Sam Rayburn Speaker Series to Host Author, Activist
COMMERCE, TX—A&M-Commerce has announced the return of intellectual, author, and activist Dr. Cornel West on Monday, March 19, 2018, as part of The Sam Rayburn Speaker Series.
Dr. West will discuss “What #MeToo, Militarism and Money Can’t Buy,” touching on trends in current events related to social justice and democracy. He will speak in Ferguson Auditorium from 11 a.m. to noon, in a free event open to the public.
A&M-Commerce was one of several universities and institutions Dr. West visited during The Justice Matters Tour, which crossed the country in 2017. While visiting, he noted that education was “taking place at its best here at Commerce.”
A Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, Dr. Cornel West has also taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Harvard, and the University of Paris. He has written 20 books and edited 13, and is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters. Dr. West is a frequent guest on the Bill Maher Show, CNN, C-SPAN, and Democracy Now.
Saltillo Lions Advance to Area with Win Against Avinger
Saltillo Boys Varsity 1st Row L to R: Ben Moore, Walker McGill, Branson McGill, Lyle Bench & Coach Casey Riddle; 2nd Row L to R: Coach Bill Giles, Michael Clover, Trevor Moore, Levi Hoover, Chris Boekhorst, Matthew Gurley, Coach Colton Smith.
The Saltillo Lions’ basketball team took care of business with a big bi-district win against Avinger, 64-36 Monday night.
After leading only 13-11 after one quarter, the Lions outscored Avinger 20-7 in the second quarter to lead 33-18 at the half. The Lions were up 42-28 after three quarters. The Lions outscored Avinger 22-8 in the fourth quarter to really put the game away.
Matthew Gurley and Chris Boekhorst led the Lions with 13 points apiece. Walker McGill scored 12 points. Trevor Moore had 10 points. Lyle Bench scored 9 points. Levi Hoover added 4 points. Michael Clover scored 2 points. Ben Moore had 1 point. T
he Lions improved their season record to 21-15. The Lions play Ector in an Area game at Commerce Thursday at 7 p.m.
Wildcats Basketball 58, Frisco Lone Star 41 (Area game)
The Wildcats’ basketball team advanced into the Regional Quarterfinals with a 58-41 win over Frisco Lone Star Friday night in Princeton. The Wildcats built their lead in every quarter. The Wildcats led by 5, 16-11 after one quarter. They increased the lead 12 points, 32-20 after outscoring the Rangers 16-9 in the second quarter. The lead went up to 15 points at 43-28 after the Wildcats outscored Lone Star 11-8 in the third quarter. The Wildcats outscored the Rangers 15-13 in the fourth quarter to increase the lead at the end to 17 points, 58-41. Godsgift Ezedinma led the Wildcats with 21 points including 3 three-pointers. Keaston Willis added 14 points including a pair of threes. Victor Iwuakor scored 9 points. Michael Jefferson had 7 points with one three point basket. Sadaidriene Day Day Hall scored 4 points. Xavier Cork scored 2 points. The Rangers got 16 points from Marvin Mims who hit 4 three-pointers. The win marked a milestone for the Wildcats. It was their 30th win of the season. Their season record is 30-4. They now play the winner of the Royse City and Prosper game.
Republican Presidents’ Day Forum & Fundraiser
On the eve of early voting in the March 6th Primary Election, approximately 300 Hopkins County Republicans heard their candidates in all contested races. The 7th Annual President’s Day Forum & Fundraiser took place at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Banquet Hall.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
State Representative Dan Flynn led the Pledge of Allegiance and State Senator Bob Hall introduced the evening’s special speaker Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton emphasized the litigation directed by his department on behalf of the state as he informed those attending regarding several issues that confront the state.
Republican Party Chair Donnie Wisenbaker served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening and conducted the candidate forum with the assistance of party officers and Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings.
Congressman John Ratcliffe
During the forum, Incumbent Congressman 4th District of Texas John Ratcliffe and challenger Dr. John Cooper along with candidates for Hopkins County Commissioner Precinct 2 and 4 , County Clerk, County Treasurer, County-Court-At-Law Judge, Texas House and Texas Senate for District 2 addressed the crowd and answered pre-screened questions. The questions were presented prior to the event by the public and/or candidates and approved by a local committee. All candidates were present for the event.
Dr. John Cooper Challenger
Congressman Ratcliffe stated that he was working closely with the President and Vice-President to keep the nation safe. He noted his experience with Homeland Security and the Attorney General’s office. He said working in Congress was much easier with President Trump than with his predecessor. Dr. Cooper stated that he wanted to see congress take a new course with the first and second amendments to the constitution given greater emphasis in their work.
Commissioner Precinct 2 Candidates: (l to r) John Wilburn, Edward Moore, Greg Anglin
In Precinct 2, candidates Greg Anglin, Edward Moore, and John Wilburn addressed road needs and specifically the use of chip seal. Opinions varied regarding the use of chip seal but all agreed the job was not only roads but the development of the county budget and all-encompassing work of a commissioner. The current Precinct 2 commissioner Mike O’Dell is not seeking reelection.
Commissioner Precinct 4 candidates (l to r) Kevin Cole, Joe Price, John David Jetton
For Precinct 4, candidates John David Jetton, Joe Price, and Kevin Cole addressed the various needs to provide funding for county needs. Each noted their experience. Jetton has worked for the Precinct while Price and Cole have worked in other endeavors which have prepared them for the job.
