JetTribe Receives Approval To Host Jet Ski Watercraft Event At Coleman Lake
JetTribe Core Watercraft Company officials have been given the go-ahead to host a jet ski watercraft exhibit on Coleman Lake in the spring.
Dinh Tran, senior partner of Vosh International Corp, told Sulphur Springs City Council that with the help of the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Tony and Sarah Whitehead, founders of JetTribe, have established a distribution center in Sulphur Springs.
Tran explained that over the last 6-7 months, the JetTribe founders have been so impressed with the hospitality from the Sulphur Springs community welcoming them, that they were seeking permission to hold a water ski exhibition on Lake Coleman on May 15-16.
“Tony and Sarah have been co-hosting many events internationally. They feel like it’s something they’d like to give back to the community and introduce them to the sport of jet ski,” Tran said.
He said the event would serve as a test for potentially other events. The exhibition would welcome the entire community to attend. Depending on how successful the May event is, company officials would like to eventually make Sulphur Springs a location for a qualifying stage in the sport.
“Currently, at this moment, only California, New York and Florida have the right to do that. I strongly believe that Tony and Sarah have the ability to host such an event here in Sulphur Springs. At this moment, , from our estimation, if we get approval, we can bring anywhere from 50 to 100 riders from throughout Texas to come up here and do an exhibition on it. Our estimation, I think it will bring in a great financial impact to the city of Sulphur Springs. It’s something different, something that in my opinion that hasn’t been done in Texas,” Tran said.
City Manager Marc Maxwell noted that there is one stumbling block for this request. The city has an ordinance that prohibits motorized boats on the Coleman Lake unless the parks and recreation board approves it. Since the city no longer has a parks and recreation board, the matter request was presented to the City Council during their Dec. 3 meeting.
“Assuming the lake is deep enough, it looks like a great opportunity,” Place 6 Council member Doug Moore said.
Tran affirmed it is; the only requirement for the event is that the lake be 3 feet deep.
Place 7 Councilman John Sellers asked how many actual jet skis would be on the lake during the exhibition.
Sarah Whitehead, who in addition to being a founder is also vice president of JetTribe, said that at any one time there would be 10-12 on the lake; people take turns.
Sellers asked based on the lake, it’s size and proximity to the city, if it’d be a good place to hold that kind of event.
“I think so. It’s a good centrally located lake for the community. You could view the spectating pretty much all the way around the lake and it’s deep enough. We can lay out the course in such a way so that it can fit the lake. It will have the timed closed-course type of race, where people race against the buoys and the clock. Then, there will be another portion where they can do free-styling, and do some tricks and flips and stuff to please the crowd, more or less. It will go in phases,” Whitehead explained.
Mayor Norman Sanders asked if both the upper and lower portions of the lake could be used.
Whitehead head asked if the upper portion was the smaller section of the lake. She said the only thing discussed for that would be potentially holding a side attraction for kids to do something there. It wouldn’t necessarily be part of the event, however.
Tran said likely some type of remote controlled boats and little watercraft toys would be used at the event to introduce kids to the sport.
Sellers made the motion, which was seconded by Place 5 Councilman Jeff Sanderson, and unanimously approved by the council, to allow JetTribe to hold a jet ski watercraft exhibition event at Coleman Lake.
'A Christmas Carol: Radio on Stage' Brings Art to Main Street Theater in a 5-Show Run December 12-15
With David Woody directing, the Christmas-time classic “A Christmas Carol” is brought to life in a unique adaptation by Tony Palmero of the 1843 novella by Charles Dickens. Palmero also composed and arranged the musical score. Fourteen actors of various ages will portray the voices of the characters as in a live radio broadcast. The radio-on-stage theater presentation is designed to enhance your family’s Christmas celebration.
Delivering lines and speaking for effect is essential to the art of theater, and because of that, ‘radio onstage’ makes a perfect pairing for audiences. Mastering the English accent and inflections has been a learning curve for some new to the cast. Bob Cratchit, the abused and underpaid clerk, is portrayed by Marcus Reed, a theater student new to Main Street Theater. Reed also portrays a London businessman. Young Peter Cratchit is portrayed by Conner Curtis, a Middle schooler new to Sulphur Springs who also skillfully carries the role of Buck the Street Urchin. In addition to directing, Woody will depict Ebeneezer Scrooge, the villain who becomes the hero, moved by kindness to abandon his self-serving ways and open his heart to joy and the true meaning of Christmas giving. A sound effects table will be employed onstage to compete the effect necessary for the sense of live radio performed at microphones onstage.
