SSISD Reminds Of Early Release Day
Students and their families are reminded that Friday, Nov. 1, will be an early release day for Sulphur Springs ISD.
All students and staff in SSISD will be released an hour early on Friday. Buses will also run one hour ahead of their regular schedule.
Families and caregivers for children enrolled in SSISD should adjust their schedules accordingly for the early release time.
Texas High Volleyball Rallies to Top the Lady Cats, 3-2 as Lady Cats Slip to Fourth Place
Texas High Volleyball Rallies to Top the Lady Cats, 3-2 as Lady Cats Slip to Fourth Place
Texas High rallied to win the last two sets to best the Lady Cats Volleyball Team, 3-2 in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School Tuesday night (October 29) on Senior Night. The Lady Cats won the first set, 25-21. Texas High evened the match with a 25-23 win in set two. The Lady Cats took a 2-1 lead in sets taking set three, 25-20. Texas High forced a fifth set taking set four, 25-23. Texas High easily won the decisive set five, 15-6 as the Lady Cats had quite a few errors. The loss dropped the Lady Cats into fourth place as Royse City took third place with a win over Mount Pleasant. The Lady Cats are now matched up with District 16-5A champion Hallsville in bi-district next week. The Lady Cats have a warm up game Friday at 4:30 p.m. at home against Paris. The Lady Cats end up 4-6 in district play and 22-17 for the season. For the Lady Cats against Texas High, Sadie Washburn had a team high 20 kills, Sydney Washburn had 10, Erika VanBenthem 9 and Brooklyn Burnside 8. Paris Pickett had 18 digs. Peyton Hammack had 50 assists. Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner could not remember a higher total of assists in any game so far this year. During Senior Night, the Lady Cats recognized four players and their manager, Braley Vickery. The Lady Cats’ seniors are Aliyah Abron, Erika VanBenthem, Sydney Washburn and Kaylee Malone.
I-30 Traffic Stop Near Sulphur Springs Nets Arrest, Suspected Morphine Vials
Troopers arrested a 38-year-old Duncanville woman allegedly caught with vials of suspected morphine Tuesday afternoon.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Aaron Hanna stopped a Hyundai PC with Oklahoma license plates for a traffic violation on Interstate 30 at mile marker 129 at 3:02 p.m. The passenger, identified in reports as Jamela Chanel Ivery-Strickland, showed indicators of nervousness and criminal activity, leading the highway patrol officer to ask for permission to conduct a search, Hanna noted in arrest reports.
When Ivery-Strickland refused, a DPS canine was deployed around the vehicle. The dog alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor, resulting in a probable cause search, Hanna alleged in arrest reports. Two vials labled as morphine were allegedly located in the woman’s purse, resulting in her arrest for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; the car was released to her father, according to arrest reports.
Ivey-Strickland remained in the county jail Wednesday morning, Oct. 30, on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Mount Vernon Woman Arrested On Violation Of Probation Charge
Jacqueline Deann Blalock, 35, of Mount Vernon turned herself in at Hopkins County jail at 6:40 p.m. Monday on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She was escorted into the county jail by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy T. Patterson and booked on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Oct. 28 marked the second time Blalock has been jailed locally this year for violating probation, which she was on for the May 2013 offense. She was arrested for the same charge on July 1 and remained in the county jail until Aug. 7, according to jail reports.
She also spent Aug. 31, 2017 to Oct 3, 2017 in the Hopkins County jail for violating terms and or/conditions of probation on the charge, according to jail records.
Hopkins County United Way At Nearly 72 Percent Of Goal
Hopkins County United Way campaign workers had a productive week, with $46,274.09 in donations and pledges collected during the fifth week of the campaign.
“These were wonderful numbers to report,” said HCUW Campaign Co-Chair Bill Owens.
Added to the $71,366.26 tally posted after all donations were in for week four, that increases the total collected so far to $117,640.35, which is roughly 71.3 percent of the overall $165,000 goal to benefit at least 20 local agencies.
