Hopkins County United Way Almost At Half Way Mark In Campaign To Raise $165,000
Hopkins County United Way campaign workers turned in $25,548 in pledges and donations over the last week. That brings to total collected as of the fourth campaign workers report meeting Tuesday morning, Oct. 22, to $71,361.26, about 43.25 percent of the overall $165,000 campaign goal.
“We are so grateful for every bit,” said HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning.
Campaign workers reported several of the packets turned in this week met the goal requested for HCUW. A few donors went above the call, contributing over the amount asked, including Highlander Training Center, Hampton House, Tire Town, Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home, Debra Giles Insurance, 4 Paws, Advantage Copy Systems, Town Square Antique Mall and Janeen’s.
Linda Galligher turned in an $8,125 donation from Alliance Bank. Employees far exceeded their goal, contributing $4,625 to HCUW. Alliance Bank corporate contributed another $3,500.
Executive Secretary Susan Berning reported Tim Glenn was not able to be present at the campaign meeting because he was at City National Bank, getting the HCUW campaign under way there.
The giveback event at Panda Express last week reportedly raised about $110 for HCUW. A HCUW supporter in thanks for those who contributed to Panda’s giveback also is matching the Panda Express total with a $110 donation to HCUW, Berning reported.
Berning said she had the privilege of talking to a donor Friday afternoon, and shared with HCUW what she was told.
“He said, ‘My wife and I have been fortunate to live and work, and now retire here in Hopkins County. Our community supported us through our business for many, many years. It is a privileged to share some of what we have been blessed with. We also hope that our gift will prompt others to reflect on the blessings that they have, and out of that gratitude, give and support Hopkins County United Way.,'” Berning said.
The Zahn Family Charitable Trust blessed HCUW with an $8,000 gift, Berning reported.
“I will just say, personally — and I believe Bill and Beverley feel this way as you all do as well — I feel very humbled by this and extremely grateful,” Berning said.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from this experience is that the people in our community are the best ever anywhere. I would say that Hopkins County is united and it’s the Hopkins County way to give to those who need it and give back to the community. It’s awesome,” HCUW Co-Chair Bill Owens said.
Berning said the thing that seemed to resonate through Tuesday’s meeting is a desire to give. She said while not everyone can give $8,000, any amount is helpful as it all ads up.
Campaign workers are encouraged over the next week to reach out to all of the businesses and organization they delivered donation packets to and get all possible donations back in where possible by the next report meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 at Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office.
To remind everyone of this year’s theme and encourage them to “Be a HERO,” Bill Owens entered Tuesday’s meeting playing “Holding Out For A Hero” and played it again while the week’s contributions were tallied.
Hay Show and Sale Coming Up Friday Oct. 25, 11:30am
A Hopkins County agricultural tradition is continuing, and in 2019 being sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Services which, like Hopkins/Rains Farm Bureau, serves Hopkins and Rains Counties. The long-standing tradition is for hay growers to compare their product with others, with an eye to top nutrition in the hay they raise for forage for their animals. The 2019 deadline to enter hay samples was October 4, and according to Andy Wright, organizer of this year’s Show and Sale, there are 38 entries. The samples come from bales made during this year’s growing season on fields and meadows of hay growers in Hopkins and Rains Counties. The samples have already been analyzed, and winners have already been selected. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded on Friday October 25, 2019 at 11:30 at the Hopkins County Civic Center. A sale will follow, with proceeds going to scholarships for 4H and FFA student applicants in the schools of both counties who plan a career in agriculture.
As President of Hopkins Rains County Farm Bureau, Andy Wright is also active in numerous annual events which are agriculturally based, such as Northeast Texas Livestock Association and others. He is also a Board member of the NRCS.
Sulphur Springs ISD Trustees Approve 6 Staff Changes
Sulphur Springs Independent School District administrators will be tasked with finding two teachers and a payroll coordinator in the near future.
SSHS will need an auto tech teacher starting in the spring semester. Troy Emerson turned in his notice of resignation, effective at the end of the semester.
