NEWS ARCHIVES 2008

February 2008

Early voting interest high in state, local primaries

From Staff and Wire Reports

Feb. 29, 2008 - When Democrat Dan Dodd ran for Congress in the steadfastly conservative suburbs north of Dallas, he couldn't even persuade the print shop that made his bumper stickers to let him thank them on his Web site.

Benefit set Saturday for North Hopkins girl, 8, battling leukemia

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 29, 2008 - Raylee Box will begin her second round of chemotherapy next week. If her immune system is improved, she could soon return home for a few days, the first time the North Hopkins elementary student has had the chance to do so in about a month.

Third time's a charm for Hopkins County Spelling Bee champ Clegg

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 29, 2008 - After 11 rounds of competition, Sulphur Springs Middle School student Ashley Clegg won the whole "tamale" Thursday afternoon by spelling the tie-breaker word correctly at the Hopkins County Spelling Bee.

Senior citizens center director warning of 'free meal' scam

From Staff Reports

Feb. 28, 2008 - The program director at the Senior Citizens Activity Center in Sulphur Springs is warning county residents about a new scam targeting older residents.

Obama campaign sets organizational meeting tonight at Pizza Inn

From Staff Reports

Feb. 28, 2008 - The Obama Train is rolling through Sulphur Springs tonight and Friday, or at least making a quick pit stop.

Saltillo VFD's annual stew couldn't come at a better time

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 28, 2008 - With the rising costs of materials and fuel, Saltillo Volunteer Fire Department's annual stew fundraiser couldn't come at a better time.

'Capote in Kansas: A Ghost Story'

By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor

Feb. 27, 2008 - Larger-than-life author Truman Capote burst onto the national scene with his 1966 best-seller, "In Cold Blood." He is credited with popularizing the true crime genre.

Local residents willingly 'serving time' for MDA

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 27, 2008 - The Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County communities are known for citizens' big hearts and generosity toward others, especially children and those facing-life altering ailments and situations.

SSHS trounces competitors at weekend UIL academic meet

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 27, 2008 - Sulphur Springs High School sailed through an invitational academic UIL meet in Canton two weeks ago, coming home with 13 individual awards and two team awards.

Lions Club planning to brighten up city's annual Christmas parade

From Staff Reports

Feb. 27, 2008 - February sounds a little early to start planning for a Christmas parade, but not when plans of this magnitude have to be hammered out.

Manhunt fails to find man who tussled with trooper

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 26, 2008 - An unsuccessful manhunt was launched Monday night after a man fled from a state trooper during a routine traffic stop in Brinker.

Jr. livestock sale exceeds wildest expectations

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 26, 2008 - The people behind this year's Northeast Texas Livestock Association's Junior Livestock Show had high hopes they could exceed last year's Sale of Champions total of $130,000.

Workers needed for next week's primary elections

From Staff Reports

Feb. 26, 2008 - Election workers are still needed by both Republicans and Democrats for Tuesday's primary election. Overall, election officials estimate about a dozen workers are needed.

2008 Hopkins County Junior Market Show Sale of Champions

Feb. 26, 2008 - Results of Saturday's Sale of Champions at the conclusion of the Northeast Texas Livestock Association's Junior Livestock Show, listed by category, entrant, affiliated organization, project buyer and the amount bid:

March 10-14 set as Texas Public School Week

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News Telegram News Editor

Feb. 25, 2008 - March will be a busy month for local schools. After the stress from a week's worth of Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills testing, students and teachers will work toward preparing classrooms for open house activities.

Schedule changes coming to SSHS next year

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 24, 2008 - Afternoon congestion at Sulphur Springs Middle School is expected to drop significantly during the next school year, while the class structure at Sulphur Springs High School will undergo a change with the day starting and ending a bit later.

Sulphur Springs ISD granted waiver by Texas Education Agency for TAKS testing day

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 24, 2008 - Sulphur Springs Independent School District was granted a waiver to keep from reshuffling the school calendar due to TAKS testing a second time this year.

