A Year In Review — 2022 Livestock And Forage Education
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Extension Agent- Agriculture and Natural Resources
RELEVANCE
Livestock and forage production are a 3.96 billion dollars industry in the Central Region. Livestock and forage enterprises are affected by climate and market variability. Hopkins County currently has more than 100,000 head of cattle with 27,000 head of dairy cattle. Due to environmental requirements of federal and state authorities, Hopkins County dairy operators must maintain environmental requirements for operation.
RESPONSE
This plan collaborated with dairy (Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Museum) and beef organizations (NETBIO ) to determine and conduct educational efforts needed for the successful operation of livestock farms and ranches. This plan had the goal of providing educational experiences to 350 beef producers, 150 private applicators, 60 dairy producers and 60 landowner seeking private applicator accreditation.
The plan included the following activities:
- Hopkins-Rains Hay Show (with Soil Conservation Board) (15 Participants).
- Prairie Day (150 participants)(Presenter)(Yantis Texas).
- 4 New Pesticide Applicators Trainings (quarterly)( 36 participants).
- Cattle Trail in Beef Day (111 Participants).
- Dairy Outreach Fall Conference (13 Participants).
- Pesticide Private Applicator CEU (82 Participants).
- 34 Press releases (digital and printed media).
- Result Demonstration in pre-conditioning of beef cattle.
- 1,455 Telephone consultations.
- 423 Site visits.
Evaluation Strategy
Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated programs.
- 100% (111/111) participants completed the evaluation for the Cattle Trail.
- 38% (5/13) participants completed the evaluation for the Dairy Outreach Fall Conference.
- 85% (70/82) participants completed the evaluation survey for Pesticide Private Applicator CEU.
RESULTS
2022 Cattle Trail
- 100% (111/111) have a better understanding of the steps beef goes before consumers.
- 100% (111/111) have a better understanding of the different parts of beef.
- 100% (111/111) have a better understanding of the importance of ranching in Texas.
- 100% (111/111) have a better understanding of products made of beef.
- 99% (110/111) have a better understanding of the economic impact of beef in their county.
2022 Dairy Outreach Fall Conference
- 60% (3/5) attendees indicated economic benefit from this activity.
- 100% (5/5) attendees indicated this activity to be valuable to network with experts and other participants.
- 100% (5/5) attendees indicated to be completely satisfied with the activities presented in this conference.
2022 Pesticide Private Applicator CEU
- 93% (65/70) plan to take actions or make changes as a results of the knowledge gained during the conference.
- 93% (65/70) anticipate benefitting economically as a direct result of what their learned from this activity.
For More Information, contact Dr. Mario Villarino, CEA Ag/NR-Hopkins County, at 903-885-3443 or [email protected]
Extension programs of Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas
Live Oak Street Lights Are A Christmas Delight
Live Oak Street has become a local must-see during the holidays for about a decade, give or take a couple of years. While not quite as brilliant as the Griswold lawn of National Lampoons fame, the Sulphur Springs Christmas lights do shine as a beacon of goodwill and the continuation of a tradition started about 25 years ago, a light display that spanned acres of field.
The Millers said they want to provide the kind of joy a friend’s parents provided starting 25 years ago on the acreage by the family home for people who would drive out to see the thousands of colorful lights. It took about 4 months for his friend’s family to get everything set up. Lighting the season was and still is a holiday tradition for them.
The Millers moved to Sulphur Springs about 12 years ago and have been continuing that tradition in this community, putting up lights of their own for families to enjoy. The project is a family one, with the couple enlisting help from their grown children at times.
His longtime friend helps out some too. In fact, he pointed to small arches spanning either side of the walkway to the front door, which he said he and the friend constructed and put up. In fact, he and the friend, who has a light display of his own, go back and forth helping each other with their displays, carrying on the tradition the friend’s parents established over two decades ago. When the friends parents passed about 5 years ago, the pair split some of the boxes that control the show, to use in their homes.
