softball head coach David Carrillo’s anticipated this coming in to Tuesday’s duel in Sulphur Springs.
“[Tuesday’s] the 4th time we’ve faced [Longview P Rios], and each time she’s been on,” Coach Carrillo said. The softball coach applauded the pitcher for her abilities, calling her the 2nd best in 15-5A behind only Crimson Bryant.
Both teams struggled to hit the ball. Sulphur Springs got two hits versus Longview in their first-at bat, only obtaining a few more hits versus the Lady Lobos along the way.
Coach David Carrillo’s team had several chances to get the go-ahead run but stranded close to a dozen runners Tuesday.
“We left a lot of runners on tonight,” Coach Carrillo said. “We had opportunities that we need to do better at getting those girls in,” the softball coach said.
It wasn’t until the 12th inning that softball was finally able to capitalize on runners in scoring position. Longview threatened to get themselves out of another tricky situation as the Lady Cats had surrendered two outs in the at-bat.
P Crimson Bryant, facing a 1-2 count made an excellent play with a push bunt towards the pitcher.
“Crimson plays around with that push bunt all the time,” Coach Carrillo said. While he and his junior ace pitcher joke about it all the time, the softball coach knew that one day that same push bunt would be the difference-maker in a game. Tuesday against the Lady Lobos it came to pass.
When Longview’s pitcher and another infielder could not scoop it up and toss it to 1st for the final out, the Lady Cats as a result walked it off in the 12th 1-0.
Bryant got her team the win after pitching all 12 innings. While she did allow 3 hits and hit two batters, the junior struck out 25 batters Tuesday in the win.
The walk-off win gives softball a 17-1-2 overall record (8-0 district).
Next up, Coach Carrillo’s team hosts 4th placed Mount Pleasant Friday, Apr. 8.
That game tees off at Lady Cat Park Friday at 6 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.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Master Wellness To Host ‘Walk Thru Texas History’
By Johanna Hicks, FCS Extension Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
With warm weather here, many folks are getting outdoors to work in gardens, enjoy our local parks, camp, watch student sports, and take walks. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Master Wellness Volunteers are proud to announce that we will be hosting “Walk Thru Texas History” (WTTH) during the month of May.
Walk Through Texas History is a four-week program designed to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity while learning the rich history of Texas. Each adult team may include up to 8 team members, all working together to reach designated goals while following along legendary historical paths created by fellow Texans. In 2021, three teams participated in WTTH, logging a total of 1,599 miles. For the 2022 program, two new routes are being developed, which will be available by the time May rolls around.
Contact my office at 903-885-3443 if you would like to participate. If you would like to recruit friends, co-workers, or family members to participate, I welcome you to serve as a team captain. As mentioned, each team may have up to 8 participants. I’ll set up a league for Hopkins County and provide team captain with a code for them to provide to team members to register. If you are hesitant to serve as a team captain or participate on a team, I’ll walk you through the steps. Then, just start logging steps on the WTTH link. I have pedometers available for anyone who wishes to participate, or you may use your own health tracking device. You can walk at your own leisure, in your own neighborhood, in parks, etc.
Walk Thru Texas history will kick off on May (the earliest date to start logging steps) and we’ll wrap up on May 27. Participants will receive a weekly recipe and update on steps/miles logged for each team.
A few facts about Hopkins County residents, as provided by Centers for Disease Control: 35% of Hopkins County resident report being physical inactive, and 7,200 report having poor or fair health. The obesity rate in Hopkins County is 31%. Regular physical activity proven to have great health benefits. Moving more and sitting less benefit everyone, regardless of age or current fitness level. As a matter of fact, seven of the ten most common chronic diseases are favorably influenced by regular physical activity.
As a side note, Head Start parents and staff will have the opportunity to participate in an 8-week program called Walk & Talk. A face-to-face session will be held once a week for a brief nutrition segment or food demonstration, followed by walking together to log steps/miles. This program will take place in the fall. In 2021, three teams participated and logged 2,634 miles. Of those returning the wrap-up surveys, 100% increased the number of days they were physically active and indicated benefiting from the program. They also enjoyed sampling recipes and the camaraderie.
