Wildcat Varsity Football Opens Practice Monday Afternoon
The Wildcats’ varsity football team opens practice for this season Monday afternoon (August 13) at the Multipurpose Building. Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens said the initial workout would get started at around 5 p.m. He said he was still pondering whether to have practice indoors or out.
The Wildcats will be pointing toward their first and only scrimmage at home against Liberty-Eylau on August 23 at Gerald Prim Stadium. Since the Wildcats again had spring workouts, they had to report one week later than usual plus they are allowed only the one scrimmage. It’s the third season the Wildcats have had spring workouts in exchange for the later start and loss of a scrimmage.
The Wildcats get underway Monday with a new Defensive Coordinator. Alex Guerra came to the Wildcats from Nevada Community to replace Triston Abron, who is now the head football coach at Paul Pewitt. Wildcats freshmen were allowed a week of practice last week by the UIL since the Wildcats incoming sophomores through seniors had spring workouts.
The Wildcats are coming off a 5-6 season in 2017. They made the playoffs and had their season end with a bi-district loss to Lovejoy at Gerald Prim Stadium.

Gilbert Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for Murder of Pryor
Monday at noon, 17-year old Gavin Heath Gilbert was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the murder of 18-year old Tyrese Pryor. No fine was assessed. The range of punishment for first degree murder is 5 years to life. The Hopkins County Jury had found Gilbert guilty Friday morning of last week and heard closing arguments in the sentencing phase this Monday morning.
Defense Attorney Frank Long argued age and an act of passion in the sentencing portion of the trial. Under Texas Law, an act of passion may be argued in sentencing but not in the guilt or innocence phase of the trial.
Gilbert will be eligible for parole in 27.5 years. He will be 44-years old when eligible.
Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison argued that Gilbert’s age was not a factor. The State had sought a life sentence.
Gilbert will be eligible for parole in 27.5 years. He will be 44-years old when eligible.
A dispute over a buy of a small amount of marijuana led to the shooting death of Pryor and Felony 1 murder charges. Four counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon were also filed against Gilbert. Gilbert was tried only on the murder charge in Eighth Judicial District Court.

Commissioners Proclaim 2018 Sesquicentennial Year of Celebration Honoring Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church; Nix Burn Ban at This Time
WHEREAS, We, the people of Hopkins County, in the sight of our Lord Jesus Christ, celebrate and honor His people, the former and present members of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas for one hundred, fifty years of service to Him; and
WHEREAS, In 1868 God gave a group of innovative trailblazers, a vision to help establish a permanent place of worship, which began in Old Tarrant, Texas and was named Old Tarrant Baptist Church. In 1876, a vision for a greater church provided a large white frame building facing Front Street under the leadership of the church’s first pastor of record, Rev. Mike Wiggins. In 1897, another building was erected, and named Morning Chapel Baptist Church. Rev. Elias Sullivan hauled the first load of lumber to begin construction of this building. Rev. Henry Richmond was called to pastor after the death of Rev. Sullivan, and completed the building of the church. On January 8, 1974, the church structure was completely destroyed by fire. Rev. D. l. Ellison served as pastor during this time. This tragic event did not dampen the spirits of the congregation, but they were renewed, and transformed with a steadfast spirit, and resilience like no other. Worship services continued in the Junior High School Auditorium and neighboring churches of Sulphur Springs; and
WHEREAS,In the months to follow, God touched the hearts of many who contributed to the financial efforts to rebuild the church. A group of businessmen of Sulphur Springs established a temporary organization named “Friends of Morning Chapel” who deposited funds nearing eighteen thousand dollars into a saving account for the construction of the new Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. On November 10, 1974, a march from the Junior High School Gymnasium to the newly constructed church was celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. On March 23, 1975, a Dedication Service for the new structure was held. The theme for that day was “To God Be The Glory”. The Cornerstone Service was held August 31, 1975 followed by a Mortgage Burning Ceremony as the Membership met their Goal to pay-off the Mortgage on August 19, 1990. Praise God from whom all blessings flow; and
WHEREAS, In later years, with every new pastor, leadership and the Membership of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, it appeared that God gave a vision to do something that would improve and enrich the church family. Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church has members from all over Sulphur Springs Hopkins County and abroad. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the church’s current leader, Dr. H. B. Nash Sr. installed February 15, 1998, traveled with Fruitful Harvest International Ministries in 2008 on an Evangelism Crusade to Mozambique, Africa which resulted in the planting of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Maxixe, Mozambique. The Members of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs were led to spiritually and financially support the church. In 2009, two more churches, also named Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, were planted by the Church of Maxixe. In 2011, a fourth Church was added, and today nineteen Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist churches in Mozambique serve over 4,000 members; and
WHEREAS,On May 8, 2011, the State of Texas designated Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church as a State Historical Site. The Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church has undergone many transformations as they celebrate this Sesquicentennial Church Celebration, and their theme is “Building Inside (Ephesians 4:1-16), Sharing Outside (Matthew 28 18-20).” “To God Be The Glory.” NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the said Hopkins County Judge, Robert Newsom, hereby proclaims this year, 2018, as “The Sesquicentennial Year of Celebration”~ ~ ~Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

