The Hopkins County Echo (Sulphur Springs, Tex.), Vol. 206, No. 17, Ed. 1 Friday, May 4, 2001 Page: 4 of 4
four pages : ill. ; page 23 x 14 in. Digitized from 35 mm. microfilm.View a full description of this newspaper.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
4 — THE HOPKINS COUNTY ECHO, Sulphur Springs, Texas, Friday, May 4, 2001
COMMUNITYNews
Reports from our area correspondents
RF.ILLY SPRINGS
Hy Hobby McDonald
Well. I don’t think anyone can he com-
plaining about the weather this past week. It
has been truly gorgeous and looks like
spring is here for good.
Vera Harrington, probably the largest hay
producer in the community, has already been
harvesting her first cutting of hay. You have
to be really fast to get ahead ol Vera in the
production of quality Bermuda grass hay.
She raises some of the best in the county.
With a large portion of the income taxes
tiled and all the extensions sent in, I took an
extended trip to the O/ark Mountains last
week. I left on Tuesday and arrived back
home on Saturday. The scenery in Southwest
Missouri and Northwest Arkansas was beau-
tilul. The pink and white dogwood trees
Were in full bloom and everything was
adorned in its spring outfit.
I really enjoyed attending the Country
Tonite Music Show in Branson. Missouri,
former Reilly Springs resident. Carolyn
Clifton Hill, is a featured vocalist on the
show and of course does an outstanding job.
Carolyn has won the hearts of people from
aiound the world during her outstanding per-
formances and reminds all of us of what a
talented person she really is. Of course, she
is always glad to see a familiar lace in the
crowd and to hear news from Hopkins
County. I know many of you in the commu-
nity travel to Branson and attend the shows,
so make plans to go and lend your support to
Carolyn and enjoy a wonderful show.
The members of Ihe Reilly Springs Bap-
tist Church have reported a successful
revival last week with many, many visitors.
Brother Bob Layman of Greenville was the
guest speaker, and Tommy Starred once
again directed the music. Clyde and Betty
Morrill of Sulphur Springs were special
guests on Saturday night.
Dan and Janie McLarry reported a fun-
filled trip to Arlington recently. They attend-
ed a picnic at Six Flags and a Texas Ranger
baseball game. The only problem was that it
seems that every time they go to a game, the
Rangers lose.
If you have noticed some new construc-
tion in Reilly Springs, it was the addition of
a new steeple on the Reilly Springs Baptist
Church. The men of the church gathered and
helped install the structure with the aid of a
crane. Those helping with the installation
included Brother Larry Baxley, Jerry Whit-
son, Kerry Bailey. Jackie Hooker. Larry
Johnson, Phil Newby, and Grover H. Bailey.
Speaking of Grover H., it has been report-
ed that he has been feeling "a little under the
weather." Here's hoping that he gets to feel-
ing better. Give him a call to check on his
progress if you have the opportunity
We need to remember Oscar Owens, Jer-
ald Wilhite, and Ellie Swindell, who contin-
ue to experience health problems. I know all
of them would appreciate a call, card, or vis-
it
Peggy Owens Smith was a Sunday and
Monday visitor in Reilly Springs. She came
to visit her mother, Luvena Owens, and
attended church at Reilly Springs Baptist on
Sunday night with family members. Peggy
makes her home in Corsicana.
Well, the reports are kind of scattered
from the Gold Coast of Australia. Communi-
ty residents J. R. Fisher and Joey Baxter did
find each other and connect in Sydney. They
have called back home and report that they
are seeing the sights ail across Australia.
Seems that they are the talk of the tour, as
they reported being the tallest members of a
group touring the Opera House in Sydney.
Somehow, I can’t really feature Joey and J.
R. at the Opera in Australia. They would be
more at home on the set of “Hee Haw.”
Nevertheless, seems like J. R. and Joey
will have many “tales" to share upon their
arrival back in the U S. They are scheduled
to return on Friday of this week at DFW Air-
port and are to be met by their families
there. I will keep you posted about the
reports as they are shared
The Reilly Springs Cemetery Board met
on Tuesday night of this week and received
an update on the progress of the walkway
and conducted other business. They received
a report of the upcoming Memorial Day
activities from Vera Harrington, chairman ol
that committee.
Everyone should mark their calendars for
May 20, and plan on bringing their family
members for the annual Memorial Day Ser-
vice. The program planned will be interest-
ing and it will be the perfect opportunity to
visit with long-time friends and family
members. The service is in honor of the
many individuals who have made contribu-
tions through the years to our community.
