SSHS UIL Academic Team Competed at Lindale
The Wildcats UIL Academic Team competed at Lindale this past weekend (January 18-19) and collected 145 points. Coordinator Gerald Grafton reported that the Spelling and Vocabulary Team and Literary Criticism Team both finished in first place.
In Spelling and Vocabulary, Gisselle Garcia was second, Mariam Tran was third and Dawson Carpenter was fourth. In Literary Criticism, Matthew Harper was first, Carissa Carter was second, Lainey Whittle was third and Andrew Westlund was fourth. Both teams are coached by Gail Herman.
In Ready Writing, coached by Gail Herman, Annemarie Gunn was fourth. In Computer Science, coached by Matt Wilder, Andrew Westlund finished fourth. In Current Events, coached by Madison Millsap, Brandon Hodges was fourth.
In Social Studies, coached by Madison Millsap, Brandon Hodges was third.
In Feature Writing, coached by Brandon Nelson, Angela Brown was fourth and in Headline Writing, coached by Brandon Nelson, Angela Brown was fourth.
The UIL Academic Team will be at a meet in Mount Pleasant this weekend.
Soccer Game Day: Wildcats at Pittsburg; Lady Cats at Athens
Wildcats Soccer in Pittsburg Tuesday Night For Non-District Match
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton says he is not ready to hit the panic button. His Wildcats have opened the season with a 2-5-1 record. Coach Upton says the Wildcats are mostly a young team and he says they are not finishing games and scoring chances. He adds they are playing well otherwise. Coach Upton says the Wildcats have four more non-district games to limit some of their small mistakes and to work on finishing. One of those four games takes place Tuesday night (January 22) in Pittsburg. There will be a JV contest at 5:30 p.m. with a varsity match at 7 p.m. Coach Upton says the Pirates are a pretty solid team.
Lady Cats Soccer is on the Road at Athens Tuesday Night
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey commented on his team’s play in a North Forney tournament this past weekend. Included was an opening lopsided loss to Class 6A Rockwall Heath. Coach Bailey called the Lady Hawks a quality team that is super talented. Next came a 0-0 tie with North Lamar. Coach Bailey said the Pantherettes were a scrappy, young team. He said the game was played in a strong wind. Coach Bailey said the Lady Cats came close to the net on several scoring opportunities. The Lady Cats also lost to Class 6A North Mesquite. He said the Lady Cats played with heavy legs because they only had about an hour of rest after their earlier game that day. Coach Bailey said North Mesquite was a quality opponent with lots of speed. He said all the game were good preparation for district games. Coach Bailey said even if the Lady Cats don’t win a game before district play begins, they will have the same 0-0 record as every other district team when district play begins. The Lady Cats, 0-7-3 for the season, play at Athens Tuesday night. A JV contest begins at 5:30 p.m. The varsity match starts at 7 p.m. Coach Bailey said the Lady Cats are working hard and he said he still believes in them. He’s ready to string some wins together that will give the Lady Cats some confidence.
Basketball Game Day: Wildcats, Lady Cats Host Royse City
It’s game day Tuesday (January 22) for the Lady Cats and Wildcats’ basketball teams and both will be at home playing back to back games against Royse City. Action will begin in the SSHS Main Gym with the Lady Cats JV taking on the Lady Bulldogs JV at 5 p.m. The Lady Cats Varsity will then take on the Royse City Lady Bulldogs Varsity at around 6:15 p.m. The Wildcats Varsity and the Royse City Bulldogs Varsity will play at around 7:30 p.m.
The Lady Cats Varsity comes in to the game with a 3-2 mark in district play after the first half. They are 21-5 for the season. The Lady Bulldogs are ranked #14 in Class 5A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. They are 4-1 in district play and 25-3 for the season. Royse City won the first match between the two teams on January 4 at home, 69-53.
The #5 ranked Wildcats Varsity is 3-0 in district play and they are at the top of the district standings. The Wildcats are 17-8 for the season. They are beginning to resemble a MASH unit and may not have either of their top two scorers Tuesday night. Leading scorer Keaston Willis sprained his right ankle Friday in the Wildcats 53-52 win over #25 ranked Texas High. Second leading scorer and accomplished rebounder Sadaidriene Day Day Hall has missed the last two Wildcats games and is under concussion protocol. The Bulldogs have a 2-1 district record coming into Tuesday night’s district game. They lost to Lindale but defeated Greenville and Mount Pleasant.
