Wildcats Wrap Up District Season at North Forney Friday
Well traveled Texas high school football coach Randy Jackson seems to enjoy the challenge of rebuilding football programs that are going through hard times. Such a situation brought him to North Forney in 2017. The Wildcats wrap up district play Friday night (November 9) in Forney against North Forney.
After a strong 2017 season, the Falcons have fallen on hard times this season. They are 3-6 overall and are 2-5 in district play. They are out of the playoff picture. Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens believes the Falcons may have six athletes playing college ball off of last year’s stellar team.
The injury bug has also impacted the Falcons. For the season’s first six games, North Forney was led by quarterback Jaylin Smith. He injured his shoulder and now is attempting to help the team as a wide receiver.
Coach Owens remembers meeting Coach Jackson and his wife at a coaches retreat just before he came to Sulphur Springs in 2006. Coach Jackson was at Lone Oak at the time and already had several former locations on his resume. Coach Jackson is in his second year at North Forney. Prior to that he was at Grapevine for three seasons. He spent the 2013 season at Plano East. Coach Jackson is credited with turning around the Mesquite Poteet program coaching there in 2010-2012. He was at Lone Oak from 2004 through 2009. Coach Jackson also coached at Dekalb, Mason, Paducah and West Mesquite. Coach Jackson also wrote a book in 2016 entitled Culture Defeats Strategy: 7 Lessons on Leadership From a Texas High School Football Coach.
SSHS Drama Department Presents The Three Musketeers
Every fall, the Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Theatre Department puts on a fund raising production. This fall they are presenting The Three Musketeers. The play premieres Thursday (November 8) at 7 p.m. It will also be staged Saturday (November 10) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (November 11) at 2 p.m. Tickets are available from any cast and crew member or at the door for $5 for students or $10 for adults. Any veteran can get in free on Sunday, Veterans’ Day.
Director of Theatre Arts Lesha Woodard explains that The Three Musketeers is a non-musical. She has decided to rotate non-musicals with musicals in the fall. Ms. Woodard says the play this year features a huge cast of kids and lots of fun. Back in September, the cast and crew got a visit from a certified swordsman who conducted training with the students teaching them how to sword fight safely.
Ms. Woodard says the play features the familiar Three Musketeers’ story and the same wonderful characters. Shes says that playwright Ken Ludwig has added a bit more humor and modern language. It features a swashbuckling story of heroism, treachery, close escapes and above all, honor. The original was written by Alexandre Dumas.
Ms. Woodard says auditions took place the second week of classes and students began work right away. After quite a few graduations last school year, Ms. Woodward says this year’s drama department features lots of young talent. Junior Chase Berry plays d’Artagnan. Sophomore Rorie Young plays d’Artagnan’s sister Sabine. The Three Musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, are played by freshman Ben Braddy, junior Reagan Kesting and senior Johnathan Johnson. The Queen of France is played by sophomore Hannah Shultz. Cardinal Richelieu is played by senior Hagen Hunt. The infamous Countess de Winter, also known as Milady, is played by junior Rachel Bramlett. Crew members include senior Tre Ransom, senior Stage Manager Cody Queen and Assistant Technical Director Loren Carter. Ms. Woodard is directing and her Technical Director is Desi Pharis.
Significant Weather Advisory for Southwestern Hopkins County/Northern Rains County Until 12:45 p.m. Thursday
A significant weather advisory has been issued for Southwestern Hopkins and Northern Rains Counties until 12:45 p.m. At 12:21, Doppler Radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near East Tawakoni or 17 miles southeast of Greenville moving east at 45 mph.
Nickel size hail will be possible with this storm.
Commerce Man Arrested
With bloodshot eyes and nervous actions during a traffic stop in the 100 block of West Industrial Dr. Vincent Lee-Sheldon Jones, 30, of Commerce provided motivation for a Hopkins County Deputy to conduct an open air sniff of the Grand Marquis he was driving. Jones had refused consent to search the vehicle.
When the K-9 gave a positive alert, a search of the vehicle found suspected narcotics. Jones is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams, a felony 3. He is held on a $15,000 bond. This is his second stay in Hopkins County Jail. Last month he was arrested for Tamper/Fabricate Evidence with Intent to Impair.
Legacy Hospice Holds Memorial Event During National Hospice Month
On Sunday, November 3, 2018, staff and volunteers of Legacy Hospice of Sulphur Springs hosted a Memorial Service for families of persons who were under their care this year. The event was held in the Sanctuary and Parlor of First United Methodist Church. Opening prayer and a program of encouragement were offered by FUMC Sr. Pastor, Reverend Ed Lantz and by Hospice Chaplain CJ Duffey. Benediction was offered by FUMC Associate Pastor Reverend Dean Libby. As a tribute, the names and photos of over 100 individuals who had been assisted by Legacy Hospice were shown. Following a time of visitation and refreshment, family members gathered in the church prayer garden for a butterfly release.
