Game Day: Wildcats Ranked 13th; Lady Cats Ranked 18th
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ basketball teams return to the court on this Tuesday (November 28) game day.
The Wildcats travel to Denison to play the Yellow Jackets. Games begin with a freshman contest at 5 p.m. The JV team plays at around 6:15 p.m. The varsity contest begins at around 7:30 p.m. The Wildcats are 4-0 so far this season and they are ranked #13 in the state in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Poll. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta says Denison is a scrappy team coached by a friend of his Chet Byerly. The Wildcats have wins against three Class 6A teams, Arlington Bowie, Rockwall Heath and Rockwall. They also defeated Lindale at home.
The Lady Cats play at Idabel, Oklahoma. Lady Cats Coach Jeff Chapman coached at Idabel for quite a few years before coming to Sulphur Springs in 2010. The Lady Cats are 4-0 so far this season and they are ranked #18 in the TABC Poll. The Lady Cats have road wins at Emory Rains, North Lamar and Paris. They also have a home victory against Hugo, Oklahoma. Idabel is coached by one of Coach Chapman’s former Idabel players. There will be a JV contest at 5:30 p.m. followed by a varsity game at around 7 p.m.
Lady Cat Soccer First Day of Practice with New Head Coach
The Lady Cats’ soccer team had their first day of practice for this season Monday (November 27). Long time Lady Cats Assistant Coach Joel Bailey is now head coach replacing Jesus DeLeon, who went to Texas High. Coach Bailey also served as interim head coach in 2009 after the resignation of Martin Bryant. Coach Bailey says he doesn’t plan a whole lot of changes. He admits he may do some tinkering.
Coach Bailey says he liked what he saw from his Lady Cats Monday. He says he had a great turnout and the girls worked hard. Coach Bailey says he was impressed with their work rate, their intensity level, their skill level and their soccer IQ. He experts to have 19 or 20 players on the varsity. Coach Bailey says the puzzle pieces are there and he just needs to see how they fit best. Coach Bailey says he has a good group of seniors and he adds most of them have been on the varsity since they were freshmen.
Coach Bailey says senior forward Mileena Zirretta has that rare combination of speed and skill. He says he may move senior forward Makenna Kager to the midfield for better ball control. Coach Bailey says senior forward and captain Gracie Boyer may also be used in the midfield. The Lady Cats other captain is senior defender Jo McMillan. Coach Bailey says he can also count on senior midfielder Taylor Robinson. He says he is expecting an increased role for senior defender Erika Lara. Move in Jessica Rocca is also expected to help the Lady Cats this season.
Coach Bailey will be assisted by Ross Hicks, who was a Wildcats assistant coach last year. Coach Bailey says he liked how Coach DeLeon gave him a lot of freedom to prepare JV players for the varsity and he expects to give Coach Hicks the same freedom. Coach Bailey says he wants his Lady Cats to be mentally strong, to be better at possessing the ball in the midfield and to be able to speed up or slow down the game as needed. He notes the teams first scrimmage is just a month away. They will scrimmage Paris at Gerald Prim Stadium on December 28. The Lady Cats will open the season against Balch Springs Christian Academy in a Terrell tournament on January 4.

Photo from previous season
Winnsboro Police Department Report November 20-26, 2017
Winnsboro Police arrested one, investigated one accident, responded to 207 calls for service, issued 66 citations and wrote 65 warnings during the report period November 20-26, 2017.
Vincent Wennberg, 21, of Winnsboro, was arrested November 20th on a Hopkins County warrant.
No injuries were reported in a minor accident in the 100 block of West Broadway in Winnsboro. The accident occurred on November 21st. Two autos were stopped at a signal light and the second vehicle behind a truck thought the truck had moved forward so the driver of the second vehicle accelerated striking the rear of the truck. A roll of linoleum flooring extended from the back of the truck and struck the hood of the second vehicle. Police report no damage to the linoleum flooring for the truck.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report November 15-21, 2107
November 15th
At 5:48 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 4627 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 1804 near Mineola; at approximately 6:54 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2427 near Mineola, at approximately 7:11 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2660 near Mineola; at approximately 8:30 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2745 near Mineola; at approximately 10:01 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
At 5:52 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1900 near Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:47 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on CR 1427 near Quitman. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
November 16th
At 1:11 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3120 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 69 near Mineola; at approximately 3:34 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:59 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on CR 1416 near Quitman. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4460 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:46 a.m., in reference to a theft. Deputies searched the area, and advised the reporting party that no theft had occurred.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 12:58 p.m. Ronald Eric Hood, 52, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
At 2:10 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 2790/CR 2794 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 2:55 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the scene.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4627 near Winnsboro; at approximately 6:37 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 8:23 p.m., in reference to an animal complaint. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 10:05 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individuals involved and resolved the dispute.