The Millers said they usually spend about 2 months checking all the lights and electrical strands, making sure all are ready to go online around sundown Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Miller, sometimes aided by their children, does most of the work on the house and lawn lights, while his wife typically makes sure the trees are properly dressed in numerous strands of colored lights. Initially, the lights were standard Christmas bulbs, which had to be strung and plugged in carefully so as not to overload the electrical system at their home. More recently, he began converting to LED lights, which don’t take as much power or plugs, conserving energy and reducing their electric bill each holiday season.
And the lights aren’t just luminescent displays of Christmas lights. They are set to skip, dance, chance, twinkle, glow and race in time to music, typically 6-9 holiday songs. The yard has strings of color — red, white, yellow, blue and green — chasing each other in tune to festive tunes across the grass, from 13 control boxes discretely hidden throughout the yard. The house is highlighted in red and green area. A wreath, stars and snowflakes adorn the house. The front windows are lined in white twinkle lights. The brick mailbox is wrapped in bands of red and green. The walkway to the front door is lined with candy canes dazzling in flashing red hues. An archway along the driveway on one side of the property is streaked in strings of colored lights that flash in varied tones.
Often, the Millers add something different, or switch up the display annually, to keep it interesting for neighbors or any motorists and visitors who care to stop by and check the lights out. For instance, a big lit wreath may be added above a big picture window, and the green tree of Christmas lights is now much taller than say the one on the right side of their yard. For Christmas, the flag pole near the lit arch drive is converted into the trunk or center base from which the green lights are hung. Not only is it taller, but more lights were added as well.
Rain, fog or brilliant, clear star-filled night, the lights and music are available for people to take in from the comfort of their vehicles. The Millers’ Christmas lights can be seen beginning at 5:30 p.m. daily Thanksgiving Day and continuing through New Year’s Eve. The Live Oak Street lights shine until about 9/10 p.m. on weeknights, and a couple of hours later on weekends. They will shine into the New Year, then be extinguished around 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
And, even better, there is no charge for people to drive over to Live Oak Street and tune in to the designated frequency to enjoy the Christmas music while watching the light show in the late evenings and nights. There is a small locked container on a stand by the driveway. People can make a donation if they want to, but doing so isn’t necessary. The Millers explained that someone made the container for them for them so they felt obligated to put it up. They do appreciate any funds donated, but said what they really look enjoy finding in it are handwritten people took time to scrawl a message on, to tell them about their visit to view the lights. The couple has even had a few people knock at the front door to talk with them about their Christmas lights.
The Millers said they enjoy providing the lights for people to drive by and see, something families can enjoy together. The Millers encourage people to drive over to enjoy the labor or their efforts, and tell their friends. They love seeing people driving by, pausing to enjoy the music in their vehicles as they watch the lights dance merrily across the lawn.
They’d love to see their neighbors get in on the fun, decorating their lawns too. He said he’d be willing to program their lights so that they too blink and shine to the holiday tunes. A few neighbors have put up a few lights, but no nearby yards come close to brightening others’ nights during the Christmas season the way the Millers’ Live Oak Street lights do.
Chamber Connection – Dec. 14: Find Out About Christmas Ornaments And Activities, Directories, Eclipse 2024
By Butch Burney, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
As 2022 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. 16, 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 — Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau — 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- 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.
Hopkins County Ornaments
If you’re decorating your Christmas tree and you’re looking for that special ornament, come see our local one.
For the fifth year, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce has commissioned a Christmas ornament, and this year it celebrates Heritage Park!
There is a limited supply (70) and the cost is $40. If you would like to purchase one, drop by our office at 110 Main St. while supplies last!
Eclipse 2024
It’s still 16 months away, but the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will be here before we know it, and there is still a lot of planning to do.
Literally tens of thousands of people are expected to make Hopkins County their destination for the eclipse because Sulphur Springs sits directly on the centerline.