Among the pioneers of the community
were the Thrasher Brothers. The Thrasher’s
were natives of Alabama and arrived in
Texas sometime around 1855. Perry Thrash-
er was married to Jane, a native of North
Carolina, and their family consisted of six
children, James, Narcissa, Joel, Mary,
Alfred, and a niece, Mary Jane.
The Vinegard Thrasher Family consisted
of Yjnegard, his wife. Mary, and four chil-
dren, Thomas, Francis, Elizabeth, and Little
Mary. Seems like the Thrasher Family liked
the name “Mary."
When the Thrashers arrived in Texas they
were young men in their twenties and newly
married. They were engaged in farming in
the community and left several descendants
in the area.
Jessie Williams' mother was from the
Thrasher Family and Luke Thrasher was a
member of the community during the 1930s
and 1940s. Fannie Thrasher was married to
Jim McDonald and she and Jim raised their
two daughters, Elenore and Francis, in the
Reilly Springs community. Both Elenore and
Francis attended school at Reilly Springs.
Thrasher descendants still living in the
Reilly Springs area include Mrs. Margret
Williams Smith and her family, and James
Williams. The Thrasher Family is one of
those large groups of people that have
ceased to have namesakes in the community,
but continue to have descendants in the area,
and have influenced the community as they
went about their daily walks of life.
Luke Thrasher was a farmer in the area
and lived on the Jewel McKay land (in the
woods across the road from where Charlie
Dickey lives today) and then moved into
town and lived where Grover H. Bailey
lives, today.
Another long-time family in the Reilly
Springs area is the McKay Family. Mrs.
Tommie Jo McKay Tennison, has graciously
accepted the duty of providing the response
for the 2001 Memorial Day Service. Tom-
mie Jo is the daughter of the late John D.
McKay and Mrs. Polly Swindle McKay, and
grew to adulthood in the community. I am
sure that she can relate many "old-time" sto-
ries about Reilly Springs and will have an
enlightening program awaiting us on May
20. I'm also sure that Polly will enjoy hav-
ing Tommie Jo and her family for a vis Was
they make their home in Colorado and'^eir
visits seem to be infrequent because of dis-
tance.
For those of you that live out of town and
have asked, I will have some copies of my
book. “A Place Called Hopkins County,”
available at Memorial Day. Thanks to all of
you who have supported me in the project
and I am now working on the second book
in the series. The second volume will be
called "Plowing Deep" and is scheduled to
be available in November of 2001. The secj
ond volume will include many more stories
about Hopkins County, and if you have
some interesting stories about your family
members, please contact me. I have received
numerous pictures and some truly great sto-
ries about those people who have shaped the
place we all know as home. Keep ’em com
ing.
Until next week, continue to enjoy the
beauty of springtime and remember those
members of our community who are con-
fined to their homes. Contact them and bring
some of the sunshine into their lives.
TIRA
By Palsy Shaw
Sorry about there being no news last
week, but as you read the news today you
will discover why l did not have time to
write and submit it on Tuesday morning.
Pee Wee Woodard came by a couple of
Sundays ago with this very special news.
His granddaughter, Kayla Williams, spent
the weekend at Brownwood, where the
Texas North State Championship Gymnas-
tics Tumbling and Trampoline meet was
held. She brought home the gold on trampo-
line, silver on double mini and fourth on
tumbling. Those attending the meet with
Kayla were her mom. Grandmother Shirley
and Aunt Kim. A good time was had by all.
Kayla is excited about her final competition
of the season,"The Nationals" at San Jacinto
in June. Thank you Pee Wee for this terrific
news.
Ashley Edmonson entered the Special
Olympics which was held in Richardson a
few Saturdays ago. She won a gold medal in
running and a silver in jumping. Attending
wither her were her parents, Billy Don and
Debbie; her sister, Amanda; her grandpar-
ents, Jimmy and Joyce Goldsmith; and
friend, T.J. We say a big hurrah to Ashley for
these accomplishments.
I just talked to Bessie Maude Goldsmith
and she said Ashley Edmonson went to the
doctor in Dallas yesterday. Lawrence and
Bessie were going to an AARP meeting at
noon today and their son-in-law. Tim Kelty.
would be in charge of the program.
Jimmy Lewis's parents, Troyce and Bob-
bie Lewis, will celebrate their 55th wedding
anniversary on Sunday. May 6, with a party
from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Weaver Baptist
Church. Hosting the event will be Cathy and
Larry Wallace and Jimmy and Janie Lewis,
and both couple’s children and grandchil-
dren. Friends and relatives of the couple are
invited to attend.