With County Clerk Debbie Shirley not seeking reelection, Tracy Orr Smith, who currently works in the county clerk’s office as a deputy clerk, and Mike Dodd, who works with county clerks as a NETDATA representative, talked about the work of the office and used their experiences as their qualification for the office.
Incumbent County Treasurer Jim Thompson was pushed to the defensive by challenger Andrea Griggs as was challenger Danny Davis. Thompson noted that the financial management of the county had been improved by decisions made by commissioners’ court and by his labors in the position. However, Griggs said that in conversations with other departments, she had learned of deficiencies in the office and would correct those. Thompson replied that no one had said anything to him about any deficiencies. Davis pointed out that he would direct both the office of Treasurer and his current work as Veterans Affairs Officer. Griggs said that no one had approved the idea of Davis holding each office but Davis said in conversations with the commissioners, they had said they saw no problem in him hold both jobs. Davis said he will not receive the salary as the Veteran’s officer thus saving the county money.
County-Court-At-Law candidates Steve Lilly and Clay Harrison stated their experience in the legal field and noted how they bring unique skills to the position, if elected.
Texas House District 2 incumbent Dan Flynn noted his productive work as a representative for the District while his opponent Bryan Slaton stated he was more conservative than Flynn.
Texas Senate District 2 incumbent Bob Hall pointed to his ultra-conservative approach and challenger Cindy Burkett, who has served in the Texas House a number of years, noted she would take the same drive to improve life in Texas to the Senate.
Precinct 3 Commissioner and professional auctioneer Wade Bartley conducted an auction-fundraiser selling a number of items from cakes to handguns.
Early Voting Underway; Candidates, Signs Must be 100ft from Voting Site
Early voting in the March 6th Primary election is underway for Hopkins County residents at the Justice of the Peace Courtroom 128 Jackson Street in Sulphur Springs. Some voters are concerned about candidates and candidate signs near the polling place. However, candidates can seek your vote or place their campaign signs more than 100-feet from the early voting site. They cannot be within the 100-foot boundary.
As of Monday morning, the number of signs looks like the number of flags flying on a federal holiday. A number of candidates have posted signs along parking areas near the voting location. Candidates and/or their representatives are allowed to ask for your vote as long as they are outside the 100-foot boundary. County Clerk Debbie Shirley told KSST News that she has measured the distance in each direction from the early voting site and has set markers denoting the distance.
Early voting began February 20th at 8 a.m. continues 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day through Friday, March 2nd, including Saturday, February 24th. Early voting is also available Sunday, February 25th from noon until 5 p.m. The last day to request a ballot by mail for those 65-years of age and older is Friday 23rd Shirley noted that a ballot by mail request must be received through the mail on that day and cannot be hand delivered.
Early voting for both Republicans and Democrats is at the Jefferson Street location.
Local Man Arrested Following Undercover Investigation
The Special Crimes Unit arrested Andy Tyler Lem Jones, 24, of Sulphur Springs, for Manufacture Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams, a Felony 2.
Jones was arrested at his residence following an undercover investigation in which a quantity of methamphetamine was sold weighing within the parameters of the charge.
Jones is in Hopkins County Jail held on a $30,000 bond.
Winnsboro Police Department Report for February 12-19, 2018
Two arrests, one non-injury accident, 113 calls for service, 27 citations and 30 warnings issued were reported by Winnsboro Police during the February 12-19, 2018 report period.
Juan Gutierrez, 36, of Winnsboro, was arrested February 12, 2018 for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions.
Kitty Warren, 61, of Winnsboro, was arrested February 12, 2018 for a warrant out of Wood County.
On February 13, the Winnsboro police responded to a minor two vehicle accident in the 200 block of South Walnut.
North Hopkins Basketball win in Bi-District Game
By: Amy Sprague and Faith Wheeler
After a long season of hard work in the gym the North Hopkins Varsity Boys win the Bi-District Playoff game against Wolfe City on Monday night. The boys played hard and ended the game with a score of 50-31. They are waiting to see when and who they will play against at Area this week. The boys credit their win to lots of hard work and encouragement from their coaches Kelley Clark and Jeff Bell. The boys play by the motto “Hard Work Pays Off” and last night that was proved right by the boys.
Lady Cats Defeat Greenville; Wildcats Surprised by Lions in Loss
Lady Cats Soccer 4, Greenville 1
The Lady Cats’ soccer team exploded for four second half goals to come from behind and defeat Greenville, 4-1 Monday night in Greenville. The Lady Lions scored the only goal of the first half and they led 1-0 at the half. The victory improved the Lady Cats district record to 4-1. They are now 12-3-3 for the season. The Lady Cats return to Gerald Prim Stadium Friday night and will play Hallsville.
Greenville 5, Wildcats Soccer 0
The Greenville Lions’ soccer team may be one of the district’s biggest surprises so far this soccer season. The Lions surprised the Wildcats, 5-0 Monday night at Gerald Prim Stadium. The Lions scored two goals into a strong wind in the first half and then added three more goals with the wind in the second half. The Lions improved their district record to 4-1 and they are 11-4 for the season according to Max Preps. The Wildcats struggled to keep ball possession and get any shots on goal throughout the game. The Wildcats slip to 2-3 in district plan and they are 9-9 for the season. The play at Hallsville Friday night. That game will mark the end of the first half of district play.
North Hopkins Panthers Advance to Area
The North Hopkins’ basketball team got off to a good start in the playoffs with a solid bi-district win over Wolfe City, 50-31 Monday night. The Panthers will play an Area playoff game later this week.