Plans have begun, but there is still a lot to do. Those who want to be a part of the process are invited to attend a planning meeting at noon on Friday, Dec. 16, at Clarion Pointe. You can RSVP [email protected] for more information.
Directories
Work has started on the 2023 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. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Christmas Activities
- RPM Staffing Professionals will host its 2nd Annual Stockings for Seniors, with donations directly benefitting Rock Creek Health and Rehabilitation. Donations items include but are not limited to chapstick, books, socks, denture cleaner, hand lotion, etc. Contact RPM at 903-439-1022 or drop off donations at 401 Church St., Suite B.
- Doerksen Hospice is hosting a sock drive benefitting our area oncology clinics, dialysis centers, and nursing homes. They will be accepting the socks through the month of December. Drop off locations will be their office at 1304 Church St. and the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Center on MLK Boulevard.
- Wreaths Across America will take place at the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery on December 17, at 11 a.m. For more information on donations and volunteering visit: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
- The 2nd Annual Roper & White Christmas Bicycle giveaway is scheduled for December 17, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. There will be 140 bicycles available for children ages 3-12, no reservations. Parents may pick up 1 bike per vehicle at Roper & White, 519 Oak Ave.
- The Salvation Army will be hosting Breakfast with Santa on Thursday, December 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Roc. Contact Dihn at 214-709-3523 with any questions.
Texans Can Protect Themselves From Motor Vehicle Crimes, Including Auto Theft
Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Recommends: “If You Like It – Lock It.”
AUSTIN, Texas – Don’t let the Grinch – or auto burglars and thieves – steal your joy this holiday season. The risk of having your car or valuables stolen increases while shopping and traveling during the holidays. The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) reminds Texans: “If You Like It – Lock It.”
Texans can adopt simple habits to protect themselves from the threat of motor vehicle crime:
- Lock your vehicle and take your keys.
- Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even if you will only be away for a moment.
- Hide or remove valuables from your vehicle.
- Contact law enforcement immediately if you see anything suspicious or if your car is stolen.
“By remaining vigilant, Texans can protect their vehicles and what’s inside,” said MVCPA Chairman and Laredo Assistant Chief of Police Mike Rodriguez. “Don’t let criminals disrupt your life and damage your vital sense of security in the community.”
Every year, motorists and businesses in Texas experience nearly two billion dollars in losses due to motor vehicle burglary and theft. For more information about how to protect your vehicle and property, visit MVCPA online at www.TxDMV.gov/motorists/consumer-protection/auto-theft-prevention.
The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) is a program within the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The Texas Legislature established MVCPA in 1991 to combat motor vehicle theft, burglary, and fraud-related motor vehicle crime in Texas. This is the 29th year the authority has issued funding. For more information about how to protect yourself from motor vehicle crime, visit MVCPA at at www.TxDMV.gov/about-us/MVCPA.
SSHS Wildcat Band Recognized For Achievement At State Marching Contest
Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band members gathered around the courthouse steps this week to receive special recognition from Hopkins County Commissioners Court. Then, later that night, band leadership was also recognized by Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees for the Wildcat Band’s achievement at the state marching competition.
Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band gather for the reading of a proclamation recognizing them for placing fourth in the State Marching Contest. 
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom presents SSISD Director of Bands Spencer Emmert with a frame copy of the proclamation signed by the Commissioners Court in recognition of the Wildcat Band for placing fourth at state. 
SSHS Wildcat Band and instructors gather for a photo with Hopkins County Commissioners Court to commemorate the proclamation issued in their honor.
County Judge Robert at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, noted Nov. 9, 2022, was the first time in school history the SSHS Wildcat Band advanced to the State Marching Contest. Competing against 23 other bands, the Wildcats advanced from the preliminary round of competition to the finals. Overall, the SSHS Wildcat Band finished 4th among the top 10 bands competing at the state marching contest.
These results, Newsom read from the proclamation “show dedication, unity and the giving of their best.” The county judge then appealed “to all citizens of Hopkins County to congratulate the great effort and success of the Sulphur Springs High School Band.”
