Candidate Filing Now Open For May 7 Sulphur Springs City Council, Sulphur Springs ISD & Yantis ISD School Board Elections
All 3 Incumbents Seeking Reelection To Sulphur Springs ISD Board Of Trustees
Candidate filing for the May 7 school and municipal elections opened Wednesday morning and will continue during business hours through Feb. 18, 2022.
Sulphur Springs ISD School Board
All three incumbents — Craig Roberts, Leesa Toliver, John Prickette — filed candidate applications first thing Wednesday morning seeking reelection to their three seats on Sulphur Springs ISD school board.
Craig Roberts was elected to the board in 2019, and selected by the board members in 2020 to serve as vice president. Roberts is a regional chairman of Guaranty Bank & Trust in Sulphur Springs.
Leesa Toliver Leesa Toliver has served on the school board since 2013. She previously served as Secretary, Vice President, and President and is a TASB Master Trustee. She is a retired SSISD administrator. She currently actively volunteers in the community.
John Prickette was appointed to the school board in 2012 to carry out the unexpired term of resigned board member, Foy Williams, and has continued to be reelected to the board since 2013. He previously served as vice president and president of the school board. Prickette is vice president of sales and marketing for Grocery Supply Company in Sulphur Springs.
Candidate filing for a place on the May 7, 2022 Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees Election ballot will continue from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Feb. 18, 2022, in SSISD Tax Office, located inside SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
The three candidates receiving the most votes in the May 7 SSISD Board of Trustees Election will be elected to a full three-year term each.
Eligibility qualifications to run for a seat on SSISD school board can be found on the school district website in Policy BBA(LEGAL). A Candidate’s Guide to Primary and General Elections can be found by clicking here.
Additional questions may be directed to SSISD Tax Assessor/Collector/Election Official Sandra Gibby at 903-885-2153, ext. 1111.
Sulphur Springs City Council
Candidate filing for Places 4 and Place 5 on the May 7, 2022, Sulphur Springs City Council Election ballot also opened Wednesday morning. Currently, Freddie Taylor serves in Place 4 and Gary Spraggins in Place 5.
Candidate filing for both three-year term seats on the May 7 City Council Election ballot will continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, at Sulphur Springs Municipal Building (City Hall), 201 North Davis St. Mail applications for a place on the ballot may be mailed to City Secretary/Elections Officer Natalie Darrow at 125 South Davis St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482; or emailed to [email protected].
To be eligible to run for a seat on the City Council, the prospective candidate must be a
qualified voter of the State of Texas, resided continuously in the State of Texas and the City of Sulphur Springs for 12 months immediately preceding the deadline for filing an application for a
place on the ballot.
Other qualifications include:
- Must be a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution
and laws of this state; - Must not be mentally incompetent as determined by a court;
- Must not be convicted of a felony for which he/she has not been pardoned or had full rights of citizenship restored by other official action;
- Must be 18 years of age or older on the commencement of the term to be filled;
- Must not hold any other public office in which he/she was elected for and/or be a member of a board directly appointed by the City Council on the commencement of the term to be filled;
- City taxes must be paid to current; and
- Have knowledge of the nepotism law summary.
Yantis ISD School Board
Yantis ISD has scheduled a May 7, 2022 Election for the two places on the school board currently held by Jeff Quinn and April Johnson. The seats are both for a full three-year term on the school board; trustees are elected at large, so the two candidates receiving the most votes in the election will be elected to the board.
Candidate applications may be filed with Kristi Beech in the YISD Administration Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday- Friday through Feb. 18, 2022.
In order to be eligible to file candidacy for Yantis ISD Board of Trustees, the candidate must:
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be 18 years of age or older on the first day of the term to be filled at the election or on the date of appointment, as applicable.
- Have not been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
- Have not been finally convicted of a felony from which the person has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities [but see Ineligibility below].
- Have resided continuously in the state for 12 months and in the territory from which the office is elected for six months immediately preceding the following date:
- For an independent candidate, the date of the regular filing deadline for a candidate’s application for a place on the ballot.
- For a write-in candidate, the date of the election at which the candidate’s name is written in.
- For an appointee to an office, the date the appointment is made.
- Be registered to vote in YISD.
Hopkins County 4-H Clubs Collecting Food Donations As Part Of Souper Bowl of Caring
For over 30 years, the Souper Bowl of Caring movement has been inspiring people across the nation to tackle hunger in their local communities. This initiative uses the timeframe around one of the nation’s largest sporting events – the NFL Super Bowl – as a tool to feed families throughout the state.
Hopkins County 4-H clubs encourage all households to help tackle hunger in Hopkins County by donating one food items for just one NFL game watched. 4-H groups will collect food donations and/or monetary donations to give to local hunger relief organizations during the time frame of January 15 through February 13.