What a week this has been. It was only a
week ago on Monday that our son-in-law,
Roger, called to say Dona was very sick and
in Presbyterian Hospital. She was suffering
from a severe rash. The rash continued to
get worse. On Wednesday she was rushed to
Parkland Hospital Burn Center ICU for
treatment. There is was decided that the
seizure medication she had been taking had
triggered an allergic reaction called
“Stevens-Johnson Disease." This is a very
rare thing that reacts as a horrible burn. Her
burns covered 70 percent of her body inside
and out. The burn center there at Parkland ^
sees very few Stevens-Johnson patients, like
four a year. The symptoms are those of a
burn but it affects the patient both inside and
out. Dona has begun making a little
progress, her doctor said yesterday she was
the second most miserable person in the
world, and I believe it. But she has been a
trooper. We have all felt and appreciated the
many prayers on her behalf. Since she is in
ICU she can have no flowers or gifts other
than your prayers. Blood may be donated in
her name and the name Parkland Bum Cen-
ter at any blood bank on her behalf. If you
can donate please do so.
Remember that this Saturday, May 5. is
election day for Tira City Council members.
Saturday is also election day for North Hop-
kins ISD school board members. Mary Raw-
son and Georgia Smith will be working the
Tira election. And Don Shaw, Joe Kamey
and I will be working the school board elec-
tion, as judge and helpers, at the school on
Saturday.
Tira sure looks good after being in the
burn unit waiting room awhile. It sure makes
me thankful for fresh air, good health, fami-
ly and friends. Keep well and watch your
business.
COUNTYRECORDS
Land transactions
Jimmy Earl Davis to Karen Leigh
Phillips and Michael David Phillips;
tract in the John Clark survey
Alton Earnest Pruiett and Carolyn
Turner Pruiett to Chad Folmar; tract
in the M.D. Jackson survey
Jerry D. Lancaster to Kin West
Parkway Inc.; tract in the Samuel
Derrick survey
Ilene Wood to Margaret Dowdy
and William Dowdy; tract in the A.
Caro survey
Coy Johnson to Bobby J. Burgin
and Sidney L. Burgin; tract in Ihe
M.A. Bowlin survey
Wanda Pendergrass to Flossie
Head; tract in the M.A. Bowlin sur-
vey
Claudcnc Dixon to Clara Smith
and Durwixnl Smith; tract m the John
Binion survey
Tammy K Hoffman to Billy Hoff-
man; tract in the Thomas Alders sur-
vey
Kerry G. Mayberry to Clint May-
bony; tract nr the Richard Tankersley
survey
Celia Peciado and Antonio Precia-
do Ramirez W> Bertha Preciado; tract
in the Jesse Brookshire surey
Carolyn Sue Horn Dishman to
Heath Anderson and Karen Ander-
son; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
Emily West to James VanWinkle
and Jamie VanWinkle; tract in the
John Puller survey
Sulphur Springs Country Club to
David M. Gideon and Lisa L.
Gideon; tract in the Maria J. De Los
Santos survey
Wayne Cooper to Mefinda Hays
Sarine and Robert Scott .wine; tract
in the University survey, Briarwood
estates
Carolyn I. Smith and David M.
Smith to Jason M. Poteet and Jen-
nifer R. Poteet; tract in the J.C. Hale
survey
Guaranty Bank to F.B. "Bill”
Aslan; tract in the Ellender Spencer
survey
Bill McCool to Francisco Chacon
and Martha Catalina Onti De Cha-
con; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
Bryan David Barclay and Rosanne
Usher Barclay to Kandi L. Newsom
and Stacy E. Newsom; tract in the
M.A. Bowlin survey
Jim Jackson and Mary Jackson to
Andy T. owens; tract in the B.S.
Leewright survey
Cindy Sue Burris to Ronald A.
Burris; tract in Ihe W.B. Stout survey
Bill D. Burnett to Jeff L. Carpenter
and Wenoka K. Carpenter; tract in
the Levi P. Dikes survey
James Michael Rynn and Margaret
Renee Rynn to Franklin D. Bales and
Peggy J. Bales; tract in the John
Clark surey
James Michael Rynn and Margaret
Renee Rynn to Dana Reeves and
Michelle Reeves; tract in the John
Clark survey
James Michael Rynn and Margaret
Renee Rynn to Carolyn Holley, Jack-
ie Holley, James Holley and Tia Hol-
ley; tract in the John Clark survey
Marguerite G. Melson to James E.
