Local Artist Displaying Western and Wildlife Paintings Around State
Edgar Sotelo, a long-time resident of the Shirley Community in Hopkins County, is receiving increasing recognition in art circles across the state. About 20 of Sotelo’s Western paintings remain on display in a one-man show through January 2019 at the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame and Museum in Amarillo. And this is not his first display at the AQHA Headquarters. He has been the featured artist in their annual “America’s Horse in Art” project since it’s inception a few years ago. Back in 2015, he was invited to hold a solo show at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. Now, Sotelo’s talent is being recognized in another field of painting.
Starting January 17, several of his newest oil-on-canvas works featuring African animals will be on display during the Dallas Safari Club’s annual Expo. The Expo is being held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. His work is also featured in print; as a featured artist in Cowboys and Indians magazine, and in the 2018 Texas A and M University Press publication “Horses in the American West”. Locally, you can get a glimpse of Sotelo art inside the Connally Street Gallery in downtown Sulphur Springs.
Originally from Durango, Mexico, Edgar Sotelo was born into a family of artists that went back back four generations. His first memory of art was an early one, of sketching horses, cowboys and Indians while his dad worked nearby. Today, his wife, Michelle Sotelo, trains horses on their farm and their daughters are on their way to becoming a fifth generation of artists.
Cold, Wet Weather Does Not Stymie NETBIO Sale
Cold, wet weather didn’t keep the producers and buyers away from the January Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization’s pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale held Wednesday at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission.
The sale enjoyed good buyer attendance and “the cattle sold very well,” according to Livestock Commission co-owner and NETBIO board member David Fowler.
Cattle producers and buyers are checking in with Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission staff prior to the NETBIO sale held Wednesday at the market center.
“We had a lot of good quality cattle and the buyers recognized that,” Fowler said. “Most of the cattle will go to the feed yards in the Panhandle and to grazing out west.”
Fowler added that there was a lot of bidding over the Internet from buyers watching the sale live. Nearly 1,000 head went to those Internet buyers.
Consignors shipped in 5,770 head of calves and yearlings to the sale, and 33 buyers paid an average of $786.59 per head for the cattle.
TAKING BIDS
Auctioneer and Livestock Commission co-owner Joe Don Pogue takes bids on a ring full of cattle during the January NETBIO sale held Wednesday at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission.
“The buyers who come to the NETBIO sales look for quality cattle and despite the weather conditions lately these pre-conditioned cattle held up very well. It was again evident that our producers are doing a great job of pre-conditioning and getting their cattle ready for this sale,” Fowler said.
NETBIO members are already conditioning their cattle the next sale to be held on Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. in the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction. Those calves will have been weaned by Jan. 6 and have a booster shot deadline of Jan. 21.
Producers are also preparing for a sale to be held on March 20. They will be weaned by Feb. 3 and given final booster shots by Feb. 18.
For more information about the NETBIO organization or the sales, call Fowler or Joe Don Pogue at 903-885-2455 or email them at [email protected].
Hearts of Life Presents Sara for Adoption
Sara is still searching for her forever home! Sara is approximately 7 years old. She is great with children but she is a little particular with other dogs. She is great on a leash, not too rowdy and loves to prop her nose on anything that’s handy! When she’s excited, she’ll twirl on her hind legs!
Her adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, shots, spay and rabies. Please contact Hearts of Life Animal Rescue to meet this sweet girl! Call 903-439-5019, email [email protected], Facebook.com/heartsoflife or find us on Petfinder.com!
Roberts Files for SSISD Board; Johnson Will Not File for Re-election
Thursday morning Craig Roberts filed for a place on the Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees. Roberts is the third candidate to file.
Incumbent Clay Johnson told KSST News Thursday morning that he will not seek re-election to the board. Johnson said he has enjoyed his nine (9) years on the board. He commended the work of fellow board members and believes he is leaving the board at a time when Superintendent Michael Lamb and Johnson’s fellow board members have a number of things in place to continue the stability and growth of the local school district. He noted that his son will be a senior at SSHS next school year.
On Tuesday, incumbents Leesa Toliver and John Prickette filed to return to their places on the board. There are three places on the May 4th ballot.
School board trustee election filing continues through Friday, February 15, 2019. Anyone desiring to seek a place on the board may file at the Tax Office at the SSISD Administration Building on Connally Street. If no others file for a place on the board, the three who have filed will be named to their place without an election.
