Wildcats Basketball Team Now Ranked #3 in State After Strong Week Last Week
The Wildcats Basketball Team jumped up in the rankings, from #5 to #3 after a week last week that saw them win 5 out of six games. First came the home win against a ranked Paris team at home, 67-61 last Tuesday (December 3) and then the Mansfield ISD Spring Creek Barbeque Classic where the Wildcats won four of five games and finished fifth in the prestigious tourney. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said it was probably one of the most successful tournaments the Wildcats have had. Their only loss, by 6 points, came to Waxahachie, ranked #12 in Class 6A, and the team that ended up winning the tournament. The Wildcats also collected two wins that either one would make most team’s season. The Wildcats bested Pearland Shadow Creek, ranked #2 in Class 5A, and Killeen Ellison, ranked #6 in Class 6A. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats took a giant step in the direction they need to go during the tournament. He said he was especially impressed with how well the Wildcats handled pressure. He noted that in the past some teams have been able to disrupt the Wildcats, such as San Antonio Wagner, at the State Tournament last year. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats have been working on this and the press did not bother the Wildcats. He did notice that the Wildcats came out a little flat in their tournament opener against A&M Consolidated. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats have gotten away with it for the most part so far this season but he said he knew it would cost them in the future. He said he gave his team a talking to and he said they responded to it during the rest of the tournament games. The Wildcats are now 8-2 for the season. They play at Dallas Woodrow Wilson Tuesday night at 8 p.m.

Saltillo Lady Lions Take Fourth Place in Dodd City Tournament
The Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Team, ranked #16 in Class A, ended up in fourth place in the Craig Reed Invitational at Dodd City this past weekend. On Saturday (December 6), the Lady Lions lost a game for third place to Gunter, 42-36 Gunter led only 8-6 after the first quarter and 23-17 at the half, Both teams scored 19 points in the second half. For the Lady Lions, Chandler Bain led the team with 9 points, Anna Reeder and Brittney Peeples had 8 points each, Maddy Smith scored 6 points, Kristina Wade had 4 points and Julianna Giles added 1 point. Lady Lions Coach Bill Giles said his team got better during this tournament and added they played some good teams. He said even in the losses, the Lady Lions improved. Coach Giles said his team gets more out of losing to really good teams than they do blowing out poor teams. The Lady Lions season record is now 11-6. The Lady Lions play Lone Oak Tuesday in Saltillo with a JV game at 4:15 p.m. with a varsity game to follow.

Winnsboro Police Department Media Report For Dec. 2-Dec. 8, 2019

Arrests
- Rickey Wells, 56 years of age, of Como, TX, was arrested on 12/03/2019 on a Franklin County Warrant for Probation Violation and multiple Winnsboro Municipal Court warrants.
- Enrique Ortiz- Montoya, 45 years of age, of Como, TX, was arrested on 12/03/2019 on a Hopkins County Warrant for Bail Jumping and Fail to Appear.
- Randall Evans, 30 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 12/04/2019 for Possession of Controlled Substance PG1>=1G<4G, Evading Arrest Detention w/ Previous Convictions, and a Bexar County Warrant for Violation of Probation
- Alan Hanson, 35 years of age, of Beaumont, TX, was arrested on 12/06/2019 for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
- Jeremy Lewis, 34 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12/07/2019 on a Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrant for Expired Inspection.
- Neal Brown, 35 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12/07/2019 on a Hopkins County Warrant for Violation of Probation.
- Nicole Williams, 45 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12/07/2019 on a Wood County Warrant for Tampering /Fabricate Physical Evidence and Burglary of Habitation
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 181 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 44 citations and 59 warnings during this reporting period.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report For Nov. 26-Dec. 3, 2019