Melson Jr.; tract in the D.H. Agee
survey
James E. Melson to James E. Mel-
son Jr.; tract in the D.H Agee survey
Marriage Licenses
Clint Edward Jenkins and Judith
Rachelle Rowland
Javier Badillo Rojo and Ma Eloisa
Torres
Corey Christopher Peoples and
Amber Marie Robinson
Risogona Nmi Gomez and Cira
Huerta Morelos
Thomas Leslee Rawson and Kristi
Lynn Emerine
Cedric Lewayne Hall and
Chachandra Lorraine Henley
Gerardo Castaneda and Maria
Eugenia Alonso
James Michael Barrett and Eliza-
beth Joanne Caldwell
Michael Artimes French and Misti
Michele Grand
Divorces
Brian Keith Logan and Kayla
Dianna Logan
Holly Kay Gessman and Damon
Scott Gessman
Debbie Ann Poarch a nd Phillip
Jason Poarch
Anita Elaine Williams and Larry
David Williams
Nora Nell Jackson and Bill Ward
Jackson
Radio days have old-time feel on Enola Gay’s program
Continued From Page One
monthly copyright fees to trade orga-
nizations like Broadcast Music Inter-
national and the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers,
but it’s more cost-efficient than trying
to keep up with the shifting sands of
Top 40.
The advent of compact discs has
also played an integral role in the
ever-changing world of radio broad-
casting, according to Gay.
"CD’s definitely make things a lot
easier, but I am also fond of using the
older stuff," said Gay, referring to 45,
33 and 78-speed records, all of which
are still played by KSST.
"I asked them to keep a turntable in
the studio despite all of the advances
in technology, because the older
records are the mark of an era gone
by," Gay explained. "Many people
still have their old LPs (33s) — they
just might not have a turntable or a
needle that works."
Gay said KSST provides listeners
with a dose of nostalgia by continuing
to play older records, and that the
community is very responsive.
“Many, many years ago, The
Chuckwagon Gang had a 15-minute
show on before lunch," said Gay.
“Today we still get requests for their
music around noon, and all we have
to do is get one of the old records."
While people might argue KSST
could simply purchase CDs of older
popular music. Gay contends that in
this case, newer isn't better.
"We use CDs too. but for the older
songs I think listeners enjoy hearing
the old records. Sure, a few might be
a little scratchy when they begin, but
they take you back to a different place
in time," said Gay.
Her fondness for remaining con-
nected to days-gone-by is well-nur-
tured at KSST, which first went on
the air in 1947.
"In the early days, many of the
time slots were filled by live music,”
said Gay. "Peavine Pinion, who was a
member of the KSST staff from the
beginning until his death a few years
ago, was initially hired as a'studio
musician. He told me the bands
would just stay in the studio all day,
taking coffee breaks in between sets,
waiting for the announcers to call
them back to perform.”
Gay said the station was still com-
mitted to helping the careers of local
artists in 2001.
“We have local artists bring in their
CDs (to be played) all of the time,”
said Gay. “One of those artists is Pat
Minter. who lives here, but has been
successful all over the world.”
In praise
of Master
Gardeners
By LARRY SPRADLIN
CEAtAgriculture
Today I would like to focus on one
of the hardest working volunteer
groups in Hopkins County — the
Hopkins County Master Gardeners.
This group’s main goal is educa-
tion and promoting horticulture in
our county. We have a very diverse
group of people serving as Master
Gardeners here. Their interests range
from vegetable gardening to rose
gardening to container gardening to
trees, etc., etc., etc.
Our local volunteers are also'
involved in the Junior Master Gar-
dener program at Douglas Intermedi-
ate School and have done and are
available for programs with your
class or club.
If you are interested in becoming a
Hopkins County Master Gardener
classes will begin this Fall. You need
to contact me at the Extension office
at 885-3443 to get information about
the upcoming classes.
VMh
r-%
Hopkins County Master Gardeners Barbara Stewart, Tom Stew-
art, Thomas Payne, Rosemary Avaritt, Pat Johnson, Alice Jisha
and Myra Grant met at Heritage Park Thursday to plant a tree in
celebration of Arbor Day. Extension agent Larry Spradlin calls
the group one of the hardest working band of volunteers in Hop-
kins County.
Shings draw on faith to help others recover from divorce
Continued From Page One
respectively divorced parents who
manage to find love a second time
around.
