Sulphur Springs Teen Accused Of Assault
A Sulphur Springs teen was arrested Monday afternoon on a Class A misdemeanor assault charge.
Sulphur Springs police were dispatched at 12:15 p.m. to a disturbance in the 200 block of Parkins Street. Upon arrival, officers talked to the alleged victim. The female reportedly had visible injuries on her right hand, allegedly caused by the 17-year-old male.
The teen also was accused of removing a phone from her hand as she was talking with law enforcement. He allegedly admitted to removing the phone from her hands. The 17-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody for family violence assault causing bodily injury.
The teen remained in the county jail Tuesday, Sept. 10 in lieu of $2,000 bond on the assault charge. Sept. 9 marks the second time the 17-year-old has been arrested this year. He also spent March 8-11 in the county jail on an evading arrest or detention charge, according to jail reports.
SSES Students, Staff Explain Use, Impact Of Capturing Kids Hearts On Campus
Sulphur Springs Elementary students and staff Monday night demonstrated and explained to the school board the positive impact teachers’ training in and implementing of Capturing Kids Hearts program is having on that campus.
Teachers Megan Wiggins and Whitney Vaughan asked the school board members and staff to reenter the building, so the five students with them could demonstrate how students start their days. They shook hands and welcomed the school officials with positive greetings and eye contact.
Then, they engaged the school staff and officials in a game of “heads down, heads up.” The teachers explained they used this game to introduce students new to the camps to each other and to become better acquainted with their classmates.
Vaughan noted classes often start the day with “good things,” a time for students to share good things that happened to them in the last day, week or weekend. This gives teachers and other students a better idea what’s important to each student, while making them feel good by remembering and sharing. It allows the students and staff to learn much about each outside of traditional journal writing, which they still do some too.
Each class has a social contract. The teachers had the kids break into groups and come up with words for character traits and actions for them to be held accountable for and abide by. For instance, loyalty, honesty and respectful are admirable traits students aspire toward. Those words were placed on a poster to remind them the behavior to which they should strive.
Students are encouraged to offer praise, positive comments and encouragement for which a high five could be given, when the opportunities present themselves.
If a student is thought to not abide by the social contract, the youth can be asked four questions: what they are doing, what they are supposed to be doing and what they are going to do. This holds the students accountable, and can redirect negative actions. Students may first be given warnings. And, students can respectfully “check” each other for their behavior; this is not a confrontation, just a friendly reminder about the contract before a teacher must intercede, the SSES teachers noted.
Students may give a “foul” hand sign if someone has hurt another’s feelings or otherwise not lived up to their contact. However, when that’s done, the person given the foul then is to give two “put ups,” two affirmations or verbal high fives designed to encourage the hurt student. Students are encouraged to look more inward than surface compliments, such as having a nice dress. This is helping build a community.
Consequence are clearly established for failure to live up to the contract, including a “behave out” to the office or a “break,” students explained.
“You spent a lot of money getting us trained. We are appreciative. It’s making a difference for a lot of kids. Thank you very much.”
SSES Principal Holly Folmar
Another SSES student explained that each week the class rates the contract from 1-10 to see how they’ve done as a class, how they can improve.
Ultimately, they are reminded daily to keep in mind they learned from “Mr. Peabody’s Apple” by Madonna: “the power of your words.”
Wiggins said she and fellow teachers who participated in during Capturing Kids training were asked to bring a sentimental and tell about it. This was a successful ice breaker for the educators and was successful in helping students continue building their sense of community with their classmates too. Students were asked to tell why the sentimental item means so much to them. They were encouraged to bring something more sentimental than a gaming system or cell phone.
The teachers said the students did an awesome job, and learned that many of them have the same types of things going on in their homes that they deal with. It built a “family in class,” making the students more comfortable sharing information with classmates they might otherwise only share with family members or very close friends.
“You spent a lot of money getting us trained,” said SSES Principal Holly Folmar of the Capturing Kids Hearts workshops all elementary teachers were required to attend. “We are appreciative. It’s making a difference for a lot of kids. Thank you very much.”
The SSES students also lead those present at the Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees meeting in the pledges to the United States and Texas flags.
First 2019 ‘Mini Walk’ Held Tuesday at Terrific Tuesdays
Where’s a better place to start? The annual fundraising campaign for the Terrific Tuesdays respite program began at today’s regular session. Participants and their ‘buddies’ gathered in the Family Life/Gym at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs to set the pattern for eight more walks during the month of September. The campaign will culminate with the major “Walk to Remember” on Thursday October 3, 2019 on Celebration Plaza, downtown Sulphur Springs. The one-time $15 registration fees for the walks and a t-shirt are part of the fundraising process. Donations are another part, which come from local business, industry, organizations, families and individuals during the campaign. The goal is $10,000, which will fund the Terrific Tuesdays weekly program for 2020.
