Miller Grove FFA Students Enter Livestock, Welding Projects in County Show
Freshman Cassidi Froneberger will be showing her cattle project during the Hopkins County Livestock Show on February 21, 2019 in the arena of the Regional Civic Center in Sulphur Springs. Cassidi is a member of the Miller Grove FFA Chapter. She hopes that during the judging process in the ring, that her animal will be selected for Saturday’s Sale of Champions, a good way to earn college scholarship money. She would like to have a career as a Dental Hygienist.
Wyatt Poteet of Miller Grove is a member of the FFA Chapter who enjoys welding. Along with fellow members of his Ag Mechanics class, Wyatt has created functional art in the form of an outdoor bench. The bench is constructed of metal pipe and cedar planks and makes sturdy attractive seating for a number of people. The bench was featured along with other Ag Mech projects in the Hopkins County show on February 19, and was auctioned off after the show. His earnings are part of his education fund. After high school, he plans to pursue a career involving welding skills.
Jeff Gatlin, Ag Instructor at Miller Grove High School, has been involved in many aspects of FFA and agricultural education. He most enjoys helping equip students with important skills which many will use in their careers as well as farming and hobbies for a good portion of their lives.
Award-Winning Exhibit at A&M-Commerce March 11
COMMERCE, TX—“Send Silence Packing,” an award-winning traveling exhibit, will be on the A&M-Commerce campus March 11. The exhibit is designed to encourage meaningful dialogue regarding mental health concerns, raise awareness about the impact of suicide, connect individuals to mental health resources available on campus and in the area, and inspire action for suicide prevention.
The exhibit will be located on the North Walking Mall near the Rayburn Student Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the rain location inside the RSC. It was produced by Active Minds (activeminds.org), the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students.
“The stigma that surrounds mental illness is the reason why many students don’t seek the help they need,” said Alison Malmon, executive director of Active Minds. “’Send Silence Packing’ is a highly visible way to combat that stigma, increase openness and inspire action for suicide prevention.”
Dr. Nick Patras, director of the A&M-Commerce Counseling Center, said that preventing suicide is a campus-wide responsibility and the “Send Silence Packing” exhibit is a tangible reminder of the impact of suicide. The Counseling Center will have an informational booth at the exhibit where additional support information can be obtained.
The A&M-Commerce chapter of Active Minds will also be available for students interested in helping to continue the conversation about mental health and well-being on campus. Responsible Lions from the Athletics Department will also assist with the exhibit and provide information about campus resources.
“The Counseling Center and Dr. Thomas Newsom, dean of students, are sponsoring the ‘Send Silence Packing’ traveling exhibit as a way to challenge students, faculty and staff to make mental health a top priority of campus life; in particular, to decrease the stigma around seeking help,” Patras said. “Our number one concern is that no one is suffering in silence.”
Through award-winning programs and services, Active Minds is empowering a new generation to change the conversation about mental health.
2019 NETLA Ag-Mechanic Show Results
The 2019 NETLA Ag-Mechanic competition Tuesday afternoon at the Hopkins County Civic Center included 31 projects built by FFA students from Como-Pickton, Cumby, Miller Grove, Sulphur Bluff, and Sulphur Springs. Morris Mortenson was judge for the event. Results (photos courtesy of Dan Froneburger) include:
Grand Champion project was a 20 ft. Gooseneck Lowboy built by
Daniel Galvan, Landon Lambrich, Caemon Wilburn, and Avery Holcomb members of Como-Pickton FFA . They also won the Class 2 Division.
Bruno Estrada, Trayton Powell, Blaine Flemmens, and Jackson Monk for a Welding Trailer Como-Pickton FFA
Chloe Romen, Sydnee Neal, Jackson Monk, and Nolan Brown of Como-Pickton FFA won Class 9 with an Epoxy River Dining Table & Chairs.
Meet the New Hopkins County Agri-Life Extension Assistant Jessica Taylor
Hopkins County Extension agents Johanna Hicks and Mario Villarino and office manager Barbara Sanders recently welcomed a new member to the team, Jessica Taylor. She is an Extension Assistant assigned to the Hopkins County office for the next couple of years. To meet the community, Jessica appeared with Johanna in a KSST Good Morning Show interview on Wednesday February 20, 2019.
