Enjoy Cooper Lake State Park and Meet The New Park Ranger!
Cooper Lake State Park -Doctors Creek Hires New Park Ranger
Cooper, TX – “It’s the Park Rangers that make our Texas State Parks the very best,” says Cooper Lake State Park Complex Superintendent, Steve Killian. “Hiring qualified employees is probably my most difficult, most important, and yet most rewarding job that I undertake. We have an amazing team of park rangers at Cooper Lake State Park
serving over 112,000 visitors annually and that number continues to grow rapidly. Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek has just filled a maintenance park ranger position after a long and competitive process. Marissa Powers was selected as our newest ranger! Marissa and her family live in Klondike, TX. She moved from Oklahoma to Greenville, Texas eight years ago after accepting a job with the Texas A&M Forest Service as a wildland firefighter. She was married to her Doug husband in 2018 and moved to Klondike, where they started a family soon afterwards. They welcomed their son Hunter to the world in 2019 and have enjoyed raising him in Delta County country ever since. “I love this community and look forward to many years serving Cooper Lake State Park,” said Ranger Powers.
Come enjoy our park that Ranger Powers and the rest of the staff have prepared for you and your family and friends. Are you ready to go camping? Relaxing around a campfire at the park in the evening is unbeatable! The flickering light and warmth of a campfire will lift your spirits and reconnect your soul to feelings shared by past generations. There is no better place to share a story or eat a meal than Cooper Lake State Park!
Are you ready to come out to the park for the day? Why not fish from the bank, off our pier, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctors Creek floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish are
being caught at both park units. May and June are great times to fish at Cooper Lake! Fishing licenses are not required if you are fishing from the bank or fishing pier at Cooper Lake State Park. Other very popular activities are hiking our trails, playing on our playground, swimming, and so much more! Texas State Parks are the best places
to relax, recreate, and recharge your soul!
Cooper Lake State Park is very economical with entrance fees of $5 for adults with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Senior Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle (15 persons) can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual
Pass for $70 which is good for over 12 months. For more information, please visit and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100).
Hatley, Miranda Ranked Top Students at North Hopkins HS
At the top of the Class of 2021 at North Hopkins High School are Jessica Hatley, valedictorian, and Saul Miranda, salutatorian.
Jessica Hatley has been a student at North Hopkins ISD for 11 of her school years. Her parents are Jon and Tiar Hatley.
As a student at North Hopkins, she participated in National Beta Club and was a state and regional qualifier in CX Debate, Number Sense and Literary Criticism. She earned first place in the Voice Of Democracy Contest for public speaking. She also served as Secretary and Vice-President of her FFA Chapter.
With a 4.0 GPA, she graduates with distinction as Valedictorian of her class.
While attending high school, Jessica earned 60 credit hours at Paris Junior College and currently is in the application process for an Associates Degree. Her career interest is in the various fields of the computer industry. In the fall, she plans to attend Brigham Young University to major in Computer Sciences.
Salutatorian Saul Miranda has been a student at North Hopkins ISD since he entered school. He graduates at the top of his class with a 3.92 GPA. Saul is the son of Alfonso and Janet Miranda.
Saul is a 3-year member of National Beta Club and participated in UIL in Number Sense.
While in high school, Saul earned dual credits in English. He plans to attend Texas A & M University-Commerce, pursue a major in Art and seek a career in animation or game design.
The top students along with the rest of the senior class will be honored with a graduation ceremony at 3 p.m. Saturday May 29, 2021 in the North Hopkins Panthers High School Gym. Guests may attend to see the students receive their diplomas. Attendees are asked to wear masks.
Como-Pickton Seniors Receive Over $210,000 In Scholarships
More than $210,000 in scholarships were announced this week for Como-Pickton seniors during the annual Senior Night program at the school. Como-Pickton High School Class of 2021 graduate candidates also were recognized for academic achievements as well.
The 10 students recognized for having the top cumulative averages were:
- Kaitlyn Morgan, valedictorian, 6.373 grade point average
- Lexi Busby, salutatorian, 6.144 GPA
- Delane Baxley, 6.121 GPA
- Jackson Monk, 6.096 GPA
- Madison Garner, 6.068 GPA
- Summer Gilbreath, 6.057 GPA
- Chloe Romero, 5.924 GPA
- Josue Pulgarin, 5.904 GPA
- Kade Kaslon, 5.884 GPA
- Cindy Munoz, 5.847 GPA
Michael Bowen presented Valedictorian Kaitlyn Morgan and Chloe Romero were awarded $1,000 Como-Pickton FFA Scholarships. He also awarded Morgan a special scholarship, given in honor of his friend and coworker, who taught and coached at CP, the late Lonnie Niblett. In addition to the $500 Lonnie Niblett Memorial Scholarship, Bowen presented Morgan with a $1,000 Texas FFA Foundation scholarship.
