Wildcats Football Season Opens At The Prim Friday Against Frisco Wakeland
The Wildcats Football Team opens the regular season at Gerald Prim Stadium on this game day, Friday, Aug. 30. Frisco Wakeland will be in town and kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m.
It’s always exciting to start a season and everyone is undefeated and hope springs eternal. The Wildcats are coached by Greg Owens in his 14th year here. The Wakeland Wolverines are coached by Marty Secord, also in his 14th year there. Both teams made the playoffs one year ago and but teams lost bi-district games. Wakeland is a Division I Class 5A school and Sulphur Springs is a Division II Class 5A team.
Last year, at Frisco’s Memorial Stadium, the Wildcats hung on to win a thriller, 37-35. Perhaps we will have the same kind of excitement at The Prim on Friday night.
Catch all the game action of KSST Radio with live audio streaming. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Meanwhile there is also cross country competition on this game day, Friday. The Wildcats and Lady Cats, coached by Ross Hicks, are competing at a Mineola meet.
Funds Approved for Improvements at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport
Aug. 30, 2019
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a $150,000 grant approved by the Texas Transportation Commission at its August meeting will fund improvements at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport in Hopkins County.
The funds will be used for planned improvements, including design and engineering for pavement improvements through the city of Sulphur Springs and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system. A consultant for this project will be selected this summer, officials said.
This year, TxDOT expects to provide approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining community airports. Approximately 275 community airports in Texas are eligible for funding.
Arrivals and departures from community airports account for more than three million flight hours per year, and provide aircraft facilities for agricultural, medical, business and commuter use.
Man Accused Of Holding Girlfriend At Gunpoint When She Tried To End Their Relationship Is Back In Jail
Justin Arley Bryant, the Sulphur Springs man accused of holding his girlfriend at gunpoint in June to prevent her from breaking up with him, is back in the county jail.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Greer and Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford located the 20-year-old man at his residence. They took him into custody at 12:53 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, on a motion to hold-bond insufficient, according to arrest reports.
Bryant was arrested June 27 at Buford Park. He was alleged to have engaged in a verbal argument with a 19-year-old Sulphur Springs woman about them ending their relationship. During the altercation, he allegedly retrieved a small black gun and pointed it at the female, “telling her that she can’t leave him,” Sulphur Springs Police Officer Nick Floyd noted in arrest reports. While shouting at the woman, Bryant allegedly pointed the weapon out an open window and discharged the firearm, police reports noted.
The woman reportedly talked him into going to play volleyball at the park and to get something to eat. Bryant allegedly put the gun away and they proceeded to the park. Another person contacted police about the situation, Floyd wrote in June 27 arrest reports.
Bryant was released from Hopkins County jail July 3 on $200,000 bond. Deputies took him into custody at his residence Aug. 29 on the insufficient bond charge. He remained in jail Friday morning, Aug. 30. The new bond on the aggravated assault with deadly weapon charge was set at $1 million, according to jail and arrest reports.
Cumby City Council Accepts 2 Resignations, Discusses Finances, Schedules Hearing For Grant Application
Cumby City Council discussed finances and two openings on the council during this week’s meeting.
The resignations of Cumby Mayor Cody Talley and Alderman Place 2 Kristin Thompson were accepted by Cumby City Council during Tuesday evening’s special meeting.
Talley reportedly offered appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community, but cited family obligations, which include commitments of several active children and the impending birth of another, for his resignation. Place 1 Alderman Doug Simmerman as mayor pro tem is in line to step up to fill the seat until November.
The seat for Cumby mayor is on the Nov. 5 election ballot; incumbent Simmerman and Ryan Horne are both seeking election as mayor for the city of Cumby.
Thompson’s resignation as Place 2 alderman was effective immediately, but no cause was cited. The council, at an upcoming meeting, will appoint someone to fill the Alderman Place 2 seat, which doesn’t expire until 2020, according to the city secretary.
Cumby City Council also during the Aug. 27 meeting discussed a city budget and tax rate. Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Mitchell reportedly noted Sept. 30 as the deadline by which municipalities must adopt a tax rate. The city budget is to be adopted prior to the tax rate.
The city accountant is scheduled to help draft a budget to be proposed at an upcoming meeting. The city’s regular meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall.
A public hearing for a Texas Community Development Block Grant Program application is scheduled at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at City Hall. The city is proposing applying to Texas Department of Agriculture for the funding, which would help pay for road maintenance. Major road repairs are needed due to the flooding and rains of September and October 2018, which resulted in a disaster declaration for the county, according to city staff.
Citizens during the hearing will have opportunity to discuss the matter at the public meeting Tuesday. Anyone unable to attend the meeting can send views and proposals to Mayor Pro Tem Doug Simmerman at City Hall, 1000 East Main Street, Cumby, TX 75433; or call City Hall at 903-994-2272.
A city attorney is reportedly working with Cumby officials to revise and draw up a new employee handbook, which would be presented for City Council consideration at a future meeting.