Five shows are scheduled December 12-15, 2019. Catch evening performances at 7pm and afternoon performances at 2pm. Two shows will be held Saturday December 14. Reservations are encouraged. Tickets are $10 each. Phone 903-885-0107 or visit communityplayersinc.com. Main Street Theater at 225A Main Street in Sulphur Springs seats about 80 persons for each performance.
City Officials Discuss Potential Options, Alternate Ideas For Downtown Parking
Downtown parking and options to potentially increase or identify available parking downtown were discussed during Sulphur Springs City Council’s regular meeting this week.
Place 2 Council member Jimmy Lucas said he asked that the discussion on downtown parking be placed on the council agenda after being approached by vendors downtown. The business person expressed concern to Lucas that business was being lost due to “drive-away customers.”
“They drive up and they see parking that’s close if full and they’re driving away,” people opting to go elsewhere when parking close to downtown businesses were not readily available.
Lucas said he had no answer for the issue, but agreed to bring it before the council to glean ideas others might have regarding the issue. He said if anyone had ideas on the matter, he’d be willing to hear them.
When asked whether the city owns property near downtown, City Manager Marc Maxwell noted the city does own property on Oak Avenue that previously served as a rest home. It was pointed out there are already plans for that property, to become the site of a new activity center for senior citizens.
Place 5 Council member Jeff Sanderson asked if the city owns the two lots directly behind City Hall. Maxwell noted the city does own the two blocks between Rogers and Mulberry streets.
“It looks like there’s just under two acres, between the two lots, so, around right at 50,000-square foot, give or take. If you do the numbers for a parking lot, you can come up with around $200,000-$250,000, depending on the turnaround and your drives. Is that open to discussion?” Sanderson asked.
Maxwell said based on years of observation and industry studies and research, it is believed that likely wouldn’t resolve the issue.
“The universal cry is that we have to have more parking, and it’s never true. It seems like it’s true. The fact of the matter is we have 1,440 parking spaces within two blocks of the square between the banks and the churches and all of the ins and outs,” Maxwell said.
Maxwell said those who visit downtown on Saturday night, would be able to find parking at say First Baptist Church, behind the banks or the county parking lot by the Courthouse Annex building.
“I would suggest to you, we could build more parking, but if they’re not going to walk from those lots, they’re not going to walk from here,” Maxwell told the council.
Maxwell said another issue is that a lot of those parking downtown are owners or employees of business.
“If we could get them to park in one of these more remote parking lot, we’d see an immediate alleviation. It’d be noticable. But, how do you do that? That’s an enforcement nightmare,” Maxwell added.
The city manager said “one of the rules about downtowns is you don’t want to put up no parking or limited parking signs.” Roger Brooks, when he visited and helped the city with branding, told officials they will likely be pushed to establish time limits for parking; he advised against it.
Two-hour only parking sign might have the opposite response than desired from downtown patrons, Maxwell said. For instance two hours would likely not be enough time for someone who’s planning an extended time downtown, perhaps to have a meal and shop, they may seek other locations for their business and time that aren’t so time restrictive to parking, he
Maxwell said he’d hoped that could be self-policed by the Downtown Business Alliance, but they are having no luck getting that done. He said that wasn’t a criticism the DBA, just a fact that it’s the reality; it’s hard to put into place and enforce.
Mayor Pro Tem/Place 1 Council member Erica Armstrong asked if the city could implement some kind of parking tag, similar to those issued to students at say a high school, only to designate employee or owners.
Maxwell said that bring the question of whether a tag could be mandated, and if so, logistics of that would have go be worked out. Also, there could be the argument that an employee could park in the designated public or customer spaces if not at work, to do personal shopping, eat out or take their kids to play in the fountain.
Place 7 Council member John Sellers suggested talking to the business owners again to see if they’d be willing to comply, to help their businesses.
“They’re bringing it to us to solve, so we’ve got to come up with something,” Lucas said.
Kayla Price said signage is something that’s been discussed in the past.
“I’m from Sulphur Springs so I know where the parking is located that you don’t see if you’re on the square, but, if you’re an out-of-towner, you don’t. If you go to McKinney, what do you see everywhere? Additional parking. I really think our simplest solution would be some signage to let the out-of-towners know that they can park at the church or the other lots,” said Price.
Armstrong suggested naming the lots, for example, Lot A, Lot B. Then, in a couple of different location show where the additional parking lots are located.
Maxwell said to consider with that was how that would work to reflect the different hours the owners of the different lots are open, or when they are available to the general public. For instance, churches use their parking areas at different times. Digital signs have been mentioned, Maxwell said.
The city manager said the city bought some cones and has utilized them at various parking lots during days special events or activities are being held downtown, pointing to available parking areas. He said he’s not sure how effective those are, but it’s been done.
