Texas HHS Seeks Entries For Mental Health Creative Arts Contest
AUSTIN – To raise awareness of mental health issues, the annual Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest is announcing its call for submissions from Dec. 1, 2021 until March 15, 2022.
The annual contest is hosted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission along with the Texas System of Care and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at the University of Texas at Austin.
Participants can submit their creative work in one of three categories—original artwork, writing, or photography—that draws on the contest theme, “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?”
“When people share their perspectives and experiences through art, it can help them process their emotions and kickstart conversations that inspire connection, provide encouragement, and give hope to others facing similar challenges,” said Dr. Courtney Harvey, associate commissioner of the Texas HHSC Office of Mental Health Coordination. “Those healthy discussions can be the push someone may need to seek support and really start taking care of their mental health, and that can save lives.”
The contest is open to Texans of all ages and is judged in four age groups: elementary, middle school, high school and adult. Last year, the contest drew 687 submissions.
The artwork will be judged on originality, creativity and how well it expresses the contest theme. Winners from each category and age group will receive prizes and have their work displayed and published on the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest website.
For more information, including past winners, rules, and how people can submit artwork, visit gallery.txsystemofcare.org.
SSPD Phone And 911 Systems Restored
Sulphur Springs Police Department’s phone and 911 systems had been fully restored at 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the police chief and communications supervisor. The police department’s communications systems were among many across the region impacted for several hours Tuesday.
A large portion of the area was without 911 service, and some without any phone and internet service most of Tuesday afternoon. Sulphur Springs Police Department’s phone system went down before lunch Tuesday, but the regular lines were up and running, with 911 relaying to the regular phone system by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Wednesday morning, the phone and 911 systems were back online at SSPD.
Some officials and residents said they were told multiple cell phone towers, several AT&T towers, were down throughout Northeast Texas Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 30, taking down 911 systems across those counties as well.
The first local outage was reported at 11:20 a.m. Nov. 21, 2021, by Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson. He notified local media and posted a notice on social media, letting the community know that SSPD’s phone system was down, including 911. Anyone in the city with an emergency was told to call the Hopkins County Sheriffs Office at 903-885-2768 for assistance.
At approximately 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, Hopkins County Emergency Management and Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce also reported that 911 service was down not only for the city of Sulphur Springs and but in other areas of Hopkins County, as well as across the region. The outage spanned from Hopkins, Delta and Grayson counties across to Morris County, and included Winnsboro and the police department there.
The Chamber of Commerce around that time also noted they’ve been told numerous cell towers were down. Emergency management officials were told at that time that service could be out or disrupted across the area through about 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
Around 4:20 p.m. Nov. 30, SSPD Chief Ricketson reported the police department’s landline was once again operational, with 911 calls rerouted to the landline. However, that meant an extra step in the call process. In order to make contact with SSPD dispatch center, callers had to press 1 when the main phone switchboard option allowed.
Some phone services were reported to have been restored by 5 p.m., while others were reported to still be sporadically without service Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
The direct number to the sheriff’s office emergency landline was provided for anyone who experienced difficulties getting through on 911 in the city or elsewhere in Hopkins County. Calling 903-885-2768 would put them in direct contact with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators for emergency and non-emergency issues. HCSO dispatchers then had the capacity to transfer callers to the appropriate agency or facility to address their needs.
Ricketson reported the department’s phone communications system, including 911, had resumed operations by 9 a.m. Wednesday. No reason for so many cell phone and communications towers being down throughout the region was given, according to communications officials.
Blue Santa Toy Drive, Main Street Market, Lighted Parade, Choral Concert, Tree Raffle, Park Christmas Scheduled Over The Next Week
By Butch Burney
As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year — Beta Sigma Phi Organization — P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year — The Pilot Club — P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award — Adult Leadership Class — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year — Agri-Life Extension Office — P.O. Box 518, SS TX 75483.