All efforts are local so you are helping the people or your county who are in need. Donations (either food or monetary donations) may be dropped off at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston in Sulphur Springs between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Other drop off points are also available.
Please contact Johanna Hicks or Mario Villarino at the Hopkins County Extension Office 903-885-3443 for more information.
Cumby ISD Will Remain Closed Rest Of Week Due Staffing Shortages In Essential Areas Due To Illness
Cumby ISD will remain closed the rest of the week due to continued staffing shortages in essential areas due to COVID and illnesses. Currently, classes are scheduled to resume at the usual time on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.
All extracurricular activities except varsity games have been canceled. Varsity will be played because they are district games and must be made up. The Wednesday and Friday games will be away. Saturday’s varsity play will be at home. Precautions will be in place to keep coaches and students as safe and healthy as possible.
Mrs. Petty will be available at the high school for dual credit students to pick up books and codes. Those who cannot come to school due to illness may email [email protected]; she will email students the needed information.
The Cumby ISD school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, in the high school media center. If it becomes necessary to cancel the meeting, information will be posted.
Questions may be directed to Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter at [email protected] or Juliana Osornio at [email protected].
Chamber Connection – Jan. 19: Lunch & Learn, Sip & Shop, Business Before Hours Coming Up
By Butch Burney
It’s not too late to sign up for the Chamber’s Lunch and Learn next week.
April Bliss, founder of Bliss Digital Innovations, will present the Chamber’s quarterly Lunch and Learn, providing small businesses with useful, timely information about digital advertising options that fit your small business.
The seminar will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at Clarion Pointe. Chamber members can get the seminar with lunch provided for $15. For non-chamber members, it’s $20 per person. Contact the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or [email protected] to register.
Chamber Banquet
The 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet will go back to the future with a 1980s themed dinner on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
There will be awards, music, food and fun at the annual banquet. Social networking and a cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with food service at 6:30, and awards beginning at 7 p.m. You can reserve your seat for $30 per person or get a table for 10 for $500. The tables include preferential seating and name displays.
Nominations are still being accepted for Caregiver of the Year. That award, plus Citizens of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year, Woman of the Year and others, will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 17.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
Sip and Shop
Shoe Sensation, 1402 Mockingbird Lane, is hosting a Sip and Shop from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. The shoe store will provide a wine and cheese tasting, along with 25-30 percent discounts on their inventory, for Chamber members. Come enjoy the refreshments and get great bargains!
Business Before Hours
Join us on your way to work for our next Business Before Hours, hosted by Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, at the Chamber office, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9. Come out to enjoy breakfast refreshments and networking with other business professionals.
Chamber Directory
Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Ribbon Cuttings
Elan Med Spa hosted a ribbon cutting at their location, 1240 Shannon Road, at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Please welcome them to the community.
Buddy Home Furnishings hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, Jan. 14, at its new home, 1147 South Broadway St. Please welcome this new business to the community.
Making Mindfulness a Priority in 2022
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
At the start of a new year, many people re-examine their lives and make resolutions intended to improve health and wellness. Basics such as eating right, exercising and getting adequate sleep are often included. Those are important, but are often not achieved.
Most people know the basics of maintaining their physical health, including physical activity and well-balanced nutrition, but there are other aspects of life to consider. You may be eating well, but are you fostering meaningful social connections? Are you maintaining adequate boundaries between your job and the rest of your life?
It is important to pay attention to how one dimension of your well-being impacts the other dimensions. An example is when worrying about a financial situation, it can cause emotional distress that may also lead to a medical problem or trouble at work.
According to Miquela Smith, AgriLife Extension Specialist in Health, balance includes work, recreation, interacting with family and friends, community engagement, being physically and spiritually active, and relaxing. Balance differs based on the stage or season of life we are living. For example, a new mother and father might not have the time or energy to participate in their favorite hobbies or activities during the first few months with their baby. That is ok – there is no such thing as perfect balance because life is always changing.
Smith suggests being aware of habits or behaviors that influence your health and wellness and being able to identify which of them are working and which are not. Being present in the moment has become a bit of a cliché for good reason. People tend to spend a lot of time worrying about the future and reliving the past. This prevents us from engaging with the most important moment of all: the moment in which we are currently living.
If you are not sure what may work for you, there are some things you might try, including:
- Becoming involved in social or community activities that have a purpose
- Keeping a calendar to help remember what, when or how often you need to get things done
- Repeating a desired positive behavior until it become a habit
- Taking breaks from scrolling social media
- Taking breaks from watching the news
- Try a new hobby such as working puzzles, reading, cooking
- Going on walks and paying attention to the sounds of nature and the rhythmic sensation of feet hitting the pavement
Make 2022 the year to not stress over breaking new year’s resolutions, but to engage in being mindful of things that make a difference in your life.
