Wildcats Place 2nd in Tournament; Two Lady Cats Compete
Wildcats Golf Team Plays at SSCC Thursday Tournament
Playing in a rare fall golf tournament Thursday (October 18), the Wildcats’ golf team shot a total score of 313, good for second place behind former district foe Hallsville. The tournament was played at Sulphur Springs Country Club. It was moved to Thursday from Monday due to rain. Carter Lewis led the Wildcats with a 73, one over par. Andrew Escobar shot 77, Colten Bench had 80, Grant Mohesky shot 83 and Kip Childress came in with 86. Wildcats Golf Coach Chris Owens said he is trying to schedule more and more fall tournaments. He said it’s hard to squeeze tournaments in during the spring due to testing and the weather. Of course the weather almost did this tournament in. Coach Owens said he appreciated the flexibility of the Sulphur Springs Country Club that allowed this tournament to be played after the rain out Monday. The Wildcats’ golf team has two more tournaments scheduled this fall. Next they are scheduled to play at a brand new course, the Tempest Golf Club in Gladewater, at a tournament sponsored by Longview Pine Tree.
Two Lady Cats Golfers Play at SSCC Tournament Thursday
Lady Cats Golf Coach Whitney Spigener took two of her players to a Sulphur Springs Country Club tournament played Thursday (October 18). The tournament was originally scheduled for Monday (October 15) but was postponed due to rain and then rescheduled on Thursday. Coach Spigener said Thursday turned out to be a beautiful day although she said it was a little windy. Coach Spigener said considering everything, players’ scores were good. She said a Texas High golfer named Gracie shot the best score of 75. Lady Cat sophomore Mariam Tran shot an 80 and finished in second place. Coach Spigener said Tran could have been right at the top except for a quadruple bogey on hole #2. She said Tran’s score was very good considering the lack of practice time due to all the rainy weather. Lady Cat junior Charleigh Potts shot 118. Coach Spigener said Potts did a good job of battling and of never giving up. She said Potts took a year off from golf recovering from an injury. Coach Spigener said Potts had not played in a tournament in about a year and a half. She said Potts was not pleased with her score and Coach Spigener said she liked her competitive attitude. Coach Spigener said this would be the only fall golf tournament for the Lady Cats’ players. Next semester golf tournaments will start up in mid to late February.
Game Day: Wildcat Football; Lady Cat Volleyball Senior Night
Football Game Day versus Corsicana
Friday night (October 19) at Gerald Prim Stadium there will be a battle for first place in District 8-5A as the Corsicana Tigers take on the Wildcats. Corsicana is 5-0 in district play and the Wildcats are 4-0. The Tigers are 6-1 this season and the Wildcats are 5-0 overall. The Tigers only loss was to Burleson Centennial 28-26 in their season opener at home. They have won six straight. Corsicana leads the series between the two teams having taken 4 of 7. However the Wildcats have won the last two including an incredible 77-65 win in Corsicana in their last match up in 2013. Corsicana’s head coach is Steve Hoffman, in his sixth year as Tigers’ coach. Greg Owens is in his thirteenth year as head coach for the Wildcats. Coach Owens says a key to winning the game is playing physical in the offensive and defensive lines. He says another key is to tackle well against the talented Tigers. KSST will have all of the action of Wildcats football against Corsicana beginning at 7:30 p.m. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Volleyball Game Day Versus Mount Pleasant and It’s Senior Night
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team is involved in a wild game of district musical chairs as there is one more team vying for the playoffs than there are playoff spots. When the music ends next Tuesday (October 23), someone will be left out. The game resumes Friday with three more district games. The Lady Cats are currently 3-5 in district play and they are tied for the fourth and final playoff spot with Royse City. The Lady Cats will be playing Mount Pleasant on this Friday (October 19) game day beginning at 5 p.m. Mount Pleasant is 0-8 in district play and they are out of the playoff race. This is Senior Night for the Lady Cats. Senior Night activities gets underway at 4:45 p.m. in Wildcat Gym. Another big district game with lots of playoff implications has Greenville, 4-4 in district play and in third place, playing at Royse City. District leader Texas High, 8 -0 in district play, visits Lindale, 6-2 in district play and in second place.
Rain or Shine the Fall Festival Parade Will Go On!
Unless there is lightning in the area, the Fall Festival Parade will start at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 20th. Buford Park is the line up area. Parade will proceed down Connally St to Celebration Plaza, the turn south on Gilmer, and end at Lee St and South Broadway.