We will have live action for you Tuesday night featuring the Lady Cats and Wildcats Varsities. Games should begin at around 6:15 p.m. on KSST Radio and with video streaming. There is a video link on the ksstradio.com website. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Merle Norman Spa Opens With Ribbon Cutting
Gay Bailey is the Beauty Consultant at the Merle Norman Studio, downtown Sulphur Springs. She is happy to be adding a Facial Spa to her cosmetics and hair studio. The spa room was added during late 2018 and will expand the beauty services already being offered at the 212 North Davis Street salon. On January 22, 2-19 the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce grandly opened the facility with a ribbon cutting.
Hairstylist Danelle Rutlege is the newest addition to the studio. Interestingly, both Gay and Sue Norton are veteran Beauty Consultants. Sue previously had a Merle Norman studio in Sulphur Springs. Her mom got her started with the products at a young age. Similarly, Gay’s mom was a Beauty Consultant in Henderson, Texas and Gay was somewhat raised in her studio, often acting as a cosmetic model for customers. Both are sure that the addition of the Facial Spa will be a benefit to local women. In addition to the cosmetic studio, the hair salon and Facial Spa, the Merle Norman studio also carries a line of boutique fashions, handbags, accessories and jewelry.
Local Book Club Attends the annual "Girlfriends Weekend" Authors Conference
Bright Star Literary Society President Sharon Feldt and a group of local members met book authors from around the nation at the 20th annual Pulpwood Queen International Book Club Convention at Jefferson, Texas on January 17-19, 2019. Over 100 women gathered for the 3-day conference at the Jefferson Civic Center in the heart of historic downtown to mingle with the authors, hear them in discussion panels and purchase autographed copies of their books.
The event was arranged by Kathy L. Murphy, the “Pulpwood Queen” whose international book club is now 20 years old. According to her autobiography, “in 2000, I opened the only hair salon/bookstore, Beauty and the Book. Shortly after opening I created and founded The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs, the largest “meeting and discussing” book club in the world. Though Beauty and the Book has been closed now for several years, my book club has continued to grow and thrive. Our motto is ‘where tiaras are mandatory and reading our good books is the only rule!’ Our sole mission is to promote authors, books, literacy, and reading.” Her lifelong commitment to reading and literacy is part of the reason she created the book club. The club also has a Timber Guys division for men, a Pinecones division for older children/teens and a Splinter group for kids. Kathy’s international club encourages everyone to read.
During conference panel discussions about the writing process, several of the book authors stressed that each writer has “their own story” which deals with life from his or her own unique perception. One writer’s impression may vary greatly from another’s about the same set of experiences, and thus they create very different stories. Therefore, the slogan “write what you know” is good practical advice for the beginning writer. Many of the authors are Southerners, and several analyzed the particular appeal that life below the Mason-Dixon line offers today’s readers, especially female readers. Advice was also given about self-publishing, publishing companies, and finding a publisher who appreciates the perspective you bring to your works. In a mixture of seasoned and beginning authors from all walks of life, the 40 different writers attending the conference produce fiction, romance, mystery, self-help, historical fiction, books for children and other genres. Many also have careers as journalists, poets, copywriters and columnists. The conference wrapped up with a sit-down dinner, country music entertainment and a night of fun in a “How the West Was Won” themed fashion event.
The Bright Star Literary Society meets each month in Sulphur Springs at the home of Sharon Feldt. Among the local membership are a number of published authors. Get more information by contacting [email protected] or on the BSLS facebook page.
Moore Files For Place 6; City Council Approves Bids for Sunset Street Rebuild
Tuesday, January 22nd, following a special meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council, Doug Moore filed to seek election to Place 6 on the council. Moore, who currently serves in Place 6, was appointed to the place following the resignation of Dan Froneberger. Froneberger resigned the place midway through his term to pursue more time with family and other pursuits.
Opportunity to file for Places 5, 6, and 7 continue through February 15, 2019. Emily Glass, incumbent Place 5, filed for reelection on the morning of first day for filing. Currently Place 7 is held by Freddie Taylor. Taylor has said he will be filing for reelection.
During the special session of the council Tuesday, Taylor, Glass, and Moore, along with Mayor John Sellers voted to approve bids for the rebuild of Sunset Street. Three members of the council, Erica Armstrong, Jimmy Lucas, and Norman Sanders were unable to attend. The bids for materials for the Sunset Street project were awarded to the lowest bidder that met material requirements.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report January 9-15, 2019
Wood County Sheriff’s Report for January 9, 2019 to January 15, 2019 includes:
January 9th
At 1:27 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1802 near Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:07 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on Greenbriar Trail near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 2:32 p.m., cows were reported out on SPUR 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1658 near Alba, at approximately 3:47 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 4:07 p.m. Radonna Sowell, 51, of Alba, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3135 near Quitman, at approximately 6:32 p.m., in reference to an assault. Max Gilbreath, 60, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:14 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on CR 3960 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
January 10th
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:06 a.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 4420 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 8:31 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1431 near Quitman, at approximately 9:25 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies located an open door, but deputies’ checked the building and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3470 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:17 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and everything was OK.
