Cool Off, Relax and Recharge at Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, TX— Cool off, Relax, Recreate, and Recharge at Cooper Lake State Park during August, which is our hottest month of the year! We all know we need time away from all the rigors of life (especially now!) and Cooper Lake State Park is that happy place! The lake is full and our newly improved sandy swimming beach at the South Sulphur Unit is waiting on you. Our sand volleyball courts are prepared, playgrounds are open, and our trails are beckoning for you to partake. Experience the darkest skies so close to Dallas which is an unexpected treat providing spectacular views of the Milky Way!
During these unprecedented times of COVID-19, your Texas State Parks are here for you. Just please remember to social distance, no groups larger than 10 persons (outside your household) and wear your masks when in our facilities or near other visitors. Please make your camping and day-use reservations online well before you plan to visit to guarantee your admission. We are currently limited to 75% capacity due to COVID-19 and we regularly book up on weekends.
The pandemic has eliminated our in-person educational programs temporarily, but we have several fun and educational alternatives. Like our Facebook page for specific details and rules. Prizes will be awarded to those who complete these challenges and adventures! They include:
- Self-Guided Photo Scavenger Hunt
- Hiking Challenge
- iNaturalist Adventure
- Sandcastle Contest
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest (Statewide Contest)
Park entrance fees are $5 for adults; kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70, which is good for over 12 months. Buy your pass and let your Texas adventure begin!
For more information, please visit and like our Facebook pages or give us a call (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100).
Hopkins County 4-H Members Excel In Spite Of COVID-19
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent
Although our summer 4-H camps have been cancelled, Hopkins County 4-H members have found other outlets in which to direct their attention. 4-H Record-keeping is a valuable skill which can be used later in life – college admission, job applications, and organization.
Recently, three Hopkins County 4-H members qualified for District 4-H Record Book judging. The record book has several sections: 4-H Story and Photo portfolio, 4-H Project Experiences summary for main projects, 4-H Leadership Experiences, 4-H Community Service, other 4-H Projects, 4-H Recognition and Awards, Non 4-H Activities (school, church, etc.), and College/Career Exploration. Through the process, members learn to keep a calendar of activities and expenses/income, if any, from projects. Below are the results from the recent District Record Book judging:
- Senior Division (grades 9-12): Jorja Bessonett, Health & Personal Safety – 4th place
- Intermediate Division (grades 6-8): Rylie Carroll, Consumer Education – 1st place
- Intermediate Division (grades 6-8): Ethan George, Health & Personal Safety – 1st place
Geoffrey Stewart, son of Stephanie Stewart, will also be recognized as recipient of the Janie Crump Memorial 4-H Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to qualified 4-H applicants who have excelled in 4-H. Geoffrey was very active in the 4-H Shooting Sports project (archery), and served on the County 4-H Council as an officer. He was also active in Multi-county 4-H Camp as a teen leader and exhibited his expertise in archery at Heritage Park during special events.
In addition, two of our 4-H members will receive the Danforth “I Dare You” Award. This Leadership Award is not a contest, but rather recognition of young people who have demonstrated unusual integrity, balanced personal development, and a willingness to assume responsibility. The “I Dare You” award was first offered in 1941 by business and philanthropist, William H. Danforth, who dared young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service. The 2020 recipients of the “I Dare You” award are Jorja Bessonett, daughter of Bill and Cherrie Bessonett, and Savannah Allen, daughter of Sara Allen.
Both of these families come from a long line of 4-H involvement. Actually, Cherrie and Sara grew up with Hopkins County 4-H, and now the legacy is being carried by their children.
Congratulations to these 4-H members on a job well done!
2020 Skills Camp Underway
The 2020 Skills Camp for youth did not take place in the usual format, but it is going strong! The maximum number of participants was reached and projects kits were assembled by the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers. There are five project kits focusing on STEM, Upcycling, Fun with Money, Woodworking, and Leatherwork. All materials needed for each project were provided and packed for participants to pick up.
Also included were daily life skills challenges and Super Summer Salad Recipes. For evaluation purposes, participants were given a survey to determine knowledge gained and intent to adopt practices. A special incentive will be given to those who complete and return the survey. Thanks go to Master Wellness Volunteers Patsy Neal and Wendy Johnson for assisting in preparing the kits! As a reminder, if you have a student who signed up and did not yet pick up the project materials, please try to do so by Friday, July 24.