Our Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers will lead up the effort to implement Walk Thru Texas History and we hope you will decide to take part – again, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443 if you have questions or wish to join a team.
Closing Thought
Don’t give up just because something is hard. Pushing through challenges is what makes you grow.
– Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Contact Johanna Hicks at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hopkins County, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Float Day at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
COKE FLOAT DAY
Students at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus lined up for the ice cream floats at mid-day Tuesday. Megan Chapman, left, coordinator of student activities, works at a fast pace to fill the orders for the hungry students.
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.
SSHS Wildcat UIL Academic Team Finishes 2nd At District
13 Competitors Qualify To Compete In Regional UIL Contest
The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat UIL Academic Team finished the District 15-5A UIL academic meet in second place overall, with Hallsville taking the district championship.
Several students brought home medals, including 13 students who qualified to compete in the Region 2 UIL Academic meet at Prosper Rock Hill High School on April 22-23. Some students placed in more than one event, including a few who are advancing to region in multiple competitions.
The SSHS Journalism Team finished first overall, earning three if the top six places in three of the five events. Gail Herman and Madison Millsap are the coaches for these competitors.
In copy editing, the Wildcat team members took all three top spots, with Merrin Williams placing first, Dawson Carpenter second and Lexi McCoy third.
In editorial writing, Alexis Villarino won first place honors, Dawson Carpenter second place honors and Lausen Ost placed fifth.
Lausen Ost won first place honors in headline writing, with Shelby Ray in second and Dawson Carpenter finishing fourth.
Lexi McCoy received second place honors and Merrin Williams was recognized for finishing sixth in news writing.
Addisyn Wall earned first place honors in feature writing, to round out the journalism events.
Alexis Villarino and Lexi McCoy also won second and third place honors in ready writing competition, for which Herman is the coach.
Kami White joined Shelby Ray, Alexis Villarino and Dawson Carpenter in securing the top four places in literary criticism, ensuring a first place team win in the event. Individually, Ray won first, Villarino second, Carpenter third and White fourth in literary criticism. Gail Herman is the coach this team as well.
Dawson Carpenter, Kami White, Lani Horn and Alyssa Isonhood won first place team honors in spelling and vocabulary at the district UIL meet. Carpenter won first place honors and White third place honors in spelling and vocabulary. Herman is the team coach.
The social studies team too earned first place honors, taking three of the top six places at the meet. Individually, Lexi McCoy earned second place honors, Alfredo Renteria third place honors and Artesia Cheek was recognized for finishing fifth in social studies competition. Madison Millsap is the coach for this team.
The SSHS Wildcat team consisting of Villarino, Andrew Flores, Ivan Mora and Carter Charlton collectively earned enough points to secure a second place team finish in computer science at the March 25-26 District UIL meet. Individually, Joel Villarino won third place honors in computer science. Matt Wilder is the coach for the team.
Alfredo Renteria, Artesia Cheek, Lausen Ost and Crawford Johnson made up the second place current issues team. Renteria was recognized for finishing fourth in the contest. Madison Millsap is the team’s coach.
In science competition, Asia Chen placed 6th overall and second in biology. Lory Owen is the science coach.
Placing 6th was Lucy Braddy in persuasive speaking, Allie Grace Woodard in poetry interpretation and Aspen Mayhew in prose interpretation. Leesha Woodard is the prose nd poetry coach, and Melissa Peugh coaches persuasive speaking.
Congratulations to these students and teams for their achievements at the district academic UIL competition.
Typically, first place teams and students placing first through third in individual competition are advancing to the regional UIL contest.
Wildcats Team Tennis Wraps Up Season With Solid Showing at District Championship
Wildcat and Lady Cat tennis had a good showing in their district championship last week.
Day one proved incredibly fruitful for Coach Tony Martinez and his squad. Both boys and girls singles won all their matches. Day two, however, saw some tough losses for team tennis.
Jeauxleigh Cantu beat a Hallsville player who had gotten the better of Cantu a few years back. This time around though, Cantu took out that same athlete in straight sets. Unfortunately for the senior Lady Cat, she fell in her afternoon play-back with the #2 girl from Texas High.
