‘History by Foot’ Participants Will Tour Connally St. at 10AM May 22
Local historian John Sellers stays busy in several areas of interest in his hometown. But his interest in local history was fueled early in life by connections to Sydney Brice and June Tuck, who researched and compiled many of the historical records we now depend on. Also, even earlier, Celia Wright, John C. McDonald and C.O. James were keeping records on Hopkins County that he uses now in his research. Besides currently being Mayor of Sulphur Springs and Advertising Director of City National Bank, he is also President of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society and Marker Chairman for the Historical Society. John also stays active as a historian by speaking and conducting genealogical seminars across the United States. And this month, he is putting on his 19th annul History By Foot Tour, a series he started back in 2011 and which is supported in part through the Downtown Business Alliance.
John shared his plans for this Spring’s Hist by Foot walking tour, set for Saturday May 22 at 10am, with KSST listeners when he sat in on the Good Morning Show with Enola Gay this Tuesday. If you’d like to take the tour, reserve your space by emailing John at [email protected], or phone the H C Genealogical Library at 903-885-8523. Cost is $10 person and the tour is limited to 30 persons. Tour patrons are asked to gather at City Hall prior to 10am.
The May 22 tour will take in Connally Street farther to the west of downtown in this stroll along the improved sidewalks. You’ll learn about the new construction and renovations going on there, as well as the old Stockade, the hotels, some of the sulphur springs, a hospital and a school and the two Connally family homes built there. Catch the entire interview with Sellers on KSST’s Youtube Channel.
Rowena Johnson’s 50-Year Legacy As Educator To Continue At Lamar Campus
Rowena Johnson’s 50-year legacy as an educator will continue at Sulphur Springs ISD at the campus where she dedicated the final 27 years of her career as principal. SSISD Board of Trustees Monday evening voted unanimously to honor Johnson’s dedication to education by changing the name of Lamar Primary to Rowena Johnson Primary School.
Superintendent Mike Lamb noted that the request certainly fits the facilities naming/renaming criteria approved by trustees at their April meeting. As stipulated in number 5 of the policy, Johnson was indeed “a distinguished educator who has retired from service to the district.”
Rowena Johnson’s 50-year legacy speaks for itself. She started out teaching third grade at Houston Elementary in 1970. She then taught elementary students at varying grade levels from third through sixth grade at Bowie Elementary from 1971 to 1991.
Johnson then served as a reading specialist from 1991 to 1993 at Travis Elementary. In 1993, she became the first SSISD female African American elementary principal at Lamar Elementary in 1993, a position she continued to serve in until her retirement in June 2020.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Lamar received the top rating of exemplary from the Texas Education Agency for 14 consecutive years. Her school received recognition from “Just for The Kids” and many Distinguished School honors as well. She also received several honors, including being named Teacher of the Year, a Region 8 Nominee for the National Distinguished Principal of the Year, and Educator of the Year, and Administrator of the Year.
“That’s a grand total of 50 years in education, all in Sulphur Springs,27 of them being in Lamar’s building itself,” Lamb noted. “When the district policy says when naming a district facility the board shall use due diligence, due diligence is in those things we’ve talked about for several months.”
Johnson was recognized in June 2020 for her service, upon her retirement. The long-time beloved educator passed away last summer. While her legacy lives on in the generations of students she taught, young educators she mentored and students inspired to be like their principal.
Renaming Lamar as Rowena Johnson Primary will ensure Rowena Johnson’s 50-year legacy continues, setting a standard for dedication, commitment, faith and caring.
“There is absolutely no doubt in this case for somebody to spend 50 years in education, 27 of them in the same building. I can’t think of a more deserving set of criteria, not to mention just who Ms. Johnson was and what she did for that campus in that period of time. To say, I’m proud, proud, proud to recommend that we rename this building. I’ve never seen a more deserving situation than this right here. So, I would ask that you consider and vote tonight that we rename this school building on behalf of Ms. Rowena Johnson,” Lamb said.
SSISD Board of Trustees President Jason Dietze made the motion which was seconded by Trustee Kerry Wright, to grant the request for the campus at 825 Church Street to become Rowena Johnson Primary.