High school will also be losing math and robotics teacher Ruston Pennington at the end of the school year. Pennington notified administrators he plans to leave the position at the end of the school year.
Payroll Coordinator Kelley Perry turned in a notice of resignation effective at the end of the semester; Perry’s resignation, like the two others, was accepts by SSISD Board of Trustees following an executive session during Monday’s regular October school board meeting.
SSISD trustees also approved three new hires for elementary campuses. Jennifer Seely and Christina Burns were approved as special education aides; Seely will work at Barbara Bush Primary and Burns at Sulphur Springs Elementary. Linda Couch was approved as the new secretary at Lamar Primary.
Also discussed by the board following executive session were potential community participants for strategic planning purposes.
Sulphur Springs Man Allegedly Caught With Stolen Car
Sulphur Springs Police reportedly caught a 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man with a car that’d just been reported stolen early Tuesday morning, according to arrest reports.
A Mitsubishi Galant was reported stolen from the 600 block of Ingram Street at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22. A short time later, Trondamion Andrzhel Cleveland was reportedly located in the 700 block of Calvert Street with the vehicle, Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Matt Glenn and Cpl. Chris Rosamond alleged in arrest reports.
Cleveland confirmed by his verbal statement that he had taken the vehicle and the reporting person confirmed that he had knowingly taken the vehicle without consent, Glenn and Rosamond noted in arrest reports.
Cleveland was arrested at 4:3 a.m. on Calvert Street for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He remained in the county jail late Tuesday morning, Oct. 22. Bond on the charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
The arrest wasn’t the first time Cleveland has been arrested in Hopkins County for unauthorized use of a vehicle. He was arrested Dec. 9, 2010 and remained in the county jail until Jan. 27, 2011, on an unauthorized use of vehicle charge. He was sentenced to a one-year commitment in a state jail after forfeiting bond on the charge on March 3, 2011, according to Hopkins County 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.
Kyle Man Jailed On Felony DWI Charge Following Crash
A 57-year-old Kyle, Texas man was arrested on a felony driving while intoxicated charge after allegedly driving his pickup in the ditch Monday evening.
Emergency dispatchers were first alerted at 6:18 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, of a possible vehicle crash on State Highway 11 east. The caller reportedly heard a loud engine revving and stepped out of the garage to check it out. The resident reported seeing a truck in the ditch. The resident reported riding an ATV toward the road to see if the vehicle had damaged their fence, according to sheriff’s and arrest reports.
While talking with the driver of the Dodge Ram 1500, deputies alleged he claimed he was trying to go home to Quitman after grocery shopping in Sulphur Springs. When asked to perform standard field sobriety tests so the officer could be sure he was OK to drive, the man allegedly admitted he’d consumed some alcoholic beverages earlier in the day.
The Kyle man allegedly refused to perform standard field sobriety tests. He also refused to provide either a breath or blood sample for testing, so deputies obtained a warrant requiring a blood draw; the sample was taken at the hospital and the man was jailed, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Drew Fisher and Lance Burdick alleged in arrest reports.
Thomas Gary Falcon remained in the county jail Tuesday morning, Oct. 22, on the DWI, third or more offense, charge. Bond was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
Beth Wisenbaker and Committee of SSHS Class of 1969 Plans 50th Reunion Celebration on October 26
Beth Brady and 156 other Seniors graduated in May 1969 from Sulphur Springs High School, located back then on the site of today’s Sulphur Springs Elementary School and formerly Sulphur Springs Middle School. Plans for the 2019 reunion set for Saturday October 26 are twofold. There is a gathering for stew at 11am on the Hopkins County Stew Contest grounds under the Class of 1969 tent, set up across from Central Baptist Church and near the Skateboard Park area. There will also be a casual dinner at Whimsey, 300 Connally Street, at 6pm that same evening. Reservations for the dinner can still be made, but Beth wants everyone to know that if you were a high school student back then and were friends of someone in Class of 1969, you are also invited to stop by and share some memories. Your presence will make the 50th Class Reunion all the more special! If you’d like to contact Beth to reserve seats, call 903-348-1614, or email her at [email protected].