Inside the program, a message about grief was stated, “Grief never ends… but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness…nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love”.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is observed in November and sponsored by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Every year, more than 1.58 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice palliative care providers in the United States, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Save the Date! DBA Ladies Night Out Event Tues. Nov. 13
Marlene DeYong of Marlene’s Sass and Class Boutique gave some exciting news on the KSST Good Morning Show! The second annual Ladies Night Out on Tuesday November 13, 2018 will launch the holiday shopping season in downtown Sulphur Springs! From 6-8pm that night, visit as many of the participating shops and restaurants as you can, enjoy their shopper specials and sign up for door prizes, then BE THERE at a special closing event at 8:30pm. The closing event will be held in the upstairs meeting room above Corner Grub House, with an entrance on Connally Street. In addition to the merchant door prizes, a Grand Prize worth $500 will be awarded. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN! This fun holiday evening is sponsored by the Downtown Business Alliance and participating merchants. And remember to attend other DBA events this season! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!
SSISD Dismisses One Hour Early Friday, November 9th
Students and staff in Sulphur Springs Independent School District will be released one hour early Friday, November 9, 2018. Buses will run one hour ahead of their regular schedule.
Chamber Connection November 8, 2018
I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2019 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even home town heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her. I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love. I hope you will join me in the journey!
Here’s another HUGE announcement from the Chamber! Our Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce has joined in with the Longview Chamber to offer small businesses health insurance through United Healthcare. It is called HealthyVIEW and is only offered to small businesses, 2-50 employees, who are members of our Chamber. This is a huge milestone for our Chamber to offer, and an extremely needed benefit for many. For additional information, contact Lezley Brown at the Chamber, (903) 885-6515. We are thrilled to be able to offer this invaluable asset to our Chamber members!
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market & Swap on November 8-10
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a Flea Market & Swap event November 8, 9, and 10 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Vendors are wanted as well as shoppers and “junque” lovers who are ready to shop, swap, and eat. Early shopping will be held on Thursday November 8th from 4:00 to 8:00. The entry fee on Friday and Saturday is $5. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
Veterans Day Parade scheduled for November 10th
A Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th in Sulphur Springs to honor those who have served us. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the parade will begin at Buford Park and go through the downtown square and back to the park. Chick-fil-A chicken biscuits will be for sale for $3 as well! All of those proceeds will benefit Community Seeds. Please call Jason at either (903) 634-5673 or (972) 750-1966.
Third annual Salute the Veterans Cook-off
The third annual Salute the Veterans Cook-off on will be held on Saturday, November 10th starting at 8 a.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center located at 1200 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. All-you-can-eat BBQ begins at 1:00 p.m.Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12, and free for veterans and children under 6. Proceeds will benefit Operation Victor Echo Tango.
Wesley Methodist Church Fall Round-up
Wesley United Methodist Church is hosting their 40thAnnual Fall Round Up on Saturday, November 17th from 4:30 p.m. to 8p.m. There will be Hopkins County Stew,a silent auction, country store, and a live auction. Tickets are $6 for adults, and $3 for children. Visit www.wesleysst.org/fallroundup for more information.
Hunt Regional is offering Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on November 15th 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.
Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra hosts winter concert
The Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra is hosting a free concert called A Winter Classical on Thursday, December 6th, at Shannon Oaks Church in Sulphur Springs. For additional information, call (903)261-7907 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SSY017/.
Heritage Park will host Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 24th
The Hopkins County Historical Society presents Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 24, and Saturday, December 1, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $3.00, and children under seven are free. Visit with Santa, see the light displays, listen to live music, enjoy hot cocoa, old-fashioned cider, coffee and cookies, and begin your Christmas shopping in the Country Store.
CASA hosts their annual Cookie Walk
CASA is hosting their annual Cookie Walk on Friday, December 7th, from 9 a.m. to noon at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Cookies are sold for $5.00 a pound. Go by there and load up on Christmas cookies while supporting our local CASA!
Lion’s Club will host the 11th Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 7th
The Lion’s Club is hosting the 11th Annual Christmas Parade Friday, December 7th at 7 p.m. The parade begins at Buford Park and goes East on Connally Street to the square, turns left onto Church Street, and left on Houston Street to end in the Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot. You may pick up registration forms and rules at the Chamber of Commerce. The entry fee is one toy, to be donated to the Blue Santa Program. Charitable cash donations also accepted, and checks should be made payable to the Sulphur Springs Lions Club. Registration forms must be received by noon on Tuesday, December 4.