Beachem Held In Custody On Warrant For Allegedly Violating Terms of Probation
Another charge was added to the list of offenses Terence Ramon “Monnie” Beachem accumulated this week.
The 47-year-old man was accused of forcing his way into a West Park Street residence, where he was involved in a physical altercation. He then took the car belonging to the woman involved in the altercation, fled police in a short vehicle pursuit and ultimately crashed the vehicle on Helm Lane. He then fled to a residence, where he was apprehended Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, according to police and arrest reports.
In November 2018 Beachem was assessed 10 years on probation for aggravated assault with deadly weapon. He was arrested August 12, 2018, on that charge as well as criminal mischief, evading arrest or detention and violation of parole, according to court and jail reports.
He was accused in August 12, 2018 arrest reports of intentionally ramming a vehicle driven by the son of his girlfriend, both of whom he had reportedly threatened prior to the incident. Beachem allegedly lost control of his vehicle on Main Street, causing a large amount of damage to the downtown square, then ran from police. He was found hiding in a group of shrubs, police noted in arrest reports following Beachem’s arrest August 12, 2018.
Beachem was indicted on the aggravated assault charge in late August 2018. He received 10 years on probation in November 2018, according to court records.
Because Beachem was still on probation during his arrest this week for burglary of a habitation, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle, officials sought and obtained a warrant August 29th 2019 for violation of probation, police investigators reported.
Beachem remained in the county jail on $175,000 bond on the three charges Thursday afternoon, August 29. Police served him at the jail with the warrant for violating probation. Bond was denied on the warrant, according to police and jail reports.
Winners of Annual Senior Citizen Summer Olympics
A large group of Senior citizens who wished to match their skills against others in their age groups found a lot of fun on Thursday August 29 at The Roc in the 2019 Senior Summer Olympics. Many brought their own cheering section and mascot! The more than 200 individual competitors in the games were age 50 and up. Rehab and Nursing Facilities competed in the Spirit category. Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, reported to KSST on the games and the winners.
Named Most Athletic was Michael Smith, who took home 5 medals and a trophy
Spirit Award, 1st Place – Azalea Trail of Grand Saline,
Spirit Award, 2nd Place – Willow Creek of Mt Vernon
IK
1st Place Michael Smith
2nd Place – Craig Toenniges
3rd Place – John Little
Wheelchair Race
1st Place – Glen Fulbright
2nd Place – Kay Norwicki
3rd Place – Cindy Bolin
Horse Shoe
50-59
Dale Camp
Julie Stinson
Ana Benson
60-69
Leonard Rocha
Michael Smith
Mary Wilhelm
70-79
Patricia Peacock
Betty Green
Joe Don Peacock
80-Up
WG White
Wilma Thompson
Ursula Campbell
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Ronnie Shaw
Rhonda Hernandez
Charles Hill
Nerf Javelin
50-59
Jim Perriett
Dale Camp
Ana Benson
60-69
Leonard Rocha
Michael Smith
Steve Ross
70-79
Patricia Peacock
Charles Darr
Joe Dan Peacock
80-Up
Doris White
Esther Cox
Betty Holden
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Gary Griffin
Ronnie Shaw
Billy Walker
Frisbee Golf
50-59
Ingrid Aga
Ana Benson
Dale Camp
60-69
Kathy English
Marjean Allen
Vender Wright
70-79
Charles Darr
Nell Warren
Craig Toenniges
80-Up
Ruenell Martin
Jim Helferich
Shirley Brock
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Ronnie Shaw
Carl Potter
Beth Barrett
Washer Pitching
50-59
Butch Camp
Dale Camp
Ana Benson
60-69
Michael Smith
Leah Garcia
Teresa Rocha
70-79
Allen Mayo
Samantha Wilkins
Gloria Herriage
80-Up
Wilma Thompson
Beth Barrett
W G White
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Charlie Sims
Chris Crowell
Gary Griffin
Bean Bag Toss
50-59
Carl Potter
Rhona Hernandez
Marjean Allen
60-69
Michael Smith
Leonard Rocha
Vender Wright
70-79
Hillis Bass
Donald Dorsett
Martha Helferich
80-Up
Wilma Thompson
Rayborn Gartin
W G White
Wheelchair Walker or Cane
Glen Fulbright
Lavenia Mobley
Chris Crowell
200 Seniors Competed in Games. The score keepers and registration workers were from the Hopkins County Marketers Association. Nine Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Facilities represented, and each Facility brought their own workers and volunteers to help with their
residents. Everyone also enjoyed snacks of Water, Bananas, Peanut Butter Crackers and Trail Mix and free T-shirts, compliments of event sponsors.