Rain has not cancelled Fall Festival Parades in the past. Come out and make a memory. #fallfestivalSS
PJC-Sulphur Springs Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program
Students in the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center watch as Instructor Joyce Vargas teaches them the procedure for drawing blood from a patient. Assisting with the demonstration is student Perla Munoz of Sulphur Springs.
TxDOT Trained Specialists Available for Senior Citizens’ Auto Check
PARIS – Senior drivers in Northeast Texas can have a trained TxDOT specialist check their automobiles for comfort, safety and mobility to help improve their daily driving experiences.
Seniors in Lamar and surrounding counties can get their cars checked from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 at 1128 Clarksville Street, Suite 300, in Paris, said Monica Yates, TxDOT traffic safety specialist and certified CarFit technician.
These checks are part of the national CarFit program developed by the American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Occupational Therapy Association. They are designed to provide a quick, comprehensive check on how a mature driver and their vehicle work together.
“CarFit is now part of our safety program,” Yates said. “As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility and strength, range of motion, and even our size and height can make us less comfortable and capable behind the wheel. A free CarFit check helps the driver understand and use the safety features of their vehicle.
“We complete a 12-point checklist with drivers. Some of the things we check are the correct position of the driver’s seat, the driver’s ability to easily reach the pedals, and how to properly adjust and set the mirrors.”
Yates and other technicians have also scheduled outreach events in October, to share the CarFit program with those who work with seniors. Those education events are slated the week of Oct. 22-26 at several locations in TxDOT’s nine-county Paris District.
For more information, contact Yates at (903) 737-9292 or email [email protected] .
Senior drivers can also check their local AAA club or AARP office to take driver safety refresher courses or look into occupational therapy driving evaluation programs that provide individual driving assessments. CarFit is an extension of these classroom programs that helps mature drivers ensure their personal vehicles are adjusted to their needs.
Buyer Beware: Land Liquidators Are Back
Buyers looking for a good deal on land flocked to northern Hopkins County back in late August, but some left disappointed. Although, it is apparent that many tracts of land were purchased, some buyers were unaware that access to a local water supply was not available. Also, some buyers now believe that they will not be able to get conventional financing due to the land purchased at a much higher per acre cost than surrounding properties.
The same company, Premier Land Liquidators, is back in an apparent attempt to “liquidate” the remaining tracts of the same land that they had hoped to liquidate in a “One Day Only” sale back on August 25th. This next sale, according to a flyer received by KSST, will take place on October 27th, again being advertised as a “One Day Only” sale. The flyer touts that a purchaser can “enjoy ag tax exempt status” but of course that designation can only be granted by our local tax appraisal district once meeting their criteria.
It is always good advice, in buying anything, to research what you are buying and not be rushed into any purchase. This is even more true, when it is a real estate purchase, and offers or claims are being made that may not be understood. One buyer at the first sale, was surprised to learn that there was basically a private road (not a county road) that led to most of the lots, but the buyer was not provided a formal agreement as to how the road would be maintained in the future.
The Land Liquidation company also advertises the land as being one hour from Dallas, even advertising a “Home Package on 10 Acres* Now only $119,000” The important part on this advertisement is the asterisk attached, which led me to a barely legible disclaimer (I had to use glasses) that read: “Package Is A Land And Building Material Package, Construction Is The Buyer’s Responsibility”
Certainly no one would ever jump in and buy a Land/House package without realizing that they actually have to BUILD the house, but as always: BUYER BEWARE
KSST News contacted Cathy Singleton with the local Appraisal District to confirm that any land sold that was previously used for Agricultural purposes and had received an Ag Exemption may be required to apply to keep Ag status in the future. This process is common during land transactions especially for land that has been subdivided. Below is a document from the Hopkins County Tax Appraisal District, to be used as a guideline for land owners’ that wish to apply for Ag Exemption Status.
Video Presentation: Crosswalk Active On Main Street at Coleman Park
Crosstown Trail crosswalk on Main Street in Sulphur Springs at Coleman Park near Reservoir Street is now active. People using the trail are advised to be cautious until drivers become accustomed to the crosswalk. Drivers are reminded to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Sulphur Springs Police will be monitoring the area.
KSST News spoke with Police Chief Jay Sanders Friday morning.
5th Grade Group Visits KSST
An exuberant group of SSISD Gifted and Talented 5th Graders visited the KSST Studios on Friday October 19th, 2018. They enjoyed a tour of the Suddenlink Channel 18 and KSST/KRVA portions of the building.