Holiday season not so merry for retailers in the region

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 22, 2008 - Tax figures reflecting sales activity in Sulphur Springs indicate a not--so-jolly Christmas for local retailers.

Changing of the Guard

By PATTI SELLS, News-Telegram Feature Writer

Feb. 22, 2008 - What Clayton McGraw thought would be a regular meeting Thursday night of the Hopkins County Military Coalition turned out to be a surprise farewell in his honor as he stepped down as the group's commander after eight years of service.

No complaints of racial profiling in SSISD report

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 21, 2008 - Caucasians are more likely to be stopped by campus cops than any other ethnicity at Sulphur Springs High School, according to the most recent racial profiling report for the school.

Intricate score, difficult melodies challenge director and actors in 'The Secret Garden'

By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor

Feb. 21, 2008 - When Community Player member Steve Janway decided he wanted to make his directorial debut this spring, he set his sights on the musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1901 children's classic, "The Secret Garden."

Strong turnout seen on first day of early voting in Hopkins County

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 20, 2008 - The balloting was fast and furious on the first day of early voting in Hopkins County Tuesday, at least compared to the last presidential primary.

PEG candidate forum scheduled for Thursday

From Staff Reports

Feb. 20, 2008 - A non-partisan forum for candidates in the upcoming Democratic and Republican party primaries will be held Thursday night in Sulphur Springs.

Ready For The Show

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 20, 2008 - Aaron Smith is unique. In many ways, the Miller Grove fifth grader is a typical Hopkins County youngster -- he likes to play basketball and baseball, and he competed in University Intershcolastic League academic competition last year at school, where he's also taken part in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

Republican candidates in contested local races have their say

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 19, 2008 - Candidates seeking the GOP's nomination for local offices got their chance to speak to the party faithful at a forum Monday night at the Civic Center.

Grand jury issues multiple indictments in Feb. session

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 18, 2008 - The February session of the Hopkins County Grand Jury concluded last week with indictments issued for a variety of charges.

Deputies clear up case of stolen van Sunday before it gets reported

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram Crime Reporter

Feb. 18, 2008 - Hopkins County Sheriff's Office has a well-deserved reputation for clearing up offenses, but they outdid themselves this weekend when deputies solved a vehicle theft before the owner even realized the van had been stolen.

County GOP hosting Monday forum for primary candidates

From Staff Reports

Feb. 17, 2007 - The slate of Republican Party candidates on the upcoming March 4 primary ballot will get a chance to voice their stands at a forum scheduled for Monday evening.

Former C-P supt. indicted on forgery charges; band booster president arrested, accused of embezzlement

By FAITH HUFFMAN, Crime & Education Reporter

Feb. 17, 2008 - The former superintendent of Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District has been indicted by a Hopkins County Grand Jury on almost three dozen forgery charges, while another person has been arrested in connection with misuse of school booster club funds.

Former NFL player featured speaker at upcoming program recognizing influential African Americans

From Staff Reports

Feb. 17, 2008 - A former NFL player will be the guest speaker at an upcoming program honoring the most influential African Americans in Hopkins County.

Shaun Barnett plans to learn more about community, school and students before making big plans as Cumby superintendent

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News-Editor

Feb. 17, 2008 - The finalist for the job of Cumby superintendent indicated he's looking forward to moving to the Hopkins County area, and plans to become familiar with the school and area before setting any big goals or suggesting changes for the district.

City's emergency response teams prepare for the worst with mock plane crash drills

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 17, 2008 - This has been a test. It was only a test. If a real emergency had occurred ... well, rest assured local emergency response teams would have been well prepared to handle it.

Thirteen members of 'Team Seals' take part in Houston marathon event

By PATTI SELLS, News-Telegram Feature Writer

Feb. 17, 2008 - Thirteen members of one "family" from Sulphur Springs, dubbed "Team Seals," recently participated in the "run for a reason" 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon Trio, benefiting more than 40 different charities.

