Game Day: Wildcats, Lady Cats Basketball at Mount Pleasant
It’s a big Tuesday (January 15) game day as the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ basketball teams are playing at Mount Pleasant. The Mount Pleasant gym is always a tough place to play.
Action in the main Mount Pleasant Gym features the Lady Cats JV playing the Mount Pleasant JV beginning at 5 p.m.
The Lady Cats Varsity faces the Lady Tigers Varsity at 6:15 p.m.
The Wildcats Varsity opposes the Tigers Varsity at 7:30 p.m. ‘
The Wildcats JV and Freshmen teams will take on Mount Pleasant beginning at 5 p.m. in the Mount Pleasant Auxiliary Gym.
The Wildcats Varsity, ranked #5 in Class 5A, comes in with a 1-0 district mark after defeating Greenville at home last Friday 60-43. The Wildcats season record is 15-8. According to Max Preps, the Tigers are 0-1 in district play after a close 58-55 loss at Texas High last Friday. Max Preps has the Tigers season record as 12-11.
The Lady Cats Varsity has a 2-1 district record and a season record of 20-4. The Lady Tigers are coached by former Lady Cats Coach Tina Carrillo.
SSHS UIL Place 2nd at Pine Tree Winter UIL Invitational; Reid Competes at State UIL Congressional Debate
Rhett Reid finished 2nd at Region VIII UIL Congressional Debate contest in November and qualified to compete at UIL State meet on January 7 – 9, 2019 at University of Texas in Austin. According to Gerald Grafton, UIL Coach, and Reid’s sponsor, Reid did not advance to finals at state but gave four excellent speeches and received high marks from his judges.
The SSHS Wildcat UIL Academic Team travelled to Longview this past weekend, January 11 – 12 and finished 2nd place overall at the Pine Tree Winter UIL Invitational meet. Congratulations to the following students and teams who brought home awards in their events and to all those who participated.
| Ready Writing | Annemarie Gunn | 3rd Place |
| (Gail Herman – Coach) | Breana Wooten | 5th Place |
| Computer Science | Brayden Fisher | 1st Place |
| (Matt Wilder – Coach) | Dakota Soles | 2nd Place |
| Blake Talmage | 5th Place | |
| Computer Science Team – (Fisher, Soles, Talmage) | 1st Place Team | |
| Number Sense | Nathan Little | 5th Place (10th Grade) |
| Brayden Fisher | 3rd Place (12th Grade) | |
| Current Events | Brandon Hodges | 3rd Place |
| (Madison Millsap – Coach) | Current Events Team (Hodges, Dakota Soles, James Draper) | 1st Place Team |
| Calculator | Carissa Carter | 3rd Place (12th Grade) |
| (Gerald Grafton – Coach) | 4th Place (Overall) | |
| Spelling | Gisselle Garcia | 1st Place (Tie) |
| (Gail Herman – Coach) | Dawson Carpenter | 1st Place (Tie) |
| Mariam Tran | 3rd Place | |
| Cameron Beard | 4th Place | |
| Spelling Team – (Garcia, Carpenter, Tran, Beard) | 1st Place Team | |
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| Accounting | Felipe Alba | 6th Place |
| (Paula Hass – Coach) | ||
| Mathematics | Nathan Little | 4th Place (10th Grade) |
| (Gerald Grafton – Coach) | ||
| Science | Makayla McGregor | 5th Place (10th Grade) |
| (Steven Allemang – Coach) | Nicholas Porter | 6th Place (12th Grade) |
| Literary Criticism | Carissa Carter | 1st Place |
| (Gail Herman – Coach) | Lainey Whittle | 3rd Place |
| Andrew Westlund | 4th Place | |
| Mariana Botello | 5th Place | |
| Literary Criticism Team – (Carter, Whittle, Westlund, Botello) | 1st Place Team | |
| Social Studies | Brandon Hodges | 3rd Place |
| (Madison Millsap – Coach) | ||
| News Writing | Angela Brown | 5th Place |
| (Brandon Nelson – Coach) | ||
| Editorial Writing | Angela Brown | 6th Place |
| (Brandon Nelson – Coach) | ||
| Headline Writing | Angela Brown | 1st Place |
| (Brandon Nelson – Coach) |
Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon; Baseball Bat was Alleged Weapon
When Sulphur Springs Police were called to the parking lot of a business on Posey Lane and State Highway 154, they found the victim of an assault. Witnesses at the scene said the victim’s head had been struck repeatedly by a baseball bat. The attacker had fled the scene but was later found at a local truck stop at Highway 19 and I-30. Witnesses say he was stalking a female who was shopping in the box store at the location of the assault.