He presented a framed copy of the proclamation to Director of Bands Spencer Emmert, along with a photo of the Wildcat Band, which identifies each by name. Drum majors for the 2022 marching season included Jeremy Resendiz, Catherine Starzyk, Catherine De La Rosa and Lauren Maynard.
The 150 member strong band, with color guard, includes: Jakob Toland, Anaiya McGinnis, Jazmine Kelley, Logan McCain, Allan Tellez, Triniti Hill, Jocelin Garcia, Maria Garing, Celeste Hernandez, Melanie Ortega, Allece Johnson, Brooklynn Person, Charli Roden, Laney Bankston, Jaycie Arledge, Flor Gudino, Lisa Marin, Cadence Lester, Alma Abrego, Jessica Reed, Nataly Calderon, Makenna Jones, Jocelyne Yanez, Juan Santacruz; 2nd row standing: Daisy Nunez, Heidi Montoya, Asia Chen, Alexis Villarino, Adrian Escobedo, Janeth Rivera, David Verlander, Hannah Hughes, Evelyn Garcia, Sloan Biggerstaff, Avril Mireles, Kiersten McDonald; 3rd row standing: Juan Perez, Jencarlos Diosdado, Bryton Wies, Ronaldo Sanchez, Lucy McKenzie, Lakayla Taylor, Keira Clayton, Davin Ly, Dylan McKinney, Diego Perez, Mika Petty, Andrew Resendiz, Kate Hurley, Sara Voss, Valeria Garcia, Anna Petry, Miyani Frazier, Chase Maynard, Dixie Adams, Frances Yanez, Kayla Santana, Karmon Fitzgerald, Jadyn Allen, Kylee Anderson, Sadie Barnett, Carolina Alvarez, Landon Wies, Abbey Williams, Mattie McCord, Kami White, Yurem Guzman, Paige Batterton, McKenzie Hunter, Sienna Posey, Caroline Prickette, Jasmin Yanez, Clancy Mayo, Bernie Chavez, Rafael Flores, Andrew Galarza, Jackson Reed, Jonathan Pichardo, Keyla Herrera, Mason Maynard, Isaac Stanley, Conner Curtis, Grayson Wall, Cameron Davis, Jace Walton, Samuel Ramirez, Hannah Teer, Kyson Herriage, Isaac Riley, Cohen Elliott, Alexies De La Rosa, Justin Woods, Valentin Garcia, Matthew Brown, Alex Cortez, Josh Lopez, Charlie Bayless, Kannon Gibson, Wyatt Watson, Justin Chen, Peyton Willis, Jose Salas, Aydan Whittle, Brooks Burgin,Levi Caton, Austin Wantland, Ryan Mitchell; Back row: Aidyn Utt, Nathan Bilyeu, Ty Robinson, Anthony Small, Lucas Shirley, Paul Nowlin, Brody Emmert, Aubrey Williams, Alex King, Marcos Ramirez, Zach Clark, Trentin McKinney, Uriel Santacruz, Cameron Jefferson and McKenna Meskimen.
The proclamation was read on Celebration Plaza instead of in the Commissioners Courtroom during their regular 9 a.m. meeting Dec. 12 because of the courtroom isn’t big enough to accommodate that many attendees.
And, Hopkins County Commissioners Court wasn’t the only group to honor the band on Monday. SSISD school board also invited band leadership to the regular Dec. 12 meeting to recognize the band for their history-making performance of “Come Fly With Me” at the state marching contest.
SSHS Trustee John Prickette had the honor of presenting a certificate of recognition to Emmert for the outstanding job he and his assistants did directing the band, about 150 great kids and the flag corps as well.
“On behalf of this board, we are extremely honored and proud to recognize the band for their accomplishments this year. Fourth place in state in 4A says a lot. It gives me goosebumps to say that this evening. So congratulations,” Prickette said.