Closing Thought
The heaviest work load you can carry is a bundle of bad habits. – William James
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, by mail at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; by phone at 903-885-3443; or by email at [email protected].
Hopkins County EMS Receives Achievement Award
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs, Texas, July 21, 2020 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Awards
The American Heart Association proudly recognizes Hopkins County EMS with the Mission Lifeline EMS – Gold Plus Achievement Award – another excellent accomplishment by Hopkins County EMS and quality teamwork with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, Emergency Room, and the Cath Lab team. The AHA recognizes our EMS Agency for
demonstrating continued success in using the Mission Lifeline program, which applies the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes in a community. This marks 6 years in a row that they have earned this prestigious award.
Hospital Visitation
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
- 1 Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- 1 Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
COVID-19 Testing
Experiencing Symptoms?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, chills, muscle pain or headache, or diarrhea, please call your provider for either a face-to-face appointment or a telemedicine consultation. If your provider determines you need to have a COVID-19 test, they will send you to the appropriate outpatient location for testing.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please present to the Emergency Room. At this time, we are preserving our Emergency Room COVID-19 tests for those who are experiencing an emergency. Otherwise, we would ask that you follow the steps above.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic welcomes new patients. Please call 903.885.3181 to talk to one of our associates about setting up an appointment.
3-D Mammography: Now Scheduling
We are excited to announce the soft opening of our Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Using our new Hologic Genius 3D Mammography with biopsy equipment purchased with funds raised by the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, we are now performing 3-D mammograms right here in Sulphur Springs.
There are plans to host a grand opening of the new addition very soon. For more information, call 903.439.4325.
Don’t Delay Care
We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill.
While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org or www.cdc.gov.
2 Zoning Ordinance Amendments Proposed
Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission heard two proposals July 20 from city staff to amend zoning ordinances, and is recommending both to the City Council. One proposed amendment defines cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup and establishes zones in which salons would be allowed to provide those services without a special use permit while the other defines accessory dwelling unit, as well as eligibility, criteria and zoning in which they would be allowed.
Cosmetic Tattoo/Permanent Makeup
Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski explained that the P&Z Commission has received several requests for special use permits from salons and beauty shops to perform cosmetic tattoos or permanent makeup services including microblading.
At least 2 special permits requested for these services have been approved since in the last few months, one for a Hillcrest Drive business and one for a Main Street business.
The city’s zoning ordinance doesn’t specifically identity these uses, which have been classified as a special use under Article 20, and are treated as tattoo and body piercing parlors.
After many discussions over the last few months, city staff proposed defining “permanent makeup and cosmetic tattoos,” then allowing these services as a “use by right” in commercial zoning districts or in multi-family zoning, if performed as an ancillary use within a beauty shop or salon.
As proposed, a cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup would be defined as “a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyeliner and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, and to disguise scars and blemishes to the skill to provide a more natural appearance.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposal, which is being sent to the City Council for consideration as a zoning ordinance amendment during a future meeting. The City Council will have final approval on the ordinance amendment.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units too have been discussed at various city meetings in recent months as a means of “promoting infill development to help pay for infrastructure costs.”
Essentially, an ADU is a smaller, secondary home on the same lot as a primary dwelling, often referred to as granny flats, garage apartments or in-laws’ houses.
The goal in allow ADUs is four-fold:
- Increase the number of housing units while respecting the style and scale of single-dwelling development.
- Bolster the efficient use of existing housing stock and infrastructure.
- Provide housing that is affordable and respond to the needs of smaller, changing households.
- Serve as accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities.
City staff recommended amending another zoning ordinance to allow for one of these structures on a residentially zoned, single-family lot. One of the two structures would need to be owner occupied, as there will be a deed restriction on the property, with approval from the city.
As proposed ADU’s would be treated as a separate single-family home from a utility billing standpoint. If approved as presented any habitable already existing accessory dwelling unit would be grandfathered in as a “non-conforming use that does not conform” to ADU standards. Mobile homes or manufactured homes would conform to the recommended ADU standards. Portable buildings most likely would not meet the design criteria as proposed for ADUs.
Additional parking would be required if parking for the ADU displaces existing parking for the primary dwelling, and must be on an improved or paved surface, not on the grass.
The proposed zoning amendment also provides design specifics such as size, height, entrances and stairs, and yard and building setbacks for ADUs.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, during the July 20, 2020 Zoom meeting, accepted the proposed policy as presented. City staff anticipate presenting the proposed ADU and cosmetic tattoo/permanent makeup zoning ordinance changes to the City Council at their August meeting.