“I keep looking for a simple beautiful answer, and I’m at a loss too,” Maxwell said.
Sellers pointed out that after 5 p.m. the county lots are usually available.
“I know the perception is that’s way, but it’s probably not any farther than from back of Walmart from those lots. That might be a good place mark for additional parking because that’s a good size of lots that do not get used, even from 8 to 5. I walk down there and they’re practically empty, unless it’s a jury day,” Sellers said.
Resident Taylor Cross said to look at it another way. He said it’s like going to Walmart. You want one of those front spots, but since you’re already there, you tough it out and go in anyway.
“We’ve brought up some really good points about maybe asking the employees to park other places. I see it too. I love going too. I see it. There are some private parking lots. Maybe some of the owners could be asked if, after hours they would mind if the people could use their parking spaces,” Cross said.
Barbara Williams said she agrees that signs are needed downtown.
“I’ve lived in Sulphur Springs less than two years. I didn’t know you could park at the churches. I didn’t know you could park at some of these places. I love to be downtown. I’m downtown as often as I can be. But if you don’t put signs up and make people feel like they are welcome. They are going to go elsewhere,” Williams said.
Morgan Standbridge said parking is a topic often discussed. He said his thought would be a bit more aggressive.
“Marc, I think you showed your desperation to not be able to move or change the behavior of the owners and employees who continue to park and occupy a lot of parking spots and spaces we wish you had more of. Personally, where I know the owner of that business, I don’t do business in that business. I’m not going to do business where they feel that parking space is more important to them than to their customer. I think if there’s awareness to that affect then that might help change some of that behavior,” Standbridge said.
“Maybe, and I can see you’re point, but as a city I don’t think we want to be in the business of saying don’t shop there,” Maxwell said.
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City Manager's Report for December 2019
Below is the City Manager’s Report reported by Marc Maxwell Dec. 3, to Sulphur Springs City Council by
Wastewater Treatment Plant
The construction on all of the functional elements at the wastewater treatment plant is complete. All that remains is construction of the road. The plant is completely operational.
Bellview Street
The Bellview project has begun. Installation of sewer mains is ongoing.
Connally Street
The contractor on this project is nearly finished with the construction of the street itself. They should finish this week. The Capital Construction Division will finish construction of sidewalks, driveway approaches and cross-street connections within 90 days.
Cantex Lift Station
The lift station is complete. Kudos to the utility department for a job well done.
Claims
We had no liability claims in November. We had one workers’ compensation claim for a puncture wound to the left hand while unloading brush from a trailer.
Revenues and Expenditures
Finance Director Lesa Smith will not give a year-to-date report of revenues and expenditures as it is the first of the month.
Additional Reports
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .68 mg/L.
- Repaired 5 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 17 water meters.
- Unstopped 31 sewer mains.
- Repaired 5 sewer mains.
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 36 dead end water mains.
- Treated 130 million gallons of potable water.
- Sold 2,804 gallons of AvGas and 15,868 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Checked out 2,616 items from the library plus 754 eBooks.
- Conducted 30 building inspections, 37 electrical inspections, 25 plumbing inspections, 5 mechanical inspections and issued 30 building permits.
- Responded to 151 animal control calls and achieved an adoption rate of 50 percent.
- Made 3 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 2,243 police calls, made 49 arrests, recorded 45 offences, wrote 568 citations and responded to 47 accidents in the Patrol Division.
- Responded to 175 fire/rescue calls including 1 vehicle fire, 4 structure fires and 14 grass fires.
- Conducted 36 fire inspections and reviewed 36 pre-fire plans.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 76 fire hydrants.
- Trimmed trees at Veteran’s Memorial.
- Began winter maintenance on all equipment.
- Cleaned out entire ditch on Reservoir Street.
- Put up Christmas lights and decorations on Plaza.
- Power washed sidewalks in multiple locations.
- Barricades for Veteran’s Day parade.
- Made 3 major street repairs following utility repairs.
- Patched 169 potholes.
- Repaired 2 “Stop” signs.
- Repaired part of the driveway at Fire Station 1 that had caved in.
- Repaired bollard behind Pioneer Cafe.
- Hauled crushed concrete and spread to fill in holes and repair the City’s part of the road at Century Lake.
Chamber Connection For Dec. 5, 2019
By Lezley Brown, president/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
The Sulphur Springs Hopkins County EDC and the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone for attending the Economic Outlook Conference at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The conference was a huge success with special thanks to our Gold Sponsors: Alliance Bank, City National Bank, Farmers Electric Co-op, and Ocean Spray.
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!
