Lady Cats Basketball Wins First Game of Season as They Split Two Games in Bells Tourney
The Lady Cats Basketball Team won their first game of the season in dramatic fashion as Lady Cat Nylah Lindley rebounded a missed shot and hit a follow shot that just beat the buzzer to give the Lady Cats a 58-57 win over Cooper in a Bells Invitational Tournament game Thursday (November 14). Cooper had taken the lead in the last minute before Lindley’s heroics. The Lady Cats win spoiled a nice Cooper comeback. The Lady Cats opened strong in the game and had a 21-9 first quarter lead. The Lady Cats expanded the lead to 17 at the half, 35-18. After the halftime break in both the third and fourth quarters, the Lady Cats had trouble protecting the basketball. Numerous turnovers and some sharpshooting by Cooper allowed the Lady Bulldogs to get back into the game. Cooper trailed by only 5 after three quarters, 46-41 and took the lead early in the fourth quarter. Twice Cooper had three point leads in the fourth quarter. The Lady Cats did just enough to win. Freshman Kenzie Willis led the Lady Cats with 24 points including three three-point baskets. Freshman Addisyn Wall had two three-pointers and scored 8 points. Sophomore Hannah Cordell had 7 points. Junior Lindley and freshman Serenity Lewis both scored 6 points. Junior Bre’Asia Ivery had 4 points and senior Kate Womack had 3 points. Earlier in the day at the tournament, the Lady Cats lost to Pottsboro 65-37. Pottsboro is preseason ranked #23 in Class 3A. The Lady Cardinals scored the first nine points of the game and led 17-8 after one quarter. They expanded their lead to 30-17 at the half. The Lady Cats continued to trail by only nine points into the third quarter. Then Pottsboro blew open the game hitting some big three pointers. Their third quarter lead was 51-27. Cordell led the Lady Cats with 10 points and Willis had 7. Lindley scored 6 points. Womack and Wall had 4 points each. Lewis, senior Latavia Smith and sophomore Jasmine Taylor all had 2 points. With a split in pool play Thursday, the Lady Cats will now go into the Silver Bracket for second place teams in each pool. The Lady Cats play Friday at 10:15 a.m. in the new Bells Gym against the second place pool team that will be either Howe, North Lamar or Aubrey. The Lady Cats are now 1-3 for the season.
Cattle Losses Because of Blood Borne Disease by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Recently I have visited several cattle producers with cases of anaplasmosis in their herd. Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease of cattle that causes destruction of red blood cells. The disease is caused by a minute parasite, Anaplasma marginale, found in the red blood cells of infected cattle. It can be transmitted from infected animals to healthy animals by insects or by surgical instruments. Anaplasmosis outbreaks are related to the lack of a control program, the ratio between anaplasmosis carriers and susceptible animals in the herd, and the amount of vector transmission. Animals with anaplasmosis become weak, abort, reject exercise and potentially die. Anaplasmosis is spread by the transfer of blood from an infected animal to a susceptible one. Primarily, the transmission is “mechanical”—that is, it is transmitted by the mouth part s of biting insects contaminated with A. marginale-infected blood or by contaminated instruments used by human beings. Three biting insects (horse flies, stable flies, and mosquitoes) are known to transmit anaplasmosis mechanically by carrying A. marginale-infected RBCs from diseased cattle to susceptible cattle. In general, if more than 5 minutes elapse between the time when an insect bites a diseased animal and the time it bites a susceptible animal, anaplasmosis is not transmitted. The disease is more likely to be transmitted by insects when cattle gather together, making it easier for insects to bite several animals in a short period of time. Anaplasmosis spreads easily between herds when neighboring cattle congregate under shade trees along fence lines. Control of biting insects, especially the large biting flies, can often be frustrating and is generally not a practical, reliable method for totally preventing transmission of anaplasmosis. However, applications of insecticides that reduce the biting insect population will substantially reduce the number of clinical anaplasmosis cases occurring in a herd. Periodic spraying and dipping, as well as forced use of dust bags and back rubbers, are common methods of insecticide application for beef cattle. The elimination of carriers of anaplasmosis requires the use of antibiotics inject or by mouth. Consult a large animal veterinarian for diagnostic, treatment and prevention of anaplasmosis in your herd.