Originally from Clarksville, Texas, Jessica is a member of the Taylor family who raise cattle there as well as horses. As a youth, she was active in the daily operations on the family farm, and got involved at a young age showing cattle as a 4-H’er . When she entered high school, she joined the FFA Chapter of Detroit ISD , staying active in livestock showing during the Red River County Fair and in other aspects of FFA. Her first college choice was PJC where she commuted to class during her first year. She then “went off to college” and transferred Tarleton State College in Stephenville to pursue a major in Agriculture, Plant and Animal Science. Though she loved her studies there, she missed home, and so a transfer to Texas A and M University-Commerce was her next move. It was there that she was urged to not only stay on and obtain her Master’s degree in Animal Science, but to take a look at Texas Agri-Life Extension as a career. Jessica did just that, and is presently homebased out of the Sulphur Springs office of the Hopkins County Agri-Life Extension Service office. For the next 18-24 months of her career, she will be involved in all the health, nutrition and education aspects of Extension as well as the Plant and Animal side of the service. So, she will be assisting both Johanna and Mario in the daily work that Extension performs in the community.
Almost as soon as she was settled at her desk in the office, Jessica got involved in preparation for the Hopkins County Jr. Market Livestock Show set for Februry 21-23. The show is designed for 4H and FFA students in Hopkins County. Jessica jumped right in and has already been assisting students and their ag teachers with the projects. She will be on site during Thursday’s Lamb and Goat show at 2pm and Friday’s Poultry, Swine and Cattle shows starting at 8am, as well as Saturday’s “Sale of Champions” at 1pm, which is sponsored by NETLA, the Northeast Texas Livestock Association. Jessica invites the students to “look for me at the show and the sale. If you need some help with your animal, come get me. I’ll be there in the arena to help!” She also reminds the community that attendance is free, and that everyone is welcome to bring their children and grandchildren to see the animals and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the exciting local 3-day livestock event, held annually inside the arena of the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
County Sheriff’s Office Focus on Curbing Narcotics Begins to Make Impact on Distribution
With the rise of methamphetamine and other illegal narcotics, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office began in June, 2018, a focused work in attempting to curb narcotics.
From June until the end of January, 2019, the Sheriff’s Department has investigated and made 31 cases that led to 28 defendants being charged. 5.25 ounces of methamphetamine were recovered as part of the narcotics investigations.
Hopkins County Investigator Wade Sheets assisted Sulphur Springs Police Department Lt. Mark Estes and Sgt. Joe Scott in some of these investigations and in training. HCSO has helped with Investigations in Franklin County as well.
Local Woman Assaults Peace Officer
When Sulphur Springs Police arrived at a residence on Weaver Drive regarding a welfare/personal safety concern, Tammy Rene McWilliams, 47, became very combative. Multiple attempts were made to check on the welfare of McWilliams and her roommate. McWilliams charged officers and assaulted one officer causing bodily injury.
While attempting to secure McWilliams in handcuffs, she resisted and fought with officers. She remained belligerent during the transfer to Hopkins County Jail and at the jail continued to be violent. She was placed in a violence cell for her protection and that of jail staff.
McWilliams is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Assault Peace Officer, a felony 2, and with Resisting Arrest, Search or Transport. She is held on bonds totalling $52,000.
Wildcats Defeat John Tyler in Bi-District; Face Midlothian in Friday Area Game at Forney
The Wildcats appeared to be getting into some trouble late in their bi-district game with John Tyler Tuesday night (February 19) at Wills Point.
The Wildcats had just turned the ball over and the Lions trailed by just 6 points, 56-50 with 2:35 left in the fourth quarter. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta sensed he had to do something to slow down John Tyler so he took a time out. The Wildcats seemed to regain their composure after the stoppage in play. The Wildcats went on to score the games final 10 points to win going away, 66-50.
Before the late run by the Lions, the Wildcats seemed to have the game in hand from the start. The Wildcats raced out to a 10-2 lead early and ended the first quarter up, 20-12. The very first basket for the Wildcats was a special one. Senior guard Keaston Willis, out with an ankle injury since January 18, opened the scoring for the Wildcats with a three point basket. The Wildcats slowly added to their lead in the second and third quarter outscoring the Lions by a single point in each quarter. After three periods, the Wildcats led 46-36. Then came the Lions charge, the well timed time out and the Wildcats final surge to victory.
Sadaidriene Day Day Hall led the Wildcats with 20 points. Willis added 19 points. Cameron Kahn and Xavier Cork had 9 points apiece. Jeremiah Roland scored 6 points. Grayson McClure had 3 points. John Tyler’s junior guard Michael Hogg led the Lions with 16 points. A large number of Wildcats fans made the trip and packed the home side stands at Wills Point.
