SSHS Academic UIL Team Earns 12 Medals At State Contest
Matthew Harper, Literary Criticism Team Named State Champs
Sulphur Springs High School sophomore (second from left) Matthew Harper is the state UIL literary criticism champion, and the literary criticism team consisting of Harper, Andrew Westlund, Carissa Carter, Lainey Whittle are state literary criticism championship team. Also pictured are (left) state literary criticism director Mark Bernier and (right) SSHS literary criticism team coach Gail Herman.
Nine students from Sulphur Springs High School came home from the state UIL competitions with a total of 12 medals earned from participation in six different events.
“Congratulations to each competitor. We are extremely proud of the way these students represented Sulphur Springs High School,” said Gerald Grafton, SSHS UIL coordinator. “Also, congratulations to coaches Gail Herman, Brandon Nelson and Desi Pharis for their efforts and successes in preparing students for this level of achievement.”
The SSHS literary criticism team over the weekend won the UIL state team championship, marking the fifth consecutive year and the the sixth time in the last seven years they’ve won at state.
Matthew Harper was named the individual state champion in literary criticism and noted to have the highest score of any student competing in any classification, according to SSHS literary criticism coach Gail Herman. Harper is Herman’s fourth student to be named individual state champion in literary criticism.
Teammates Carissa Carter won third place honors, Andrew Westlund fourth and Lainey Whittle fifth in the state in literary criticism. Also notable is that this is Carter’s fourth year in a row to be on the state championship team, according to Herman.
One student, Annmarie Gunn, is commended for placing in not one but two events at state. Gunn earned fourth placed in ready writing and second place honors in the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition.
Rachel Bramlett was also recognized as a finalist in the Latino History Essay Contest. In the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition, Sydney Washburn was a finalist and Breana Wooten finished in third place.
Gunn, Bramlett, Washburn and Wooten were named finalists and winners from a field of almost 400 entries. Twelve finalists were named in each of the Barbara Jordan and Latino History essay contests. Each received a framed certificate. Students placing first through sixth also received medals, according to Herman.
Also during the May 3-4 state academic UIL meet, Angela Brown won sixth place in news writing.
In theater design, Belinda Flores, Hagen Hunt and AllieGrace Woodard were recognized for being finalists.
Grafton offered thanks on behalf of the UIL academic coaches to the administration and staff of SSISD and SSHS “for all the encouragement and support you have provided for UIL academic competitors this year.”
To the UIL coaches, he expressed thanks “for all your sacrifices of time and effort to help our students succeed. Win or lose, I believe your efforts have taught them valuable life lessons that carry them to the next level.”
Coaches for the 2019 academic season included Steven Allemang, science; Phillip Dick, UIL Young Filmmakers; Grafton, math events; Paula Hass, accounting; Gail Herman, essays, literary criticism and spelling; Madison Millsap, social studies and current issues; Brandon Nelson, journalism events; Ruston Pennington, robotics; Desi Pharis, one act play and theater design; Matt Wilder, computer science; Josh Williams, cross examination and Lincoln Douglas debate; and Lesha Woodard, one act play, prose and poetry.
Finally, Grafton concluded with this message to seniors, “You are the best. We are so proud of you and your hard work.”
Lady Cats Softball Face Familiar Foe At Area
Lady Cats Softball Coach Has Familiar Foe to Prepare For This Week
The Wildcats’ baseball team got to relive the past last week playing old district foe Hallsville. The Lady Cats’ softball team has the same situation this week. Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo said he looks forward to the opportunity of playing in the third round of the playoffs. Hallsville’s coach is Kayla Whatley, who Coach Carrillo knows well. He predicts a really great series is about to unfold. Coach Carrillo said the Lady Bobcats are well coached and they have good players. He said the teams know each other well from being in the same district for so long. Coach Carrillo said the two teams have had some epic battles. He said he feels good about the Lady Cats’ chances on Thursday and Friday (May 9-10). The teams play their regional quarterfinal series Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Grand Saline, then Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Grand Saline. Game three, if needed, will take place after game two. Coach Carrillo urges fans to bring lawn chairs because seating is limited. Last year, in district play, the Lady Cats won at Hallsville, 7-3 but then suffered their only district loss to Hallsville at Lady Cat Park, 10-4. Coach Carrillo said both teams have a lot of the same kids they had last year.