Tuesday, Nov. 26
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 779 near Quitman; at approximately 2:15 a.m. Charles King, 40, of Crossroads, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
- At 4:04 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Yantis.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1946 near Yantis, at approximately 9:02 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3203 near Quitman, at approximately 11:19 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2504 near Mineola, at approximately 12:23 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3203 near Quitman, at approximately 1:31 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Jason Romero, 34, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1987 near Yantis, at approximately 1:32 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 8:09 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:20 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on FM 852 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 10:12 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2600 near Mineola; at approximately 10:30 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 515 near Yantis; at approximately 1:17 a.m. Robin Brandt, 56, of Alba, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6662 near Mineola, at approximately 2:27 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1900 near Yantis, at approximately 8:00 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a couple round bales of hay from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4702 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:40 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies observed an open door on an abandoned house and secured the door.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2503 near Mineola; at approximately 10:27 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 10:42 a.m. Bobby Hughes, 45, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3520 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:33 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 11:58 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:18 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 5:00 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:06 p.m., in reference to theft on HWY 69 near Mineola. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:13 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with the parties involved and cleared the incident.
- At 9:02 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2336 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1410 near Quitman, at approximately 9:57 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2276 near Mineola, at approximately 11:44 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and transported to the hospital.
Thursday, Nov. 28
- At 8:23 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4560 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:31 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2310 near Mineola, at approximately 2:19 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- At 8:14 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2921 near Alba, at approximately 9:02 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Friday, Nov. 29
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2146 near Quitman, at approximately 4:35 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Actors, or actors unknown, took the reporting party’s vehicle without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 9:31 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:00 a.m., in reference to a possible burglary on FM 49 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 11:25 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:35 p.m., in reference to fraud on CR 3494 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 3:24 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies spoke with the reporting party and determined it was a civil matter.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1214 near Quitman, at approximately 4:09 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 4:31 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the property owner and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3118 near Quitman, at approximately 4:47 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 6:39 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 7:08 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 7:12 p.m. Luis Vega-Romero, 37, of Henderson, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:56 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on CR 3900 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 8:37 p.m. Alysia Minter, 29, of Mineola, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Sherri Foster, 42, of Yantis, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 779 near Mineola; at approximately 11:19 p.m. Brandy Drake, 28, of Terrell, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated Third or More.
Saturday, Nov. 30
- Deputies were dispatched to Pennal St. in Hawkins, at approximately 6:21 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2600 near Mineola; at approximately 8:39 a.m. Jefferey Peters, 36, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 9:40 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Newsome St. in Mineola; at approximately 10:19 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to McWhorter St. in Mineola, at approximately 10:25 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 10:32 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:39 a.m., in reference to a scam on FM 17 near Yantis. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2225 near Quitman; at approximately 11:24 a.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2388 near Alba, at approximately 11:49 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. BobbieJo Castanon, 19, of Mount Pleasant, was arrested for Violate Conditions of Bond/Violate Protection Order.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4555 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:42 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and they separated for the day.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 779 near Alba; at approximately 9:25 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to suspicious circumstances on CR 2260 near Mineola; at approximately 9:34 p.m. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 10:06 p.m. Brandon Caldwell, 38, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Sunday, Dec. 1
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2290 near Mineola, at approximately 11:01 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Drive near Quitman, at approximately 11:45 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 12:25 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Stephens St. in Quitman; at approximately 1:14 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4490 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:45 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a tool box from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 2:11 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the property owner and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 69 near Mineola; at approximately 2:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 5:29 p.m. Kayce Johnston, 38, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 1540 near Alba; at approximately 7:04 p.m. Joe Loyd, 50, of Alba, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Winnsboro; at approximately 8:32 p.m. Cory Marks, 31, of Winnsboro, was arrested for outstanding warrants. Leslie Wagner, 37, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Myrtle St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 10:16 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:26 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Post Oak St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 10:46 p.m. Chance Addicks, 19, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 515 near Alba; at approximately 11:03 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Monday, Dec. 2
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 2303 near Mineola; at approximately 2:32 a.m. Brandyn Betts, 38, of Hawkins, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Tamper Fabricate Physical Evidence.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:44 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1678 near Alba, at approximately 8:23 a.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:40 a.m., in reference to a scam on FM 515 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 1:01 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Walnut St. in Yantis, at approximately 1:21 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Red Leaf Lane near Quitman, at approximately 8:17 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 11:33 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
- At 7:54 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Mineola.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:50 a.m., in reference to fraud on CR 4896 near Winnsboro. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1600 near Alba, at approximately 9:36 a.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole checks from the reporting party. This case is forwarded to other agencies due to the incident occurring in their jurisdiction.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2302 near Mineola, at approximately 10:19 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties and determined it was a civil matter.
- At 10:37 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2880 near Mineola, at approximately 12:06 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the owner of the vehicle.
- At 3:42 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:19 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on CR 1858 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3689 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:45 p.m., in reference to a possible assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Agency Assists
Between the dates of November 26 and December 3, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following:
- Game Warden
- Quitman Police Department
Jail Count
Total Jail Count –137 inmate, 115 males and 22 females.
Reminders from Sheriff Castloo
- If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
- Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
4 Members Of Sulphur Springs City Council Resign

Four members of Sulphur Springs City Council had submitted letters of resignation, effective immediately, as of Monday morning.
Mayor Norman Sanders submitted his resignation on Thursday. Erica Armstrong, Jeff Sanderson and Jimmy Lucas sent resignation emails Monday. All resignations are effective immediately, the city manager confirmed Monday.
KSST contacted Erica Armstrong, Jimmy Lucas, Norman Sanders and Jeff Sanderson Monday. All four confirmed their resignation but declined to comment.
Sanders, Armstrong and Lucas were elected in 2018, and Sanderson was elected in 2019.
The city attorney is reportedly in the process of researching to see what steps the city will need to take regarding the four empty seats on the council.