NETBIO ‘Ribeye Roundup’ Steak Cookoff Set for Saturday October 5 on Celebration Plaza
Texas Heritage National Bank President Dwyatt Bell appeared on the KSST Good Morning Show along with Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Agri-life Extension agent and talked about the annual Ribeye Roundup competition. The 2019 event will be held on Saturday October 5 on Celebration Plaza. The event will consist of educational programs about ranching, team competition in cooking ribeye steaks, a sit-down outdoor dinner at 6:30 pm, and a free concert for everyone by Texas musician Mike Ryan. Tickets are $25 each are available at Texas Heritage National Bank, 215 North Hillcrest Drive in Sulphur Springs, or at texashnb.com
Come to Celebration Plaza during the afternoon of Saturday October 5, Hopkins County Beef Day, to learn more about the dietary and economic advantages of raising and consuming beef, as well as the historical aspects of the industry. You are encouraged to visit the “Cattle Trail” series of interesting teaching stations arranged around Celebration Plaza, free to visit. There will also be an area for hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings. Prior to the dinner hour, competition will get fired up as the ribeye cooking teams (Open and Restaurant) select their steaks and begin preparing the beef for the 6 pm and 6:30 pm dinner seatings. Judging will be done by an elite panel involved in the beef industry. After dinner, winning teams will be announced with prestigious awards and $6,500 total in prizes, and the event will wrap up with the concert. This year, a Children’s Burger Cooking contest for ages 5-15 has been added.
According to Bell, the annual fundraising event benefits the NETBIO organization which serves beef cattle ranchers in 50 counties throughout Northeast Texas. The North East Texas Beef Improvement Organization was created 21 years ago by a group of independent cow/calf producers and agribusiness representatives working together to enhance the beef industry in Northeast Texas. NETBIO works in conjunction with the Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Office. NETBIO was developed in cooperation with the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission, a special premium stocker and feeder calf sale where producers can offer their pre-conditioned calves in load lots. NETBIO sales are held several times each year providing an improved market for beef cattle raisers with small to large operations.
Wildcats Team Tennis Wins Second Straight Match
Wildcats Team Tennis Wins Second Straight Match Downing Bullard
Wildcats Team Tennis won a rematch with Bullard, 13-6 at Tyler Junior College Thursday (August 29) afternoon and evening. The victory avenged a tough 10-9 loss to Bullard in a Whitehouse tournament on August 15. It was the Wildcats second straight win and it improved their season record to 3-9. The second Bullard match was the Wildcats last match before district play. The Wildcats open district play against Lindale next Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Wildcat Tennis Center.
How Gold Stars, Surcharge Repeal Impact Driver’s Licensing, State ID Cards
Many adults will recall working hard to earn a gold star on paperwork. Texans who haven’t renewed their driver’s licenses or state ID cards since 2016 will receive a gold star from Texas Department of Public Safety if they do so before Oct. 1, 2020.
Those who don’t renew before Oct. 1, 2020, could be barred from boarding domestic flights and federal buildings, per the REAL ID Act of 2005.
And, that’s just one of the more recent laws which affect people’s driver’s licenses.
REAL ID Act
Congress passed the REAL ID Act to strengthen the security of state-issued cards to reduce identity fraud and terrorism. The card is designed to include additional security features, and more security and protection of personal information during the issuance process.
What it means for Texans is potentially having to renew your license or ID card sooner than anticipated and producing additional documentation when doing so. The REAL ID Act requires for issuance of an ID card or driver’s license proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status and primary residence address; all from verified documents.
Since October 2016, when Texans renew driver’s licenses and state IDs, the new card is issued with the REAL ID star on them, according to Texas Department of Public Safety.
Card holders will be allowed to renew their Texas driver’s licenses or ID cards up to two years in advance of expiration date, according to a letter being mailed by Texas Department of Public Safety.
All active Texas drivers’ licenses and identification cards are valid until the expiration date shown on the card, and can be used for state-related ID purposes such as driving, banking and voting. However, if the card doesn’t have that gold start on it by Oct. 1, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration doesn’t have to allow the card holder to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities.
Driver Responsibility Program Repeal
The repeal of the Driver Responsibility Program could mean fewer fees for some drivers and potentially getting their license back sooner. The program ends on Sept. 1 (this Sunday).
All surcharge assessments will be waived and no future surcharges will be assessed after Sept. 1. However, drives will still be responsible for any other suspensions, fines or fees on your driving record.
Surcharge payments must be made and individuals owing them will be held accountable through Sept. 1. They are waived afterward. All other fees still apply. Individuals whose driving privileges are currently suspended for surcharges have to wait until Sept. 1 to file for renewal at a driver’s license office.
DPS will no longer assess DRP points for moving violations. Any previously assessed points will be removed from individuals’ records. However, drivers should note any suspensions that resulted from surcharges while DRP was in effect will remain on their driving history.
The repeal also does not wipe out failure to appear surcharges.
Visit the DPS website for more information about the DRP repeal and how it impacts drivers and their license.
The House Bill repealing the DRP stipulates that to help build the designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account previously funded through the DRP surcharges, additional fees will be assessed at the state level.
Motorists will pay $20 more for state traffic fines, with 1 percent of the service fee less going to municipalities and counties. All motorist will pay more in insurance fees to the Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority, with 20 percent of that amount going to the fund. People convicted on alcohol driving offenses will pay an additional fine.