Emmert said after advancing to the state marching contest for the first time in school history, the SSISD Wildcat Band approached the contest with a goal of making the top 10. They “did an amazing job” which earned a fourth place state ranking, just one spot away from a medal. Next year, the marching band will strive to improve and earn a medal. For about 25 years, bands were only eligible to advance to state competition once every 2 years, a decision made by state superintendents. This year, the option to change that arose, and Superintendent Michael Lamb was on the committee that got to put to a vote the notion of keeping the marching band advancement rule the same or changing it so that bands who score high enough have the potential to advance to state marching competition every year. The superintendents voted in favor of giving top bands the potential to advance to state annual, provided they score high enough at lower level contests.
Lamb laughed, joking that vote was made before he realized how much it would cost to for bands to compete at state.
“We have felt such support and exciting momentum from our community. The kids have worked so hard for all of the work they have done to really have this opportunity to advance to state. And really, after this occurred, just outpouring of support from our community was amazing. The send offs and everything, the support of our trip itself, with help organizing and chaperoning, the financial support was absolutely amazing. It’s not cheap to take 150 kids to San Antonio for several days, but it was amazing. The support of our school district and our administration is second to none,” Emmert said. “We are so thankful to Mr. Lamb and the school board’s support of our band program.”
Emmert said he had 150 of the best kids in the band program, some who also have recently received recognition for their efforts in other academic, athletic, extracurricular and service areas.
“That’s the interesting thing about band kids, they’re pulled in other directions, because again we feel like they are some of the best kids in Texas. So every group wants those kids in their organizations. I think it’s an amazing thing. We have some in just about every organization at Sulphur Springs High School represented. We’ve got state-level FFA officers. We’ve got varsity football players. We’ve got varsity basketball and volleyball players. We have drill team captains. We state-level academic champions, so we are really, really fortunate to get to see the students thrive in many ways. We feel like music, the things that music teaches are so beneficial. I know that Mr. Lamb and the school board agrees with us because we’ve felt that support,” Emmert said. “That is not always the case across Texas and across this country. We certainly understand how lucky were are to teach here in Sulphur Springs and to go to school here in Sulphur Springs, to have this administration. But also, I’m extremely fortunate to have the staff and students that was have.”
Emmert noted two of the assistant band director Elizabeth Bialecki and Steve Proctor, were present at the Dec. 12, 2022, school board meeting, and noted there are many others middle and high school directors that are an important part of the band program, including Cody Brown and Zachary Griffin.
He then recognized the leadership team, who he invited to join them Monday evening, as the board room where the trustees meet is a bit small to comfortably and safely accommodate that many additional individuals. He recognized drum major Catherine “Cathy” De La Rosa; and junior drum majors Catherine “Cat” Starzyk and Jeremy Resendiz and Lauren Maynard. Emmert was then asked to have the other members of the student band leadership team to join him before the school board to be recognized and for photos.
Lamb and the school board also expressed praise to the Band Booster Club, which included some members who were present at the school board meeting to see the students and band directors receive recognition. The district has been very fortunate to have such great support for the band program.
“Oh my goodness, it has been just amazing our Booster Club,” said Emmert. “Every year since I’ve been doing a head director position — this goes back about 10 years to when I went to Winnsboro — I think the current band booster president can’t outdo the previous one. It’s just been a stair step, and there have been just some amazing, amazing people in charge of our Booster Club. But this year, Gena and Wendy and Brian and all the boosters and booster officers have just been amazing.”
The director of bands praised the Band Booster Club members who’ve been working tirelessly to raise the fund needed to fly the band to Washington, D.C., where they will perform at the World War II Memorial in May 2023. The trip will incorporate government and civic lessons for students. He offered thanks to the Band Booster Club and sponsors for all of their support.
The Wildcat Band, Emmert noted, was the largest coed organization at SSHS, if not the largest organization, so taking the group to do things such as contests is a hug undertaking.