Jessy Isaiah Garcia, 20, was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Garcia and the victim had previous knowledge of one another according to local police. The victim received aid from police until EMS arrived and transported to the local hospital. The victim was later transported to a Tyler hospital.
Garcia was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon. Garcia is in Hopkins County Jail and is held on a $75,000.
The MLK Social Justice Awards Event on Jan. 21 Will Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Dr. King
The 28th annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony will be held in Sulphur Springs, Texas on MLK Day, Monday January 21, 2019 at 7pm. The location is Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at 208 Fuller Street, where Dr. H.B. Nash is pastor. Dr. Lavelle Hendricks, Pastor at East Caney Missionary Baptist Church, is organizer of the annual public event. He invites and encourages everyone to attend free of charge.
Over 50 citizens of Hopkins County who have demonstrated compassion, perseverance, courage and leadership in their community will honored. According to Dr. Hendricks, “these persons have engaged in the difficult work of fostering human dignity and our common humanity through their projects, programs and visions. Each of the persons named will be recognized as a recipient of the 2019 Social Change Award”. Emceeing the ceremony will be Dr. Mark Rudin, President of Texas A and M University, Commerce. Guest speaker will be Sister Della Cleveland, and music will be provided by the Morning Chapel Choir. SSISD’s Douglas Intermediate Principal Holly Folmar and students will present an MLK Emphasis. The event is sponsored annually by the Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference, “a positive voice in an all-too-often negative world for bringing change for the better”.
Dr. Hendricks is a Professor of Counseling at Texas A and M Commerce, and an alumnus of the college. Dr. Mark Rudin came to the Commerce position five months ago with his wife and children. Previously, he spent 12 years at UNLV teaching in the Health Physics field and at the Idaho National Laboratory. Earlier in his career, he was Vice President of Research and Development at Boise State University.
SSISD Board Places Emphasis on Lamar Primary During January Meeting; Campus Reports; Superintendent’s Contract Extended
Leesa Toliver was presented a plaque in recognition of her service as school board President for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years during the January regular session of the Sulphur Springs School Board. January is “School Board Appreciation Month” and the board received tokens of appreciation from each campus. A program presented by Lamar Primary students and staff, “Capturing Kids Hearts” and a number of reports and other items were heard during the meeting.
School board trustee election filing dates were announced as Wednesday, January 16, 2019 through Friday, February 15, 2019. The election will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019.
Lamar Primary students and staff gave a “Capturing Kids Hearts” presentation. Using an acrostic, EXCEL, students and staff noted activities that fill their day which assist students to excel in their studies and lives. Engage, meet and greet to assess attitudes and not spread the viruses that can infect the attitude and activity of the day. Xplore-good things with a social contract for all to be loving, caring, respectful, kind, friendly, to listen, to give effort, and no put downs. Communicate that we care. Empower to achieve. Launch a meaningful ending and sending as students go out from the classroom. Principal Rowena Johnson said their mantra is “Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day”
Susan Johnston presented an update of 504 and Special Education programs. She noted that the number of students served in the program have increased this year. She called the placing of Special Programs on the Barbara Bush campus was a plus. With a grant of $10,000 to provide contract services, supplies and materials and with more freedom from the state to provide services to those who need it, she noted the program is thriving.
Kristin Monk, Assistant Superintendent, presented updates on elementary programs/activities. A summary of campus activities includes:
Douglass ECLC Officer Fulcher – SSISD Officer of the Year Recipient of an SSISD Education Foundation Grant- BeeBots used for entry-level coding in the Douglass ECLC library. Head Start 4 and PreK students go to the public library once per month. Beginning in January, the Head Start 3 students will begin going as well. Additional playground equipment is installed and ready- when weather permits! January 24- Latino Literacy Fiesta Thankful and blessed at Douglass ECLC!
Bowie Primary We had 271 students the 2nd 9 weeks ‘E’ party! Each grade (1-3) made considerable growth with reading levels! Very exciting for mid-year! Bush Primary We have 44 students with a book buddy. 22 Book Buddies: 8 from GS, 14 from LSCOC. It is going great! Kids and sponsors are excited each week. $2000 donation from Loves! We are just about to get going with MOY assessments. Donuts with Dads coming up First week of Feb. All is moving in good direction!
Lamar Primary Lamar ending the semester on a “merry note” with warm wishes from Santa and his elf. We have started the year off with great motivational reminders to the students and staff and blessed our cooks and custodians in a special way. 10 2 We honored Officer Nick on National Law Enforcement Appreciation on Wednesday. First Grade is preparing for their PTO Program this month. Everyone has been working hard as we get back in the swing of things!