Coming Up:
City Secretary Recognized For Earning Texas Registered Municipal Clerk Certification
Sulphur Springs City Secretary Gale Roberts will be recognized in January at the Annual Texas Municipal Clerks Election Law Seminar in Frisco for completing the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program.
Roberts over the last four years has not only been diligently working at her post at City Hall, but has also been studying and taking the course work needed to become a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk.
TMCCP is the only university-level professional education program for city clerks and city secretaries In Texas, and is the third oldest of such programs In the country. It is administered by the Texas Municipal Clerks Association. Inc., located at the University of North Texas. The certification program is recognized by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Successful completion of TMCCP requires approximately 200 hours of individual home study and online homework; examinations over each of four courses; and attendance at eight 2-day seminars.
Roberts began work in the courses in January of 2015 and completed the course work for all four classes on Oct. 25. She received official notification this month that she is now officially qualified to use the Texas Registered Municipal Clerk designation.
Course 1, Public Management and Administration, is designed to sharpen managerial and administrative skills and provide an understanding of the scope of public administration. Records management, office communications, time management, and more general skills such as planning, organizing, directing and controlling are focused on.
Course 2, Understanding the City and Local Government Law, is designed provide a better understanding of how sociological and political nature of the community affects local administrators. Sections on municipal court administration and on Texas local government law help the improve knowledge and skills in serving the city council and providing administrative support to the municipal court. Information related to general law and home rule regulations, annexation, planning and zoning, and open meetings law is presented. This course also provides experience in using the Texas Municipal Law and Procedure Manual.
Course 3 is Context of local Government Finance, Revenue Sources, the Local Budget, Budget Cycle, Public Funds Investment and Ethics. Methods of the local government finance process, including budgeting and
revenue analysis, accounting and financial reporting, cash and debt management, and selected issues in financial management are covered. There is also a section related to the Public Funds Investment Act, which governs the investment of government funds in Texas, and offers a practical section on ethics for the purpose of providing local government officials with guidelines and strategies to build public trust and to hone their skills in exercising ethical judgment.
The final course required for TRMC certification is entitled Motivation, Public Relations, Supervision, Election Laws. This course concentrates on
skills such as media communication, motivation, and personnel management. A section on election administration emphasizes the city
secretary’s responsibilities in that area, and provides experience in using the Texas Municipal Election Law Manual.
The 69th Texas Legislature adopted H. B. 2092, which gives State sanction of the program and provides that certification will be issued to each person who successfully completes the program. H.B. 2092 also requires persons who certify in Texas to re-certify every five years.
Re-certification requires an additional 80 hours of professional development course work, including attendance at six 2-day seminars and a selection of educational opportunities to earn points towards re-certification.
Currently, hundreds of municipal clerks are enrolled in TMCCP and are working toward certification or re-certification. As of 2018, only 880
enrollees had completed the extensive certification program, according to the UNT.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed On Fannin County Charge
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Baumann took 30-year-old James Lon Keel III of Sulphur Springs man into custody at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the adult probation office in Hopkins County on a Fannin County warrant.
Keel was transported to Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center, where he was booked on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a Jan. 26, 2018 manufacture or delivery of less than 1 gram of Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest report.
He remained in the county jail Thursday morning, Nov. 14, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Fund Established To Help Alberts Family
A GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit the Alberts family of Sulphur Bluff.
The Alberts family suffered a devastating loss. Not only was the family home destroyed by fire on Tuesday, Nov. 12, but Rick Alberts perished in the blaze as well, according to local officials.
According to a press release issued Wednesday evening by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, “The family is staying at a local hotel in Sulphur Springs and funeral arrangements are pending.”
The posted goal for the In Support for Alberts Family fundraiser is set at $7,000, and all funds will go to Rick Alberts’ wife, Patti.
“Patti is going to need everything and all money raised will go to her,” Jennifer Holland posted on the In Support for Alberts Family fundraising page.