6 New Hopkins County COVID-19 Cases Reported July 21
Six new positive COVID-19 cases were reported for Hopkins County Tuesday afternoon, July 21, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management officials.
That brings the overall cumulative total from March-July 21 for Hopkins County to 130 cases. Of those, 72 Hopkins County residents have recovered from COVID-19, leaving 58 active cases overall.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom also reported that there were 3 patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital –Sulphur Springs. However, only one of the patients is a Hopkins County resident.
Wildcats Football, Lady Cats Volleyball Starts Delayed Until Sept. 7
By Don Julian
Things were buzzing at the SSHS Multipurpose Building Tuesday morning as word filtered in that the UIL had made a decision concerning the beginning of football in the fall. Wildcats Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Greg Owens announced that the UIL was delaying the start of football and volleyball practice until Labor Day, Sept. 7. The Wildcats Marching Band can also get started on Sept. 7.
The delay just affects schools in Class 5A and 6A. Schools in lower classifications will still be able to get under way on August 3.
The first Lady Cats’ volleyball game can be played on Sept. 14 and the first Wildcats football game on Sept. 24. Coach Owens said Wildcats Team Tennis and Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross Country could begin practice on Aug. 3.
He said he believed the Wildcats would be able to continue some conditioning and skill work in August. If school begins on time on Aug. 18 in SSISD, athletes are expected to be available during daily athletic periods.
The UIL announcement caused Coach Owens to make lots of calls to football coaches to reschedule games.
Because of the UIL decision, the Wildcats lose two football scrimmages, to Class 4A Liberty-Eylau and Pleasant Grove, and a scheduled regular season game to Class 4A Kaufman. The decision also means possible Wildcats scrimmages go from two to just one. It remains to be seen if Coach Owens will find a partner for a possible scrimmage around Sept. 17 or 18.
The Wildcats first regular season game is now expected to be on Sept. 24 or 25 against Frisco Wakeland in Frisco. Coach Owens said he has scheduled Hallsville to replace Kaufman in the schedule. Barring other circumstances during a pandemic, the Wildcats will be able to get all 10 of their scheduled games in.
The State Volleyball champs will be determined around Dec. 11-12. Football state champs will be crowned sometime in January.
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.
UIL Delays Football and Volleyball for 5A & 6A Teams
The UIL has postponed the start of the high school fall sports season for Class 6A and 5A football and volleyball teams, an unprecedented decision as Texas remains a hotspot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although numbers remain low in Hopkins County compared to other counties, all of our district opponents seem to have higher numbers in their corresponding counties. Sulphur Springs ISD will be able to start football and volleyball practices on September 7th, and games should resume for volleyball on September 14th, and football on September 24th.
This will delay the ends of the season as well, with football playoffs being pushed into January of 2021, and the volleyball state tournament being held December 11 & 12, instead of normally before Thanksgiving. These decisions are subject to change yet again, pending daily review by state and UIL officials.
At this time, it appears that districts sized 4A and under have no delays in their fall sports.
Brashear Man Jailed For Second Time In 3 Months
A 42-year-old Brashear, TX man was jailed July 21, 2020. This was the second time in 3 months he has been booked into Hopkins County jail.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Sgt. Shea Shaw took Todd Phillip Jefferson into custody at 10 a.m. July 20, 2020 at the adult probation office on a warrant for violation of probation. The alleged violation occurred on July 16. Jefferson was on probation for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
He had previously spent April 14-May 19 in the county jail for violation of probation. He was taken into custody in Hunt County and was transferred April 14 to Hopkins County jail, according to arrest and 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.
Teens Shot On Fuller Street June 14 Expected To Make Full Recovery
Suspect In Custody On Aggravated Assault Warrants
The two teens shot on Fuller Street June 14, 2020 are expected to make a full recovery. A 25-year-old Pittsburg man is in custody on charges stemming from the shootings, according to Sulphur Springs Police Detective Sgt. Jason Reneau.
About 1 hour after the end of the Dairy Festival Carnival, a 15-year-old male and an 18-year-old female were reportedly walking among a group of at least 7 individuals. As the group turned onto Fuller Street around 1 a.m. June 14, a man allegedly jumped out of the bushes and “opened fire on the group.” Two teens reportedly sustained gunshot wounds. They were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries which police said the day after the incident appear non life-threatening.