Expert Witnesses Take Stand in Crum Murder Trial
by Kerry Craig
Testimony in the Aaron Crum murder trial in Hopkins County’s 8th District Court continued Wednesday with Jessica Horton the sister of murder victim Joshua Paul Cowling on the witness stand.
Horton was at the after hours party when her brother was killed and called 911 to report the shooting and told the court that Crum administered CPR to her brother. She said he also told her he was “in fear for my life.”
In cross examination by defense attorney Martin Braddy the woman answered a number of questions regarding the call for emergency help and agreed that Crum administered CPR for more than five minutes.
District Attorney Will Ramsay then called Texas Ranger John Vance to the stand as an expert in blood spatters. The state presented more than 100 crime scene photos taken by the Ranger and Vance explained spatter patterns and described the method used in making the pictures.
On cross examination Braddy grilled Vance about the blood spatters and what each pattern represented.
Several times during the cross examination District Judge Eddie Northcutt called the attorneys to the bench for a conference about the questioning and the jury was excused two times for testimony to be presented before the judge to determine if the jury could hear the testimony.
Stacey Phetteplace, a ballistics scientist from Texas Department of Public Safety, was then called to the stand to identify the weapon, a 9mm Glock pistol, as the one used in the death of Joshua Cowling. The scientist said she could not match the bullet that caused the death with the pistol because the bullet was too badly damaged. She did however match the spent shell casing with the weapon.
The next scheduled witness to be called by Ramsay was the medical examiner that performed the autopsy on Cowling.
Testimony is expected to continue through the remainder of the week.
Aaron Tyler Crum, if convicted of first-degree murder could face a sentence of between five years to 99 years or life in prison.
Wildcats Coach Owens Talks Falcons, Playoffs, and More
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens talked about the Wildcats, the North Forney Falcons, the playoff possibilities and more at his weekly media gathering Wednesday morning (November 7).
Coach Owens said he has changed the practice routine for the Wildcats. They are now working at The Prim on Mondays without pads on. He said they install the game plan, review things and do special teams work. On Tuesday he said the Wildcats have a regular workout in pads. Coach Owens said Wednesdays now feature reduced work in pads. He said coaches are working to fix issues that have cropped up during the season. Coach Owens said at this point of the season, he and his coaches are more concerned with the Wildcats than their opposition. He said they are working to figure out what the Wildcats can do and they are working to get players to do it better.
Coach Owens said some recent offensive struggles have been frustrating. He said despite frustration last Friday (November 2), he saw no one panic. Coach Owens said turnovers can kill you. He stressed that the Wildcats have continued to play with great effort. Looking at the big picture, Coach Owens said the Wildcats will be either a #2 or #3 seed in the playoffs. They are currently third. They are tied with Kaufman in second place but the Lions have the tiebreaker with their head to head win last week. A Wildcat win and a Kaufman loss at home to Forney on Friday (November 9) would move the Wildcats back into the second seed. Seeds #1 and #2 host bi-district games while seeds #3 and #4 travel. Likely bi-district foes for the Wildcats are Lovejoy or Frisco.
Coach Owens said a win Friday is important for the Wildcats to build confidence. He said confidence is everything in sports adding it allows ability to take over. Concerning Friday opponent North Forney, Coach Owens said defensively they are good and physical up front. He said they would junk it up giving different looks. Coach Owens said he is very impressed with defensive end Galen Brown, a senior. He said Brown can also shift into a linebacker role. Coach Owens said the Wildcats would always need to know where Brown is on every play. He said the Falcons run around and make plays. Coach Owens said the Falcons have struggled on offense due to injuries. Their starting quarterback, Jaylin Smith, started six games before suffering a shoulder injury. He is still contributing as a wide receiver. Their current quarterback is sophomore Akanimo Asuquo. Coach Owens said the sophomore is not a DI athlete but is doing a great job of managing the game. He said Asuquo runs enough to keep the defense honest and he throws well. Coach Owens said the Falcons have a huge offensive line that likes to tie up defensive linemen. He said the Falcons like an up tempo approach to offense. The best Falcon running back is Jacob Soto, a junior. For Coach Owens keys to the game are for the offense to protect the football and get into a rhythm. He said the defensive line must not get tied up by the Falcons offensive line and he added the defense needs to tackle well.
The Falcons Head Coach is Randy Jackson, in his second year at North Forney.