Meeting on Tuesdays at 9am, persons with Alzheimers, dementia and related disorders can come, meet friends, interact with others, enjoy lunch and snacks and be entertained and encouraged. Each participant is assigned a ‘buddy’ who takes part in the activities with them as well as caring for their needs. This allows the participant’s caregiver, often a family member, to have a few hours to themselves. “This respite program for caregivers serves a vital need, allowing that person to know their loved one is well cared for in a fun and friendly environment. Many participants refer to Terrific Tuesdays as ‘their club’ and look forward to attending.
Here are other opportunities you have to take the “mini-walks”: Wednesday September 11 at 10:30am, Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab Thursday September 12 at 9:30am, Sulphur Springs Seniors Center Friday September 14 at 10am, Wesley House Assisted Living Wednesday September 18 at 10:30am, Pioneer Crossing Wednesday September 18 at 2pm at Hopkins Place Monday September 23 at 10am, Carriage House Manor Wednesday September 25 at 10am, Rock Creek Health and Rehab Thursday September 26 at 10am, Sulphur Springs Imaging Center Friday September 27 at 10:30am at Sunny Springs Nursing and Rehab
If you’d like to mail a donation, make your check out to Terrific Tuesdays and mail it to FUMC att: Terrific Tuesdays, 301 Church Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 or drop off a check and pick up your t-shirt at the Sulphur Springs Seniors Center, 150 MLK Drive.
North East Texas Children’s Museum Makes A Move!
Sharline Garrison Freeman, Director at the North East Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce for the past decade has strong Sulphur Springs ties and visited KSST to inform Good Morning Show listeners about the Museum’s move in the near future. “In just 13 days, we will close the present location’s seventeen-year home, just across from Texas A and M University Commerce. But it’s still a busy time because we’ve got birthday parties booked, field trips are arriving by school bus and the 3rd-grade STEM program we offer in-house is ongoing. Museum staff is also taking the MegaLung out to 4th-grade classrooms in school districts during the next two weeks. The MegaLung is a large teaching display which shows all the diseases of the lung, exposing the dangers of smoking and of the new vapor e-cigarettes. We provide this interactive instruction on elementary student level in hopes it will help them live healthier lives. After September 23, when we close the doors at the present location, our staff will have just two weeks to move our offices before opening the new facility, where we already have bookings there. And the public will be invited in at our Grand Opening on October 19, 2019! “
In a matter of days, the new North East Texas Children’s Museum will move to 100 Maple Street, which is a 11-acre property on Highway 11 East of Commerce, and in fact, two miles closer to Sulphur Springs than previously. The larger 26,000 square foot museum has been constructed specifically for the hands-on displays and creative play areas designed for children. Among the many brand new play stations it will house are a Hospital with ER, a Veterinary clinic, a Dental office, a gas station with kid-size cars, a restaurant, a Farm area and a house. Some of the popular existing stations will have been refurbished and put back into use. According to Sharline, “businesses and organizations in Commerce and in a radius around the area have sponsored and helped construct these play areas and we proudly display the names of our donors. We plan a special open house for our donors. The Museum’s play area is actually like a little town now, and that was my vision when I became Director. Earlier in my working career, I launched a program called “Enterprise City” for the Richardson ISD, and that program is still in use. It has been my dream that the children of Northeast Texas have a play and learning facility comparable to what you might find in a big city. And now we do, with room for expansion!”. Currently a fundraising “Brick Walk” campaign is going on, with an individual, family or business name engraved and placed on the walk for a donation. For more information on the history, mission and services of the North East Texas Children’s Museum, go to netxcm.com
Though not raised in Sulphur Springs, Sharline’s parents were a part of the local community whom some may remember. Her mother, Mrs. Lorene Garrison, was an English teacher at Sulphur Springs High School and her father, Thel Garrison, was President of People’s National Bank in Sulphur Springs.
Cumby City Council To Discuss Water Meter Rates, Appoint Associate Judge
Water meter rates, the seizure fund, a grant, an emergency number and associate judge’s evaluation are among the items to be discussed and considered at tonight by Cumby City Council.
During the 6:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Cumby City Council is slated to discuss and considered adopting a resolution authorizing submission of a Community Development Block Grant application, and designating a signer.