“Folks, I see the goal is in sight. I had a little stress and a little panic before this wonderful meeting here. Thank you to everybody that helped. We’ll see you at the next meeting right here at 9 sharp, Nov. 6,” said Bill Owens, referring to the AgriLife Extension Office where the final campaign workers report meeting will be held next Wednesday. “Thank you to every who has helped.”
Campaign workers reported numerous businesses and groups met the goal set for their organization, including Kiwanis Club, Sulphur Springs Floral, Financial Solutions, Shoe Inns, A&S Air Conditioning, Fieldhouse Sports, Pioneer Cafe, Briley’s Barber Shop, Sulphur Springs Muffler, Payne Electric, Nations Lending, Texas Trading, Flippin Printing/Millennium Shopper, East Texas Gymnastics, Hammond Mobile Homes, Bugers and Fries, Tierra Del Sol, Foster’s Place, Northeast Texas Farmers Coop, Mitchell Fitness/24 Hour Gym, Toliver Ford, Juan Pablo’s, JB Weld, Jason Tully Nationwide Insurance, Landers Creek Outfitters, Jim McLeroy, Century 21 Hometown and East Texas Physical Therapy
A few business’ donations exceeding the goal set for the business or group, and some other didn’t quite meet the goal but were noted for their contributions as well.
Carriage House Manor’s total donation of $2,808.11 was about three times the goal. Employees gave $335.50, and another $2472.61, was given by the corporation or owners. The business held bake sales, offered lunches and other fundraisers and Arvis Tanton matched some of the funds, HCUW Campaign Co-Chair Beverley Owens noted.
Charlotte Henderson reported Clarion Pointe Hotel’s contribution was almost 200 percent of the goal.
All Super Handy stores met their goal and corporate gave as well, Henderson noted.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning reported AE Moore Construction exceeded their goal as did Miller Grove ISD.
Como-Pickton CISD, for several years has continued to exceed the school’s goal. This year’s donation of $824 was even more than contributed last year, Berning reported.
Grocery Supply Co contributed a total of $12,468, with employees contributing $9,968 and corporate contributed another $2,500.
Lynda Hager reported Chuck and Judy Jones made a $1,000 donation through Guaranty Bank and Trust. Henderson noted that was the amount Dr. Jones previously contributed annually through his practice. Executive Secretary Susan Berning expressed appreciation for dedicated faithful givers, like the Jones, who contribute generously every year.
Berning reported receiving a generous donation from Donnie and Beth Wisenbaker.
A campaign worker at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs reported a team of employees in the various departments and clinic are working together to collect donations for HCUW from employees. The facility’s goal is $10,000. Already more than $8,230 has been collected for HCUW, and the project coordinator said they’re not finished yet. Last year, CHRISTUS provided a $5,000 corporate match, and officials have indicated to on-site HCUW fundraising team CHRISTUS would again match up to that much this year.
City National Bank exeeded the goal set for both the employees and corporate, with a total of $10,400 contributed overtall. The amount requested from CNB employees each year has inched up, but the employees have risen to the challenge each time to meet or exceed the goal. This year is no exception. The employee goal was $4,000; they contributed more than $6,200, which is 156 percent. The corporate goal was $2,200, but the corporate contribution was over $4,100, John Sellers reported.
Brandon Williams reported Guaranty Bank and Trust contributed $1,170, with $1,060 of that donated by bank employees and the rest a corporate contribution
UPS contributed another $52 to their campaign pledge, bringing the total thus far to $11,697.80.
Schlotzky’s and All World Travel turned in a $600 donation total.
Larry Crowson reached out to Saputo, Berning reported, and received a $1,850 contribution from the business for HCUW.
There was even a check sent from Raytheon for $15.68, the HCUW executive secretary said.