Like Lily and Rick, Mike and Don-
na Shing were divorcees who fell in
love, but that’s about where the simi-
larities end.
The Shings. a real-life couple who
managed to survive separate divorces
to find love again with each other,
host a weekly divorce recovery group
at Prestonwood Counseling Center on
Connally Street. t
For the Shings, it was their unwa-
vering trust in God. not a group of
behind-the-scenes TV writers, which
led them down Ihe path of healing
and prepared them not only to love
again, but to help others learn how to
cope as well.
‘This is not a matchmaking group,"
stressed Mike. "In fact we discourage
dating within the group, or at all, for
that matter, right away."
The Shings said they refrain from
encouraging dating for newly-
divorced people due to “frightening"
statistics of couples who remarry
shortly after a divorce, only to end
their next marriages also.
“Sometimes it can take up to five
years to recover from a divorce." said
Mike. "People tend to jump back into
dating too soon.”
Donna Shing agreed with her hus-
band.
“A lot of times we bring baggage
into new relationships and don’t even
realize it," she said. “This is especial-
ly true in divorce.”
Mike said the group’s teachings,
which are derived from the Divorce
Care video series, are scripturally-
based.
“The Divorced Care series is from
a group of doctors, evangelists and
other men of God who have shared
methods on how to get over divorce,”
said Mike.
News-Telegram takes top award
From Staff Reports
News-Telegram Managing Editor
Bruce Alsobrook took first place in
feature writing from the Texas Asso-
ciated Press Managing Editors annu-
al contest. The awards were
announced Sunday at the organiza-
tion’s conference in El Paso.
Alsobrook. who was recently pro-
moted from city editor to managing
editor of the newspaper, won the top
prize in the feature category for the
article “In the Company of Wolves,”
about a sanctuary for wolfdogs near
Reilly Springs.
The newspaper has garnered 38
awards from TAPME in the past
eight years, including 15 first-place
awards.
GRADUATIONPARTIES
Sharia Tanton
Sharia Tanton was honored by Bill
and Jane Glover with a graduation
party Thursday. April 12, at the
Glover home.
Guests were treated to sandwiches
and cold (kinks. They then participat-
ed in a scavenger hunt and returned to
the Glover home for ice cream sun-
daes and floats.
Those attending were Hailey
Thompson. John Campbell. Bradley
Edge. David Calavan, Mandy
McGraw. Lauren Owens, Amber Nix,
Cadi Hale and Sunnye Moore. Also
attending were Sharia's parents, Arvis
and Sheila Tanton. and her sister.
Shandra.
Sharia plans to attend Ouachita
Baptist University in Aikadelphia,
Ark., in the fall.
Jonathan Moreland
Jonathan Moreland, a senior at Sul-
phur Springs High School, was hon-
ored with a graduation party Saturday,
April 21, at The Gathering. The party
was given by Jonathan's grandpar-
ents. Ray and Peggy Moreland;
uncles and aunts, Ronny and Shirley
Moreland. Kevin and Jenifer More-
land; and cousins, Rhonda', Hailey,
Hadden and Heidie Moreland. The
senior was honored with a money
wreath from the family members.
Guests signed a red guitar for
Jonathan received Senior 2001
notepads and pencils. The guests
enjoyed sandwiches, vegetable pizza,
tortilla roll-ups, chips, dips, drinks
and cake. Kacey ShurtlefT was hon-
ored with chips and hot sauce for
winning one of several games that
were played.
Those attending the party were
Corey Alexander. Adam Teer, Ashley
Wilemon. Kristen Ferguson, Chad
Bronson, Sirena Spataro, Libby
Hanushek. Marianne Teetes. Mallory
Hoybook. Jennifer Felix, Gina
Lunsford, Brandon Reed, Daniel
Hathcoat. Anna Hathcoat, Rebecca
Ball. Jennifer Dixon. Kacey ShurtlefT,
Charlie Vaculik and Leann McKin-
ney. Also attending were Jonathan's
great-grandmother. Mamie Moreland;
his parents. Terry and Karen More-
land; and his sister and brother. Jen-
nifer and Jake Moreland.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Keys, Scott & Alsobrook, Bruce. The Hopkins County Echo (Sulphur Springs, Tex.), Vol. 206, No. 17, Ed. 1 Friday, May 4, 2001, newspaper, May 4, 2001; Sulphur Springs, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth780255/m1/4/: accessed July 2, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Hopkins County Genealogical Society.