2019 Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show Starts February 21st
by Mario Villarino
The hands of youth livestock exhibitors do more than raise livestock projects that are an example of the highest quality animals in our food chain. Those hands also work to learn, lead, mentor, and serve. Thousands of 4-H and FFA youth, both young and old, use their hands day in and day out to succeed with livestock projects and build a better future for themselves and those around them. Hopkins County celebrates youth involvement in livestock project during the Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock and Show February 21 to 23 at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center in Sulphur springs.
During this event, hundreds of livestock projects get grown, fitted and exhibited by youth both in FFA or 4-H Clubs from all over Hopkins County. By raising a market animal, students learn responsibility and success. Students also learn that success only comes with personal and monetary sacrifices. Those 4-H and FFA members dedicated to their projects also grow to realize the results of their actions.
The Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show and Sale will start February 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM with the Lamb and Goat Weighing at the Civic Center Arena, followed by the lamb showmanship and lamb show, followed by the goat showmanship and goat show. February 22 the activities start at 7:00 AM with poultry check in, poultry show, swine show and steer and heifer show. Champions will be sold during the Sale of Champions Saturday February 23, 2019 at 1:00 PM.
What to expect: Transporting, fitting of projects and showing of youth livestock projects from students in 4-H and FFA from Hopkins County (Goats, lambs, swine, steers and heifers). Livestock species displays. Concession stand. The program is organized and conducted by the Northeast Texas Livestock Association (NETLA). More information can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/netlamarketshow/
Soccer Game Day: Lady Cats Host Nevada Community
The Lady Cats’ soccer team has a home game on this Tuesday game day (February 5). The Lady Cats face the Lady Braves of Nevada Community at Gerald Prim Stadium. There will be a JV contest at 5:30 p.m. The varsity match will follow at around 7 p.m.
The Lady Cats will be trying to break into the win column against Community. The Lady Cats are 0-9-3 for the season. Their schedule has included quite a few Class 6A teams. The team has also had more than their share of illness and injury. The Lady Cats played Wylie East last Friday at The Prim. In the rematch of last season’s bi-district match, the Lady Cats were competitive but came out on the short end of a 3-1 score.
KSST Radio will have all of the action of the Lady Cats and Lady Braves game live beginning at 7 p.m. There will also be live video streaming of the game on You Tube. There is also a video link on our ksstradio.com website. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Game Day: Wildcats, Lady Cats at Texas High
On this Tuesday game day (February 5), the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ basketball teams have big games in Texarkana at Texas High.
The #4 ranked Wildcats play #23 ranked Texas High. The Wildcats are in first place with a perfect 7-0 district mark. The Tigers are in second place with a 6-1 district record. The Wildcats are 21-8 for the season. Texas High is 25-7 for the season. When the two teams played in Sulphur Springs back on January 18, the Wildcats squeezed by the Tigers, 53-52. The Wildcats JV will play the Texas High JV at 5 p.m. in the Tigers’ main gym. Then after the Lady Cats’ varsity game against Texas High at 6:15 p.m., the Wildcats varsity will face Texas High at around 7:30 p.m. The Wildcats freshman team will play Texas High in the Tigers’ auxiliary gym at 6:15 p.m.
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said the #4 ranked Wildcats overcame perhaps the most inefficient half of the season to rally in the second half to get a 59-46 senior night win over Mount Pleasant Friday night (February 1). Coach Cipoletta spoke on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show. Coach Cipoletta said it was an emotional senior night and a big rivalry game that had the Wildcats too amped up at the start of the game. He said he was happy to just be behind by one point, 23-22 at halftime. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats fixed some things and were locked in in the second half. Still Mount Pleasant led 32-29 in the third quarter before the Wildcats went on an 11-0 run to flip the game in their favor. Coach Cipoletta said pounding the ball inside to utilize size mismatches is now what the Wildcats are mostly about on offense. Sadaidriene Day Day Hall led the Wildcats with 26 points and Xavier Cork scored 15. He said the Wildcats become very explosive when outside shots are falling. Coach Cipoletta said actually the Wildcats defense was good throughout the game. He said in the second half the Wildcats did a much better job of protecting the ball. Coach Cipoletta had praise for Grayson McClure and his ability to get to what the coach calls loose 50-50 balls. He said a player has to really want the ball to get it in those situations. The game meant that for the second straight season, the Wildcats have swept the Tigers. Between 2007 and 2017, the Wildcats only managed 3 wins over Mount Pleasant playing them twice a season. Coach Cipoletta expressed joy in watching senior manager Dylan Jester, who has cerebral palsy, make a basket during a planned false start to the game. Jester, wearing a Wildcats jersey and using his walker, made a ten foot shot. Coach Cipoletta thanked Mount Pleasant Coach Joey Chism for going along with the idea. Coach Chism had words of encouragement for Jester after the made basket. Next for the Wildcats is a summit battle against Texas High in Texarkana Tuesday night. The Wildcats are atop the district standings at 7-0. Texas High, ranked #23 in Class 5A, are 6-1. In their first game this season back on January 18, the Wildcats defeated the Tigers, 53-52 when a last second shot by the Tigers did not fall. Wildcats leading scorer Keaston Willis injured his right ankle during that game. He reentered the game in the fourth quarter and led the Wildcats to a narrow win. With a win Tuesday night, the Wildcats can wrap up the district championship.