- Growth and Renewal — DBA — 109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher) — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide) — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria) — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement — civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
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 in the next few weeks 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.
Christmas on Main
Christmas on Main is a Christmas market with vendors selling a variety of Christmas décor, handmade items, floral arrangements, gifts and food items along Main Street.
The market, which is sponsored by Marlen’s Sass and Class and the Downtown Business Alliance, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Parade
The local Lions Club is hosting their 15th Annual Christmas Light Parade, presented by Carriage House Manor, on Friday, Dec. 3. Every entry must be decorated with working Christmas lights. The parade will begin at Buford Park, down Connally Street to the square, north on Church Street and west on Houston Street, ending at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The parade begins at 7 p.m.
Registration is free. To register, pick up an entry form from any Lions Club member or at the Chamber, 110 Main St.
Categories for judging the entries are Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit Organizations/Churches.
The Lighted Christmas Market will also be going on downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park will have its final evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Heritage Park and Museum, 416 North Jackson St. Stop by for Christmas carols, meet Santa and visit all the buildings in Heritage Park.
Blue Santa
Sign-ups are ongoing for the Blue Santa toy program for Hopkins County. Registration can be done online at CanHelpOnline.org. Documents needed for upload are proof of Hopkins County residency, birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child ages 1-14, proof of income or proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF or CHIPS.
Shanna Martin, the executive director CanHelp, said in just five days, more than 130 families had already registered.
If you would like to donate toys or money, contact Tanner Crump or Angela Price at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. You can also message the Blue Santa/Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Facebook page.
Christmas Concert
The Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their annual Christmas Concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Golden Agers Gift Tree
You can adopt a senior citizen through the Golden Agers Gift Tree, Dec. 6-17, by choosing a name off the tree and going shopping with the senior. The tree is located at the Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Miracles Made on Connally Street
Miracles Made on Connally Street is the name of the CASA Christmas Tree Raffle that will be conducted until Dec. 6. The raffle will be held Dec. 8, with all proceeds benefitting the children served by Lake Country CASA.
Tickets are $25 each and each tickets gives you a chance to win one of 12 small decorated Christmas trees.
For more information, call 903-885-1173 or visit CASA at 218 Connally St.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Dec. 1, Tully Insurance. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Extension Service Offers Master Wellness Training
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
In the United States, 86% of all health spending is related to chronic conditions – things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and many others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these costs can be managed and potentially reduced through education and lifestyle modification.
Be part of something BIG! Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County is seeking participants for its Master Wellness Volunteer Program. Master Wellness Volunteers (MWV) undergo 40 hours of training on health, nutrition and food safety and are then empowered to provide outreach and education, helping reduce the burden of chronic conditions in Texans and Texas’ communities. Not a health professional? Not a problem! We welcome participation from anyone interested in promoting health and wellness: college students, employees, retirees – anyone!
Opportunities to serve are wide-ranging: giving presentations for local community groups, assisting with healthy cooking demonstrations, participating in health fairs, assisting with 4-H Foods project activities, and much more. Because each community is different, MWVs work with the County Extension Agent and other stakeholders to identify needs and opportunities to help make a local difference. MWVs come from diverse backgrounds, so they are often able to identify novel topics, audiences, and resources in the area.
In January, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will convene a statewide training for Master Wellness Volunteers … and you don’t even have to leave your county. I will host two in-person sessions at the local Hopkins County Extension office. The rest of the training will be conducted online. It’s never been easier to give back to your community!
The first face-to-face session will be Tuesday, Jan. 18, and the final face-to-face session will be Tuesday, March 1. New session topics will be released each week for completion at your own pace. Registration is now open. For more information about the Master Wellness Volunteer Program, visit http://agrilife.org/mwv. Join the elite team already in place in Hopkins County! Contact my office at 903-885-3443 for more information. If you are not from Hopkins County, you can contact your local Extension Office to learn more about what is being offered in your county.