Cantu stuck with her afternoon opponent but could not hold on for the victory. Coach Martinez said she just ran out of gas.
The tennis coach said the loss was nothing to hang her head down on.
And while it may not have been the ending Jeauxleigh Cantu envisioned for her tennis career at Sulphur Springs, she leaves behind a program much better than where she found it.
“[We’re] very happy with what [Cantu] has down for us, for the program…” Coach Martinez said. “That’s the bottom line, what she’s done for this program… [she’s] pushed our girls to be better all the way from 1 to 12,” the tennis coach said. Coach Martinez said thanks to Cantu’s efforts his team is there.
Another senior, Alex Romero, took 1st place in consolation. The senior lost his first match but rebounded by winning his next three en route to winning the consolation division.
“He went out a winner,” the tennis coach said. Coach Martinez said Romero fell 7-5 and 6-4 against Longview, one of the two teams moving on to Regionals.
The team tennis coach sees that as a major plus.
“For us to be hanging out with these guys, to be pushing them to these games and sets, was very impressive. Not just for the whole team, for everybody.”
Unfortunately for Wildcat and Lady Cat tennis, no athletes move on to Regionals.
Coach Martinez said leaving Longview last week was tough knowing how well his team will perform next year now that Sulphur Springs is moving back down to 4A.
“We’ve got 12 girls that are all competitive… and you’re going down a class to 4A,” the team tennis coach said, “and I feel like we should do well,” Coach Martinez said. The Wildcat coach anticipates duking it out with Pleasant Grove, but beyond that their new district is top heavy for team tennis.
“I know next year it’s just us and Pleasant Grove… we’re going to have some kids going to Regionals next year,” Coach Martinez said.
For now, tennis takes some time off before the undergrads return for the Edge starting in June.
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 Flown From Crash On FM 69 at SH 11 In Como
Three people were reportedly flown from a crash on FM 69 at State Highway 11 east in Como Monday evening.
The crash was first reported to Hopkins County 911 dispatchers at about 5:25 p.m. April 4, 2022, as a major crash involving 2-3 vehicles in Como at the intersection of FM 69 and State Highway 11 east with possible ejections. Hopkins County and Como firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, EMS and troopers were dispatched to the location, said to be just off FM 69. One person was reported to be unconscious.
According to County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley, Como VFD members happened to be at the station, right by the crash, and provided a quick response. Other units arrived soon after as well. Traffic was reportedly directed by officials down city streets away from the crash site.
The injured were removed and treated by ambulance paramedics at the scene. Helicopters were requested for at least three occupants of the most seriously damaged of the vehicles involved. Three helicopters landed on the softball field in Como, near City Hall, with the first arriving at 6:07 p.m., second at 6:13 p.m. and third at 6:16 p.m. According to reports from the crash scene, an adult was flown to a UT Health hospital in Tyler, one juvenile to a CHRISTUS facility in Tyler and a second juvenile to Dallas Children’s Hospital.
No additional information about the crash, including extent of injuries, condition and identities of those injured was available Tuesday morning.
Endsley noted that firefighters, EMS and law enforcement did a great job working together at the crash site, providing a quick response in treating patients and diverting traffic. The crash was a bad one. He reminds people to be alert, especially at intersections and high frequency of traffic.
No Major Damage Reported From Overnight Storm In Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County
No major damage had been reported to local officials as a result of the overnight storm April 4, 2022. Aside from the deluge which displaced a few flower blooms, loose soil and small vegetation, Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County seem to have weathered the spring storm relatively unscathed.
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley said county officials had received reports of one tree down in Precinct 4, and crews had removed it by midmorning Tuesday. Most county roads were passable, even those with a very small amount of water running over them.
FM 71 at the river did have water issues, which occurs pretty much any time the area received an appreciable amount of precipitation. Most of the flood was to the north of Hopkins County, however. Only one road, County Road 3518 south in Precinct 3, was reported to be covered with high water for the overnight storm.
Local and national electric provider maps showed no power outages at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2022, for Hopkins County. And, KSST received only sporadic reports of light hail during the height of the overnight storm.