Travis Primary We will be having students be faculty members for the day in the upcoming weeks and they are very excited. PE will be starting Jump Rope for Heart. First grade is beginning preparations for their Disney PTO program. Students were welcomed back with enthusiasm for the new year!
Sulphur Springs Elementary School We are gearing up for a busy spring semester. Students are working on academics and have many opportunities for extra-curricular enrichment! PTO is sponsoring a 4th grade Winter Dance on January 18. ESTEEM curriculum was introduced this week in 5th grade PE classes and will continue for 8 weeks total. The first lesson is on goal setting – the counselor also integrates this into the classroom counseling. Science Fair – Approximately 40 students will compete in the SSES Science Fair on January 15. The top 4 from each grade level will advance to the Region 8 ESC Science Fair on January 31. Robotics – The team was chosen in December and 16 students will compete in the Region 8 ESC competition on January 18. Career Day will be held on January 23. GROW for Girls begins January 30 and will include STEM activities for girls in grades 4-5. Gentlemen’s League for spring semester will begin on February 4. 11 Sulphur Springs Independent School District 631 Connally Street Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 (903) 885-2153 Ext. 1152 F
Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams presented the secondary programs and activities which included:
Sulphur Springs High School: UIL Academics o UIL Congress State Meet – Rhett Reid participated in the event. o Continue to Participate Successfully in UIL Practice Meets at Lindale, Princeton, North Lamar, White House o Robotics – First Every Competitions; Great Start Christmas Performances – Strings, Theater, Band, and Choir Band – Hosted UIL Marching Contest (Earned Straight 1’s in Contest) Choir – Caroled at the Hospital o 4 Students Selected for All Region Choir Basketball and Soccer – We’re Off and Running Blue Blazes – Tryouts 2nd 9-Weeks Attendance Awards – Nearly 500 SSHS Students with Perfect Attendance Blood Drive – Hosted Second Blood Drive of the Year Education Foundation – SSHS Received 2 Grants Interior Design Classes – Presented Plans for Conference Center Remodel College and Career Day – Over 60 Colleges and Businesses Financial Aid Night – Hosted by SSHS Counselors Handi-Capable Rodeo – Hosted by SSHS Key Club, Blue Blazes, Cheer, Theater, and Others FFA – Auction
Sulphur Springs Middle School 1st Annual SSMS Robotics Competition Choir o Mixed Select Choir performed National Anthem at Maverick’s Game Theater o SSMS OAP “Wild Strawberries” Placed 3rd in District 5 SSMS Teacher Received Grants from the Education Foundation 12 CTE Endorsement Fair – 8 th Grade Students Participated with SSHS Students to Learn About Endorsement SSMS AR (Accelerated Reader) Party Was a Tremendous Success Girls Basketball o 8th Grade Earned 1 st Place in SSMS Tournament Boys Basketball o 7th and 8th Grade Each Earned 2nd Place in Crandall Tournament
The board approved seeking Staff Development Days waiver application to TEA. They are seeking a total of five days. Early Release Days waiver application is also being made to TEA. The board seeks six days in that waiver.
General Foreign Exchange Student (limiting to 5) waiver application to TEA. The waiver limits the number of exchange students that the district will accept each year. Currently, there are three exchange students–one each from Germany, Denmark, and Taiwan.
The board approved to extend the Superintendent’s contract for another year.
In personnel changes:
Resignation
Carolyn Fowler 3rd Gr ELAR Teacher Travis Primary
New personnel
Laura Badgett Kindergarten Teacher Barbara Bush Primary
Storm Spotter Training Program Thursday January 31, 2019
Please note: If the government shutdown continues into the last week of January, NWS may have to cancel or postpone the Hopkins County SKYWARN class.
The National Weather Service will soon be in town for a free severe weather training session. 2018 brought a variety of severe weather; including hail up to 3 inches in diameter in the spring and summer months and flash flooding in the fall months. The 2019 severe weather season is not too far away, and the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials want you to be ready.
To get ready, you are invited to the most recent SKYWARN storm spotter class. The National Weather Service will be offering this free severe weather class on Thursday, January 31st, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The program will be held at Sulphur Springs Council Chambers in Sulphur Springs and is held in partnership with Sulphur Springs / Hopkins County Emergency Management and Sulphur Springs Police Department.