“We know we wouldn’t be able to do that without the support of our parents,” Emmert noted.
CHRISTUS Introduces New GI Doctor, To Celebrate Sargent For 14 Years Service In Hopkins With Retirement Reception
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
New Gastroenterology Physician
CHRISTUS proudly announces the addition of Umair Sohail, M.D., to our Gastroenterology team in Sulphur Springs. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity medicine. Dr. Sohail will be seeing patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic located at 107 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs.
Dr. Sargent Retirement Reception
We invite the public to join us for a retirement reception celebrating Dr. David Sargent’s FOURTEEN years of service to Hopkins County on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 5 to 6pm at the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Medical Plaza Conference Room, 1st floor, 113 Airport Rd, Sulphur Springs. Light refreshments will be served.
Memorial Snowflakes
If you have been in our hospital lobby recently, you may have noticed the snowflakes adorning the windows alongside our elegant Christmas tree. These beautiful memorial snowflakes are in honor or memoriam of loved ones.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation recently kicked-off their annual snowflake campaign. The community is invited to pay tribute to friends or family members with a gift in their honor or memory. The Foundation will then send a notification to the honorees or designated contact to make them aware of the gift. In addition, a beautiful snowflake bearing the name of the honoree is displayed in our main lobby.
This offering of the Foundation has become an annual tradition that is warmly received by donors and honorees alike. The recommended donation for each person honored is $25. Recognition of individuals makes a lovely seasonal gift.
For more information, you may visit the Foundation’s webpage, or call 903.438.4799.
Flu Shots: Do not Delay, Get Yours Today!
Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. Schedule an appointment with your provider today at 903.885.3181. If your provider has seen you in the last six months, you may walk in for a flu shot weekdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties.
For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Sulphur Springs ISD Choirs Concert
Sulphur Springs ISD fifth grader, middle school and high school choirs performed a holiday concert Dec. 6, 2022, in SSHS Auditorium. If you missed the SSISD Choirs Concert in the hustle and bustle of the the first week of December, KSST has it covered. Production Manager Matt Janson videoed the program for you to enjoy on your schedule. Watch on the link below, open on the KSST Radio 1230 YouTube Channel or catch the concert on Channel 18 throughout the month.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report For Dec. 5-11, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Dec. 5-11, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Elizabeth Willis, 37 years of age, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested on 12-8-2022 on a Hopkins County Warrant for Possession of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance.
- Jeremy Nash, 34 years of age, of Scroggins, was arrested on 12-8-2022 on a Violation of Bond Conditions charge.
- Brian Fannin, 44 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 12-09-2022 on a Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrant for Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
- James Brassfield, 41 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 12-10-2022 on a Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrant for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
- Kaleigh Butler, 20 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 12-11-2022 on Possession of less than 2 Ounces of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 104 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 19 citations and 28 warnings during this reporting period.
9 Members Of SSHS Chapter Advancing From Area To State TAFE Contest
The Sulphur Springs High School Chapter of Texas Association of Future Educators was well represented by 11 competitors at the Area 6 TAFE Leadership Conference, including 9 chapter members who are advancing to the state competition, to be held in March at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock.
“All students worked very hard and are to be commended for their efforts,” SSHS TAFE Advisor Debbie Stribling, said of the students’ work preparing for and at the Dec. 2 Area 6 Conference contest at the University of Texas at Tyler.
Stribling and Jenny Arledge, SSHS Director of College and Career Readiness, accompanied the students to the Area contest.
Created Materials Competition
Seniors Emery Clayton and Karis McGary, along with the team of Adriana Espinoza and Jolee Wilson, and team of Tenli Adair are advancing to state in the Created Materials competition.
In the Created Materials event, students are tasked with creating their own materials to use to implement a lesson and facilitate the students’ achievement of the objectives. This may include materials such as flip charts, board games, folder games, puppets, lap books, or other materials. Their presentation must display the materials created and explain how they will be used to enhance learning.