4-H Events
January is full of events for our Hopkins County 4-H members! A District 4-H leaders’ conference will take place on Jan. 8, followed by the Hopkins County 4-H Food Show on Saturday, Jan. 15, 4-H Dairy Judging contest on Jan. 16, and 4-H Sewing Fun Day on Saturday, Jan. 22. Current 4-H members should check out the November/December 4-H Gazette newsletter for more information. There are some deadlines, so contact our office if you need more information or have questions.
Closing Thought
“Every one of us need to put our own unique spin on things. Do so boldly and with great joy.”
– Loretta La Roche
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County by mail at P.O. Box 518, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston St.; call 903-885-3443; or send an email to: [email protected]
Don’t Miss Local Christmas Market on Main Street 9-4 on Saturday Dec. 4!
It’s coming again! Christmas Market on Main brings all the best of Christmas crafting, treats, attire and decor in one place in downtown Sulphur Springs! Brought to you by the same organizers of the annual Car Show and the Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa. The Downtown Business Alliance is confident that Christmas Market is a quality community event that will keep you shopping at home! You’ll have so much fun you will love returning every year. Plan to wear something Christmas-y and bring a friend to enjoy the day with close to 100 vendors, restaurants and shops!
In a Good Morning Show interview, organizer Marlene DeYong acquainted KSST listeners with Market plans. The pedestrian market is free to enter from either end of the 200 block of Main Street just off the downtown square. New this year, you’ll see a number of vendor booths on the short stretch of Gilmer Street facing the square, so park nearby and start shopping as soon as you walk up! Christmas Market will be open from 9am til 4pm, so be sure and visit every vendor as well as every Main Street merchant, storefront and eatery on December 4, 2021!
Among the types of vendors are handmade baby goods, artisan soaps and lotions, Up-Cycled vintage clothing and accessories, original tree ornaments, leather goods, handmade children’s clothing and hair bows, houseplants and planters, crocheted items, Cocoa Bombs, cookies and muffins, raw crystals and handmade stone jewelry, and many wreaths and floral designs. And to describe a few more, you can stroll and see wine glasses, bags and accessories for wine lovers, decorated Christmas cookies, painted furniture, Holiday-themed T-shirts, caps and embroidered items, local honey and jellies, fabric Christmas trees and ornaments, stencils and kids craft sets, Paparazzi jewelry, Farmasi makeup and Mary Kay cosmetic gift items. Stop in front of Main Street Theater to see their holiday offerings of theater memorabilia and season tickets, and be sure and catch the Blue Blazes with face painting and hot chocolate, all to make your holiday merry and bright! Enjoy every offering of Christmas Market on Main Street 2021!
SSPD Now Receiving Phone Calls Again, But Some Area 911 Systems Are Still Down
A large portion of the area was without 911 service, and some without any phone service at all, for a few hours Tuesday. Sulphur Springs Police Department’s phone system went down before lunch, but the regular lines were up and running, with 911 relaying to the regular phone system by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Some officials and residents said they were told multiple cell phone towers were down throughout Northeast Texas Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 30, and 911 systems were down across several counties, spanning from Hopkins, Delta and Grayson counties across to Morris County.
The first local outage was reported at 11:20 a.m. Nov. 21, 2021, by Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson. He notified local media and posted a notice on social media, letting the community know that SSPD’s phone system was down, including 911. Anyone in the city with an emergency was told to call the Hopkins County Sheriffs Office at 903-885-2768 for assistance.
At approximately 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, Hopkins County Emergency Management and Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce reported that 911 service was down not only for the city of Sulphur Springs and but in other areas of Hopkins County, as well as across the Region. Delta, Franklin, Grayson, and Morris counties HCEM officials noted were among the counties where 911 outages were reported. The Chamber of Commerce around that time also noted they’ve been told numerous cell towers were down. Emergency management officials were told at that time that 911 service could be out or disrupted across for the area through about 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
Around 4:20 p.m. Nov. 30, Chief Ricketson reported the police department’s landline is once again operational, with 911 calls rerouted to the landline. However, that means an extra step in the process. In order to make contact with SSPD dispatch center, callers must press press 1. Ricketson said officials would report when service if fully restored.
