Community Comes Together at Reilly Springs After Tree Damage from Wind
Following a storm which affected parts of Hopkins County early Thursday, March 14, a few damage reports came in to KSST. One of those was from tree damage at the Reilly Springs Community Center. A large tree was uprooted and fell across a driveway to the Community Center which connects it to the Reilly Springs Baptist Church next door. Apparently, the tree had a weakened root system. There was no injury and no damage to any building, however, removal of the massive tree called for a united effort. Cutting up of the limbs was done on Friday, and removal was scheduled for Saturday morning. At least six families showed up with pickups and trailers. A couple of tractors also helped to push the debris together and to load the trailers. By early afternoon, the area was clear and ready for crowds attending the Reilly Springs Jamboree that evening.
Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter Receives a Grant from Lambert’s MuttNation
On Saturday March 16, 2019, Barbi Blanch, an employee of City of Sulphur Springs Animal Control, noticed on Facebook that her shelter was the Texas recipient of the 50 States/50 Shelters Grant, an annual selection among deserving animal shelters. She quickly shared the news with her co-worker Annie Patridge. Interestingly, the Shelter already had a Pet Adoption Day scheduled that day at Tractor Supply in Sulphur Springs, so it turned out to be the perfect time to make the announcement public.
KSST joined Barbi, Annie, some of the Shelter volunteers and one of Lambert’s long-time family friends, Vicki Plaxco of Sulphur Springs, on the parking lot of Tractor Supply. Plaxco was more than happy to make the presentation to the Shelter.
According to her website muttnation.org, long before Miranda Lambert became a superstar, she and her mother, Bev Lambert, were rescuing animals – a tradition that shows no sign of slowing down. Between the two of them, they share their homes with 15 shelter pets. In 2009, the animal-loving mother and daughter team decided to make things official and co-founded MuttNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to promote the adoption of shelter animals, assist with animal transport and help during times of natural disaster. MuttNation is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary.
According to Plaxco, the grant selection is determined by careful vetting and various criteria, including adoption rate and volunteer support. The local Shelter enjoys an 80% adoption rate, thanks to a team of volunteers and a co-operative population in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The $3,000 grant will go towards the most needed improvements at the Shelter. According to Paul Hayes, manager of the local Tractor Supply store, he is pleased to host the Shelter’s Pet Adoption event every first and third Saturday of the month. On Saturday March 30, the Shelter will stage an adoption event at their home site, on Loop 301 near the City Service Center and Municipal Airport.
Dinner Bell Menu For March 20, 2019
Dinner Bell March 20, 2019
The V. F. W. local post is the Community Partner
Menu:
Shepherd’s Pie
Roasted Vegetables
Garden Salad
Yeast Rolls
Pecan Pie Cake
Butterscotch Pudding (the no added sugar dessert)
Make Dinner Bell a Spring Break outing. Your out of school children are very welcome. Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church). Hope to see you for good food and great visiting
Several Hopkins County Players Named To All-Region
BASKETBALL ALL-REGION Texas Association of Basketball Coaches
The Wildcats’ basketball team had two players named to the Class 5A All-Region Team in Region II recently selected by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. They are 6-foot-9 senior post Xavier Cork and 6-3 senior guard Keaston Willis. Several other players from Hopkins County received All-Region recognition. Sophomore Chris Boekhorst of Saltillo was selected for the Class 1A Region III team. Boekhorst averaged 22 points a game and 10 rebounds a game. Saltillo sophomores Chandler Bain and Maddy Smith were also chosen in Class 1A, Region III. Bain averaged 13.4 points a game and 6 assists a game while Smith averaged 12.5 points a game and 9 rebounds a game. In Class 2A, Region II, senior 5-foot-11 guard Caleb Wyatt of North Hopkins was named.
Xavier Cork
Late Night Sports: Friday March 15th, 2019
Wildcats Baseball 9, Greenville 2
Wildcat Jaxon Chaney pounded a grand slam home run and a three-run homer to power the Wildcats’ baseball team past Greenville, 9-2 in their home district opener at Wildcat Park Friday night (March 15). Chaney’s three-run shot was a part of a five run first inning that put the Wildcats up 5-0. His grand slam in the bottom of the sixth made it a 9-1 game. Jace Burchfield also drove in a run for the Wildcats in the first inning. Kaden Argenbright had a 2 hit game including a double. Austin Dodd, Jace Thompson and Kamren Harrison also had hits for the Wildcats who had 7 hits in all. Burchfield got the win going a complete game 7 innings allowing 2 runs and 7 hits while issuing 1 walk. The Wildcats made no errors. The Wildcats improve to 1-2 in district play and they are 9-3 for the season. The Wildcats continue district play at Mount Pleasant Tuesday night.
