Commissioners Court Commemorates Civic Center's 41st Year By Recognizing Board Members
Hopkins County Commissioners Court commemorated the 41 years of service of the Hopkins County Regional Center by honoring the dedication of the members of the first governing board who remain active citizens in our community.
“It is an honor for the court to honor them,” County Judge Robert Newsom said Monday.
Newsom noted that the Civic Center came into existence due to the combined enthusiasm, interests and efforts of not only the city, school district and county, but numerous volunteers, business people and individuals working together.
Discussion of financing for a proposed new livestock show barn and Civic Center had begun in February of 1974, according to county records. The city and county agreed a new facility was needed in order to host livestock shows.
On April 3, 1975, Gordon Wilson was approved by the Commissioners Court as the architect for a $1,391,283 Civic Center and livestock arena construction project.
Fundraising campaigns for the complex resulted in donations by several companies, local business owners and individuals; some citizens also donated cattle, Newsom read from a proclamation at the Jan. 27, 2020 Commissioners Court meeting.
On Nov. 1, 1976, Reb. Sam B. Hall Jr. announced approval of a $694,500 Economic Development Administration grant, according to the proclamation.
“Through the visionary leadership of its Charter Board and subsequent Planning Committee, The Hopkins County Regional Civic Center began to surface as a reality with its groundbreaking ceremony, sub-grade work completed by the City of Sulphur Springs followed by the pouring of support piers in June 1977,” Newsom said.
The high school’s desire for a new auditorium was also incorporated into the Civic Center vision.
On Nov. 13, 1978, Gary Odom, Paul Herschler, Patsy Johnson, Bobby Price, Rod Henderson, Abe Dial, Lynda Hager, Bruce Fielden, W.S. Long, Guy Mayes and Carrol Nichols were recommended during Commissioners court as the Civic Center Board members. They began serving as the First Governing Board for the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center on January 1, 1979, the day the Civic Center opened its doors.
Since it’s inception, the three-unit facility has continued to host annual livestock shows, regional conferences, festive events, concerts (some featuring renown musical artists), rodeos and rodeo championships.
While many of the member have passed away or moved on, “outstanding Hopkins County citizens Gary Odom, Patsy Johnson and Lynda Hager continue to serve their friends, neighbors and visitors in Hopkins County,” Newsom said.
“Not only did they serve then, but they serve today. That’s the kind of citizens that make Hopkins County a great place to be at,” Newsom said.
Civic Center Manager Lonnie Fox presented Hager, Johnson and Odom with plaques “In appreciation for being one of the original members of the governing board of directors of Hopkins County Civic Center, January 1, 1979.”
“These three and nine others jump started us back January 1979. We are glad y’all got us going,” Fox said.
“I came here to Hopkins County in 1978. I came to Sulphur Springs, went to work for the phone company and said this is somewhere I want to raise my family. I been around most of y’all my whole time here in Hopkins County, and we appreciate your service,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said.
“I’m young enough to say that I don’t remember Hopkins County without the Civic Center, although I was born. I can see where it plays a vital role and I think Hopkins County is really lucky to have the Civic Center. I appreciate yall playing a part in getting it done for us,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said.
“I am old enough and can remember. I was in Young Farmers Organization about that that time. I can remember when we started talking about raising money to build that Civic Center and new show barn. Well, it took people like this spearheading it, getting together, was raised over a million dollars. Through their efforts and a lot of other efforts, groups and organizations that got out and solicited those funds and with the help of that grant it’s a reality now. I don’t know what that facility would be worth now, but it’s worth a whole lot more to our community than just dollar amounts,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley said.
“You are exactly right,” Fox said of the value of the facility.
“Thanks to y’all for getting that started,” Bartley told Johnson, Hager and Odom.
“I would like to thank you too. I’ve enjoyed a lot of events out there over the years myself. But, I always think of Gary as a dairyman., That’s how I’ve always known him, I guess. We really appreciate you ,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price.
“There’s just been lots of entities and businesses through the years too. While we were running concession stands, everybody loved it. We did enjoy it. I still have people that come up to me and say, ‘I just miss that. I saw so many people in the concession stands out there. We all loved it. It was a big part of so many people because they were all volunteers so what we did was all profit. That’s how we were able to bring in big productions,” Hager said.
“What she’s talking about, this board back then, they were the definition of a working board. They ran the concession stand at every event. They sold tickets at rodeos and all that,” Fox said.
Hager noted they also sold concerts at big concerts toos, including one “no show” event. She said very few people asked for their money back
Anglin recalled as a boy of 9 or 10 seeing George Strait play at the Civic Center. In fact, Strait played at the Civic Center twice, it was noted at the meeting.
Hager credited Rod Henderson for knowing how to pick and get acts in to play at the Civic Center, which she said how they made a lot money at the facility years ago.
Odom said operating the Civic Center wasn’t without it’s challenges one of the early issues for the Civic Center was seating in the Auditorium.
“You can’t have an Auditorium and just have people standing. You’ve got to have a place to be seated,” Odom said. “I think Walter Helm had a great deal to do with the seating in the Auditorium. He made a deal — he was always making a deal.”