The Lady Cats’ basketball team will be wrapping up their district schedule against the Texas High Lady Tigers on this Tuesday game day. The Lady Tigers are tied for first in the district with Royse City. Both have 8-1 records. The Lady Cats are third in the district with a 6-3 record. They are 24-6 for the season. When the two teams played in Sulphur Springs last month, the Lady Tigers won 60-48. The Lady Cats are locked into third place and will face Jacksonville in the playoffs. The bi-district game is expected to be played Monday at a site and time to be determined. Also Tuesday, the Lady Cats JV will face the Texas High JV at 5 p.m. in the Texas High auxiliary gym.
With Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell not feeling well after a Friday night (February 1) senior night 55-25 win over Mount Pleasant, Lady Cats Assistant Coach Jeremy DeLorge filled in on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show. Coach Tisdell is thought to be about two weeks away from the birth of her first child. Coach DeLorge said it was a special sight to see all five of the Lady Cats seniors start the Mount Pleasant game Friday night. He noted that all of them scored as the Lady Cats took care of business. The Lady Cats are in third place in district with a 6-3 record and they are 24-6 for the season. Sadavia Porter led the Lady Cats with 23 points. Coach DeLorge said Porter was a big success as she played her typical game of tenacious defense and speed that led to numerous layups. He also acknowledged that Porter works hard to improve her game. Senior Danielle Godbolt scored 12 points and senior Autumn Tanton added 11. 5-foot-2 senior guard Te’Arria Rose made an impression grabbing several rebounds. Senior Tarayla Kelley had a couple of baskets. The Lady Cats wrap up district play in Texarkana against Texas High Tuesday night. The Lady Tigers are tied with Royse City with 8-1 records at the top of the district standings. With the win Friday night, the Lady Cats solidified their third place playoff position. Coach DeLorge said the Lady Cats bi-district playoff opponent is expected to be Jacksonville. The game is expected to be played on Monday night, February 11. The site and time are still being discussed at last report.
New Bassmaster “Texas Fest” Elite Tourney and Expo Coming to Lake Fork in May
Does Spring make you think fishing? Michael Rogge, a well-known fishing guide and sportsman along with KiKi Bettis, Executive Director of the Wood County Industrial Commission, put the word out about an exciting new Lake Fork event when they visited the KSST studios on Tuesday February 5. In fact, the four-day Bassmaster “Texas Fest” Elite Tournament Festival is going to be for everyone of all ages from all around the lake!
As President of the Lake Fork Area Chamber of Commerce, Rogge combines his love of competitive fishing with a desire to bring an economic impact to every community that borders Lake Fork. “Let’s face it, the dollars that Lake Fork generates through tourism positively affects every community and town in Hopkins, Rains and Wood counties which border the lake. Our goal in planning the Texas Fest is to get all the communities to participate in this first-of-its-kind event. It’s expected to draw between 5,000 and 8,000 people. It will promote the fishing industry, the anglers, the lake and the points of interest that surround it.” Rogge also explained that the Bassmaster Texas Fest will be a major benefit to Texas Parks and Wildlife, and anticipating that effect, the Sabine River Authority has secured the use of the SRA lakeside complex as the event headquarters for the event, May 2-6, 2019. Rogge further explained, “this is the first time that Lake Fork has been asked to host a premiere-level tournament by a major association such as Bassmaster. They only hold eight Elite-level tourneys per year, and they have included Lake Fork for 2019. That’s important for us.”
During the black-bass fishing tournament, up to 80 competitors will participate in elimination rounds on Thursday May 2 and Friday May 3. On Saturday May 4, there will be a huge party atmosphere with food, music, fun activities and kids festival games as the tournament continues. City tourism departments, industry, business and civic organizations are all invited to set up booths to promote what they do to enhance this region. A very unique 5K “Dam Run” across the spillway is being organized, and Bassmaster-sponsored National High School Fishing Contest is planned on Lake for the top twelve teams from schools across the country.
If you are interested in getting in on the ground level or finding out more about the Bassmaster Texas Fest, contact bassmaster.com or [email protected], also the Wood County Industrial Commission at woodcountytx.com or 903-768-2402, or Emory Tourism at 903-474-3022, or any of their facebook pages.
Grand Opening for New Courtroom Set for February 13; A 10 Year Dream Finalized
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 11 a.m. a Grand Opening for the new courtroom located next to the Law Enforcement Center will celebrate a 10-year dream of County Judge Robert Newsom and the work of Commissioners Court during the last two years. Judge Newsom was District Judge when he first sought Commissioners’ Court approval for the facility.
The new courtroom will be the site for Eighth Judicial District Court criminal cases and any other criminal cases that will deem necessary the safety and convenience of the facility. Judge Newsom said it is a matter of safety for the inmates, judges, and lawyers to have a courtroom uniquely situated at the Law Enforcement Center. He also noted that the new facility is equipped with cutting edge technology that will better serve attorneys and juries. He called the room very practical.