Upcoming Events
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes is a 5-lesson series focusing on nutrition, self-care, managing sick days, understanding medications, and avoid complications. I continually hear from individuals who have taken the series and how it positively impacted their health. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, take note of the details and make plans to attend:
- When: Mondays and Thursdays, Feb. 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28
- Time: 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office – 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- Cost: $20, payable at the first session (no charge for spouses or support individuals accompanying someone)
- Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up
- Limited to first 16.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is designed for engaged couples, but also beneficial for seriously dating couples and married couples. Topics covered in the workshop include: marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goal setting. Below are the details:
- When: Saturday, Feb. 19
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:15 p.m. (lunch and refreshments provided)
- Where: Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- Cost: no charge
- Call: 903-885-3443 to sign up
Engaged couples who attend will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license.
Closing Thought
Goals are dreams with deadlines – Diana Scharf Hunt
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
4 Free At-Home Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests Can Be Ordered Online
Several local residents have reported difficulties finding free COVID tests or scheduling free COVID tests. In the US, residents can now order online four tests to be shipped free at the end of January to residential addresses through the post office for those who request them.
This is not for individuals who immediately need COVID-19 tests, but those who wish to order them online to have on-hand at home should they develop symptoms or in the future are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Those in need of tests more immediately, may look up options by clicking here.
Free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available for order from COVIDtests.gov and shipment through the United States Postal Service®️. Each order will contain 4 tests. There is a limit of 1 order per residential address. Additional tests cannot be ordered regardless of the size of the household.
This effort is part of a federal program to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests with free shipping to every residential address and residential post office boxes in the United States. Orders cannot be shipped outside of the United States, but may be shipped to APO/FPO/DPO addresses and U.S. territories and possessions. Tests cannot be ordered for business addresses or business PO Boxes. Orders will ship free starting in late January. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days.
These free at-home COVID-19 tests can be ordered online. To complete the order online, visit: www.covidtests.gov To receive order confirmation and tracking information, please provide an email address. USPS Customer Care agents will not be able to retrieve tracking numbers and cannot assist you without it.
How, When To Protect Water Pipes From Cold Weather Damages
Homeowners in Hopkins County should give special attention to exposed water pipes during the winter months. Freezing pipes are a problem in warmer climates where they often run through uninsulated or under-insulated attics or crawl spaces. Although we only have a few cold snaps per season, it’s still necessary to protect exposed water pipes. Leaving pipes unprotected can cause them to burst, which can result in a tremendous amount of damage to the home and the contents inside. You can drastically reduce your chance of property damage by preparing your water pipes before a hard freeze. The following suggestions can help you accomplish this task.
What Kind of Water Pipes Freeze and When?
- Water pipes have the potential to freeze and burst when the outside temperature reaches
20 °F or below. - Pipes that are most vulnerable to freeze are usually exposed to severe cold, such as:
outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, water pipes in basements,
water pipes in crawl spaces, water pipes in attics, water pipes in garages, and water pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
Prepare While the Climate Is Warm
- Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines, following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove and drain outdoor hoses. Store in a shed or garage. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs if possible. Cover hose bibs with insulated covers.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
- Consider installing products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Newspaper can also provide some protection to exposed pipes as long as the cold temperatures are not frequent or prolonged.
Take Action During Cold Weather
- Keep the garage door closed if there are water supply lines located inside.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Keep the heating thermostat set at a consistent temperature both day and night.
- If going out of town during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home. Set the thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55 °F, and open cabinet doors where there is plumbing.
- If you are going out of town and have a heat pump system, and if the temperature is forecast to be extremely low, you may need to switch the setting to emergency heat and reduce the thermostat setting to 55 °F.
Thawing Frozen Pipes after the Storm
- If you suspect that the pipe is frozen; keep the faucet open. Water will begin to flow as you treat the frozen area, which will help to melt more ice in the pipe.
- Make sure you know where the main water valve is located outside of your home. The frozen pipe may already be broken, and it will leak when the water is thawed. If this is the case, you’ll need to turn off the main water valve to your home until the leak is repaired.
- Apply heat to the frozen portion of the pipe. This can be accomplished by using the following sources of heat: a heating pad, electric hair dryer, a portable space heater, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Make sure that electrical cords do not come into contact with water. Do not attempt to use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices; they present a serious fire hazard as well as release lethal carbon monoxide fumes into the air.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Call a licensed plumber if you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not within reach, or if you can’t get the pipe to thaw.
- Inspect all other faucets in your home to find out if additional pipes are frozen. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze also.
It is important to check for water leakage AFTER the cold weather hits. Remember that potable water is a scarce commodity and our water reservoirs are not at full capacity.