Hopkins County EMS is hosting their Christmas tree decorating contest
Hopkins County EMS is hosting their annual Christmas Tree decorating contest on Friday, Dec. 6, on Celebration Plaza. For rules and additional information, visit EMS on Facebook at Hopkins County EMS.
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).
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!
Heritage Park will host Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 7
The Hopkins County Historical Society presents Christmas in the Park on Saturday, December 7, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visit with Santa, see the light displays, listen to live music, enjoy hot cocoa, old-fashioned cider, coffee and cookies, and begin your Christmas shopping in the Country Store.
Santa Cause 5K presented by Nations Lending
Nations Lending is hosting a Santa Cause 5K Without the Sleigh benefitting the Reed-Cavanaugh families at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Pizza Inn, 1320 Mockingbird Lane in Sulphur Springs. For additional information, contact Nations Lending at 202 Church Street in Sulphur Springs.
North East Texas Choral Society presents Hearts Come Home for Christmas
North East Texas Choral Society presents Hearts Come Home for Christmas on December 7 th at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. in the SSHS Auditorium in Sulphur Springs. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. You may purchase tickets online at www.singerscount.org.
Sister Babyz hosts 8th Annual Fashion Show
Sister Babyz will host their annual Fashion Show on Friday, Dec. 13, at BackStory Brewery, 211 Magnolia St. in Sulphur Springs. Happy Hour begins at 6 p.m., Fashion Show begins at 7 p.m., and shopping the show begins at 8 p.m. All proceeds benefit local charities. Tickets are available for purchase at Sister Babyz, 135 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs, or at www.sisterbabyz.com.
Main Street Theater Presents A Christmas Carol
The Main Street Theater Community Players Presents A Christmas Carol. Performances will be Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, December 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Online reservations can be
made at www.communityplayersinc.com or by calling (903) 885-0107. Main Street Theater is located at 225 Main Street in Sulphur Springs.
Chaffer’s Place presents their monthly concert
Chaffer’s Place, located at 410 Main St. in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a live concert featuring music from the soundtrack of The Preacher’s Wife. The concert will be held on Dec. 19, and doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. This includes dinner and a show! For more information call 470-848-2246 or visit www.ckproductions.info. Chaffer’s Place also offers live music every Friday and Saturday night.
Ribbon Cuttings
TLC Chiropractic hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at noon. They are located at 2655 Highway 11 East in Sulphur Springs.
Tira News for Dec. 4, 2019
By Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to the family of Jamie Brice. His funeral service was Monday afternoon, Dec. 2, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Please be in prayer for his family.
The Tira City Council met on Monday, Dec. 2, for their regular quarterly meeting. The group discussed food pantry storage, building and grounds upkeep and repairs, and routine business. Following the meeting the members decorated the Center for the Community Christmas party, which is coming up on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. The Tira Volunteer Firefighters will be recognized for their service to our community. Make plans to come enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship with your neighbors. Brisket and tea will be provided. Please bring a side dish and/or dessert to share. The Christmas story will be read, and then Santa will be stopping by to visit with the kids.
Joyce Dodd reported, “William and I had a smaller gathering this year for Thanksgiving. As our family grows, it has branched out to spend time with other in-laws and family. We missed those who didn’t get to come, but those who did attend were Michael McNiel, Jerry and Tonja Lucas, Brad, Tanya, and Matthew Dodd, Trenton Dodd and Melony Huffman.”
Landon and Laiken Joslin and the boys, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden, hosted Thanksgiving dinner for family on Thursday evening. Joining them were Randy and Fran Harris, Malcolm and Kenden Joslin, Emma Hall (Kenden’s girlfriend), and Chip and I. We had way too much to eat, but everything was so good. After the meal, we had fun playing charades.
Elizabeth (Liz) Steinsiek had Johnny and Cilla Hudson and Gerald and Dee Osbon over for lunch at her cabin on Thanksgiving day. On Friday, our family gathered there with her for another Thanksgiving meal. Those attending were Michael, Tracy, Jordyn, Madison, and Lani Horn from Schertz (near San Antonio); Delayne Vaughn from Waco; Linda Ellen Vaughn from Dallas; Tiffany and Perry Gilbert and Jaidyn Joslin from Malvern, Arkansas; Kenden Joslin and his girlfriend, Emma; Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin; and Chip and myself. We enjoyed eating and visiting. The boys had fun fishing from the pier in the rain and the girls played cards. Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden spent Saturday night with us and went to church with us on Sunday morning.