This class is for organized storm spotters, anyone with an interest in severe weather, and/or anyone who wants to learn more about the severe weather threats in North and Central Texas and how to be prepared. This is part of a regional severe weather preparedness campaign, which will include spotter training sessions across 46 counties in North and Central Texas. Other classes in the region can be found on the full schedule http://www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarnsch?sptrsch. This class is free of charge and no pre-registration is necessary.
This year’s program will feature an in-depth review and study of the various threats posed by severe thunderstorms. The program will also review thunderstorm characteristics and features associated with severe and non-severe storms. Additionally, the program highlights severe weather safety and how you can report severe weather information back to the National Weather Service and local public safety officials.
“By coming to this training session, you will gain a better understanding of Texas’ severe weather season,” says Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS Fort Worth Office. “Waiting until storms are on your doorstep is not the time to start thinking about severe weather preparedness. We hope you attend these free sessions to learn more about the severe storms that impact the region every year.”
The Hopkins County severe weather program is one of over 40 training sessions that the Fort Worth NWS Office will conduct between January and March 2019. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth provides forecasts, warnings, and weather services for 46 counties in North and Central Texas. For more information on severe weather, visit our website at http://www.weather.gov/fortworth, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSDallasFortWorth and on Twitter: @NWSFortWorth.
Local Man Arrested for Sale of Methamphetamine
A Sulphur Springs Special Crimes Unit began in investigation of Ronald Edwin Otto, 60, of Sulphur Springs, for the possession and sale of methamphetamine. During the investigation, two purchases of methamphetamine were made. When the warrants for the sales were served, Otto admitted to having methamphetamine in his residence on Rosemont Street.
Otto is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram and two counts of Manufacture Delivery Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram but more than 4-grams. He is held on bonds totaling $60,000.
Winnsboro Police Report January 7-13, 2019
Winnsboro Police made two arrests, responded to 120 calls for service, issued 26 citations and wrote 39 warnings during the report period January 7-13, 2019. There were no accidents reported.
Klee Frazier, 55, of Winnsboro, was arrested January 7th on a Winnsboro Municipal warrant.
Marta Patricia Torres-Regalado, 43, of Winnsboro, was arrested January 10th on multiple Winnsboro Municipal warrants.
Commissioners Met Monday: Solar Farm Will Produce Additional Tax Income for Hopkins County
A solar panel farm on four parcels of property was approved for a 70% tax abatement for the next 10 years according to County Judge Robert Newsom. The 70% abatement was given due to the small number of employees for the solar panel farm to be built near Arbala Road, FM 2297, and County Road 1102. The solar farm will generate approximately $126,000 in new tax money. The farm will lease the property where it is located and the property will no longer be on the tax roles as agriculture exempt. The property owner will now pay the taxable value of the property without exemption. County Judge Newsom says other solar farms are looking to locate in Hopkins County as well. He noted the clean air concept of having solar farms in the county.
In other action Commissioners Court approved the purchase of equipment for county fire fighters. The Department will purchase self-contained breathing apparatus, mask and cylinders for the department. Precinct 1 will lease-purchase a Backhoe for $91,000 and approved warranties for roof restoration of property on Main Street.
The court appointed Harold Nash and Danny Evans to the Civic Center Board of Directors.
SSHS Powerlifting Meet Was Possibly Largest Invitationial In Texas
Sulphur Springs High School Powerlifting Coach Casey Jeter said the annual Sulphur Springs Powerlifting Meet on Saturday (January 12) was as big as ever. He quoted Superintendent Michael Lamb saying it was probably the biggest invitational meet in Texas. Coach Jeter said no one doubts that. There were 10 platforms for 400 plus lifters both boys and girls inside the Multipurpose Building.
Coach Jeter said the meet went smoothly. He said he was shocked that the meet wrapped up by 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Coach Jeter praised all the volunteers who helped including lots of students. Concerning the Wildcats, he said they are young this season.
Sulphur Springs had 17 boys entered and their first girl lifter ever, freshman Addie Lamb, who competed in the 123-pound weight class. Coach Jeter said his lifters had multiple personal record lifts. He said the Wildcats did not end up in the top three but he said he expected that might happen.
There were five Wildcats’ medalists: freshman Jacob Semler took fifth place in the 114-pound weight class, junior Jessie Carrillo placed fourth in the 148-pound weight class, senior Carson Bridges outdueled teammate senior George Greenway in the 181-pound weight class as Bridges was third and Greenway fourth, and junior Cameron Kauffert placed fifth in his weight class.
Coach Jeter said five of his lifters did well enough Saturday to qualify for the regional meet at this time. The Sulphur Springs lifters will compete next at an Emory Rains Meet on January 26.