Kaitlyn Morgan, Chloe Romero, salutatorian Lexi Busby, Summer Gilbreath, Jackson Monk, Braden Miller, Shakela Sims and Jessie Satterfield each received $500 Como-Pickton Athletic Booster Club scholarships.
Michael Bowen also presented Kevin Dias, Mario Lara and Pablo Villa with $500 financial awards to attend Tulsa Welding School. The students participated in a welding contest in Houston which featured approximately 260 students. Diaz finished in the top 20.
Kourtney Davis, admissions counselor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, announced a total of $96,000 in scholarships awarded by the university to CPHS Class of 2021 seniors. The awards are based on academic merit, which means they are awarded solely on each students’ GPA and class rank, and are renewable for up to four years at TAMUC. Receiving $4,000 Tier 2 Blue and Gold Scholarships from A&M-Commerce were Maliyah Diaz and Shakela Sims. TAMUC Blue and Gold Tier 1 Scholarships totaling $8,000 went to Cindy Munoz, Chloe Romero and Josue Pulgarin. Receiving $16,000 Presidential Scholarships to attend TAMUC were Lexi Busby, Kaitlyn Morgan, Delane Baxley and Jackson Monk.
Kaitlyn Morgan too was was awarded a $500 City of Como Scholarship by Austin Baxley, a $1,000 Sulphur Springs Lions Club Scholarship, as well as a $500 Sanitation Solutions Scholarship. Judy Jones presented her with one of five Sulphur Springs Rotary Club Scholarships awarded in the amount of $2,000 for leadership.
Lexi Busby received a $500 scholarship from First Baptist Church of Winnsboro presented by David Henry, to a senior of high integrity, leadership, character in and out of class. Trevor Wallace presented Lexi Busby with a $1,000 Letterman Leadership scholarship. The award is given to an athlete who is Academic All State, nominated by coaches, with the recipient selected through a community vote.
The class salutatorian was also presented with a Storm Sports Scholarship and her coach pitch helmet from the team; the award presented in the amount of $1,000, renewable for up to four years, is awarded to a student who follows 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” example in her speech, life, faith and purity which they said she has done on the court, field, class and life on the court and field.
Lexi Busby also awarded a $1,500 Wood County Junior Livestock Show Scholarship and offered a $16,000 Merit Scholarship to attend West Texas A&M.
Robin Shrode, executive director for the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, announced Delane Baxley and Jackie Gomez as the recipients of $32,000 Bright Star Scholarships, payable in amounts of $4,000 per semester for up to eight semesters. The foundation awards 10 scholarships annually. This year, the committee received 70 scholarship applications. Although the decision was tough, they were able to identify 10 who best fit the criteria. Baxley and Gomez were among this year’s recipients as were two students at Sulphur Bluff, one from Miller Grove and five from Sulphur Springs high schools.
Chloe Romero received a $2,000 City National Bank Scholarship at the May 24 CPHS Senior Night Celebration. Michael Bowen awarded her with a $1,250 NETLA Scholarship for her participation in the annual Junior Market Livestock Show for a number of years.
Superintendent Greg Bower presented three graduate candidates with a $1,000 Como-Pickton Administrators Scholarship. After he began working at CPCISD and noting the scholarships awarded to students, he vowed to work with administrators to raise enough money to give scholarships for well deserving kids to apply toward college or higher learning. Recipients of the 2021 Administrators Scholarship were Cindy Munoz, Nathan Menser and Leslie Hernandez..
Shakela Sims received a $16,000 Hardin Simmons Presidential Scholarship and a $2,000 Grocery Supply Company Scholarship.
Summer Gilbreath and Leslie Hernandez were awarded $2,850 Finis and Onree Attlesey and Garland and Sweet Gamblin Scholarships. Gilbreath also received a $1,500 Dixie Softball Scholarship.
Wendall Hildebrandt presented to Pablo Villa a $2,000 scholarship from The Hawks Gun Club of East Texas and the Friends of the Hawks, an organization consisting of about 60 members from the Winnsboro area who in addition to their shared interest in firearms also volunteer their time to help others. The award is given to someone who also gives back to the community.
Oscar Strain presented Madison Garner with a $2,000 Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship.
Mario Lara was awarded a $500 Andrews Real Estate Team Scholarship, presented by Steven Andrews.
A Northeast Texas Community College Counselor and Principal’s Scholarship in the amount of $200 was awarded to Josue Pulgarin.