Sulphur Springs Man Arrested for Disturbance is Wanted in Missouri
When Sulphur Springs Police responded to a civil matter at apartments on East Industrial, they found Coredo J Philips, 31, a resident at the apartments, was uncooperative. The civil matter had escalated to a disturbance when he assaulted another individual. However, that was just the beginning of his troubles.
A strong odor of alcohol emitted and indicators of intoxication on alcohol were evident. Philips was believed to be a danger to himself and others. His loud profane language in front of other residents would not stop even though ordered to do so by police.

A strong odor of alcohol emitted and indicators of intoxication on alcohol were evident. Philips was believed to be a danger to himself and others. His loud profane language in front of other residents would not stop even though ordered to do so by police. He remained combative as police began their arrest. He was transported to Hopkins County Jail and remained uncooperative there.
It was at the jail that it was found Philips is wanted in two counties in Missouri on dangerous drugs and receiving stolen property charges. He has been denied bail due to the Missouri charges.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon After Ramming Auto
Police officers were downtown when Terence Ramon Beachem, 46, of Sulphur Springs intentionally rammed the vehicle driven by the son of his girlfriend. Beachem had made threats to assault his girlfriend and the son prior to the incident.
Following the crash Beachem fled and seeing that he was pursued by police continued his flight on foot.
The victim was in route to the Sulphur Springs Police Department when the incident occurred. Beachem lost control of his vehicle and left Main Street causing a large amount of damage to the downtown square/Celebration Plaza. Following the crash Beachem fled and seeing that he was pursued by police continued his flight on foot. He attempted to hide in a group of shrubs. When arrested, Beachem showed strong indications of intoxication on alcohol.
Beachem is charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Felony 1 and is held on $80,000 for that charge. He is also charged with Criminal Mischief more than $30,000 but less than $150,000, and is held on a $25,000 bond for that charge. He is also charged with Evading Arrest Detention, a $2,000 bond.

Lady Cat Volleyball Home Opener Tuesday; Lose in Final Game at Garland Tourney
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team made it all the way to the consolation final of the championship bracket Saturday in the Garland ISD Tournament. The Lady Cats took their last match all the way to the wire before losing to Forney, 2-1. Earlier Saturday, the Lady Cats got wins over Garland Naaman Forest and Garland Lakeview Centennial.
After finishing in second place in their pool Friday, the Lady Cats opened play in the championship bracket Friday with a 2-0 loss to Frisco Memorial. In pool play earlier Friday, the Lady Cats topped Dallas Skyline, 2-0 and Carrollton Ranchview 2-0 before losing to Sachse, 2-0.
Overall the Lady Cats won four and lost three in the tournament which featured mostly solid competition. The Lady Cats season record is now 6-3.
Next the Lady Cats will have their home opener Tuesday against McKinney North. Freshmen and JV action begins at 4:30 p.m. with the varsity game starting at around 5:30 p.m. The Lady Cats defeated McKinney North on the road last season. The varsity game will be broadcast live on KSST Tuesday. The game will also be videotaped for replay at a later date on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.

Free LEAP Academy Classes Offered at PJC-Sulphur Springs
Fall registration is open with Paris Junior College’s Adult Education Department for a series of free LEAP Academy classes in Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, and Red River counties.
A LEAP Academy is for those who did not finish high school and need their GED or HiSET to advance their careers, want to learn English, or are interested in career pathways.
The first session began on August 13 in Paris.
The second session will begin on August 27 in Sulphur Springs, and more will be scheduled soon in the other counties.
Preregistration is required, and seats fill up quickly. Registration is fast and easy, and classes are available morning, evening, and online. The LEAP Academy includes college and career readiness preparation, computer and financial literacy classes, and free GED test vouchers for qualifying students.
For more information or to register for a LEAP Academy, contact the Adult Education Department at 903-782-0424 or [email protected].

Meal a Day Menu for August 13th-17th
Meal A Day Menu
August 13 –August 17
Monday
BBQ Beef Patties
Potatoes Salad
Cole Slaw
Rolls
Tuesday
Chicken Pot Pie
Broccoli
Pickled Beets
Wednesday
2 Corn Dogs
Cheesy Tater Tots
Three Bean Salad
Tossed Salad
Thursday
Manager’s Choice
Friday
Soft Beef and Cheese Tacos
Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions
Refried Beans
Chips and Salsa