Beth visited the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay on October 22, 2019 to share Reunion plans with listeners. She gave a nod to committee members Sheila Jacobs Moore, Pam White, Linda Potts, Susan Payne, Diane Davis Collins, Vicky Minty and Linda Charles Blount for helping plan the event. “We hope class members who attend the Reunion will bring their old annual or Cat’s Paw class yearbooks, because they are so much fun to look at. And getting them signed by friends at the 50th Reunion would make them even more special! Wear your class ring, if you still have it. And wear your letter jacket, or if it no longer fits, just bring it along with other memorabilia that was part of the fun of going to school here”.
Enola asked Beth about some of her best high school memories. She reminisced, “my car in high school was a 1964 Comet station wagon with a standard shift. It did have air conditioning, which was rare then! One girl drove an Edsel. Nobody had a Mustang that I remember, they were so new! Mostly, we were glad to have anything with wheels! Some of the teachers I remember were Wayne Galyean who taught English and then became an administrator; also Durann Ardis and Rex Wileman were teachers then and are still active in the community. I’m sure I’m leaving someone out! Journalism was taught by Blanche Lewis, who has passed away. She influenced me a lot, as I was on the Cat’s Tale newspaper staff. I was in band and wanted to try out for Drum Major but I was already involved in lots of other clubs and organizations. I told Band Director Mr. Wileman that I was willing to pare down some of my other involvements in case he was interested in me for Drum Major, so that he would know I would do a good job and be devoted. His reply to me was one I’ve always remembered. He said, ‘No, don’t get out of anything. It’s always the really involved people who can seem to find time to give for new things which interest them’. So I tried out for Drum Major and got it. We Seniors on the line could go to Kilgore Rangerettes summer camp and try-outs, and so I did. It was a 2-week camp and the first time I’d been away from home. One day I called Mom and said I was ready to come home. Even though she advised me to stay for the tryouts at least, I didn’t stay. I already knew I was going to marry Donnie Wisenbaker and spend my life with him. And that’s what I did. We got engaged that summer. I had met Donnie at Quitman Lake when I was a Freshman and he was a Senior at SSHS. The first time I saw him, he was driving a ski boat with his feet! That, and his good looks caught my attention. And we’ve had fun ever since”.
During high school, Beth was a member of National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America, Science Club and Homecoming Court, and in the KSST Radio Workshop program. Following some years as a Western Outfitters retail merchant, she was elected as Hopkins County Commissioner Precinct One and served in that office for twenty years, a role that was a “first” for a woman in Hopkins County. Today, she stays busy with United Way and other interests in serving the County.
Wildcats Football Second Half Woes Subject For Coach Owens on Saturday Morning Coach’s Show
An unusual thing is happening to the Wildcats this season. In several games, they go into halftime still very much in a game only to see things unravel in the second half. In started in game one versus Frisco Wakeland. A 17-17 halftime score ends up Wakeland 53, Wildcats 17. On Friday (October 18), the Wildcats trailed Corsicana on the road by only 21-14 at the half. The Tigers outscore the Wildcats 20-0 in the second half. Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens says the situation has been a frustration all season. The second half last Friday started with what appeared to be another successful onside kick. A Wildcats offside penalty negated the play. Later the Wildcats found themselves with a first and goal on the Corsicana one yard line trailing 27-14 when they were hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that cost them 15 yards. They can not overcome it. Coach Owens says the Wildcats can’t overcome themselves. He says the game was so low on energy at times it felt like a scrimmage. He says it was as if the Wildcats did not want to be there. Coach Owens says Coach Hal Wasson of Corsicana suggested after the game that the Wildcats might be snake bit. Coach Owens says he is beginning to think so. He adds the Wildcats offense did not put points on the board and the Wildcats defense did not tackle well at all. Having said all of that, Coach Owens had this positive bit. The Wildcats have three district games to play. If they can win all three, they