In addition to scholarships, Como-Pickton seniors who made A and AB Honor Rolls, Honor Graduates, the Top 10, valedictorian and salutatorian, and received Red Cord honors by donating blood at least twice, were recognized for their achievements during the May 24 Senior Night as well.
The seniors’ commencement service has moved indoors due to predictions of storms on Friday. Graduation will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 28, in the secondary cafeteria. Seating will be open. No tickets are necessary.
Senator Bob Hall To Host Town Hall Meetings Across District 2 Starting Next Week
Texas Senator Bob Hall will begin holding a series of public town hall meetings throughout Senate District 2 next week to give an 87th Legislative Session recap.
“We will discuss the state of important legislative activities in Texas. We will cover items that are headed to the Governors desk, as well as, policies that did not make it to the Governors desk. These topics will range from transportation, implementing meaningful border security, education, winter storm, securing the Texas Electric Grid, and other legislative topics. Questions from those attending are encouraged,” Hall stated in an email about the upcoming town hall tour
The time and locations of the upcoming scheduled town halls are included below:
- Thursday, June 3rd
- Rockwall, Rockwall County at 6-8 p.m. at The Center, 108 E. Washington St., Rockwall
- Saturday, June 5th
- Canton, Van Zandt County, 9-11 a.m., Big Rock Church of Christ, 805 Big Rock St., Canton75103
- Emory, Rains County 1:30-3:30p.m. SideKicks Bar & Grill, 909 E Lennon Dr., Emory
- Monday, June 7
- Kaufman, Kaufman County 6-8 p.m., Kaufman Civic Center, 607 E. Fair St., Kaufman, TX 75142
- Thursday, June 10
- Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County, 6-8 p.m., Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St., Sulphur Springs
- Saturday, June 12
- Greenville, Hunt County, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Texan, 2712 Lee St., Greenville, TX 7540
- Cooper, Delta County 2-4 p.m., Delta County Community Center, 221 East Bonham Ave., Cooper TX 75432
- Tuesday, June 15th:
- Bonham, Fannin County 6-8:00 p.m., Bonham City Hall, 514 Chestnut St., Bonham, TX 75418
Saturday, June 19
Garland, Dallas County 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., South Garland Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd., Garland
Sellers To Offer History By Foot Again This Saturday
Local historian John Sellers will offer History by Foot on Saturday, May 29. This will be a repeat of the walking tour of Connally Street offered last weekend, May 22.
This month marked his 19th annul History By Foot Walking Tour, a series he started back in 2011 and which is supported in part through the Downtown Business Alliance.
The tour will take in Connally Street, just west of downtown, in this stroll along the improved sidewalks. You’ll learn about new construction and renovations going on there, as well as the old Stockade, the hotels, some of the sulphur springs, a hospital, a school and the two Connally family homes built there.
If you’d like to take the tour, reserve your space by emailing John at [email protected], or phone the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Research Library at 903-885-8523. The cost is $10 person and the tour is typically limited to 30 persons. Tour patrons are asked to gather at the Sulphur Springs Municipal Building (City Hall), 201 North Davis St., prior to 10 a.m. Saturday.
Watch Sellers’ recent interview with Enola Gay on the Morning Show on KSST’s Youtube Channel.
TAMUC Professor To Be Featured On News Program Thursday Night, May 27
Research conducted by Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, local pastor and Professor of Psychology at Texas A&M Commerce, will be featured in a Fox News program at 9 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021.
The feature story is on the Black Lives Matter Movement and was submitted to Fox by Shaun Rabb, reporter for Channel 4 TV. The televised presentation is based on research and writings published by Hendricks and colleagues from the TAMUC faculty. The program will provide a further opportunity for the Dallas- Ft Worth viewing audience to follow work done by various University department heads on the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Catch the program on Fox News at 9 p.m. Thursday May 27, 2021. Dr. Hendricks of Commerce, Texas, also serves as Pastor of East Caney Missionary Baptist Church in Hopkins County and is founder of the annual Martin Luther King Awards (pictured below).
Tira News: Two Daily Meals Free, Monday-Thursday, for Those 18 and Under at North Hopkins School Cafeteria During June
By Jan Vaughn
The regular quarterly Tira City Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.
We recently received some generous donations for the Tira Food Pantry.
We always appreciate the contributions and want to express our thanks to the donors.
Tammy Muse commented that all the rain is washing away her garden.
Also, she reported on Sunday that Clifford Belz had a birthday. “Happy belated birthday, Clifford!”
Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley Weir went to Grand Prairie to Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Yvonne reported, “Wes loved the mirror maze. We spent the night and then went to Grapevine Mills, where Wes bowled and played games. On the way home Dustin took us out for a late lunch at Amelia’s. Everly entertained us with her dancing.”