A water problem also had to be addressed. Later, air conditioning and heating was needed in the Livestock Arena.
Hager and Johnson noted that there also were no curtains initially. The facility started as a shell. Once constructed, they began working to equip it.
“But all of those things that happened was the result of the community that came together and got it done,” Odom said. “We were just lucky enough to have somebody nominate us to be there in the beginning.”
Odom also credited to past and present Commissioners Court members as the “driving force that kept this thing going, kept it funded,” and offered thanks to them for that.
“Thank you,” Newsom said.
“I told Lonnie, it’s been so rewarding to see the continued good leadership and continued prosperity of the Civic Center. It’s just worth it all, because in those days it was scary, wasn’t it?” Patsy Johnson said “It’s just so good to sit back and let you guys do.”
Newsom also recognized current board members by asking them to stand for recognition and applause for their continue service at the Civic Center.
“We’re going to go full circle. These are the guys that started it back in 1979. Dan Froneberger is the president of the board now. He’s here. We’ve got a few — Martha’s one of them, Danny [Evans] is one of them — that are coming back on the board for a second term. Then we’ve got one that’s going off the board, and I’d like to recognize him. It’s David Watson,” Fox said.
Watson has been on the board for the last three years. Fox said Watson as helpful in shedding light on what he needed to be doing when he first assumed the road of Civic Center manager.
Fox presented Watson with a plaque “in appreciation for three years of dedicated service, from the Hopkins County Civic Center Board.”
“I would recommend the board. It’s a great board. I did learn a lot. I’m very blessed to be the Dairy Festival representative. It’s how I got on the board. I lived here my whole life. I thought I know a lot about the Civic Center and a lot of events out there. When you serve on the board you really realize how much that facility is being used each and every day. It’s a great place in this community. Thank all of yall for all that you do,” Watson said.
“Thanks David, thank you for your service,” Newsom said.
“What you just saw was a demonstration of why we came to Sulphur Springs and also why we’re going to stay. This is a growing, going community. We’ve enjoyed every minute of it. We did some research and we have found that things just like this, and [Hopkins County Fire] Chief Andy Endsley and the Brinker fire department and some other things that have gone on have been extremely important to us personally as well as to this community,” said Mack Pitts, a resident of Precinct 2 and Brinker resident, during the public forum portion of the meeting.
Pitts told Anglin he’s doing a good job, and thanked him for responding to a request from Precinct 2 resident about clearing some of the debris from the roadways.
“Again, that’s an attraction for people coming to this county and it’s also a reason to stay,” Pitts concluded.
Growing Pains Hard to Go Through as Lady Cats Basketball Team Takes 1 Point Loss at Texas High
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell, on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show, said her team played some great basketball but she added a less than stellar third quarter and second half probably cost the Lady Cats in a 43-42 loss to Texas High in Texarkana Friday night (January 17). Texas High, down 25-17 at the half, outscored the Lady Cats 16-10 in the third quarter to make it anyone’s game in the final period. The Lady Cats scored only 7 fourth quarter points. Coach Tisdell said she was glad her team played well enough to have a last second shot with a chance to win if made. She said the last shot put a lot of pressure on a freshman. Coach Tisdell said that experience would serve Kenzie Willis well in the future. Willis scored 16 points Friday night. Coach Tisdell said her young team is coming along. She said she has to remind herself that she is basically playing four freshmen. Sophomore Hannah Cordell did not play at all last season because of a knee injury. Coach Tisdell also graduated four starters off of last year’s team. She said the Lady Cats have the potential to be great and she feels one day they will be. Coach Tisdell said the players want to win. She said they have to overcome the mental part of the game and realize they are as good as most of the teams they play. She said they need to act like it and play like it. Coach Tisdell praised the effort of junior Nylah Lindley against Texas High. Coach Tisdell said Nylah wanted to win and stepped up her game. She scored 16 points. Coach Tisdell said the Lady Cats were better against the Lady Tiger press but she said the Lady Cats did have some unnecessary turnovers. The Lady Cats are 1-4 after the first half of district play. They will need a big second half to get into the playoffs. Outside of #10 ranked Royse City, most other district teams are knocking each other off. This week the Lady Cats play at Royse City Tuesday evening and go to Lindale Friday evening.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton Enjoys Win Over Old High School Last Friday
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton never expected to end up coaching against his alma mater, Mesquite Poteet. He had that opportunity Friday night (January 17) and he enjoyed it immensely. Coach Upton told his players before the game there was no way they were going to lose this game. The Wildcats got two first half goals and a second half goal to win, 3-0. Defender David Moreno scored the game’s first goal after a corner kick. Left back Nabian Ramirez scored his third goal of the year to make it 2-0. In the second half, midfielder Kevin Yanez missed a penalty kick but got the rebound and scored to make it 3-0. The Poteet coach had nice things to say about the Wildcats team to Coach Upton after the game.