“My Mom, Brothers, and I lost a lot last night. Worst of all we lost My Dad. If this wasn’t bad enough We (Mom) also lost both Dogs, and everything thing she has ever owned. Cloths, photos, antiques passed down, all things that we keep near our hearts dear to us. My heart is shattered right now as the rest of my family. If you can find it possible help please do. Thank you,” Tiffany Alberts Saul wrote in a post shared on the GoFundMe page.
Sulphur Bluff school, upon learning of the blaze Tuesday, also began accepting donations of gift cards to local stores and cash to help school employee Patti Alberts. Donations should be taken to the school office.
Sulphur Bluff Beta Club also will be hosting a fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, to help Patti Alberts. Club members will be offering taco stack ups/nachos for donations in the Sulphur Bluff ISD cafeteria
28th Annual Radio/TV Auction Starts at 5pm Sat. November 23 at KSST and Channel 18 TV Studios
It started 28 years ago, after KSST owners Bill and Patsy Bradford branched out to include local television, with KSST Cable Channel 18 . Kelly Bradford Grimes and her husband Dwayne Grimes, longtime KSST Program Director, came up with the idea and pitched the fundraising concept to the Sulphur Springs Symphony League which they were members of. The offer was quickly accepted and that same year, in the Autumn of 1991, a team of volunteer workers, guest auctioneers, phone operators and delivery drivers put on the first ever 6-hour monster-size event! Bidders at home called on their land lines to place bids, they watched the live studio action on their living room TV set, and they listened to the radio through the night to see if they were top bidder on the dozens of choice items! Although today we have more conveniences, like using cell phones, viewing items online and streaming the action on ksstradio.com, it should be a very exciting night for bidders as well as a successful one for the League. Plan to tune in starting at 5pm and place bids on your favorite Christmas-themed items, trips and stays, and gift cards from favorite eateries and shops. You will also need to know the phone number, 903-885-0700, for placing bids by phone on Auction night.
League President Sharla Campbell and League Secretary Maleta Reynolds explained that it takes the annual Auction, League membership fees and sponsorships to bring in funds needed for providing art, music and cultural experiences which enhance the lives of the public and especially the children of the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County community. Fundraising dollars are applied to provide an annual Children’s Concert for elementary-age youngsters, a Dallas Opera performance for Middle Schoolers, and the Independence Symphony Orchestra Concert each summer for everyone in downtown Sulphur Springs. If you would like to become a member or sponsor of the Northeast Texas Symphony League, please contact Sharla Campbell at 903-243-8388.
Chamber Connection – Nov. 14, 2019
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2020 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. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her. I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love. I hope you will join me in the journey!
The Sulphur Springs Hopkins County EDC and the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce are hosting their annual Economic Outlook Conference at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are so excited to welcome Mr. Christopher Slijk, assistant economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, as our keynote speaker at the 2019 Economic Outlook Conference. Sponsorships of the conference and tickets are available. Lunch will be provided. For further information, please call the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
18th Semi-Annual History By Foot is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16
History by Foot with John Sellers is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 per person. Make reservations by emailing John Sellers at [email protected] or call CNB at 903-885-7523. Reservations are filling up fast!
Chaffer’s Place to host fundraiser
Chaffer’s Place is hosting a fundraising dinner on Monday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at the ROC in Sulphur Springs. This fundraiser will allow for assistance with alternative schooling, higher learning, arts and culture in the community. For more information, please visit www.ckproductions.info or call 470-848-2246.
UPRA Rodeo Finals come to Sulphur Springs
The UPRA Rodeo Finals will be held on Nov. 21, 22, and 23 at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. The rodeo finals will be held at 7 p.m. nightly, and tickets are on sale at the Civic Center Box Office.
Wesley Methodist Church Fall Round-up
Wesley United Methodist Church is hosting their 41st Annual Fall Round Up on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be Hopkins County Stew, a silent auction, country store, and a live auction. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. Visit www.wesleysst.org/fallroundup for more information.