Some phone services were reported to have been restored, while others were last reported to be sporadically still without service Tuesday evening.
Anyone who experiences difficulties getting through on 911 in the city or elsewhere in Hopkins County may call 903-885-2768 to speak with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators for emergency and non-emergency issues. HCSO dispatchers should be able to transfer callers to the appropriate agency or facility.
Many Area 911 Systems Down – Call 903-885-2768 For Emergency Assistance In Hopkins County, Outside Of Sulphur Springs
** Updated at 5:05 p.m. Nov. 30, 2021 SSPD Landline Restored, Receiving 911 Calls
At 11:20 a.m. Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson reported the department’s phone system was down, including 911, and is referring anyone who has an emergency in the city of Sulphur Springs to call the Hopkins County Sheriffs Office at 903-885-2768 for assistance.
At approximately 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, Hopkins County Emergency Management and Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce reported that 911 service is now down not only for the city of Sulphur Springs and all of Hopkins County, but is out across the area. Delta, Franklin, Grayson, and Morris counties are among those where 911 isn’t currently in service. The Chamber of Commerce said they’ve been told numerous cell towers are down.
Emergency management officials were told 911 service could be out for the area through Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
Before 5 p.m. Nov. 30, Ricketson reported the police department’s landline is once again operational and 911 calls are being rerouted to the landline. However, to make contact with the city dispatch center, callers are asked to please press 1, which will put them in contact with the 911 operator. Ricketson said officials would report when service if fully restored.
Some phone services were reported to have been restored, while others were last reported to be sporadically still without service Tuesday evening.
Anyone who experiences difficulties with 911 in the city or elsewhere in Hopkins County may call 903-885-2768 to speak with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office for all emergency and non-emergency issues. HCSO dispatchers will be able to transfer callers to the appropriate agency or facility.
Ladybug, Ladybug … 450 Of 5,000 Species Are Native To North America
Submitted By Phyllis Kitten, Hopkins County Master Gardener
Are there ladybugs flying around your house? Maybe inside as well? It may feel like an invasion. Where do all the ladybugs come from? They seem to be everywhere in the fall. Are they a sign of a harsh winter to come? Are they bringing good luck?
Ladybugs are actually beetles, not bugs. And, while they are sometimes called ladybirds or ladybeetles, of course, they are not all female. They belong to the class Insecta and are members of the Coccinellidae family of beetles (Coccinellidae means “small red sphere” in Latin).
Ladybugs have oval-shaped bodies and appear in various colors, including red, yellow, gray, black, brown and even pink. They may or may not have spots or stripes.
Ladybugs are beneficial insects that play a major role in keeping down populations of insects that feed on plants, especially plants that are infested with aphids. A ladybug can eat several thousand aphids over its lifetime. They can also help to rid your garden of other soft-bodied insects such as mites, and mealybugs along with insect eggs – even ants.
There are approximately 5,000 ladybug species found worldwide. About 450 are native to North America. Adults mate in early spring (when temperatures reach above 65 degrees F) and again in June if the aphid population is plentiful. When aphid populations decline, ladybugs migrate to another area.
Ladybugs hibernate in the winter months and will not fly when temperatures fall below 55 degrees F. They live on stored fat through the winter. Ladybugs are not preyed upon by birds or other insects because they exude a very distasteful fluid from joints in their legs; their distinctive colors are reminder to would-be predators they taste “bad”. When threatened, ladybugs will play dead. Also, if threatened, they can pull their head into their shell just like a turtle.
While you may have heard the superstition that ladybugs bring good luck, they don’t seem to have any winter weather-predicting ability. There is no significance between the number of ladybugs and the upcoming winter forecast. Fall infestations of these beetles are more a sign of winter’s approach. As the temperatures begin to cool, these bugs will swarm on a sunny day seeking heat. If it’s a warm autumn day, you may see tons of ladybugs on the sunniest side of your house.