Deputies were dispatched to Meadow Brook Path near Hawkins, at approximately 10:05 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 10:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3920 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:25 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
November 17th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1600 near Alba, at approximately 12:37 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Beaulah St. in Hawkins; at approximately 1:00 a.m. Justin Richards, 30, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4420 near Winnsboro; at approximately 7:13 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:17 a.m., in reference to a welfare check on CR 1460 near Quitman. Deputies made contact with the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2774 near Mineola, at approximately 10:15 a.m., in reference to a structural fire. Mineola Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. This case has been forwarded to other agency.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:05 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 2146 near Quitman. Deputies searched the area, located the items, and returned it to the owner.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3120 near Quitman, at approximately 7:52 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2231 near Mineola, at approximately 8:27 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Yantis, at approximately 8:44 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6778 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:44 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the activity and advised the individuals to lower the volume of their music.
November 18th
Deputies were dispatched to Greenville St. in Alba, at approximately 12:40 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 8:43 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Quitman.
At 10:15 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Mulberry Cove near Hawkins, at approximately 12:22 p.m., in reference to a theft. Deputies arrived and after speaking with the parties involved, it was determined this was a civil issue.
At 1:04 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1807 near Yantis, at approximately 1;56 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and everything was OK.
At 4:01 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6113 near Quitman, at approximately 4:25 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals involved and resolved the dispute.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 8:29 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Upon the deputies’ arrival, they noticed a door to be ajar, but there were no signs of entry or theft. Deputies contacted the homeowner and secured the building.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Mineola, at approximately 10:22 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
November 19th
At 3:38 a.m., a donkey was reported out on HWY 80 East.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1801 near Mineola, at approximately 7:48 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 11:02 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 2351 near Mineola.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:03 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Mineola, at approximately 3:14 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies arrived and parties were separated.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 3:44 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, entered the locked residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3420 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:47 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2842 near Mineola, at approximately 4:11 p.m., in reference to an assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 6:06 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 852 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2770 near Mineola, at approximately 6:25 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies responded to a traffic hazard on FM 2869/CR 4530 near Winnsboro. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate a hazard.
November 20th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3978 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:02 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to R 1660 near Alba; at approximately 7:54 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2388 near Quitman, at approximately 2:28 p.m., in reference to theft. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:41 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1236 near Quitman, at approximately 2:43 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 2:57 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1822 near Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:26 p.m., in reference to a disturbance that occurred on PR 7835 near Hawkins. The incident was cleared.
November 21st
At 2:02 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4830 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4930 near Winnsboro, at approxiamtely7:57 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Upon deputies’ arrival, the back door was ajar, but there were no signs of entry. Deputies secured the door and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3340 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:36 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:29 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:38 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies advised the individuals it was a civil issue and cleared the scene.
At 4:24 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1570 near Alba.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 779 near Alba; at approximately 7:35 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies went out on arrest/warrant service to CR 1660 near Alba; at approximately 8:20 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on arrest/warrant service to CR 3849 near Hawkins; at approximately 9:45 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on arrest/warrant service to CR 4730 near Winnsboro; at approximately 11:22 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Between the dates of November 15th and November 21st, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included Police Departments and Emergency Medical Services.
Between the dates of November 15th and November 21st, the investigators of Wood County recovered $1,984 worth of stolen property.
Total Jail Count – 140 inmates – 118 males and 22 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
A Lofty Presentation of the True Meaning of the Holidays …”A Celestial Christmas” in Three Performances at Mt. Vernon First Baptist Church
Fred Randles, Music Minister at First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon is exhilarated about the Christmas production “Celestial Christmas” planned for audiences on December 8, 9 and 10, 2017. There are three performances planned; each will begin at 7 pm and each is free. According to Fred, a production of this magnitude has not previously been staged east of Dallas.