SSHS Wildcats Baseball Game Review
Wildcats Baseball Coach Comments on Another Come From Behind Win and Playing Joshua This Week
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack said he felt the Wildcats were more in control of game two early against Hallsville at Mike Carter Field in Tyler Saturday (May 4). The Wildcats did go out in front 2-0 in the first inning on a two-RBI double by Austin Dodd. Coach Hammack said he disagreed with a couple of umpire calls in the game that fortunately did not greatly impact the final score. A Wildcats base runner was called out for leaving too soon as he tagged up after a caught fly ball. Coach Hammack said that took the Wildcats out of a promising inning. A Wildcat runner going to first was ruled out when it appeared that a throw may have pulled the Bobcats first baseman off the bag. Then Hallsville rallied for three runs aided by what Coach Hammack referred to as seeing eye singles. They also used a walk and a Wildcat error. Coach Hammack said the Wildcats had to overcome all of that adversity to rally. Down 3-2, Dodd, despite being down in the count, got a base hit. Jase Thompson followed with a drag bunt for a hit. Will Sims bunted and Hallsville could not handle it. Coach Hammack said Pacen Edwards, who has been hitting the ball hard but right at people, then found a hole with a single that drove home a run. Kaden Argenbright’s sacrifice fly scored the leading run. Pitcher Jaxon Chaney then closed the door on Hallsville in the top of the seventh. Coach Hammack said the Wildcats are playing well defensively and with a lot of confidence. He said he sensed no panic when the Wildcats trailed. Next for the Wildcats is Joshua. The schedule calls for game one at Prosper Thursday at 7 p.m. Then game two at Prosper Friday at 7 p.m. Game three, if necessary, will be at Rockwall Saturday at noon. Coach Hammack said the Joshua coach was a head coach at Pine Tree several years ago. He said Joshua has a left handed pitcher who will be as good as any pitcher we have seen this season. He said our scouts believe the Wildcats are the better team. Coach Hammack said he likes the Wildcats in a series the way they are playing.
2 Teens Jailed On Marijuana Charge
A minor traffic stop on North Davis Street Saturday evening resulted in location of contraband and two teens being arrested.
Sulphur Springs Police Office Zach Brown reported stopping a Chevrolet Cobalt in the 100 block of North Davis Street at 6:53 p.m. May 4 after observing a seat belt violation. While talking to the driver, an 18-year-old Sulphur Springs woman, and passenger, an 18-year-old Sulphur Springs man, Brown reported smelling what he suspected to be a marijuana odor.
A search of the car resulted in location of suspected marijuana in the driver’s purse and a vapor stick containing suspected tetrahydrocannabinol in the vehicle. The woman was arrested for no seat belt and possession of less than 2 ounces or marijuana in a drug-free zone, both misdemeanor offenses.
The man, identified in arrest reports as Tyler Ray Griffin, then allegedly admitted to having marijuana in the crotch of his pants. A bag of suspected marijuana was retrieved from the man, Brown alleged in arrest reports. Griffin was arrested on the felony charge of possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and the misdemeanor offense of possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana in drug-free zone, according to arrest and jail reports.
The woman was released from jail May 5; her bond was set at $2,000 on the marijuana charge. Griffin was released from jail May 5; his bond was set at $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and $2,000 bond on the marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
Dike Man Accused Of Evading Police In Vehicle
A Dike man was charged with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle Saturday night, after driving for a mile when police attempted to stop him.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Adrian Pruitt at 11:47 a.m. May 4 attempted to stop a Toyota 4Runner in the 1500 block of East Shannon Road for a traffic violation. However, instead of pulling over, the driver of the vehicle continued driving, with Pruitt following behind with the overhead lights on his patrol vehicle on, the officer alleged in arrest reports. The car reportedly continued for a bout a mile before stopping on Shannon Road, Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
The driver, identified in arrest reports as 46-year-old Eric Vincent Klemptner of Dike, allegedly told the officer he was going to drive to Dike with the officer following him because he didn’t want his vehicle towed. The officer took the man into custody and to jail for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, which was impounded, according to arrest reports.