It has taken over one year to complete the courtroom. Rain and other weather conditions have made it difficult to build. However, Newsom says the room is a better courtroom than expected. He noted that the building is still under construction budget.
He said the room will be used for almost all District 8 work. With the new courtroom, the second floor courtroom at the County Courthouse will continue to be used on an almost daily basis. The courthouse room will be used for some criminal cases and all civil cases including all those tried in 62nd District Court. County Court at law will use the second floor courtroom and even Judge Newsom will use the room for probate and mental cases. Judge Newsom will also assist with some county criminal cases when needed.
Next to the new courtroom at the Law Enforcement Facility will be a new office for the District Attorney and his staff. That building, currently under construction, should be completed some time after April 1st.
Winnsboro Man Arrested for Meth Possession in Rural Traffic Stop
A traffic stop for expired registration by a Hopkins County Deputy on State Highway 11 near FM 269 resulted in the arrest of Neal Curtis Brown, 34, of Winnsboro. The deputy found Brown to be wanted on a Titus County warrant for a Probation Violation for Larceny. While speaking with Brown, he gave verbal consent to search the vehicle for illegal contraband.
A small clear baggie containing a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine was located inside a “Big Blue” soda can from which Brown had been observed drinking at the time of the stop. Brown took responsibility for the substance that when tested proved to be methamphetamine.
Brown is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. He is held on a $45,000 bond.
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum Finds Home
The Board of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum is shown as they announce the purchase of the future home of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum.
(February 4, 2019, Commerce, Texas) After two years of an uncertain future, the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum is pleased to announce the purchase of a 26,500 sq. ft. building along Highway 11 East in Commerce, Texas. The building is located on approximately 7.9 acres and meets the museum criteria for building space and an outdoor play area. The move from the current location is scheduled for September 1, 2019.
The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum had its beginning in the defunct David’s Grocery Store in early 2002. The museum struggled with the rising cost of the lease, and in 2006, under the leadership of Dr. Keith McFarland, Texas A&M University – Commerce offered a new location on the campus. The Children’s Museum moved to the building formerly known as Watson’s Cafeteria.
For the next thirteen years, the Children’s Museum continued to grow, increasing the number of visitors each year. When the future of the Museum at this location became uncertain because of lease restrictions and the age of the building, the Board of Directors were forced to consider other possibilities. One option was to relocate as part of a proposed agricultural complex on Highway 24.
“The timing of vacating the current location and the availability of moving to the proposed agricultural complex left few options for the Children’s Museum. We certainly understand the necessity for the Children’s Museum to make this move. Texas A&M University – Commerce will certainly continue its support of the Children’s Museum,” said Dr. Mark Rudin, President of Texas A&M University – Commerce.
When a building became available just a few miles east of the current location, the Museum’s Board of Directors began to envision this building as a potential site for their new home. In November 2018, Sharline Freeman, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum, approached the Commerce EDC Board of Directors (owner of the building) with a request to purchase the building. The CEDC took this under consideration, and with 30,000 annual visitors, acknowledged that the Children’s Museum is a great asset to Northeast Texas, especially Commerce.
“With limited sites available, the CEDC was pleased to have a property for sale that met the criteria and needs of the Museum,” stated Robin Alexander, President of the CEDC Board of Directors. “We are excited that they will remain in Commerce, and we look forward to the Museum’s growth at their new location.”
“Quality of life is important when working to attract new businesses, and the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum has become a landmark for Commerce. This purchase is a win / win for both entities. The size and layout of the building will provide ample space for existing and new exhibits and offers plenty of space for the outdoor play area. When their enhancements are finished, it will be a showcase for our community,” said Bonnie Hunter, Executive Director for the Commerce EDC.
Donna Tavener, President of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum added: “The level of financial support will determine how many new exhibits can be added at this time. The next big fundraiser will be our Annual Silent Auction on Monday, April 29 at the Sam Rayburn Student Center on the campus of Texas A&M University – Commerce. We ask our patrons and donors to mark their calendars, plan to attend, and come support the Children’s Museum as they transition to their new home.”
PJC-Sulphur Springs Adds Truck Driving School to Workforce Program
TRUCK DRIVING
A truck driving school has been added to the workforce training program at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. The class, being taught by Bryce Walker (left), began classroom instruction last week and will start driver training this week. Two of the students, Larry McGill, center, and Mark Morton, review some rules with Walker during a recent class. For more information about the program, call the campus at 903-885-1232.
Arkansas Woman Arrested on Possession Charges
DPS stopped a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Sunday afternoon, February 3, 2019 for a traffic violation. Inside the vehicle they found a white tablet with a “pac man” logo believed to be ecstacy, a vial of thc oil and a clear plastic baggie containing marijuana. A marijuana cigar and a partially smoked marijuana cigar were also located.
The search of the vehicle was promoted by the smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
Debra Patrice Tayes, 27, of Little Rock, Arkansas was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram; Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2, less than 1-gram; and Possession of Marijuana under 2 0z. She is in Hopkins County Jail held on bonds totaling $11,000.