I hope to have more news about Thanksgiving gatherings next time.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Wildcats Change Flow of Paris Game With Third Quarter Half Court Trap
For the first couple of quarters and a half, Paris looked like it was going to be their night against the Wildcats Basketball Team Tuesday night (December 3) in Sulphur Springs. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said Paris was shooting the ball well and the Wildcats weren’t doing much to make them uncomfortable. It other words, Paris was in a groove. Coach Cipoletta chose to change the dynamic of the game. He instituted a half court trap. The move seemed to give the Wildcats energy and they started to get steals and to cause turnovers. The Wildcats used the boost to tie the game after three quarters and then to win it in the final period. Coach Cipoletta said Justin Brock hit a big three in the fourth quarter and Grayson McClure hit two of them. He said point guard Lamodrick Johnson did a good job in the second half after a rocky first half. He said Day Day Hall was hard to stop and he added he was real proud of Cameron Kahn. Coach Cipoletta said Kahn did not play well last week but came out strong Tuesday night. He said Kahn had to overcome foul trouble. Kahn led the Wildcats with 20 points including 9 big third quarter points when the Wildcats went on their big run. Coach Cipoletta said he was proud of his team and the way they stuck together to overcome adversity. He compared it to a storm that has to be weathered before calm water returns. The Wildcats play next in the Mansfield ISD Spring Creek Barbeque Classic Tournament that runs Thursday through Saturday.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Could Not Find a Lot to Like in Terrell Loss Tuesday
The Lady Cats Basketball Team had a tough night on the road at Terrell Tuesday night (December 3). After leading 22-11 at the half, the Lady Cats watched Terrell catch up and pass them by. Lady Cats Coach Brittney Tisdell says the Lady Cats came out in the second half playing soft. They encountered foul trouble. She says once the Lady Cats lost the momentum, they could not get it back. The game in regulation ended in a 43-43 tie. The Lady Tigers won in overtime. Coach Tisdell believes the final score was 49-45. She says the Lady Cats played terribly with lots of turnovers. She says the Lady Cats did not look like themselves. She calls it one of their worst games of the season. Coach Tisdell says it appeared that Terrell wanted it more than the Lady Cats did and it showed. She says she knows the Lady Cats have a lot on their minds at this time of year including final exams. Coach Tisdell says it did not look like they were thinking about basketball. She said they played with no energy or passion. Coach Tisdell says the Lady Cats have to correct a lot of little stuff, like being consistent, hitting free throws, making better passes and communicating. The Lady Cats, now 3-6 for the season play next in a Glen Rose tournament Thursday through Saturday. They face Burnet and then maybe Wall, ranked #9 in Class 3A. The tournament includes overnight stays for the Lady Cats and Coach Tisdell is hoping the team spends a lot of time hanging out with each other and bonding.
Sulphur Springs Will Again Be 5A, Division II For Football and 5A For All Other Sports
Wildcats Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Greg Owens found out Tuesday (December 3) that Sulphur Springs will again be a 5A school for the next biennial alignment. The Wildcats will again be in 5A, Division II (smaller schools) for football. Sulphur Springs’ submitted number of 1251 students was just 42 more than the top cutoff level for Class 4A. Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young told Coach Owens he thought there were only six 5A schools smaller than Sulphur Springs. Coach Owens said the UIL began letting schools know what classification they would be in two years ago. On Monday, February 3, the UIL will announce district alignments for the next biennial. The big guessing game now is what district the Wildcats will wind up in. Coach Owens said his gut tells him the Wildcats will basically find themselves in about the same football district they are in now. Kaufman has dropped down to 4A. Royse City will be going somewhere else as a Division I (bigger schools) team in 5A. Others that might come in include Mesquite Poteet, which is down to 5A, Division II from Division I. Crandall is up to Class 5A, Division II from 4A. The Wildcats and Texas High football rivalry might be on again. Texas High has dropped from 5A Division I to Division II. Coach Owens also speculates that the Wildcats might be joining some old East Texas district foes. He said he believes it may all depend of Nacogdoches, Coach Owens said if Nac stays in their current East Texas district, the Wildcats will probably head for a Metroplex district. He said if Nac ends up heading down College Station way, the Wildcats might be reunited with old East Texas foes like Hallsville, Marshall, Pine Tree and Mount Pleasant. Longview has also dropped from 6A to 5A but they are a Division I school so they won’t be a district match for football. But they could be a match for all the other Wildcats and Lady Cats sports. The UIL releases the classification cutoffs and list of schools in each to help the schools’ planning. Coach Owens said he is once again leaning toward scheduling Frisco Wakeland and Lovejoy as non-district foes for the next two years. He feels the Wildcats will be in an eight team district or perhaps again in a nine team district. Only the UIL knows their current thinking on all this and they aren’t saying until February 3.