— Submitted by Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent For Hopkins County, Agriculture/Natural Resources, [email protected].
Tuesday Game Day Has Both Basketball Teams, Lady Cats Soccer in Action
Tuesday, Jan. 18 has three teams on deck; both basketball squads and women’s soccer on the road.
Men’s soccer was originally set to be on deck as well at home, hosting Terrell, but that game was cancelled due to staff and squad depletions from COVID-19.
Lady Cats soccer are the first team up in Tyler taking on the Lady Lions.
Coach Aguayo’s squad looks to get back in the win column when they take on Tyler at 6 P.M.
Sulphur Springs went 0-3-1 last weekend in the Forney tournament, dropping their season record to 2-4-1 overall.
They tied Sunset 1-1 on Friday to wrap up play in the 10th annual Lady Jackrabbit Invitational.
The Lady Cats have missed a number of keys starters recently, but have nonetheless stayed competitive despite their outing in Longview.
Coach Aguayo and women’s soccer take on the Lady Lions in Tyler on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 6 P.M.
Both basketball squads take on Mount Pleasant on this Tuesday game day. The Lady Cats basketball team host the Lady Tigers on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad got a good win Friday versus Longview 39-31 on Friday, Jan. 14 in the SSHS Main Gym.
Their win over the Lady Lobos was their second straight at home and second district win in three games.
Sulphur Springs now sits at 4-22 (2-4 district) after the Lady Cats recent string of success, going 4-3 over the last seven after starting 0-19.
Coach Delley’s squad have an incredibly tough task ahead of them Tuesday, Jan. 18 when they host undefeated Mount Pleasant (6-0).
Tuesday’s match-up with the Lady Tigers tips off at 6:15 P.M.
That game will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM. If given permission we will also livestream the game on to KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
The last team up on Tuesday, Jan. 18 is Wildcats basketball on the road in Mount Pleasant.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad has another tough contest ahead of them tonight taking on a team with the same district record of 3-1.
Sulphur Springs takes on the Tigers in Mount Pleasant, always a tough place to play for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats tip off on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 7:15 P.M.
Men’s basketball began their two-game roadstead last Friday, traveling to Longview to take on the Lobos.
Sulphur Springs won 62-57 to put themselves at their current district record of 3-1, tied with Mount Pleasant for second place.
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.
Community Health Day Postponed Due To Increase In COVID Cases
Due to an increase in community COVID cases, the Community Health Day planned Jan. 22 in Pacific Park has temporarily been postponed. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Spring and Columbia Lodge # 81 plan to reschedule the event for a later date at the HW Grays Building at Pacific Park.
“We apologize for any inconvenience, but want everyone to stay safe!” stated Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development for CHRISTUS® Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs in a release about the postponement.
Winnsboro Man Accused Of Stabbing A Man In The Hand With A Steak Knife
A search for a Winnsboro man accused of stabbing a man in the hand with a steak knife concluded a few hours later, when the suspect returned to the residence where the altercation reportedly took place, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators around 5:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, dispatched deputies to a County Road 2403 residence, where an active disturbance had been reported. Deputies Isaac Foley and Drew Fisher responded. Upon arrival, Foley spoke to a man and the man’s girlfriend, who were located beside the road at the address. The man’s hand bled, Foley noted in reports.
Deputies were told Christopher Pyron had been dropped off at the CR 2403 residence to gather up his belongings. Pyron and the man with the injured hand reportedly became embroiled in an altercation. Pyron allegedly stabbed the other man in the hand with a steak knife, and attempted to stab him in the neck, during the altercation. Pyron then fled, deputies said they were told.
A records check by dispatchers showed 32-year-old Pyron to be wanted on a violation of probation charge. Deputies entered the residence to locate Pyron. When it became apparent he was not there, deputies began searching other locations is known for staying at or being associated with.
While HCSO deputies, including Deputies Foley, Fisher and Aaron Chaney were searching, Winnsboro Police advised a person was seen walking down State Highway 11 east. Deputies responded but were unsuccessful in contacting the pedestrian.
Deputies surrounded the area and set up a perimeter within which to launch a search, and requested Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s search dogs to respond at the location to assist with the search. While waiting for the dogs to arrive, deputies were informed Pyron had returned to the CR 2403 residence and could be found on the back porch.
Deputies also returned to the CR 2403 location, where Pyron was indeed located and taken into custody at 8:25 p.m. Jan. 17, 2022. The Winnsboro man was transported to jail, where he was booked just before 10 p.m. not only on the warrant for violating probation, which he was on for an April 2019 controlled substance charge, but also on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge for allegedly stabbing the man with a steak knife, according to arrest reports.
Christopher Evin Pyron, who is also known by the alias Chris Ervin Pyron Jr., remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, Jan. 18, 2022, on both felony 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.