Coach Upton admits to being a defensive minded coach. His high school coach at Mesquite Poteet, former Wildcat Assistant Coach Colby Peak, told him as long as you allow no goals, even if the score is 0-0, you are still in the game. Coach Upton sees the Wildcats picking up more wins lately. Their current record is now 5-4-4. Friday night at The Prim the Wildcats host a solid Lovejoy team.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta Shares Thoughts on Texas High Win Friday
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta was talking with Texas High Coach Jacob Skinner after the Wildcats 64-55 win in Texarkana Friday night (January 17). Coach Skinner has been gone from Texas High for five years and he told Coach Cipoletta that the district has turned into a serious basketball district while he was away. Coach Cipoletta, on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show, reiterated that district teams have to show up every game ready to play. He said there are no easy teams. He said the Wildcats with a big target on their back get everyone’s best game. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats played well on the offensive end and shot the ball well against the Tigers Friday. Still he said Texas High kept hanging around. A late 10-0 Wildcats run to end the game sealed the deal. The Wildcats also had a 6-0 run to end the first half. Coach Cipoletta said Boo Wilkerson exploded for 20 points including four three-pointers after the coach and player talked offense before the game. Coach Cipoletta also credited Day Day Hall with giving the team a pep talk late in the game. Coach Cipoletta said Justin Brock had big plays in both of the Wildcats’ big runs. The win for the Wildcats came in their first game of a three game road trip. This week the Wildcats play in Royse City Tuesday night and in Lindale Friday night. Coach Cipoletta said Royse City had one of their biggest teams ever. A guard that had a career night against the Wildcats last year also returns. After the Friday win, the Wildcats are in a three way tie for first with Mount Pleasant and Greenville with 2-1 marks. The Wildcats, ranked #9 in Class 5A, now have a season record of 20-7.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Team Remains Unbeaten in District Play With Win at Avery Friday
The #13 ranked Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Team remained unbeaten in district play defeating Avery on the road, 56-25 Friday (January 17). The Lady Lions outscored Avery in every quarter. The Lady Lions are 6-0 in district play and 24-7 for the season. For the Lady Lions, Anna Reeder had 19 points. Jocelyn Ochoa scored 9 points. Brittney Peeples had 6 points. Chandler Bain scored 5 points. Paisley Kastner, Maddy Smith and Kristina Wade all scored 4 points. Julianna Giles had 3 points. Allie Lane added 2 points. Lady Lions Head Coach Bill Giles said after a slow start, the Lady Lions really did a good job of getting after it defensively. He said that led directly into the Lady Lions getting it going on the offensive end. Coach Giles said his team had good effort and intensity. The Lady Lions play next against Union Hill at home Tuesday evening.
2 Arrested Following Parking Lot Disturbance At Restaurant
A disturbance at an East Shannon Road restaurant early Sunday morning resulted in at least two arrests.
Officials were dispatched around 1:35 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, about a large disturbance in a the restaurant parking lot. Upon arrival, deputies alleged a 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man yelling obscenities at bystanders. The man was allegedly given several warnings to calm down. When he didn’t, the deputy took him into custody for public intoxication, according to arrest reports.
Police reported telling everyone to leave following the disturbance. A 40-year-old Sulphur Springs man reportedly began to curse and yell in the parking lot. Officers alleged alcohol could be smelled on the man’s breath; he also was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and blood shot eyes, police alleged in arrest reports. Believing him to be a danger to himself and others if left at the location, he too was jailed for public intoxication, according to arrest 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.
Man Accused Of Stealing Drill From Walmart
January 27, 2020 – A 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was was accused Sunday morning of stealing a drill from Walmart.
Officers were reportedly dispatched at 7:25 a.m. to the South Broadway Street store to a theft complaint. Upon arrival, the suspect was alleged to have fled in a gray vehicle.
Officers located a gray Chevrolet Malibu on Mockingbird Lane at East Shannon Road and initiated a traffic stop. The allegedly stolen merchandise, a 20 volt drill, was found in the car.
Consequently, Kerry Renaldore Duffey Jr. was taken into custody for theft; he had at least two prior theft convictions, resulting in the charge being enhanced to a felony offense, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Adrian Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
Duffey remained in the county jail Monday; bond was set at $2,000 on the theft charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Commerce Man Jailed In Sulphur Springs On A Methamphetamine Possession Charge
A 23-year-old Commerce man, who allegedly falsely identified himself, was jailed Sunday on controlled substance and failure to ID charges as well as a parole warrant.
An officer reportedly conducted a traffic stop on a red Jeep Cherokee just after 3 p.m. Jan. 26 on Main Street at Locust Street. The driver and passenger were asked to identify themselves. Both occupants were alleged, in arrest reports, to be “extremely nervous.”
A glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine as well as a small bag containing a white, crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine were allegedly found during the pat down of the passenger, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Adrian Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
After being taken into custody, the passenger was allegedly found to have initially identified himself as another person. The officer had attempted a records check using the information given. The man reportedly told the officer his name after being asked for it several times. The man identified in arrest reports as 23-year-old Clifford Ray Davis Jr. of Commerce said he gave a false name because of a warrant for his arrest, Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
Davis was jailed not only on the outstanding violation of parole warrant but also for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and failure to identify as a fugitive from justice by intentionally giving false information.
He remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Jan. 27, on a parole warrant; bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance charge and $2,000 on the failure to ID charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