Mount Pleasant 1, Wildcats Soccer 1 (Mount Pleasant wins on shootout penalty kicks, 4-1)
The Wildcats’ soccer team picked up a valuable point in a physical battle with Mount Pleasant Friday night (March 15) at Gerald Prim Stadium. The two teams ended up tied at 1-1 after regulation and two halves of overtime. The Tigers got two points by making all four of their penalty kick shots while Omar Hernandez made the Wildcats’ only one. The big point for the Wildcats puts them into third place in the district standings ahead of Lindale. In the first half, Mount Pleasant scored first at 30:12 on a penalty kick after a Tiger forward was fouled in the box by the Wildcats. The Wildcats got the equalizer from Andrew Escobar assisted by Kevin Yanez at 8:17 in the second half. Wildcats Coach Alexi Upton said he was so incredibly proud of his team. He noted that Mount Pleasant is ranked #2 in our region. Coach Upton said the Wildcats are growing into such an incredible group. The Wildcats have a tough final district game as they travel to Royse City Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Lady Cats Soccer 2, Mount Pleasant 2 (Lady Cats win on shootout penalty kicks, 3-2)
An incredible night Friday night (March 15) for the Lady Cats’ soccer team on the road as they battled back to tie Mount Pleasant, took a second half lead only to see the Lady Tigers tie it up, played a scoreless two halves of overtime, but then outscored them in shootout penalty kicks to get 2 big points to 1 for Mount Pleasant. The result puts the Lady Cats right back in the picture for a playoff spot. Mount Pleasant scored a first half goal to lead at halftime 1-0. The Lady Cats got an equalizing goal and then a go ahead goal in the second to take a 2-1 lead. Mount Pleasant was able to tie the match at 2-2 by the end of regulation. There were no goals scored in two halves of overtime. Then the Lady Cats came out on top winning a PK shootout, 3-2. The Lady Cats are 4-5 in district play. Two of the wins have come from penalty kick shootouts. The Lady Cats complete district play Tuesday night at home on Senior Night against the district’s top team, Royse City.
McKinney North 9, Lady Cats Softball 8
The Lady Cats’ softball team lost a non-district slugfest to McKinney North, 9-8 Friday (March 15) at Lady Cat Park when a final inning rally fell just short. The Lady Cats started out well scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the first to take a 2-0 lead. The Lady Bulldogs put a big 5 runs on the scoreboard in the top of the second to take a 5-2 lead. The Lady Cats pulled close with 2 more runs in the bottom of the third to trim the lead to 5-4. Both teams scored single runs in the fourth inning and McKinney North led 6-5. The Lady Bulldogs scored three times in the top of the fifth to go up, 9-5. The Lady Cats got three more runs in the bottom of the seventh but came up just short at 9-8. Nylah Lindley drove home 2 runs and Alli Fite 1 in the seventh. The Lady Bulldogs pounded out 12 hits and the Lady Cats had 10 hits. McKinney North made 2 errors and the Lady Cats 1. Lindley was 1 for 2 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs and a double. Fite was 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI. Kelsey Wallace was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Brinklee Driver was 2 for 4 with a double. Sadie Stroud was 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs. Colbria Harrison was 1 for 1 with a run scored. The Lady Cats stole 4 bases. Bailey Haggerty took the pitching loss going only 1 1/3 innings allowing 4 hits with 5 runs and a walk. Addison Caddell finished the game pitching 5 2/3 innings allowing 8 hits, 4 runs only 3 which were earned and striking out 4 and walking 3. The Lady Cats are now 13-4 for the season. They open district play Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Royse City.
Wildcats Tennis Team Girls Do Well at Commerce Tournament Friday at Wildcat Tennis Center
After the two-day Commerce tournament ended on Friday (March 15), the Wildcats finished in first place in both the Boys and Girls Division. Boys played Thursday and the girls Friday. The Wildcats mixed doubles team of Carlos Lopez and Jeauxleigh Cantu took first place Friday. The all-freshman team of Paige Miesse and Savannah Lilley got first place in consolation girls doubles. Emily Dick was first in consolation girls singles. Zoe Wilson was third in girls singles. The Wildcats play next in an Argyle tournament on March 28-29.