Students marveled at the Station’s vintage VHS collection. A few brave souls recorded spots for the Afternoon Drive Show. An invitation was extended to publish their UIL projects on KSSTRadio.com
The highlight of the tour may have been the chance to raid the Rangers Bobble Head closet.
KSST has always promoted youth in broadcasting. From the days of Radio Workshop to our current intern program with area school districts, KSST/KRVA and Suddenlink Channel 18 looks forward to working with our Students.
Fall Blessings By Johanna Hicks
While visiting downtown Sulphur Springs recently, I noticed all the beautiful fall decorations in store windows. With the cooler temperatures upon us, fall in definitely in the air! Stepping inside one of my favorite shops, I admired the beautifully embroidered aprons, bags, and hand towels, donning gold, orange, green, tan and brown leaves. One hand towel in particular caught my eye, and I walked out with a new purchase – a beautifully monogrammed towel that said, “In this home, we are grateful, thankful and blessed,” framed with a garland of leaves.
As we enter the autumn season, many families think about Halloween and Christmas, purchasing costumes, decorations, special treats, and lawn ornaments. However, even in some retail stores, there is a special holiday that falls in-between and is often overlooked. I’m speaking about Thanksgiving.
Being thankful for what we have, rather than grumbling about what we don’t have, can make a big difference in our attitude, as well as those with whom we come in contact. A quote I heard from a Hallmark movie recently hit the nail on the head. “Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?” I choose to be humbly grateful! How about you?
Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers so many different opportunities throughout the state through workshops, programs, series of classes on a particular topic, field days, seminars, on-line classes and certifications, mass media, and through publications. Extension agents utilize collaborating partners and volunteers to help with implementation and evaluation of major events.
One program which truly makes an impact is the Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative. In Hopkins County, there are eight trained and active volunteers who assist with a myriad of activities, including registration for classes and events, tray preparation and cooking demonstrations, 4-H projects, health fairs, preparations of materials, and much more!
I am excited to announce the next training for anyone who is interested in becoming a Master Wellness Volunteer. On January 22, we will kick off the training in a face-to-face workshop. Parts of the workshop will be through a state-wide webex broadcast from College Station. At that time, participants will receive information on two options for the remaining sessions – weekly in-person sessions, or online, self-paced sessions. The wrap-up session will take place on Tuesday, February 19 in-person.
The in-person trainings will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs. Other counties may also offer the same opportunity, but the ultimate goal is the same for all – to equip volunteers with information on health and wellness, food safety, and working with diverse audiences.
Watch for information on cost, time, and application process, but save January 22 and February 19 if you are interested!
Hopkins County Fall Festival
It’s here! You will notice the activity at the Hopkins County Civic Center and grounds, Buford Park, Sulphur Springs High School and the Hopkins County Extension Office! This serves as a final reminder concerning the Creative Arts Contest. There is an age division to fit everyone, and we’ll find a category for anything you wish to enter. Official registration will take place on Thursday, October 25 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., and on Friday, October 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. (We will also accept entries at the Extension Office on Wednesday, October 24, but they will eventually wind up at the high school.) This contest is open only to Hopkins County residents due to space restraints, but anyone may view the items during public viewing times!
The entries will be judged on Friday morning and on display to the public following judging, until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and open to public viewing again on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Best of Show winners will have pictures made at 1:30, after which all entries may be picked up.
Also remember to visit the Arts & Crafts Show in the high school cafeteria! You’ll find one-of-a-kind items, all handmade by crafters and artisans. The Arts & Crafts Show is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26 and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27. There is no charge to get in, but bring your wallet, because you will want to do some shopping!
Exhibits in the Hopkins County Civic Center, activities on the grounds, Kids Zone, Outhouse Races, judging of the Hay Bale Contest, Donkey Basketball, and the stew cook-off are other events that you don’t want to miss!
Closing thought
It is possible to make each year bring with it a lasting gift to add to the fullness of experience, to be treasured up, savored, and remembered – Grenville Kleiser
Recipe of the Week
Savory Sweet Potato Fries
· 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼ “ strips
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 teaspoons garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 1/3 cup parmesan, grated
Directions:
1) Heat oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with foil.
2) In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes and olive oil; toss to coat. Remove from bowl and spread in a single layer on cookie sheet.
3) In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and parmesan. Sprinkle fries with mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition facts per serving: 110 calories, 6 g total fat, 0 trans fats, 5 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 190% Vitamin A