are very likely to make the playoffs with a 4-4 district record. Coach Owens figures the Wildcats will end up battling Greenville and North Forney for the last playoff spot. Running the table would mean victories over the Lions and Falcons. Therefore they would need 5 wins to top us. Greenville currently has 3 wins and North Forney 2 with 3 games left each. Coach Owens makes the case his Wildcats and their final three opponents are evenly matched. Big match up number one is Friday as Greenville comes to Gerald Prim Stadium. Coach Owens thinks highly of Royse City so he says he was shocked that Greenville only lost to the Bulldogs, 17-14 last Friday at Greenville. He says both teams will be fighting for a playoff spot Friday. The games between the two schools have been very spirited to say the least. Who can forget several years ago in Greenville when the two teams did not take part in the handshake line after a last second Wildcats win. Friday will be probably the last chance for the Wildcats to start a winning streak. As Coach Owens notes, if the Wildcats lose Friday they are done for the playoffs.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Struggled on the Road Again Last Friday at Lindale
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner acknowledges that her team has struggled on the road during district play. She says it has been especially obvious on Fridays. The trend continued last Friday (October 18) as the Lady Cats lost at Lindale, 3-0 by the score of 25-19, 25-19 and 25-15. Coach Dorner says her team just did not show up adding they struggled all the way around, couldn’t get things going and couldn’t get ahead. She concluded it was was not a great night for the Lady Cats. On the positive side, Coach Dorner says Brooklyn Burnside had a team season high three blocks. She says there were some good hustle plays from the back row and Czhela Moya had a pair of service aces. The Lady Cats have a rematch with Greenville Tuesday night at the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School. The Lady Cats lost to Greenville 3-1 at Greenville on a Friday on October 4. Coach Dorner says the Lady Cats are resilient and she hopes they will bounce back. She says if the Lady Cats play their best, they will give Greenville a run for their money. Greenville is tied for first place with Lindale with a 6-1 district mark. They are 24-13 for the season. The Lady Cats are 3-4 in district place and in fourth place. Their season mark is 21-15.
11 Texas Wineries Featured At Main Street Uncorked
Downtown remained busy Saturday with patrons visiting Main Street Uncorked, a wine tasting event in which allowed participants to sample the flavors available from nearly a dozen different Texas wineries and shop or eat downtown.
Music from live band played and many congregated at tables placed near the stage, for people to relax in the pleasantly cooler fall temperatures. Booths offered treats, candles, clothing, honey and other items as well. A few even enjoyed a stroll with family, friends and even a few four-legged pals.
A $15 charge was asked to sample the wines between 1 and 8 p.m. Oct. 19, and to vote by 6 p.m. for their favorite. The fee provided a souvenir glass and bag, while raising funds for a C.A.R.E. Center.
The Community Ability Recreation Energy Center will be a facility dedicated to providing innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships to serve individuals with any level of disability across the spectrum of human needs.
Wildcat Band Has Nice Warm Up Contest Saturday For Upcoming Area Contest
The Wildcat Band warmed up for the big Area UIL Contest coming up this Saturday with a fine showing this past Saturday (October 19) at the Texas A&M-Commerce NETEX Marching Invitational. Wildcat Band Director Spencer Emmert said the event featured much stronger competition this year as 6A bands were invited. He said that is a positive thing for his band. Emmert said out of 20-25 bands, the Wildcats’ made it into the top ten to qualify for the finals. Emmert was also thrilled that the Wildcat Band received the first ever Lion Heart Award for Sportsmanship and Character. He called it a great testament to his band. For the finals, Emmert said he told the band they were going to have to step up. He said all the other finals’ bands would. The Wildcat Band finished 7th and Emmert said he was happy with that. He said all the bands ahead of the Wildcats were powerhouses of state contest caliber. Emmert said the band received good comments from judges that would be worked on before Saturday’s Area UIL event at Mesquite Memorial Stadium. For all the bands that qualified for Area, one of every five will earn a trip to state.