The Wildcats, ranked #4 in Class 5A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Poll, improved to 25-8 for the season. The Wildcats play Midlothian in an Area round game Friday at Forney.
Winnsboro Police Report February 11-17, 2019
Winnsboro Police made three arrests, answered 108 calls for service, issued 25 citations, and wrote 39 warnings during the report period February 11-17, 2019. There were no accidents reported during the week.
Chance Addicks, 18, of Winnsboro, was arrested February 16th for Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone; Possession of Marijuana less than or equal to 2 oz. in a Drug Free Zone; and for Possession of a Dangerous Drug without a prescription.
Terry McElwrath, 51, of Winnsboro, was arrested on February 14th for Public Intoxication.
Robert Mathews, 34, of Winnsboro, was arrested February 15th for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram.
Soccer Coaches Review Tuesday Losses to Mount Pleasant
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton Shares His Thoughts on 1-0 Road Loss at Mount Pleasant
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton has now seen the always strong Mount Pleasant soccer team up close and he came away impressed as the Tigers defeated the Wildcats 1-0 at Mount Pleasant Monday night (February 18). The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday night but was moved up a day due to concerns with Tuesday’s weather forecast. Coach Upton said long time Tigers Coach Jason Mayfield was phenomenal and he added the Tigers were talented. He said the Tigers JV also made an impression winning over the Wildcats JV, 10-1. Coach Upton said the Tigers scored the only goal in the varsity match with about 5 minutes left in the first half on a ball that deflected into the goal. He said the Wildcats played very well defensively but could not find the net on offense. Coach Upton said if the Wildcats continue to play like they did Monday night, they will start to win. He wants victories in the last two games left in the district’s first half. The Wildcats play at Texas High Friday and then host Royse City next Tuesday. The Wildcats have opened district play with 3 losses. Former Lady Cats Soccer Coach Jesus DeLeon now coaches the Texas High boys team. Coach Upton said he has them organized. He said Royse City is like the Wildcats. He said they were gritty and have some talented players.
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey is Proud of Team’s Performance Against Talented Mount Pleasant
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey said he knew Mount Pleasant was a strong team. So he was pleased with how well his Lady Cats hung with Mount Pleasant Monday night (February 18) at Prim Stadium. The game was moved up from Tuesday night due to concerns about Tuesday’s weather. The Lady Tigers won 2-1 in overtime. Coach Bailey said with the way the Lady Cats played with intensity, they would be getting into the win column soon. Despite falling behind 1-0 in the first half, the Lady Cats tied the game in the second half on a goal by Haley Robinson. Coach Bailey said it took an extraordinary shot in overtime by Mount Pleasant to score the go ahead goal. The Lady Cats play Texas High Friday night at Gerald Prim Stadium. Both teams are seeking their first district win of the season.
Carrillo Comments on Lady Cats Tuesday Win
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo said he knew Mineola was a good team when he scheduled them. The Lady Cats had their closest game of the young season defeating the Yellowjackets, 6-2 at Lady Cat Park Monday afternoon (February 18). The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday night but was moved up because of concerns with Tuesday’s weather.
Coach Carrillo liked that his team had a face a good left handed pitcher. He said being challenged would help the team later on. Coach Carrillo said senior pitcher Bailey Haggerty pitched a steady game. Haggerty got the win allowing two runs, both unearned, on six hits with two strikeouts and a walk over seven innings. He said the Lady Cats needed to work to clean up their defense when the opposition uses small ball.
Coach Carrillo said offensive standouts included Brinklee Driver, who was 4 for 4, and Kelsey Wallace, who hit her fourth home run of the season leading off the bottom of the first inning for the Lady Cats. He said Alli Fite did not have a hit but he said she hit the ball well. Coach Carrillo said he was impressed that the Lady Cats almost got out of an inning where Mineola scored two runs. He also admitted he made what he called a boneheaded call. Coach Carrillo said he called for a bunt in a situation that didn’t call for a bunt. He said he told the team that he messed up and he needed them to pick him up. He said they did and he added that’s what families do.
The Lady Cats play in an Allen tournament Thursday through Saturday. Coach Carrillo said the Lady Cats are scheduled to play Class 6A Coppell, a much improved Longview team, a good McKinney team, Frisco Lone Star and Celina. He said by playing quality teams, it would make the Lady Cats better.