Chamber Connection January 17, 2019
by Lesley Brown, President/CEO Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
I know that I am bombarding you with news from the Chamber, but this is truly a big announcement. The Chamber will be moving to its temporary location on Friday, January 18th. We will be closed on Monday, January 21st while we get ourselves functional again, and then will return with normal 9-5 business hours on Tuesday, January 22nd. Our new location is 128-A Jefferson Street. Come by and see us anytime!! We hope to be in our permanent location on the South side of the square by May. Big dreams are coming true!
Since it is our 50th Anniversary for the Stew Contest, we are hosting our t-shirt/theme contest EARLY so we can CELEBRATE all year!!!! If you have a great idea for the theme of this year’s stew contest, submit your entry via email to [email protected] by January 31st, 2019. Can’t wait to see your ideas!!! It’s gonna be big!!!
It is with great pleasure that the 2019 Board of Directors invites you to the 93rd Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Thursday, February 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. We are introducing a Networking Cocktail half hour at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30, and the awards will follow at 7 p.m. Please take this opportunity to bring your family, friends, and employees to an evening of dinner and community awards including Large and Small Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, Caregiver Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Our banquet theme is “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round!” and is set in various places around the world. This is your chance to bring your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day to enjoy a night bursting with community pride. Red attire is encouraged, but not required. Individual tickets are $30, and tables of ten are available for $500, which includes preferential seating and visible labeling of your business. We are excited for you and your business to join us for this extraordinary evening. Please make your reservation TODAY by calling Chelsea, Cathey, or Lezley at the Chamber of Commerce, (903) 885-6515, or by stopping by to visit at 128-A Jefferson Street in Sulphur Springs.
Nominations are still being accepted for Outstanding Educators, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. These nominations should be sent to [email protected]. The Pilot Club is currently accepting nominations for Caregiver of the Year. These nomination forms can also be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office. Finally, Beta Sigma Phi is accepting nominations for Woman of the Year. Nominations for this award should be mailed to Jimmie McEntire, P.O. BOX 72, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
Reilly Springs Jamboree hosts their January show
The Reilly Springs Jamboree offers an exciting Country and Gospel season opener show on Saturday, January 19. Tickets at the door are $10 adult and $5 for children age 10 and under. The Kitchen offers concessions, a meal and desserts. The Reilly Springs Jamboree is Hopkins County’s original music venue since 1956, held on the third-Saturday night of each month inside the Reilly Springs Community Center, 109 CR 1439. Check Facebook or find archived shows at reillyspringsjamboree.com. Contact Enola Gay at 903-438-3568 or Roger Reed for details.
Merle Norman Spa to host ribbon cutting
Merle Norman Spa will host a ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, January 22nd, at noon. They will reveal their new spa services. Merle Norman is located at 212 N. Davis Street in Sulphur Springs. See you there!
Hunt Regional is offering Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on January 24th in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Chaffer’s Place Academy & Arts to host ribbon cutting
Chaffer’s Place Academy & Arts is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration at 410 Main Street in Sulphur Springs on Tuesday, January 29th at noon. Please make plans to stop by and welcome this new business to Hopkins County.
Julia Wilhite State Farm announces their ribbon cutting celebration
Julia Wilhite State Farm will host their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, January 30th at noon. Julia’s State Farm office is located at 1030 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs. See you there!
Texas A&M- Commerce hosting Career Fair
Texas A&M – Commerce Career Development is hosting a Non-Profit Career and Internship Fair on Tuesday, February 12th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the RSC Conference Rooms. Cost is $75 and includes one table for volunteer and intern recruitment, two lunch tickets, and two hours of student engagement. Please register at www.hirealion.com.
Ribbon Cuttings:
Charleston Sky held their ribbon cutting celebration
Charleston Sky, a new venue in Delta County, held their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, January 9th at noon. Their address is 4274 FM 895 in Cooper, Texas.
Midwest Total Lending Concepts to host Ribbon Cutting
Midwest Total Lending Concepts hosted their ribbon cutting celebration at noon on Monday, January 14th. They are located at 616 N. Hillcrest Dr., Suite B, in Sulphur Springs.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Spring Semester Begins Tuesday
Gerald Zavala, back center, and Jacelyn Wilkinson, right, both of Sulphur Springs, complete enrollment for the spring semester at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center during late registration Wednesday. Assisting with the process is Advisor Carey Gable along with other PJC staff. The spring semester begins Tuesday, January 22, 2019. For more information call 903-885-1232.