Both were reported to be doing fine July 21 in their recovery and are expected to make a full recovery, according to Reneau.
Late Sunday morning, June 14, police put out a request for the public’s help in identifying and locating the man alleged to have shot the teens.
Through investigation, Reneau reported, 25-year-old Lamont Lankeen Mitchell was identified as the suspect. Two warrants were issued for Mitchell’s arrest. Officers’ attempts to locate Mitchell were unsuccessful until last week.
Around 11:45 a.m. July 15, Sulphur Springs Police Lt. Pat Leber responded at Walmart in reference to an assault complaint. Upon arrival, Leber contacted the alleged suspect, identified in arrest reports as 25-year-old Lamont Lankeen Mitchell of Pittsburg, TX. A records check showed two aggravated assault warrants for Mitchell’s arrest. Police confirmed the warrants are for the June 14 shooting.
Mitchell was arrested July 15 on the felony warrants. Mitchell remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, July 21. Bond on each of the second-degree felony aggravated assault charges was set at $100,000.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Quilts Are An Expression of Love for Former Teacher
Laura Teer grew up in the country and of course like most moms, her mother sewed. But it was once Laura got into Homemaking classes in school that she really learned to love the creative value of sewing. In fact, what she learned in Homemaking, or ‘Home Ec’ influenced her life permanently in more than one way. Today, this retired teacher knows that it’s the daily stitches of love we show that create a strong patchwork of family atmosphere where children and grandchildren can happily thrive.
I knew that Laura was a member of the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild, which for more than 20 years has brought members together for fellowship and charitable works as well as an outlet for tourism for Sulphur Springs. But what I didn’t know was the depth of Laura’s talent as well as commitment to the art of quilting. The day we first chatted by phone this summer, she was keeping her young grandchildren, another of her major interests! But she took time to fill me in on her interests and background which led to her quilting hobby.
Laura reminisced, “my mother and grandmother sewed always. I remember my grandmother, Virgie Sartin sitting down with a newspaper and cutting out a doll dress pattern that she completely made up and then stitched it up for baby dolls and Barbies. I have a couple of the quilts that she and other family members passed down to me. My mother, Mary Attlesey tried to teach me to sew but I really got my sewing instruction in my high school homemaking classes. That led me to become a Home Economics teacher at SSHS for 33 years. Occasionally I would be allowed to quilt with the Reilly Springs quilters- a lovely group of ladies who hand quilted for people. I would always tease them that they would rip my stitches out after I left! The quilting was actually done at the home of Ann Minyard, in a small room where the quilting frames were suspended in the ceiling in the old-fashioned way. We’d put chairs around the edges of the room and when the frame was let down, whatever project that was currently in the frame would be at lap height. So we would sew and talk up a storm! My mother, aunt and cousin were a part of that group. Today, my favorite part is piecing quilt tops and making quilts for my grandchildren”.
Laura shared, ” I was very favorably influenced by my Home Ec teachers in SSISD because that’s what I decided to become. They were Elleray Black, Colleen Hines and Rachel Anderson. And I spent my entire teaching career at SSHS. I did not learn to quilt there, but loved sewing garments for my family and other useful items. I enjoy several other creative arts too, but never took quilting seriously as a hobby until about 3 years ago”.
“Since we’re currently unable to meet in in person due to COVID-19, members of the Guild stay connected by joining in on group projects, like the “President’s Challenge”. That’s where we are given a packet of pre-cut fabric and challenged to create whatever we want, and then show it off. And there’s an online quilting group that does a Mystery Quilt project. It is a progressive project; you get instructions in steps, so you don’t know exactly what the final result will be til you get close to finishing it. I’m always getting into something new, and I have a lot of fun quilting!
Laura attends up to four quilting retreats per year around Texas. Also, Denise Givney, President of the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild, has opened a new quilting retreat at Lake Cypress Springs, which Laura is dying to go to! She concluded our visit by saying, “I joined Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild in 2017 and must say I am in awe and in the presence of greatness around those ladies and gentlemen. I learn something about quilting with every meeting, retreat and sew day. They are splendid artisans.This year I am VP in charge of the Quilt Show and I am sad to announce the cancellation of our 2020 Quilt Show due to Covid-19. We are still going to give away our Raffle Quilt on Sept 19 as planned. The money we raise from the Raffle Quilt we turn around and donate to entities in our community such as CASA, Backpack Buddies, Shadow Ranch, etc”.