Johnson’s sister, two of her nieces and a great-nephew cheered and lead a standing ovation when grinning Board President Robert Cody announced the trustees unanimously agreed to honored their loved one’s legacy by renaming Lamar Primary as Rowena Johnson Primary.
“Thank you all so much. You just don’t understand what this means to us,” Marcie Spigner Porter, Johnson’s sister told the school board.
“Thank you for being here. It’s a wonderful family legacy Ms. Johnson left for all of you and really for the entire community. We just say thank you and appreciate her legacy. It’s going to live on for a long time in this community,” Cody said.
“I appreciate you all Thank you,” Porter said.
The administrators noted that while the name change has been approved, a sign and lettering for the building still have to be installed. Lamb anticipates having those items in and an official event for the occasion, likely at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
Senior Citizens Center Gets a Donation, Plans Health Fair and Shares Activities News
May has been a busy month at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, with fun activities starting back up and a donation coming in to help with the needs of the Sr’s Center. Director Karon Weatherman shared the timely information with KSST.
Oncor gave Meal A Day a $4,000.00 donation on May 11, 2021. We are so appreciative of every donation we receive. It helps to keep us going. Shown in Photo: Mary Ballard, Karon Weatherman, Larry Willis, Mark Rasmussen, Bea Rasmussen, Cecil Toenigges.
o |
More fun activites are starting back up for Seniors. Thursday, May 13th we will start playing Balloon Chair Volleyball at 1:00. This should be lots of fun, too. We will play on the 2nd Thursday of each month. We also play LCR at 10:45 on the 2nd Thursday of Each Month. Come and try to win a $ 20.00 Gift Card.
Also on Thursday, May 13th at 1:00 PM will be the Volunteer Fair.. It will held at the ROC at 1st Baptist Church. I have 21 Agencies that have signed up that are looking for Volunteers. If you have been thinking of volunteering and didn’t know where, you are welcome to go check the Volunteer Fair out and find a place that fits what you want to do. There will be lots of Door Prizes and Refreshments there for you.
On Tuesday, May 18th from 9:00 – 12:00 Noon there will be a 55+ Health Fair. It will also be held at the ROC at 1st Baptist Church. I have 56 Vendors that will be set up. You will be able to check them all out and see what they have to offer. If you make decisions now when you DON’T need something you will know what you want when you DO need assistance. Don’t let other people make those decisions for you. You can get educated on what is out there for you. Each Vendor will bring a $ 25.00 Door Prize that you can have a chance to win. You can’t win if you don’t show up. Also we will have a Hot Dog Lunch for you to enjoy from 11:00 – 12:30. It will be over in the other side of the ROC.
Don’t forget BUNCO on Thursday May 27th .. It is always on the 4th Thursday of the Month at 1:00 PM Everyone brings $ 5.00 and a Snack to Share. All the money is paid out in Prizes at the end of the Game. If you don’t know how to play it is easy. You can learn in just a minute or two.
On Wednesday, June 2nd at 11:00 Debbie Sheley with the Retirement Gals will be at the Senior Center to talk about Medicare Choices for 2021. She will be Serving Pie and Coffee for everyone that attends. Come get educated. She is very knowledgeable.
On Friday, June 11th at 1:00 PM the 10 Ladies that have signed up to compete in the 2021 Ms Hopkins County Senior Pageant will have a Contestant’s Tea and then Rehearsal for the Pageant. Saturday Night at 6:00 at the Hopkins County Civic Center you can come and cheer on the ladies in the Pageant. The cost is FREE thanks to our Sponsor. I have 10 ladies that are competing this year. There is always room for more if you decide you want to compete. Just let me know.
The Parkinson’s Support Group is starting back on Tuesday, May 18th at 11:30. This will be the 1st support meeting since we stopped for COVID.
Tuesday, June 29th at 1:00 PM will be the Annual Ice Cream Freeze Off. I know everyone loves Ice Cream.. You will want to come and sample as many as your tummy will let you. It is always a fun delicious event. Bring Your Friends.