North Hopkins Baseball 10, Excell 0
The North Hopkins Panthers won at home in dominating fashion defeating Excell, 10-0 on Friday (March 15). Wyatt Wharton had quite a game for the Panthers. He was near perfect on the mound pitching a one hit shutout while striking out 12 and walking only 1. At bat, Wharton hit a home run and also drew three walks. The Panthers had 11 hits. Brycen Gillespie was 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs and a stolen base. Branson Thomas was 2 for 2 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs with a stolen base. Geoffrey Stewart was 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Kevin Clement was 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored. Victor Rojo was 1 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Caleb Wyatt was 1 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. Jessie Rivera had a RBI. Colby Cameron hit a double and stole 2 bases. North Hopkins scored runs in every inning but one. They had 3 in the bottom of the first, 2 in the third, 3 more in the fourth and 2 more in the fifth. The Panthers play a doubleheader Saturday at home against Sam Rayburn with games at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Commerce Tennis Tournament-Big Wins for SS
Sulphur Springs secures 1st place in the Boys and Girls Division.
Emily Dick 1st place Consolation Girls Singles
Zoe Wilson 3rd place Girls Singles
Savannah Lilley and Paige Miesse 1st place Consolation Girls Doubles
Carlos Lopez / Jeauxleigh Cantu 1st place Mixed Doubles.
TxDOT Plans for Week of March 18, 2019 in Paris District
Paris District Road Report for the week of March 18, 2019
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of March 18, 2019. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised toremain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Rd. to US 75. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers begin construction on widening FM 691 to an ultimate 5 lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road will be temporarily converted to a four-way stop at the beginning of the project and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of construction.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from FM 691 to US 82. Watch for traffic shifts and slow moving vehicles as workers widen the roadway from FM 691 to US 82.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between FM 120 and Crawford Street. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts as workers work on constructing the retaining walls and new on ramp for this project. The southbound US 75 exit ramp for Crawford Street is closed and traffic wishing to use this exit should use the FM 120 (Morton Street) exit.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Sherman, Grayson County: on the northbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Choctaw Creek and FM 1417. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the main lanes and a left lane closure on the frontage road as workers work on constructing the new exit ramp and entrance ramp. The existing ramps will remain open during construction of the new ramps.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night thru Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete locations. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile operations as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the day-time.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 11, Grayson and Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 121. Watch for traffic shifts and occasional one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
ADA Curb Ramp project, Grayson and Fannin County: various locations. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as crews work in Honey Grove to install new sidewalks and curb ramps along SH 56 and FM 100. Crews are also working in Bonham on SH 78 installing sidewalks and curb ramps.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided section. Watch for lane closures on FM 100, SH 78 and SH 121 as crews work to construct the new westbound US 82 bridge overpasses.
FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 898. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 816 & Recreation Road 3, Fannin County: from Fannin-Hunt County line to SH 78 on FM 816, and from FM 273 eastward for two miles on Rec. Road 3 south of Lake Bonham. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
CR 2275 at Coffee Mill Creek, Fannin County: CR 2275 at Coffee Mill Creek is closed to traffic as crews work to replace the bridge.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031
SH 37, Franklin County: From Mt. Vernon to Winnsboro. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations; flaggers will direct traffic.
SH 154, Hopkins County: From SH 11 to Loop 301. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform base and curb repairs in preparation for upcoming surfacing operations.
SH 19, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to SH 154. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
US 271/Loop 286 Interchange, Paris, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane and ramp closures while crews perform slope repairs.
US 271 pavement repair, Lamar and Red River Counties: from Loop 286 in Paris southeastward to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and/or shoulder closures as metal beam guard fence replacement continues.
FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures as workers widen and reconstruct existing pavement.
US 271 safety upgrades, Red River County: from FM 410 to the Red River-Titus County line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as work continues.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
FM 2648 widening, Lamar County: Watch for temporary, one-lane daytime closures as workers widen and rehabilitate the roadway, and safety treat cross drainage structures.
SH 24 expansion, Delta County: from Cooper, Texas, southwestward towards Commerce. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas while this roadway is being widened and improved. The inside southbound lane remains closed.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682
SH 66 and FM 36, Hunt County: The new traffic lights at this intersection are flashing red, please be careful when crossing this intersection. The signal lights will be programmed for red-yellow-green operations after the railroad installs all necessary components for signal pre-emption at this intersection to keep traffic stopped at the light off of the railroad tracks.