A records check showed Klemptner to be wanted for driving while license invalid and failure to appear, resulting in additional charges.
Klemptner remained in the county jail Monday evening. His bond was set at $5,000 on the evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge, according to jail reports. Fines for the outstanding warrants totaled $906.70, according to arrest reports.
South Sulphur Volunteer Fire Department Recognized
South Sulphur Volunteer Fire Department member Chris and Chief Jim Rich are recognized by Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley and Hopkins County Commissioners Court for their perseverance and dedicated service to the community.
South Sulphur Volunteer Fire Department was recognized by Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley and the Hopkins County Commissioners Court for service to the community.
The officials presented South Sulphur VFD Chief Jim Rich and member Chris Rich with a proclamation for their department’s continued dedication during the Monday morning commissioners court session.
The South Sulphur VFD was started with a nine person roster as Peerless VFD. The department was renamed in 2016 as South Sulphur VFD, and serves the Peerless, Emblem, Ridgeway, Good Neighbor and Pleasant Grove communities as well as South Sulphur State Park.
The proclamation recognizes the dedication and perseverance of the members over the years in providing fire protection to Hopkins County; currently there are only two members.
The recognition is part of Hopkins County Fire Department’s 20th year anniversary celebration, during which one volunteer fire department is being recognized each month for their continued service to the community.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom also reported Dan Flynn sent congratulation to Hopkins County Fire Department from the State of Texas House of Representatives for 20 years of service to the community.
Pittsburg Man Jailed on Felony DWI Charge
A 50-year-old Pittsburg man was arrested Saturday night for driving while intoxicated, marking at least the third time he has been charged with the offense, according to arrest reports.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Chris Sorley reportedly stopped a Chevrolet Trail Blazer after observing it traveling 80 miles per hour in a 65 mph speed zone on State Highway 11.
After making contact with the driver, identified in arrest reports at Mario Aguilar, Sorley noted Aguilar to have enlarged pupils and red eyes; he also detected an alcohol odor on Aguilar’s breath, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
Aguilar reportedly admitted to drinking one beer, then was determined using standard field sobriety tests to be intoxicated, resulting in Aguilar’s arrest for driving while intoxicated-third or more offense. Aguilar then admitted to drinking six beers before driving, Sorley alleged in arrest reports.
Aguilar was transported to the county jail, where he tested 0.156 on breath tests, according to arrest reports. He was released from jail May 5 on $10,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Tasers, Fire Alarm Systems, Rail Rep Approved By Commissioners Court
Fire alarm systems, Tasers, maintenance guidelines, county road standards and procedures, a management provider for a hazardous mitigation grant program, and a Northeast Texas Rural Transportation board appointment were among the items Hopkins County Commissioner Court approved during their regular meeting Monday.
Rail Representation
Appointed to serve on Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District Board of Directors was Neal Barker.
Newsom reported Barker to have “a lot of background in this area.”
“Thank you for this opportunity. I have personal interest in these rural rails and districts that formed to preserve the rail right-of-ways around Texas for commerce and commuter lines, things like that,” Barker said. “I am honored to be able to represent you on the board, to find out what’s best for Hopkins County, what’s best for the whole rail line, and report back to you, and try and do your wishes.”
Tasers
Approved Monday was a no-interest 5-year contract with Axion Enterprises Inc. for 10 Tasers for jailers, to be paid out of budgeted allocations with $2,000 down this year. This will provide 10 new devices for jailers to use; the ones currently in use are hand-me-downs from the patrol division, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tanner Crump.
Fire alarm systems
Also approved was a contract with Fire Troll for fire alarm systems for the county clerk’s office, courthouse and annex buildings. The county will pay a one-time free of $1,588 this year, which includes installing of needed monitoring equipment and an annual fee, then $360 a year per building each year afterward. Fire protection systems for the new district clerk and district attorney’s offices and courthouse will be discussed at a later meeting, according Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley.
Road Rules, guides, repairs
The Commissioners Court also approved Rural Transportation Maintenance Guidelines For Hopkins County Roads For 2019-2020, County Road Standards and Procedures; and adopted a resolution designating GrantWorks as the management service provider for the Texas Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program application and project implementation.