I have an Affiliated Driving Course scheduled for Thursday, July 29th at 10:00 AM if you would like to get 10% off of your Liability Insurance you should take this course.. It is a good Refresher Course on Driving Situations and New Driving Laws. This class is also good for a Ticket Dismissal.
Also don’t forget that Line Dancing Class will be EVERY Tuesday now at 1:30! AND our Monthly Birthday Party is on Friday, May 28th at 10:45. If it is your Birthday Month you will receive a Birthday Gift from our Sponsors!
Jason Hudson Recognized For 20 Years Of Leadership TO Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD administrators recently recognized the Cumby ISD Board of Trustees President Jason Hudson for 20 years of “outstanding leadership, devotion, and commitment to the Cumby ISD Board of Trustees.”
Slaughter and school administrators arranged for Cumby ISD Board of Trustees President Jason Hudson’s family to be on hand when they celebrated his two decades of service on the school board. Slaughter presented Hudson with a plaque as well as cards and notes from the school offices and campuses during the May 6 school board meeting.
“It’s been a good 20. I don’t know how much more I’ve got in the tank, but I’ll say, it’s been awesome. I’ve served with some wonderful people. It’s an honor and a privilege. I thank y’all for allowing me to be here. I always welcome somebody taking over this seat right here,” Hudson said, gesturing to chair he occupies at the head of the table as board president.
Serving on the school board, especially as president, “can be a hot seat at times.” It is a balancing act, making sure to honor those deserving, paying respect where due, and doing so with humility, the honoree noted.
“It’s tough at times and I always welcome it to other people. I believe it is my 8th or 9th year as board president. Some times, as we said a while ago about the audit, it’s good to have change. But I will say, it has been an awesome ride. I thank y’all for allowing me to be here,” Hudson said.
Initially, Hudson had only planned to serve on term on the board, but Jan Bivins decided he needed to remain on the board, instructing him to run for another term. Upon reelected to the school board, Hudson was appointed as an officer. He has continued to be reelected to the board each term since as a means to give back to the youth of the community.
“Giving back to youth of the community and that’s what we want to do. We talked about we all have a shelf life. It’s important that we encourage, that we grow our students and get them ready for the next level. So, we hope some of these other students right here, will be right here with us,” Hudson said of the current CISD students.
He pledged as a board member to continue work “to make sure we’re prepared and doing our tax payers due diligence,” especially the school bond funds that will furnish needed campus improvements, renovations as well as a new high school and ag building.
“We’ve gotten a lot of things accomplished. It’s very special, probably one of the biggest things was on Saturday (May 1), passed the second school bond in school history. If you don’t get excited on that, I don’t know what to tell you. We’re very excited moving forward and talking about the possibility of breaking dirt in maybe 45 days,” Hudson said.
SH 11 West Stop Results In Man’s Arrest On A Denton County Warrant
A State Highway 11 west stop resulted in a Sulphur Springs man’s arrest Friday night on a Denton County warrant, while a Dike woman was jailed Friday afternoon on a probation warrant, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Baumann reported a computer check of a Toyota Corolla’s license plate showed the car to be registered to Sean Paul Arrington, a man who wanted by Denton County authorities. Baumann conducted an investigative stop on the car on State Highway 11 west at County Road 4710 May 7. Upon contact with the occupants, Arrington was confirmed to be in the car. Baumann took the 26-year-old Sulphur Springs man into custody and transported him to jail on the Denton County warrant.
Arrington remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, May 10, 2021, on the Denton County warrant for failure to appear on a sexual coercion charge.
Kalen Reigh Halbert was taken into custody at Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center just after 3 p.m. May 7 by Corrections Officer Courtny Steward on a warrant. The 27-year-old Dike, Tx woman was booked into Hopkins County jail for violation of probation, which she was on for an April 3, 2019 possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. She remained in Hopkins County jail on the warrant Monday, May 10, 2021; the violation is alleged to have occurred on Nov. 6, 2020.
Commissioners Approve Plat Requests For 2 Housing Additions in Hopkins County
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved plat requests for two housing additions in Hopkins County during the regular court meeting Monday, May 10, 2021.