A public hearing for the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program application was scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 3, at City Hall. The city is proposing applying to Texas Department of Agriculture for the funding, which would help pay for road maintenance. Major road repairs are needed due to the flooding and rains of September and October 2018, which resulted in a disaster declaration for the county, according to city staff.
The city attorney has reportedly been working with Cumby officials to revise and draw up a new employee handbook. The proposed City of Cumby Employee Manual is slated to be presented Tuesday night for the council’s consideration.
The Cumby City Council will be asked to consider appointing Mayor Pro Tem Doug Simmerman and Cumby Police Chief Paul Robertson as the only signers for the seizure fund at Alliance Bank, according to the agenda.
Also submitted for discussion and possible action are park reservations and deposit, selling city vehicles, and inter-local agreement with Ark-Tex Council of Governments and an emergency after-hours phone number.
The council also is slated to discuss water water rates.
The agenda also shows the council meeting in executive session to evaluate performance and discuss appointment of Quanah Wright as associate judge. They then will reconvene in regular session to take any action on the matter, if any is needed.
Reports are to be presented by the police department, maintenance department and fire department. Announcements may include matters of public recognition or upcoming events of local and regional significance; to advise the public of opportunities for service, recognition or recreation within the city; provide community charitable, civic and philanthropic organizations the chance to broaden their appeal by the timely publication of details of their programs and activities. Announcements can be made by the city council or city secretary or organization representative, and are limited to facts about events, congratulatory or approbative statements concerning servic eto the city or community, and invitations to participate in various events.
Any citizens who wish to make address the council may do so during the citizens’ presentation portion of the meeting. Comments will be limited to 2 minutes, and may not be personal, unfounded, profane or slanderous, according to the agenda.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at City Hall, 100 East Main St. in Cumby.
Pay Increase Approved For Election Workers
Training Planned Sept. 23 For All Interested In Serving As Election Workers; Even Students Are Eligible
Election workers will receive an additional $2 per hour this year in Hopkins County.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved County Clerk Tracy Smith’s request that the pay for election workers be raised from $10 to $12 an hour this year. This matches a state change which raised the rate from $8 to $12 an hour for election workers.
The Commissioners Court also approved paying election workers $12 per hour to attend required training, which typically lasts 2-3 hours.
Currently, Smith said at least one more election judge and a few more election workers are still needed for the upcoming election. Each of the 12 voting center throughout the county will need one judge, an alternate judge and two to three workers when the polls are open.
“I urge folks who have time, to do this. It’s important,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom.
Qualifications
There are a few qualifications elections workers must meet, and even high school students are eligible to be serve as student clerks.
“For a normal election clerk you basically just have to be a registered voter in this county. The student clerks have a little more requirements,” said Smith.
To be eligible to serve as a clerk of an election precinct, the individual must be a qualified voter of the county in a county-wide election, and the subdivision or county precinct or area in which the election is held, according to the election code.
Student election clerks must be enrolled in an education institution — such as a public secondary school, accredited private or parochial secondary school or home school that meets Section 25.086 requirements. The students will also be required obtain consent from the principal of the educational institution where they are enrolled and home-school students must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent.
Student election clerks must be 16 years of age, U.S. citizens and have completed training courses required by the entity holding the election.
Student clerks are entitled to the same compensation as other clerks. No more than two student clerks may serve at a polling place, and not more than four in any countywide polling place, according to the election code.
Training
All interested in serving as an election worker must attend one of the three training sessions scheduled on Monday, Sept. 23, at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Training will be offered from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m.
Even if more show up than are needed, they could potentially still be called on to work in the next election, as well as any runoff that may develop. And, it’ll give those interested a chance to learn more about what’s required of election workers, and whether they would be a good fit, according to Smith.
For additional information, attend the Sept. 23 workshop or contact the Hopkins County Clerk’s Office.
Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears Post Another Win
Sulphur Bluff Picks Up Volleyball Win at Home Over Trinity Christian Academy
The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears defeated the Trinity Christian Academy, 3-1 at home Friday (September 6). The Lady Bears JV was also a 2-0 winner over TCA. The varsity won 25-17, 24-26, 25-18 and 25-19. Lady Bears setter Alley Collett had 7 service points and 29 assists. Dalena Di Donato had 7 service points, 7 kills, 1 block solo and 1 block assist. Jade Wade had 12 service points and 3 kills. Libero Angel Brown led the team in most effective passing to target and in digs. Tori Raine had 12 service points and 4 kills. Cierra Johnson had 8 service points. Skylar Stanley had 9 kills and 1 block assist. Ann Dorner had 9 service points and 9 kills. Coach Zandra Peyton said the girls played really good. She added the Lady Bears had one girl out with a knee injury and they all stepped up to cover her spot.