Or, as McGary puts it, Created Materials competitors “ditched a worksheet as they say, and turned it into a project.”
Following a science TEK, Clayton and McGary adapted a SSHS science teacher’s worksheets into a game to help 10th and 11th graders memorize the periodic table and the symbols that go with them. A game board features 10 cups with the name of an element assigned to each cup. Players toss ping pong balls labeled with the symbols into the cup for that element. They devised a point system for each element, to make it a bit more competitive for team competitions. To advance, teams were required to earn 90-100 points. McGary and Clayton received a 95.
Clayton wants to be an elementary math teacher. She said math is a subject she has done well in and feels it’d be relatively easy to teach to students through grade four. She plans to study at East Texas Baptist University. McGary said while she hasn’t quite decided what career she will pursue, education is field she is considering. If she were to choose teaching, she thinks she’d like to teach fourth grade math. She plans to attend Stephen F. Austin University.
McGary said participating in TAFE has been a fun experience, which allowed students to experience the UT campus first hand. Both credit their “great teacher” as a contributing factor in their success.
Adriana Espinoza and Jolee Wilson’s Teacher Created Materials project involves vocabulary word matching. Wilson said they talked to her mom, a third grade teacher, then adapted a worksheet into a “3-D Shape Sort.”
Students match definitions of 3-D math shapes with the shape, placing them beneath the appropriate word in the middle of the bulletin board. Then, students would select from the opposite side of the board the image of the shape and place it below below the name as well. The students would then continue sorting definitions and shapes until they get them all right, Wilson explained.
While nervous to be competing for the first time this year, Wilson said she is looking forward to competing in the state Teacher Created Materials competition. She and Espinoza spent a lot of time after school and put in a lot of work perfecting their project for competition.
Wilson, a junior, said she really likes working with little kids and plans to follow in the “family business” by becoming a kindergarten teacher. (Her dad is an educator as well.) She said her work partner, Espinoza also is planning a career in education.
Tenli Adair competed individually in the Teacher Created Materials category, and is also advancing to the State TAFE Competition in the category.
Ethical Dilemma Competition
Seniors Kamilah Martinez and Uriel Santacruz won first place honors in the Ethical Dilemma, a new contest category for SSHS, and are advancing to state. For this contest, each team considers the presented ethical issue and forms an opinion on how the situation should be handled. The give a presentation their decision and how the team reached the decision.
“It’s a situation that school go through today,” Santacruz said.
Martinez explained the competition is one very research based, and one of the harder TAFE competition. The scenario the SSHS students were tasked with find an outcome for included two kids involved with the yearbook committee who were experiencing bullying. The SSHS students set about defending their case as if preparing it for court, using teacher rules and Code of Ethics to reach a resolution they believed was the correct, ethical decision given the situation.
“We did have meetings with our principal, giving some incite on what it’s like for him dealing with situations like these, and our great teacher Mrs. Stribling also helped us a lot,” Santacruz said.
“Our solution was really based off of just what educators had told us, how they would handle the situation, really talking to the principal about it, how he would handle the situation helped a lot,” Martinez noted.
They even took advantage of a meeting at a local coffee shop, approaching a campus educator who came to get his opinion on the matter as well.
Martinez and Santacruz used PowerPoint to deliver their presentation, using bullet points and in detail explaining how they would have handled the situation, then answered questions presented by judges at the TAFE competition.
Martinez admitted to being the more nervous of the two entering the Area TAFE competition. As for the State competition, Martinez said she’s excited about it, but she doesn’t think the full impact of a state competition has registered for her yet. Santacruz said he’s not as worried; he was part of the Wildcat Marching Band that finished fourth overall in the state band competition.
She recommends students participate in TAFE and competition if the opportunity presents itself. Doing so, Martinez said, can be very rewarding.
Santacruz said the more they speak in front of others as part of the competition process, the better they’ve become at thinking through what they want to say and the more he’s felt they are heard.