Beckham Addition
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price said as far as he could tell the final plat submitted by the developer for Beckham Addition meets county requirements. Fire Marshal Andy Endsley also reviewed the request and approved it as meeting fire codes, according to Price.
Beckham Addition, a 13.05 acre lot is part of the remained of a 46-acre tract located along County Road 4760, about half a mile west of State Highway 19 in Beckham Community in Precinct 4. The development divides the lot into 10 lots, numbered 1-10, all except one of which are 1 acre each. Lot 6 is 2.8 acres. The property is owned by Joe and Patricia Jennings, according to the final plat submitted to the Commissioners Court for approval this morning.
Price made a motion, which was seconded by Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, to approve the final plat for Beckham Addition. The motion received unanimous approval of the court.
Anna Lake Estates
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley reported as far he knows the the preliminary plat submitted for Anna Lake Estates, the second housing addition, does comply with county regulations.
The 19.61-acre property fronts the roadway on three sides, north of FM 900 on one side, County Road CR 3541 on two sides as well. Anna Lake Estates and is about 1 1/2 mile north of US Highway 67. The property has eight lots to be developed. Lots range from 1.6 acres to 3.19 acres. The property belongs to Leon and Anna Carpenter, and Shannon Carpenter,
Barker made the motion, seconded by Barker, to approve the preliminary plat of Anna Lake Estates. That motion also received unanimous approval of the court.
Lady Cat Mariam Tran Fires First Round 2-Over Par 74 on Day 1 at State Golf Tourney Monday
Lady Cat senior golfer Mariam Tran played a solid round of golf on the first day of the two-day State Class 5A Golf Tournament Monday (May 10) at White Wing Golf Club in Georgetown.
At last report, with a majority of girls still playing, Tran’s 2-over par 74 was good enough for a 16th place tie.
Tran is 6 strokes behind the leader at last report.
Tran, who teed off at 8 a.m. Monday, is paired with the early leader in the clubhouse, Mason Lewis of Granbury, who shot 68, 4 under par, and with Mattingly Palmer of Georgetown, who shot an even par round of 72 and is tied for 9th place, at last report.
There are 71 players in the field.
Round two will take place Tuesday at White Wing.
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.
Night Classes Certified at PJC-Sulphur Springs
The night welding class students at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Welding Shop completed and passed their certification projects, according to nigh instructor Johnny Glasco, left.
Students, from left, include Najera Eliud, David Palacios, Eleazar Brena, Landry Darling, Bobby Land, and Trayton Powell.
For information about enrollment and scholarship opportunities at the PJC Center, call 903-885-1232.
To apply to PJC, go to www.parisjc.edu/apply or email [email protected].
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.
Sulphur Springs Man In Jail On Three Aggravated Assault Warrants
A 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, May 10, 2021, on three aggravated assault warrants.
While assisting Sulphur Springs Police Department Sunday with an investigation, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Aaron Chaney contacted Dallas Diamond Chandler Holt on Texas Street at Lee Street. A records check showed the 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man to be wanted on the three aggravated assault warrants. Chaney took Holt into custody at 12:21 a.m. May 10, 2021. He remained in jail at lunch time Monday; his bonds totaled $150,000: $50,000 on per felony assault charge, according to jail reports.
The offenses, Chaney noted on arrest reports, are alleged to have occurred in Hopkins County on or about Nov. 20, 2020.
Quick Response To Early Morning Blaze At Atwoods Limits Damage
Quick response on the part of local firefighters to an early morning blaze at Atwoods limited damage to the building, according to fire reports.
Sulphur Springs Fire Chief David James said the fire was reported at 4 a.m. Monday at the ranch and home store. When firefighters arrived fire was observed inside the building. Sulphur Springs Fire Department and Hopkins County Fire Department, working together, made a “real quick stop” on the fire, resulting in minimal fire damage to one small area, but the structure did sustain smoke damage.
SSFD Assistant Fire Marshals were slated to return to the business later Monday to continue investigating and attempting to reach a determination as to the cause of the early morning blaze at Atwoods, according to the fire chief. The store remained closed Monday and was expected to remain closed pending conclusion of the investigation and cleanup inside the building.