Berning offers thanks to everyone for each contribution, no matter how large or small. A little bit can go a long way, but it takes every bit to reach the goal to help so many individuals through the organizations allocated funding. HCUW is appreciative for every cent, according to Berning
Each year the Bankers Clearinghouse offers $500 in incentives for employees of banks participating in the consortium — Alliance Bank, City National Bank, and Guaranty Bank and Trust; those employees who donate at least a certain amount have their names entered into a drawing for cash. This year 124 bank employees had their names entered into the drawing: 62 from City National Bank, 46 from Alliance Bank and 16 from Guaranty Bond Bank.
While the day’s contributions were tallied, Lynda Hager, assisted by John Sellers and other HCUW campaign workers, drew names for the Clearinghouse. Those drawn received cash awards of $100, $50 or $20, for a total of $500 awarded. Representatives from the various banks will be distributing those to any employees at their financial institution whose name was drawn.
Bill Owens noted there were still several businesses and groups whose packets were not in, including Sulphur Springs ISD, Atmos, Clayton Homes and Flowserve. He asked those who can to be sure to pick up any outstanding donation packets by 9 a.m. next Wednesday, the last scheduled report meeting so the campaign can wrap up and those contributors can be counted toward the goal and recognized as well.
Wildcat Band Has Highest Finish in School History at Area Competition Last Saturday
Wildcat Band Director Spencer Emmert believes the band had their highest finish in school history at Area competition last Saturday (October 26) at Mesquite Memorial Stadium. The Wildcat Band placed 13th. Emmert said it was a great day and the band performed a great show. He said the band performed early, the fifth band to perform. Emmert said the weather was cold and windy. He said Mesquite Memorial Stadium is known for its’ swirling winds. Emmert said that was one of the reasons he booked the band’s first contest there back on October 5. He said the band’s 13th place finish was awesome although he added an ultimate goal was to finish in the top ten to qualify for the Area finals. Emmert said the Wildcat Band has never made finals at Area. He said the band would continue to perform its halftime show, What a Wonderful New World, at the final two football games. He said his seniors especially want to perform it at The Prim on Senior Night on November 8. Emmert said the band has a busy schedule ahead despite winding down of football season. The band is just beginning the Concert Band season. The band will also be performing at a special Veterans Day program and will be doing a Christmas Show. With straight one scores during the Marching Season, the band will be pursuing Sweepstakes in the spring with a performance and sight reading. Band members will have All Region Band auditions in December. The top three chairs for each instrument qualify for the All-Region Band. Students that qualify can then compete at the All-State Band. Band members will also have Solos and Ensembles competition in the spring. On top of everything else, the Wildcat Band will be taking an Orlando, Florida trip in the spring.
Lady Cats Volleyball Takes on Texas High at Home, Sulphur Bluff Has Home Match Versus Maud
The Lady Cats Volleyball Team wraps up district play at home against Texas High on Senior Night on this Tuesday (October 29) game day. The Lady Cats will honor their four seniors. If the Lady Cats win, it will assure them of at least a third place finish in district. Texas High is 2-7 in district play. The Lady Cats come into play with a 4-5 district record and in a tie with Royse City. If both teams end up tied after play Tuesday, they will flip a coin to decide the third and forth seeds in the playoffs. Royse City plays Mount Pleasant Tuesday night. The Lady Cats will have a warm up game for the playoffs Friday at 4:30 p.m at home against Paris. The Lady Cats will play either Hallsville or Whitehouse in a bi-district playoff match next week. KSST Radio will bring you the Lady Cats and Texas High match Tuesday night beginning at around 6:30 p.m. The match will feature live video streaming. The match will also be videotaped for replay later on Ch. 18 on Suddenlink Cable. It will also be posted to YouTube after the game is over.