Basketball: Wildcats, Lady Cats Coaches Commend Teams in Mt Pleasant Victories
Cipoletta Proud of His Winning Wildcats
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said he was proud of the way his team played in a Tuesday night (January 15) win at Mount Pleasant. He said the team had to step up since the Wildcats had to play without key cog Sadaidriene Day Day Hall who was out with a concussion. Junior Cameron Kahn and senior Xavier Cork really stepped up according to Coach Cipoletta. He called Mount Pleasant the toughest place to play in the district. Coach Cipoletta said it always has a hostile, chaotic atmosphere. He said the Wildcats handled the pressure even when the Tigers went ahead in the third quarter. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats played exceptional defense. He said the Wildcats hit shots when they needed to and made the Tigers pay when they chose to press. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats had the height advantage against Mount Pleasant and he said he worked to create mismatches inside. He said his team did a good job of finding players when they had mismatches. The Wildcats, ranked #5 in Class 5A, are 2-0 in district play and their season record is 16-8. The Wildcats host Texas High, also 2-0 in district play, Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Sulphur Springs Gym.
Lady Cats Coach Tisdell Survives First Visit to Mount Pleasant and Gets Win
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell found out Tuesday night (January 15) that Mount Pleasant can be a hard gym to play in. Still the Lady Cats left with a win but he wasn’t easy. Coach Tisdell, with point guard Sadavia Porter ailing and running a fever, watched her team struggle early, getting off to a slow start on offense and playing so so defense. Porter managed only 2 first quarter points on two free throws as the Lady Cats trailed after one quarter, 9-6. The Lady Cats only led by four at halftime, 21-17. Then Porter went to work and ended up with 29 total points almost matching the entire Mount Pleasant team. Most of Porter’s baskets came in transition. The Lady Cats won 58-31 using a 20-3 advantage in the fourth quarter. Coach Tisdell was pleased with the Lady Cats defense in the second half. Statistically, the Lady Cats ended up shooting 45% in the game while holding the Lady Tigers to 22%. Both teams shot poorly from 3-point range, the Lady Cats hitting only 2 of 11 for 18% while Mount Pleasant made only 3 of 21 for 14%. The Lady Cats outrebounded the Lady Tigers 33-24. The Lady Cats had 10 assists, 16 steals and 5 deflections. The Lady Cats had 14 turnovers. Porter had 4 assists, 5 rebounds, 7 steals and 2 deflections. Te-Arria Rose had 1 rebound and a deflection. Aliyah Abron got 1 blocked shot, 2 rebounds and a steal. Kate Womack had 3 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Danielle Godbolt had 4 rebounds and a deflection. Nylah Lindley got 2 assists, 1 blocked shot, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Autumn Tanton had 1 assist, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and a deflection. Colbria Harrison grabbed a rebound. The Lady Cats are 3-1 in district play and 21-4 for the season. They play arch rival Texas High Friday evening at 6:15 p.m. in the Main Sulphur Springs Gym.
Saltillo Lady Lions Ranked #25 in Class A; Lions Win; Panthers Defeat Como-Pickton
The Saltillo Lady Lions, ranked #25 in Class A, improved their district record to 5-0 with a 28-16 win at Sulphur Bluff Tuesday evening (January 15). Sulphur Bluff actually led after the first quarter, 7-3. Saltillo outscored the Lady Bears 9-0 in the second quarter to take a 12-7 lead. The Lady Lions outscored Sulphur Bluff 12-3 in the third quarter to take a 24-10 lead. Sulphur Bluff outscored the Lady Lions 6-4 in the fourth quarter but it wasn’t enough. Maddy Smith scored 14 points for the Lady Lions. Anna Reeder had 6 points and Chandler Bain added 4 points. The Lady Lions are now 21-8 for the season. Sulphur Bluff Coach Zandra Peyton said her Lady Bears came out strong on defense and were able to slow the ball down. For the Lady Bears, Katlyn Rochelle had 4 points, Alley Collett and Makenna Morgan had 3 points apiece and Jada Wade, Ann Dorner and Dalena Di Donato had 2 points each.
The Saltillo Lions also won at Sulphur Bluff, 60-40 Tuesday evening. The Lions outscored the Bears in every quarter. For the Lions, Chris Boekhorst scored 26 points, Ben Moore had 15 points, Matthew Gurley and Andrew Redburn scored 6 points each, Dillon Beadle had 3 points and Levi Hoover and Jayden Holloway added 2 points each. The Lions are now 2-1 in district play and 17-8 overall. The Lions and Lady Lions host Avery Friday.
The North Hopkins Panthers also won Tuesday. The Panthers came out on top against Como-Pickton, 49-24.