County To Cease Providing Trash Dumpsters For Public

Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning announced the county will soon cease providing dumpsters at county barns for the public to use.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker noted that the county spent $37,881 last year on trash dumpsters provided for constituents
“This is a service that we have been providing for the constituents. This started out as a five year program grant that paid for the dumping of dumpsters and since is gradually getting worse, if that’s the right word. More and more people are bringing their trash. My particular precinct barn has turned into a trash dump,” Barker said.
The Precinct 1 Commissioner said at his barn people who bring trash will be given a list that contains a list of all eight curbside trash companies that operate in Precinct 1, and encouraging them to contact them to attain trash pick up service.
Barker said his intent is for the county to try to offer spring and fall clean up dates during which county residents would be allowed to bring unwanted items for disposal.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley emphasized intent to host both a fall and spring clean up event, which should be put on the county website. He said he’s been asked about dump sites, that he found information regarding the precinct location on the web.
Bartley said his precinct employees have spent many hours picking up trash that should have been dedicated to road work. This will allow him to better utilize the available work force for their primary work goals.
Barker said ceasing offering a public trash dumpster year round should also cut down on the amount of time each commissioner spends answer calls from people wanting to know the hours the dumpster site is open or asking to schedule to dump trash.
Barker said the county is not in the trash business, but it is in the road business. This will allow each precinct’s 6-7 employees to focus on road repairs.
The commissioner unanimously agreed to the cessation of providing public trash dumpsters at all county barns effective Feb. 1, 2020. The service will continue to be offered until then, however, Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted.
'Christmas Market on Main' a Success for Local Small Biz and Cavanaugh/Reed Fund


More than 25 Christmas vendors spread their tables and displays out on Main Street during Saturday’s second annual ‘Christmas Market on Main”! The event not only boosted foot traffic in the downtown Sulphur Springs shopping district, but shoppers from other towns got to know our merchant shops and eateries even better. Professional photos with Santa was another draw for families in the Christmas spirit. And although the morning started out chilly, people were already milling early and making selections on Main Street and beyond it’s borders.
The Main Street merchant team of Marlene DeYong and Katy Moss Steelman, owners of Marlene’s Sass and Class and of Simply Spoiled hatched the plan, contacted the vendors and did the footwork and promotion of the event. In a gesture of love and concern, the two women also wanted to be part of fundraising for the Cavanaugh/Reed families following the tragic loss and injury suffered by those families back in October 2019. So they invited all the Main Street merchants to pitch in, and they did, with the fundraising effort amounting to a total of $1,265.00.

‘Christmas Market on Main’ vendors offered Chrismas ornaments, jewelry, holiday fashions, customized clothing, handmade soaps and lotions, jams and relishes, pillows, repurposed suitcases, hand painted signs and more. One local artisan offered scented loofah bath sponges which fuel her savings for her annual mission trip to Haiti! Another crafty local vendor designs interesting “christmas vintage’ decorations from re-purposed and salvaged household items we probably all have on hand. Also during the morning, a line formed with individuals and families who wanted ‘Christmas moments with Santa’ by Photographer Rocky Hoops. And anybody who wanted to sit down for coffee, cocoa or a delicious meal found it among the various eateries and coffee shops downtown!



SSISD Bands Offer Christmas Concert Dec. 10; Auction Will Help Fund Orlando Trip

Sulphur Springs ISD Bands will perform a Christmas concert is Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature “Sounds of the Season” performed by the SSISD Jazz, Middle School and High School Band programs.
Admission is free to all. However, a silent auction to help fund the band’s planned spring performance trip to Orlando will also be held beginning at 6 p.m. that night in the foyer of the SSHS Auditorium.
“We have lots of great items to bid on, including a weekend at a Lake House on Lake Bob Sandlin and the privilege of conducting the high school band on the final piece of the concert, complete with your very own golden baton,” said SSISD Director of Bands Spencer Emmert.
This will follow the Region Try-outs for ninth graders in Mount Pleasant Monday.
See the Fine Arts calendar on the district website for additional information about the “Sights and Sounds of the Season” performances and activities this month.