Meanwhile the Sulphur Bluff Volleyball Team won at Detroit Friday, 3-1. The Lady Bears took the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-23. Detroit won the third set, 25-21 but the Lady Bears took set four and the match, 25-20. For Sulphur Bluff, Alley Collett had 14 service points, 2 kills, 35 assists and 1 block. Dalena di Donato had 11 kills and 2 service points. Jada Wade had 4 service points and 6 kills. Tori Raine had 7 service points, 6 kills and 1 assist. Skylar Stanley had 7 blocks and 10 kills. Ann Dorner had 7 service points, 8 kills and 1 assist. Cierra Johnson had 11 service points including 4 aces, and 2 kills. Hannah Byrd had 6 service points. Angel Brown had 1 kill and 10 digs. The Lady Bears wrap up district play against Maud at home Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The Lady Bears will honor their four seniors on Senior Night. The Lady Bears will have a warm up game for the playoffs Friday at home against Como-Pickton. Sulphur Bluff will play Yantis next week in a bi-district match.
Miller Grove Wins Boys and Girls Regional Cross Country, Saltillo Boys Second and Girls Third
Miller Grove and Saltillo continue their excellence in cross country and both qualified for the State Meet at the Region III, Class 1A Meet Monday (October 28) at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex in Dallas. The Miller Grove Hornets and Lady Hornets both won the regional competition. For the Hornets, sophomore Isaiah Billingsley led the way winning the race with a time of 15:20.56. Junior Kobe Robertson was 2nd, sophomore Lance Verner Davis was 4th, freshman Riley Hasten was 6th, sophomore Tanner Hensley was 7th, sophomore Lexton Sly was 13th and freshman Anthony Lester was 14th. The first place Miller Grove Lady Hornets were led by junior Jorja Bessonett with a time of 11:50.21. Freshman Kyli Melton was 2nd, junior Jolee Fox was 4th, freshman Kaylee Saldana was 10th and junior Lauren Bullard was 14th. The Saltillo Lions were runner up to Miller Grove and the Lady Lions finished third as a team. For the Lions, junior Garrett Tarver led the way with a 3rd place finish with a time of 16:10.14. Senior Dillon Beadle was 5th, freshman Gunner Tarver was 9th, freshman Coy Collins was 11th, junior Jayden Holloway was 17th, freshman Beckham Hoover was 20th and sophomore Andrew Redburn was 32nd. For the Lady Lions, sophomore Reagon Speir was 16th with a time of 13:38.46, junior Kristina Wade 21st, freshman Yadirra Alonso was 25th, sophomore Briana Tawil was 27th, freshman Makensa Morris was 40th, senior Jocelyn Ochoa was 53rd and junior Ofelia Cabrera was 62nd. The Miller Grove and Saltillo runners will compete at the State Meet on November 9 at Old Settlers’ Park in Round Rock.
2nd PlaceSaltillo Boys – 357 Coy Collins, Andrew Redburn, Coach Bill Giles, Gunner Tarver, Jayden Hollaway, Garrett Tarver, Beckham Hoover & Dillon Beadle
3rd Place Saltillo Girls – 340 – 1st Row L to R: Ofelia Cabrera, Bianca Castro, Yadhira Alonso, Makensa Morris, Kristina Wade & Jocelyn Ochoa; 2nd L to R: Coach Bill Giles, Chandler Bain, Raegan Speir & Brianna Tawil.
Photos courtesy of Johnna West.
Update: Small Monument In Front of Hopkins County Courthouse Damaged Monday
One of the smaller monuments on Celebration Plaza was toppled and damaged Monday evening.
A juvenile was taken into custody for criminal mischief in connection with the damage and has been turned over to juvenile probation authorities, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson.
The damaged monument was located on the square directly in front of Hopkins County Courthouse between the Little Free Library and Jefferson-Church Street intersection. The stone formation was a project of the late Robert Carpenter and honored the 49th Armored Division of the Army National Guard, according to Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Chair Pam Elliott.
The veterans memorial group plans to replace the monument, which is estimated to take $10,000-$15,000 to replace. However, community help is needed to ensure all names are replicated on the stone tribute.
When the monument toppled from its base, it broke mostly into large pieces, on which names are legible. However, there are a few names in the middle of the display where the rock was shattered, destroying the names.
Initially, photos with the names were requested to ensure no one is missed when the monument is replaced. However, Elliott Wednesday morning said the company that engraved the names on the monument had been contacted and it is believed the list can be recreated from their files.
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