Acclaimed lecturer to explore ties beween religion and American politics at annual Faith Alive Preaching Series

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 15, 2008 - The timing couldn't be better for this year's featured speaker at the annual Faith Alive Series at First United Methodist Church, which will be held Sunday, Feb. 17, and Monday, Feb. 18, at the church.

Bee Seasoned

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 15, 2008 - At the end of this month, Como-Pickton eighth grader Kaitlyn Hankins will be defending her title as the Hopkins County Spelling Bee champ.

Yantis Pre-K, kindergarten registration set for March 4

From Staff Reports

Feb. 15, 2008 - Yantis Elementary School will be registering new students for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten for next year's classes during the annual Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Round Up next month.

Local woman sustains burns in house fire near Saltillo

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 14, 2008 - A Hopkins County woman sustained burns to her lower extremities in a blaze which destroyed 80 percent her home Wednesday afternoon.

SCU investigation leads to arrest of six people Wednesday

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 14, 2008 - Several months of investigation into reported narcotics activity in a Fuller Street home resulted Wednesday in six people going to jail on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to possession of drug paraphernalia and controlled substances.

Lasting Love

By PATTI SELLS, News-Telegram Feature Writer

Feb. 14, 2008 - If given the chance to do life over again, some would jump at the opportunity do things differently. but not Clayton and Elizabeth McGraw, who have been valentine's sweethearts for more than five decades.

Chubb files for re-election to SSISD board

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 13, 2008 - School board elections in Hopkins County are slowly starting to take shape, with incumbents filing in Sulphur Springs and one candidate emerging at another district.

Absences due to illness force Cumby school closing

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 13, 2008 - No one was available at Cumby ISD's administrative office Wednesday to offer information about a trustees election, but that wasn't the only area of the school that was empty.

Grand jury indicts 12 people on 17 charges

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 13, 2008 - A Hopkins County grand jury last month returned 17 indictments against a dozen people. The indictments ranged from controlled substance charges to sex crimes, livestock theft and aggravated assaults.

TxDoT OKSs request to remove downtown signal lights

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 13, 2008 - The traffic signals on the west side of downtown will be coming down soon.

Book Reviews: Her Last Death and Alice

by terry mathews - news-telegram arts editor

Only one incumbent files for SSISD board of trustees

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 12, 2008 - So far, only one of the two incumbents whose terms on Sulphur Springs Independent School District's board of trustees had filed for reelection as of late Tuesday morning.

El Charro reopening in former Woman's Building; donating building's plaques to Genealogical Society

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 12, 2008 - El Charro will soon be reopening its doors not far from the downtown square, and the owners Friday took the time to see that the history of its new digs was preserved.

Reception honoring Shelby Harper's 39 years of service to agriculture set today

From Staff Reports

Feb. 12, 2008 - Past and present stockholders, employees, associates and friends are invited to honor Shelby Harper this afternoon for his service to farm credit and agriculture in the Northeast Texas area.

Running club's Tuesday fund-raiser is a sweet treat

From Staff Reports

Feb. 11, 2008 - If you love chocolate and good causes, make time to attend North Hopkins' Running Club's second annual Chocolate Tasting Event, to be held Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m at Judy's Kitchen.

Burn ban back on in county

By PATTI SELLS, News-Telegram Feature Writer

Feb. 11, 2008 - A ban on outdoor burning in Hopkins County was reinstated this morning by county commissioners, just three days after an emergency order prohibiting outside fires expired.

Burn ban lifted, but officials urge caution with outdoor fires

From Staff Reports

Feb. 10, 2008 - While the emergency burn ban recently instituted by Hopkins County Judge Cletis Millsap has expired, local residents are cautioned to be extremely careful with outdoor fires.

Impressive retrospective receives warm welcome to the Lone Star State

By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor

Feb. 10, 2008 - When company calls here in the Lone Star state, we like to give them a big welcome. We spruce up the house.