FM 2642 bridge/underpass project at I-30, Hunt County: from FM 1565 westward to the Hunt-Rockwall County line. Construction of bridge to route I-30 over FM2642 is in the final stages. Please continue watching your speed while traveling through this construction area. Temporary traffic signals are in place at FM 2453 and FM 35 to aid detoured traffic.
SH 19 pavement project, Rains County: from US 69 and SH 19 south to the Van Zandt County line. Crews have completed paving operations on the project. Final striping and rumble strips will be placed soon as weather permits. Crews are finishing up driveway paving. Additionally, mailbox installation and metal beam finishing work at some culverts is all that remains. Be cautious when driving across intersecting streets.
ADA ramp construction, Hunt County: SH 11 in Commerce. Workers have completed installing ramps, sidewalks, steps, curb ramps, handrails, pedestrian push buttons and other pedestrian elements to aid the mobility of disabled citizens. Project manager will conduct a final pre-inspection for project acceptance to follow soon after.
US 69, Hunt County: from O’Neal St. in Greenville to the intersection of US 69 and US 380. Work on this paving project is finishing up. Seeding has been completed and final punch list items will be addressed soon.
SH 34 and FM 816, Hunt County: from SH 276 south to the Hunt-Kaufman County line on SH 34, and from SH 34 to the Hunt-Fannin County line on FM 816. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
Traffic Safety Notes:
SH 24 – Maintenance crews have placed rumble strips on SH 24 northbound near the Animal Services Barn of Texas A&M University-Commerce to caution drivers of vehicles crossing at that location.
State Spur 1570 & SH 66 – to help the traveling public at this intersection, maintenance crews will place rumble strips on FM 1570 and SS 1570 to alert drivers of the upcoming stop sign. They will also place rumble strips on SH 66 and “intersection ahead” signs with flashing yellow beacons, to help warn drivers traveling SH 66 of the intersection.
Soccer: Game Day
Wildcats and Lady Cats Soccer versus Mount Pleasant on Friday Game Day
The Wildcats and Lady Cats’ soccer teams are in action against Mount Pleasant on this Friday (March 15) game day. These games were scheduled for last Friday but we moved up a week due to the Wildcats’ basketball team playing in the State Tournament last week. The Wildcats face the Tigers at Gerald Prim Stadium. There will be a JV game at 5:30 p.m. with a varsity match to follow at around 7 p.m. The Wildcats clinched a playoff berth by beating Texas High Tuesday at The Prim. The Wildcats want to go from the fourth spot to third. The Wildcats are 4-4 in district play and 9-9-2 for the season. Mount Pleasant is at the top of the district standings at 8-0. When the two teams met in Mount Pleasant back on February 18, the Tigers only won, 1-0. KSST Radio will have Wildcats soccer against Mount Pleasant for you Friday night at 7 p.m. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Meanwhile the Lady Cats travel to Mount Pleasant. There will be a JV contest at 5:30 p.m. with a varsity match to follow at 7 p.m. The Lady Cats really need a win to help their outlook in the playoff race. The Lady Cats are 3-5 in district play. The Lady Tigers are a second place team at 6-2 with both of their losses to the district’s top team, Royse City. When the Lady Cats and Lady Tigers played at Prim Stadium back in February, the Lady Tigers won in overtime, 2-1.
Blue Blazes Upcoming Spring Show
SSHS Blue Blazes Continue to Work on Their Spring Show Coming in April
After next week’s spring break, when the Sulphur Springs Blue Blazes Drill Team returns to school, they will have about 5 weeks until their annual Spring Show. This year’s Spring Show will take place April 26-27. The theme of this year’s show is Jukebox Saturday Night. Blue Blazes Director Christie McCullough calls it a trip down memory lane that focuses on how dance has influenced music and how music has influenced dance. She says the Blazes are enjoying the old music. Ms McCullough says everyone will find something to like in the show. She says tickets will go on sale a couple of weeks before the performances. Ms McCullough says the show has been a main emphasis of the Blazes since January. She says the Blazes are getting to choreograph some of the numbers in the show. The Blue Blazes are the main focus of the show but Ms. McCullough says the show will also showcase the Sparks, next year’s Blue Blazes, and members of some of their dance classes. Ms. McCullough says special guests during the show will include talented singers SSHS Choir Director Beth Cole and also Mike Dodd. The spring show always ends by honoring past Blue Blazes in the sister circle. Stephen Kramer is returning to the production behind the scenes and Mike Dodd will again be in the booth handling sound and lighting.