Free breakfast and lunch will be served to anyone 18 years of age or younger at the North Hopkins School Cafeteria on Monday through Thursday during the month of June.
For more information, please see the school website – www.northhopkins.net
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community.
If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected]
As School Athletic Periods End, Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens Looks Forward to The Edge
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens speculated that had the Wildcats done spring football this year, they would probably have had a Spring Game this past Monday evening (May 24).
Coach Owens decided to forego formal spring football this year and to concentrate on football fundamentals during daily school day athletic periods that ended Wednesday.
Skipping spring football means the Wildcats will get an extra week of practice in August, beginning August 2, and they will be able to have two scrimmages in August instead of one.
Coach Owens said he is happy with what players were able to do in the athletic periods. He is looking forward to continuing the process during The Edge, which starts June 7.
Coach Owens said the UIL will continue to allow one hour daily at The Edge to be used for sports specific skills training. He said The Edge would also continue to feature conditioning, speed work and weight training.
He said The Edge would take place Mondays through Thursdays through July 15. Coach Owens said The Edge for incoming 10th through 12th graders will happen from 8-10 A.M. with The Edge for incoming 7th through 9th graders from 10 a.m. until noon.
He said his coaching staff was giddy and ready to get the summer work going.
Coach Owens said the goal is to have fundamentals be second nature to the players by the start on football practice on August 2.
He said then players could concentrate on the big picture. They will also begin work in pads in August. Coach Owens said hopefully after two scrimmages, the Wildcats would be ready to jump into the regular season.
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.
Weapon Found Near Wanted Felon Results In Additional Charge, 4 Others Also Jailed On Warrants
A weapon found near a wanted felon resulted in an additional charge for the Commerce man. Scurry, Bogota and Greenville men were arrested in other counties on Hopkins County warrants, and an Arkansas man turned himself in at the county jail on a local warrant.
Park Street Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies, after being made aware of two felony warrants for Tylon Ladarryl Greer’s arrest, checked out information regarding a possible location for the 34-year-old Commerce man. They located Greer at 12:05 a.m. May 25, in a bed at the East Park Street residence, and took him into custody on a Collin County warrant for assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation and a Hunt County warrant for possession of more than 1 ounces but less than 4 ounces of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, Deputies Zack Horne, Drew Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward noted in arrest reports.
While at the location, the deputies noticed a pistol laying on the floor directly beside where Greer had been. The weapon was secured. A records check by dispatchers confirmed Greer to be a convicted felon, thus he was also charge with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Greer, who is also known by Tylon Ladrawl Greer, remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, May 25, 2021. He was held on the warrants. Bond on the firearm charge was set at $10,000.
Surrender At the Jail
A 19-year-old Jacksonville, Arkansas man arrived at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021 and surrendered himself on an outstanding charge.
Deputy Elijah Fite was contacted; he escorted Steven Remone Parks Jr. into the county jail, where the Arkasas man was booked for bond forfeiture on a credit or debit card abuse charge.
Parks remained in Hopkins County jail late Wednesday morning, May 26, 2021, on the charge. His new bond was set at $10,000 on the charge, twice the original bond set following his arrest on Sept. 24, 2020, on the credit or debit card abuse charge.
Transfers From Other Cities
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Amanda Weatherford transported the following individuals to Hopkins County jail on local warrants:
(HCSO jail photo)
Kristofferson Alexa McKinney, 49, of Scurry at 1:39 p.m. May 24, 2021, from McClennan County jail, where he was held for bond forfeiture on a May 29, 2020 theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions charge.
He remained in Hopkins County jail in lieu of the new $50,000 bond set on the felony charge. He was most recently jailed in Hopkins County on Nov. 10, 2020 for surety off bond on the theft charge, and released from jail two days later on a $25,000 bond.
(HCSO jail photo)
Michael John Morgan, 26, of Greenville at 8:47 a.m. May 24, 2021, from Delta County for violation of probation, which he was on for February 2018 possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, May 26, 2021, on the charge.
Monday was the third time he’s been arrested for violating probation. He was also in custody at Hopkins County jail May 21-June 12, 2019, and Dec. 3, 2020 – Jan. 14, 2021 for violating probation set on the controlled substance charge.
(HCSO jail photo)
David McCoy Chumbley, 63, of Bogota at 5 p.m. May 25, 2021, from Red River County jail for bond forfeiture on a burglary of a habitation charge.
He was held in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, May 26, 2021.
Chumbley was jailed on the original burglary charge on Aug. 21, 2020. He was released from jail later that same day on a $25,000 bond.
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.