The Sulphur Bluff JV won 25-7, 25-11 over TCA. Taylor Wallis had 8 service points and 10 assists. Lydia Drummond had 10 service points and 5 kills. Tori Answorth had a service point and 3 kills. Bailey Neal had 9 service points and 1 kill. Allie Eason had 4 service points and a kill. Destiny Johnson had 3 service points.
Cross Country Coach Hicks Updates On Last Meet
Sulphur Springs Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks Says Teams Took A Small Step Back on Saturday
Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said his teams ran hard at a UT-Tyler meet on Saturday (September 7) but he said their times where not there they wanted them to be. He said they took a small step backward. The Lady Cats finished ninth out of 21 teams while the Wildcats were 16th out of 24 teams. He said he felt his runners learned from the race. The Lady Cats were again led by senior Sydney Washburn, who Coach Hicks said ran a time about like she did the week before. Laney Hurst was next for the Lady Cats followed by Maurie Flecker, Mattie Bridges and Makayla Jimmerson. The Wildcats were led by Christian Palomino followed by Jose Mejia, then Evan Patrick, Camden Fuller, Alan Hernandez and Roberto Torres. This Saturday the Wildcats and Lady Cats will get the chance to try out the course where the regional meet will be held in late October. The UTA Invitational will take place at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex in Dallas
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Reviews Edgewood Match
Coach Dorner Says Lady Cats Volleyball Struggled Against Edgewood in Friday Loss
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner summed up her team’s play in a loss at Edgewood Friday (September 6) this way. She said the Lady Cats struggled, did not pass well, made some silly mistakes and in a couple of sets just waited to late to get going. She added Edgewood took advantage of it. Still after a so-so first set, the Lady Cats picked up things in the second set while the Lady Bulldogs struggled. The match was tied at that point, 1-1. Coach Dorner said things began to go south in the third and fourth sets and the Lady Cats could not turn things around. She added the Lady Bulldogs got a good middle back player back from injury that helped them. Coach Dorner said junior Sadie Washburn had another strong game with 20 kills and 22 digs. She also liked the play of Sydney Washburn and Brooklyn Burnside. Still Coach Dorner said for the most part the Lady Cats did not plat well as a team. She said she needed the entire team to pickup their games. The Lady Cats are 16-9 for the season. They play Emory Rains Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the main gym at SSHS. Fans who bring canned goods to the game will get in free.
Wildcats Football Coach Discusses Loss
Frustrated Football Coach Visits Saturday Morning Coach’s Show
It was a frustrated Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens that appeared on the KSST and Cable Channel 18 Saturday Morning Coach’s Show after a 34-27 loss to Lovejoy Friday night (September 6) in Lucas at Leopard Stadium. Coach Owens said the frustration arose from opportunities that the Wildcats did not take advantage of, especially early in the game. He said Lovejoy was a good team with a good quarterback, a talented wide receiver and huge, physical offensive and defensive lines. Coach Owens did say the Wildcats showed a lot of improvement. He said the Wildcats are still trying to figure out who they are. Coach Owens said some things that coaches focused on and worked to fix did get a lot better. He said there were still a lot of things to clean up. Coach Owens did brag on several players. He mentioned senior utility man Noe Ponce. He said senior Chase Haney had a phenomenal game including in pass coverage. Haney also had a nice long punt return. Coach Owens noted that junior receiver Bryson Lacy had a big catch and did a good job blocking. He said senior Zach Tiemeyer had another solid game. He said running backs Caden Davis and D’Korian “Choc” Sims ran extremely hard. Coach Owens noted that senior kicker Brandon Zavala made two field goals. He noted that senior Aidan Walker not only fell on the game opening onside kick but he also recovered a Wildcats’ fumble that saved the team lots of field position. Coach Owens said junior inside linebacker Ryan Carrillo had a big night. He liked junior Wiley Bennett’s snapping on punts and the way he went down field to cover them. He said Kylan Wade was active, he noted that sophomore Korderrian ”Bull” Turner did a great job. Coach Owens liked the cornerback play of sophomore Dominique Sims and junior Detrick Clayton. However he said people still judge you based on whether you win or lose. Coach Owens told the team this Friday’s district game against Terrell really counts now. Terrell is coached by Marvin Sedberry Junior. His father served as Greenville’s head coach on three different occasions. Coach Owens said the Tigers run a variation of the Wing T. He said they have some size and will be physical. Terrell also comes into the game at 0-2 with a home loss to Hallsville and a road loss at Paris