Western wear distributor acquires Nevada company

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 10, 2008 - Walk through M&F Western Wear's ever-sprawling complex just off Shannon Road and you can't help be struck by the brand names of products lining the tables and shelves -- Tony Lama, Nocona, Shepler's, Chippewa, and the list goes on, and on, a virtual who's who of Western wear.

Storm damage extensive at no-kill shelter

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 8, 2008 - When it rains, it pours, and that may have never been truer than now for Hearts of Life Animal Rescue, the local "no-kill" shelter holding a special pet adoption event Saturday morning.

Citizne of the Year 'a tireless champion'

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 8, 2008 - With a nod to the past, the present and the future, Coy Johnson accepted the award for 2006 Citizen of the Year at Thursday night's Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce 81st Annual Membership Banquet

Arkansas man gets 10-year sentence in Ecstasy case

BY FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 7, 2008 - A 29-year-old Arkansas man preparing to go to trial Wednesday morning on a 2006 drug charge opted instead to take a plea agreement.

Council gives OK to group to move ahead with veterans memorial

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 6, 2008 - Sulphur Springs City Council members gave the go-ahead to a group planning a downtown veteran memorial  to proceed with their plans.

Thousands temporarily left without power as straight-line winds down trees and power lines

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor 

Feb. 6, 2008 - Trees were uprooted and thousands of Hopkins County residents were temporarily without electricity Wednesday as a severe thunderstorm brought powerful straight-line winds that damaged roofs and downed power lines.

City council elections called for May 10

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 6, 2008 - At least one incumbent will be seeking re-election in May when elections are held for two seats on the Sulphur Springs City Council.

Hopkins County receives three grants for clean up projects

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 5, 2008 - Hopkins County Monday received about $59,000 in Solid Waste Advisory Committee Grants for three clean up projects, which will help continue education, community clean up and enforcement efforts to make the county a more environmentally friendly and compliant place to live and work.

Salomé: Kiss of the original spiderwoman

By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor

Feb. 4, 2008 - If you should ever run into the biblical princess Salomé, and she wants to touch your hair or kiss your lips, my advice is to let her. It's the only way to keep your head attached to your shoulders.

Cumby School Board names Shaun Barnett as new superintendent finalist

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram Education Reporter

Feb. 4, 2008 - Cumby Independent School District could have a new superintendent as early as Feb. 22, pending official approval of lone finalist Shaun Barnett by the board that day.

Clean up efforts could net county $95,000 landscape prize

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram New Editor

Feb. 3, 2008 - Local residents have the opportunity to help the county earn as much as $95,000, all by submitting evidence of clean up and beautification efforts made last year.

Saltillo Postmaster Mollie White to retire after 35 years of dedicated service

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram News Editor

Feb. 3, 2008 - For 35 years she has been as much a fixture in Saltillo as the post office itself. And, on Feb. 3, Mollie White will officially hang up her postal scales and begin life as a retired person.

Parks Dept. stocking city pond for free Kids' Trout Fishing Day on Saturday

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 1, 2008 - Your friendly neighborhood parks and wildlife folks are pouring more than 2,000 trout into Peavine Pinion Pool for Saturday's annual Kids Trouth Fishing Day at Buford Park.

Emergency outdoor burning ban issued by county judge

By BRUCE ALSOBROOK, News-Telegram Managing Editor

Feb. 1, 2008 - Hopkins County Judge Cletis Millsap Thursday signed an emergency order prohibiting almost all instances of outdoor fires, proclaiming "a state of disaster has been declared on the imminent threat of disaster from wildfire."

McKinney man, 48, charged with receiving compensation for items he reported stolen

By FAITH HUFFMAN, News-Telegram Crime Reporter

Feb. 1, 2008 - A McKinney man has been arrested on two felony warrants on charges related to the recovery of items on his property for which he received insurance compensation, as well as $145,000 in heavy equipment reported stolen in Oklahoma.