They mean no harm. They can, however, damage carpets and furniture with their secretions. And if your home is really infested, you may smell them. When they die they can be all over everywhere. Best way to get rid of them? Vacuum.
For more information, go to Agrilifeextension.tamu.edu.
SSHS Jazz Band Gearing Up For 2021 Christmas Tour
The Sulphur Springs Jazz Band is gearing up for a busy week, with seven performances – four public performances and three private performances – over a 10-day period as part of the 2021 Wildcat Jazz Christmas Tour.
The Jazz Band will begin spreading holiday joy at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, during Christmas in the Park at Hopkins County Historical Society’s Heritage Park.
The band will travel downtown Dec. 7 for an 11 a.m. concert at Alliance Bank, for all who wish to stop by. Later, the Wildcat Jazz students will perform during a Region 8 dinner.
The Christmas Tour will continue Dec. 8 with a performance at a local church, and a special performance at another campus the next school day.
The Wildcat Jazz students will perform two sets during the SSISD Band Christmas Concert in SSHS Auditorium Dec. 9, one at 6:15 p.m. and the other at 6:45 p.m.
The Dec. 9 Band Christmas Concert kicks off at 6 p.m. with selections from the SSMS Beginning Band and Concert Band, sounds of the SSMS Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, then conclude with a performance by the full SSHS band at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend the SSISD Band Christmas Concert Dec. 9 at the Auditorium, to hear sounds of the season and show support for these fine arts students.
The 2021 Wildcat Jazz Christmas Tour is currently scheduled to conclude on Dec. 13, with a 1 p.m. concert at Sulphur Springs Middle School. This concert was originally slated to kickoff the Christmas tour on Dec. 3. That concert, SSISD Director of Bands Spencer Emmert reported Tuesday afternoon, will now be held 10 days later in the SSMS band hall.
Both Basketball Teams in Action on Tuesday Game Day
Tuesday, Nov. 30 is a good day for Wildcats and Lady cats basketball.
Both teams will be in action, with the men at home taking on Rockwall and the women making the trip south to Canton to take on the Lady Eagles.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s varsity squad has been on a tear since their season began; the Wildcats come in to Tuesday’s home contest 5-0, looking to make it six straight wins if they can get the victory over Rockwall tonight.
Sulphur Springs got their fifth win on the season last Saturday, two days after Thanksgiving when they hosted Henderson. The Wildcats routed the Lions 73-43 to bring their record to 5-0.
Coach Shaver’s squad will see if they can continue to build on their impressive start when they host Rockwall (2-3) tonight on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
Freshmen will begin at 4:30 P.M. against the Yellowjackets, followed by JV at 6 P.M. and varsity at 7:30 P.M.
Tuesday’s Sulphur Springs-Rockwall non-district match-up will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
If given permission, we will also be live-streaming the game on to KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
Moving over to the women’s team, the Lady Cats will be on the road taking on the Lady Eagles of Canton.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad are still looking to get their first win of the winter 2021-22 season.
The team has struggled with injuries; add in a reshuffling of the roster due to players unable to suit up, and this team is still developing a chemistry. While that has made it tough to put together wins for the squad, the women’s varsity team has found ways to score, demonstrated in their close loss last week in Mineola to the Lady Yellowjackets.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad had a busy week last week, falling to the Lady Yellowjackets in Mineola before losing at home to Liberty Eylau last Tuesday.
The team no doubt enjoyed having the rest of Fall Break off so that they could tend to their wounds and heal a bit before resuming action a week later in Canton on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
The Lady Cats basketball team come in to Tuesday’s contest in Canton with an 0-9 record. They will no doubt be looking for that evasive first win when they take on the Lady Eagles in Canton.
The junior varsity will get the action going today at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity.
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.