She plans to become an elementary teacher, possibly teaching special education.
“I want to teach maybe math or science, or maybe both. Math is one of those subjects that doesn’t change. It stays the same. Reading it’s or changing, how you teach it,” Martinez said. “I just feel like something more concrete is what I want to teach, and science is fun to teach.”
Santacruz said he had planned to become a teacher until a recent experience working with firefighters.
“Not only do I want to help students as a teacher, but I also would like to help my community and other people, and I think firefighter would be a really good career choice for that,” he said. “My dad has a construction company and he worked for a firefighter. I got to talk to him. He talked to me about what he does, and he really convinced me.”
Interactive Bulletin Board
In the Interactive Bulletin Board competition, two teams competed. The team of Jasmine Ramirez and Sky Shaw, and team of Keziah Sims and Kaycee Ivey will compete at state.
For the Interactive Bulletin Board event, students prepare an interactive display board and an oral presentation introducing the display and summarizing how it could be used in a classroom setting to teach a lesson.
Shaw and Ramirez chose to use their board to teach a 9th grade English Language Arts and Reading lesson in vocabulary. Their “Word Garden” board contains flowerpots with one word each, in a language other than English. They then created flowers with a definition for each word on their board on one side and a picture showing what the word means on the other side of the flower.
Students are given two words, then after reviewing the words, will be asked to match the flower the word it describes and place it in its pot. The words chosen came from a list in a packet they received for the competition. The project reflects not only the importance of recognizing each vocabulary word and it’s meaning, but also proper pronunciation as well. To ensure they said each word correctly, Ramirez and Shaw used a computer resource, practicing that as well.
The TAFE Interactive Bulletin Board contest was a first for Shaw, who admitted to being a bit nervous, but mostly anxious, for the contest, and was glad to have it over with afterward. Shaw indicated a desire to participate again in the event.
Shaw plans to become a first grade science teacher, to share an interest in basic science, including the weather, with young students.
Keziah Sims and Kaycee Ivey’s Interactive Bulletin Board was entitled “Math Under the Sea,” which uses fish to present math problems for first graders, which students would match with colorful buckets. The SSHS seniors designed their board using erasable marker to write the math problems, so that it can be reused multiple times and adapted to engage students in learning.
Sims said they view it as a good way to “ditch the worksheets” and make math fun for students.
“I just remember it always being hard for me when they were teaching me math. I figured this is a good way to make it fun and for them to learn their math problems easily,” Ivey said.
While Sims has competed in TAFE events since her sophomore year of school, this is Ivey’s first year to compete. Sims not only enjoyed her prior involvement, but told Ivey “how great it was,” leading Ivey to get involved this year too.
For this competition, students had to research TEKS curriculum. Sims and Ivey said they also spent many hours working after school, preparing their interactive bulletin board. While a lot of hard work, the students said it was worth it. It paid off in the end, because the pair is advancing to the state contest as well.
Both Sims and Ivey also recommend that students who are interested in being teachers become involved in TAFE. It’s a great lesson in adapting to whatever the situation may arise, which classroom teachers face daily.
Sims wants to teach first grade math and science, especially math.
“Math is everything that is around us. Science you can make engaging for them,” Sims said, noting that she was inspired by a second grade teacher to join the profession.
Ivey wants to teach kindergarten through third grade.
“I just want to do math. English just really doesn’t make sense, to me but math always makes sense,” Ivey said, adding her pursuit of education as a career is born of a desire to inspire students to reach their full potential. “I just thought about the kids that think they really can’t do anything. I figure if you can be a teacher and inspire them to go and be the best they can be, that’s rewarding.”
A Career Day Event at Paris Junior College
CAREER DAY
The Sulphur Springs ISD Head Start Career Day was hosted recently by the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center TRIO-Education Opportunity Center. Maria Zuniga, PJC Educational Advisor, standing at right, and Jessica Hunt. PJC Recruiter, watch Anna smile at the camera.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
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.