Between the 80-voice Adult Choir, the Youth Choir, a Children’s Ensemble, the orchestra and dramatic cast, there are over 200 individuals involved in Celestial Christmas. Music includes traditional carols and holiday songs, brand new music and revised arrangements of timeless favorites. Depicting the good news of the Christmas story is a cast of all ages, directed by Jane Randles. Be prepared to be surprised and amazed as a trio of flying angels soar eighty feet above the audience along the entire length of the sanctuary, assisted by a professional company employed to provide the special effect. The flying angels have significant roles in the narrative and score and include professional violinist Natalie Randles Brown, 8th District Judge Eddie Northcutt and Mt. Vernon high-schooler Miss Riley Keys. Also, the Mt. Vernon High School Band drum major will act as orchestra conductor.
“Celestial Christmas” is a presentation of the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon, Texas, located a block off the downtown square. Pastor is Pepper Puryear.
County Commissioners Table Crosstown Trail Agreement
Hopkins County Commissioners tabled an agreement with the City of Sulphur Springs regarding the Crosstown Trail which will be located on the Hopkins County Civic Center grounds. The court wanted to see the location for the trail, which they did Monday afternoon during their work session.
The commissioners determined during the work session that a different route was needed through the area that is often used for cattle and horses. They determined that the area would be a danger to pedestrians. The court will reconsider the Crosstown Trail item on a future agenda with the changed pathway.
In other action, the court adopted a resolution ensuring the continuance of an agreement with a Lamar County agency to provide home delivered meals for Hopkins County residents. They also approved a resolution ensuring the continuance the Indigent Defense Grant, a state funded grant.
Wildcat Soccer Begins Practice
The Wildcats’ soccer team has their first day of practice Monday (November 27). Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins is in his second year as head coach and he says he is looking forward to the first workout. He says 28 players are hoping to make the varsity and 30 are trying out for the JV. Coach Wiggins says he expects to have 23 or 24 players on varsity.
He says about half of those are returners and half are new to varsity. Coach Wiggins says his keeper, senior Rafael Lopez, returns along with back up keeper and defender senior Jonathan Lopez. Other veterans he is counting on include senior defensive midfielder Angel Tavera and senior defender Brandon Diosdado, both who have played since they were sophomores. Senior Julio Robles also returns.
Coach Wiggins says he lost most of his scoring forwards so he’s looking for goalscorers. He is hoping to get goals from senior Jonathan Alvarez, senior Eduardo Ramirez and junior Enrique Arellano, who has been hampered by a dislocated knee. Senior Israel Hernandez is expected to miss the season after suffering a knee injury.
Coach Wiggins is being assisted this year by former Wildcats standout Fernando Arellano. Former assistant Ross Hicks has moved over to help new Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey.
The Wildcats have their first scrimmage at home December 28 against Royse City. They open the regular season at a three-day Forney tournament against West Mesquite on January 4.

soccer ball net
Texas Basketball Coaches Association Poll Ranks Lady Cats at #18 in 5-A
The Lady Cats’ basketball team is off to a good start this season and Lady Cats Coach Jeff Chapman talked about his Lady Cats on KSST and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show this past Saturday (November 25). The Lady Cats are 4-0 so far with wins at Emory Rains, at North Lamar, at home against Hugo, Oklahoma and at Paris.
The Lady Cats are currently #18 ranked according to a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Poll. Coach Chapman said the ranking is good and bad. Good because it gives recognition to the team for its steady improvement but bad because it puts a target on the players’ backs. Coach Chapman said he asked the team what it is going to take to stay ranked. Some players answered success but Coach Chapman’s answer was hard work. He said the team can go up or fall out of the rankings.
Coach Chapman talked about the process required each year to build a team. He said early in the season some expect the team to be right where they were when they left off last year. Coach Chapman lost four seniors. He has his big three returning, Kaylee Jefferson, Autumn Tanton and Sadavia Porter. Coach Chapman says he is working to weave other players in with the big three to make it all work.
This week the Lady Cats visit Idabel, Oklahoma Tuesday night. Coach Chapman coached there before coming to Sulphur Springs eight years ago. The Idabel head coach and one of her assistants were Coach Chapman’s players at Idabel. He said he schedules Idabel and Hugo, Oklahoma because they have athletic players. The current Idabel team has a D1 post player committed to Wichita State. The Lady Cats will also be playing in the Winnsboro Hoopfest Thursday through Saturday.