Essentially, the documents update the guidelines for county roads that were passed in 2015-16, during a previous FEMA event. The county has Class 3 roads, and the types of materials used in their construction and maintenance. The standards are needed when applying for FEMA grants, and include county-wide averages for time and costs of repairing roads. In this case, the county has applied for funding for road damages caused by flooding in September and October; the funding would be used to return the roads back to pre-weather condition, explained Beth Wisenbaker, who is working on the FEMA projects on behalf of the county.
The county is also reapplying for hazardous mitigation grant funding for three projects in Precinct 1 and one project in Precinct 3. GrantWorks will serve as management service provider at a rate of $8,000. If the county receives the grant, 75 percent of that cost would be refunded in the grant, according to Wisenbaker.
Included in the application will be generators for all 12 county fire departments, including the substation in Brashear and Pickton-Pine Forest, as well as for a few of the rural water districts. These would be used in the event of a disaster. The information is included in the county’s hazardous mitigation plan as a critical infrastructure need, which will save an additional $2,500 benefit cost analysis fee per unit, according to Wisenbaker and Endsley.
Budget Amendments
On the recommendation of County Auditor Shannah Walker, the commissioners approved three amendments to the county budget: $96,131.06 in financing was moved to the fire department’s personal protective equipment fund to cover purchased safety gear; $169,500 from Alliance Bank moved into the Precinct 4 budget to finance a motor grader; and a $1,200 donation made last year by Yvonne McDaniel moved over into this year’s budget for purchase of cameras for environmental enforcement purposes.
The donation will provide 4-6 new cameras to be put up in trees and poles in efforts to catch environmental violations. The cameras currently in use are on loan from Ark-Tex Council of Governments, and would be returned. The new cameras also will have Bluetooth which will allow officials to access and download information from them remotely, instead of officials having to climb to access the device in the tree or pole to remove the card and either replace it or download it, then return it to the camera, according to Endsley.
Fire protection agreements
Hopkins County Commissioners Court opted to table discussion and consideration of proposed fire protection agreements for the volunteer fire departments, with the notation that it could be discussed during executive sessions. The commissioners following executive session for potential personnel discussion opted to taken on action on the item.
Commissioners were slated to attend the monthly meeting of volunteer fire departments at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the training room at Hopkins County Fire Station/ Intermodal Facility, 286 Texas Street.
Miscellaneous
Also approved during Monday’s meeting were requests from Farmers Electric Cooperative to construct electric power distribution facilities across County Road 2342/Spring Creek Circle, just south of County Road 2322; and to set an electric power pole in the county right-of-way on County Road 4772, west of County Road 4766.
DPS: Emory Woman Jailed On Pill, Methamphetamine Possession Charges
A 42-year-old Emory woman arrested on a prescription medication charge incurred additional charges, when a corrections officer found methamphetamine and a glass pipe in her possession upon arrival at the county jail, according to Texas Department of Public Safety reports.
Samantha Deann Lee, 42, of Emory was a passenger in a Kia Soul stopped by DPS Trooper Arturo Ugalde at 10:17 p.m. Saturday for impeding traffic on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 112. Both occupants in the vehicle showed signs of nervousness and criminal activity, and refused to allow officials to search of the vehicle, so the trooper called Sulphur Springs Police Officer Buddy Williams to bring police canine Kilo to conduct a free air search of the vehicle, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
Kilo gave a positive alert on the car, resulting in a probable cause search, according to arrest reports. Officials reportedly found a prescription bottle with a with a name on it different from both the driver and passenger. Lee allegedly admitted to possessing the medication, which she said was originally her mother’s, Ugalde wrote in arrest reports. The bottle contained several different pills, one of which was identified as Tramadol, a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, resulting in Lee’s arrest for possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
While being booked into jail, corrections officer Hayley Harren reportedly found three baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, two glucose test strip containers with suspected meth and a glass pipe with meth residue in Lee’s possession. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 44 grams, resulting in additional charges, Ugalde noted in arrest reports.
Lee remained in the county jail Monday morning on all four charges. Her bond was set at $25,000 bond on the possession of 4 gram or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, $2,000 on the possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge, and $1,000 for possession of contraband in a correctional facility. She also was charged on a possession of drug paraphernalia, which carries a $325 fine, according to jail and sheriff’s reports.