Lion’s Club will host the 12th Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 6
The Lion’s Club is hosting the 12th Annual Christmas Parade Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. The parade begins at Buford Park and goes East on Connally Street to the square, turns left onto Church Street, and left on Houston Street to end in the Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot (watch the Lion’s Club Facebook page for possible route changes due to construction on Connally Street). You may pick up registration forms and rules at the Chamber of Commerce. Registration forms must be received by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
CASA hosts their annual Cookie Walk
CASA is hosting their annual Cookie Walk on Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Cookies are sold for $5 a pound. Go by there and load up on Christmas cookies while supporting our local CASA!
SSISD Receives Superior Financial Rating
Proposal Selected For 8 HVAC Replacement Units
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees heard a number of reports from school personnel and students and were asked to consider a few items, including bids for half a dozen HVAC systems.
SSISD Business Manager Sherry McGraw at the Nov. 11 meeting cnoducted a public meeting regarding the district’s 2019 Financial Accountability Rating. McGraw explained that the rating is based on 2017-2018 school year data and noted that SSISD received a superior rating of 100 points.
The board also approved the purchase of eight heating, ventilation, and air conditioning replacements. SSISD requested bids from three area vendors that are TIPS or BuyBoard approved vendors. A&S Air Conditioning submitted the lowest bid of $62,535, with Wood Air Conditioning Inc.’s bid of $73,100 in second and North Texas Fab LLC’s bid of $79,982 in third. A&S and Wood Air are both TIPS-approved vendors, while North Texas Fab is a BuyBoard-approved vendor.
SSISD Director of Operations Dan Froneberger recommended accepting the proposal from A&S Air Conditioning to replace three units at Austin Academic Center, one unit at the high school, two units at the elementary campus, and two units and other related items at Travis Primary. The purchase of replacements was approved by the school board at their Nov. 11 meeting. Work will be started over the Christmas break or sooner, according to information provided by SSISD.
SSISD trustees Monday night also approved an agreement with Sulphur Springs Country Club regarding use of the facility by golf students and coaches.
Also approved during the meeting were the 2018-2019 Head Start Community Assessment Update and consent agenda, which included tax credits and supplements, delinquent tax collections, and financial statements and bills payable for October 2019.
Superintendent Michael Lamb also gave an update on current board goals, and highlighted the early childhood math goal. Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams reported on elementary and secondary programs and activities since from the various campuses.
Barbara Bush Primary students lead the school board, administrators and others present in reciting the pledges to the American and Texas flags at the Nov. 11 meeting, then showed board members their Veterans Day e-books made and store in the SeeSaw app.
Board members were also provided with copies of Head Start Director’s reports and Policy Council minutes for October.
Update: Sulphur Bluff Resident Found In Debris Of Burned Home Wednesday Afternoon, Officials Report
Officials Wednesday afternoon reported the Sulphur Bluff man whose County Road 3608 residence was destroyed Tuesday by fire was located by specially trained canines inside the debris of his home.
The Search One Rescue Team, an organization with specifically trained canine handlers dedicated to search and rescue, located the deceased man inside the debris and notified his family, according to a press release issued by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday evening.
“The victim was identified as Rick Alberts, a retired Dallas fireman,” the press release stated.
Hopkins County, Sulphur Bluff, North Hopkins, Dike, Saltillo, Brinker, Arbala, Franklin County and Mount Vernon Fire Departments were dispatched at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, to the two-story residential fire on County Road 3608 in Sulphur Bluff. Officials soon received a report that there could potentially still be a person inside of the home, according to fire and dispatch reports.
Upon arrival, firefighters reported the house to be fully involved with fire. Firefighters deployed hand lines, trying to knock the blaze down as best they could. However, those efforts were reportedly hampered due to problems getting tankers there for water supply, the county fire marshal reported Wednesday morning.
“The fire had quickly consumed the two story residence, leaving a large amount of heavy debris,” according to the HCSO press release.
Officials searched into the night, attempting to account for the male resident and returned Wednesday morning to resume searching for the man in the debris, aided by Search One Rescue Team. The rescue team located him about 1:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to sheriff’s and fire reports.
“The cause of the fire is unknown and still under investigation. The family is staying at a local hotel in Sulphur Springs and funeral arrangements are pending. Our prayers are with the family,” the HCSO press release stated.