At 12:51 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3265 near Quitman, at approximately 1:50 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the day.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3290 near Quitman, at approximately 2:03 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 4:44 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4890 near Quitman.
At 6:51 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4890 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:00 p.m., in reference to theft that occurred on CR 3450 near Hawkins. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a vehicle from the reporting party’s property. This case is active.
January 11th
At 4:15 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1643 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4116 near Quitman; at approximately 10:19 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 10:44 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2436 near Mineola, at approximately 3:38 p.m., in reference to harassment. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2280 near Mineola, at approximately 4:39 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies received a call, at approximately 6:13 p.m., in reference to a possible suicidal subject entering Wood County. A Quitman police officer initiated a traffic stop and deputies assisted. After confronting the subject, he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This case is forwarded to other agency.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2382 near Mineola; at approximately 7:31 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:29 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1522 near Alba; at approximately 11:20 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2353 near Mineola, at approximately 11:56 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
January 12th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:32 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
At 10:00 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 14 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:20 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on Sunny Glenn near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:26 a.m., in reference to theft that occurred on CR 3204 near Quitman. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a trash can from the reporting party’s property.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 11:04 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 56, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3482 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:19 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 3:40 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Como.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1613 near Alba, at approximately 6:06 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole money from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 8:17 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 8:41 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1481 near Como, at approximately 9:08 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies advised the individuals to lower the volume of the music and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 9:45 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1822 near Alba, at approximately 10:59 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies advised the individuals to lower the volume of the music and cleared the incident.
January 13th
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 2:15 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 8577 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:51 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Lauren Campbell, 34, of Gladewater, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4586 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:42 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a game camera from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 11:24 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 3:27 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 14 near Quitman.
At 5:33 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 14 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4960 near Quitman, at approximately 10:47 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Alba-Golden ISD, at approximately 11:43 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
January 14th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:42 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 2:07 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Darrell Dixon, 49, of Joaquin, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3230 near Quitman, at approximately 3:00 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
At 8:40 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1830 near Yantis, at approximately 9:14 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a phone from the reporting party’s property.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:56 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on FM 2088 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:04 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver on CR 1700 near Yantis. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
At 10:07 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
At 4:29 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4890 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2935 near Mineola, at approximately 4:56 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 5:08 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
At 5:30 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
At 5:59 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1476 near Como.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 10:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
January 15th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4530 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:17 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies located an open door, but were unable to locate any signs of theft; the building was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 5:50 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 7:52 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2700 near Mineola, at approximately 9:02 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:48 a.m., in reference to harassment on Ripple Cove near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:13 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 3565 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 3:01 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1804 near Mineola.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:02 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 2590 near Mineola. The reporting party paid the actor half of the job up front, and never received any work. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:14 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3160 near Quitman.
At 5:21 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
At 6:00 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
At 6:33 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Alba.
At 7:13 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3343 near Hawkins; at approximately 8:02 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1660 near Alba, at approximately 7:53 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole the reporting party’s phone. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Loop 564 near Mineola; at approximately 10:18 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Dr. near Quitman, at approximately 11:27 p.m., in reference to an open door. Deputies located the open door, but were unable to locate any signs of theft; the building was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2303 near Mineola, at approximately 11:38 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Between the dates of January 9 and January 15, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services, Mineola Police Department and Quitman Police Department.
Total Jail Count –126 inmates – 102 males and 24 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Social Change Awards Presented at 2019 Annual MLK Awards Ceremony
The Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony in Sulphur Springs, Texas on MLK Day, Monday January 21, 2019 at 7pm. honored local citizens who continue the legacy of “fostering human dignity and our common humanity through their projects, programs and visions.” Over 50 individuals received the 2019 Social Change Award” at the event.
Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, Pastor of East Caney Missionary Baptist Church, and one of the organizers of the event introduced
Mick Trusty, the Chief Fiduciary Officer of Wealth Management Group and a Senior Vice President with Guaranty Bank and Trust, N. A., who introduced the Master of Ceremonies.
Dr. Mark Rudin, President of Texas A & M University-Commerce served as Master of Ceremonies.
Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer read Scripture.
Musical selections were presented by Morning Chapel Choir. One of the selections featured Kerry Wright, a member of the Sulphur Springs School Board. Tommy Clayton was also soloist in a selection.
Sister Della Cleveland was the featured speaker. She emphasized Dr. King’s faith in God and his desire to seeking God’s plan for all people and to move toward future and hope. She said the way to seek future and hope is through faith in God and remember the power of words.
