Game Day: Wildcat Soccer at Prim; Lady Cats at Mt Pleasant
There are also big soccer district games on the schedule on this Friday game day. Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats are playing Mount Pleasant. The Wildcats will be traveling to Mount Pleasant. Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins put it well. “There is nothing pleasant about playing in Mount Pleasant”. After losing their first district game at home to a very good Pine Tree team, the Wildcats have won their last two district games, at Marshall and at home against Texas High. The Wildcats have a 9-7 season record. Year in and year out, Mount Pleasant has one of the district’s best teams. There will be a JV game at 5:30 p.m. Friday with a varsity game to follow at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Lady Cats’ soccer team, 3-0 so far in district play, will face Mount Pleasant Friday evening at Gerald Prim Stadium. The Lady Cats have district wins at Pine Tree, at home against Marshall and at Texas High. The Lady Cats are 10-2-3 for the season. The Lady Cats will have to overcome some nagging injuries and dual yellow card one game suspension. There will be a JV contest at The Prim at 5:30 p.m. and a varsity game to follow at 7 p.m. We will bring you Lady Cats’ soccer live on KSST Radio beginning at 7 p.m. We will also videotape the game for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
soccer ball net
Armstrong Announces Candidacy for City Council Place 1
I am Erica Armstrong and I am running for Sulphur Springs City Council, Place 1. I am a lifelong resident of Sulphur Springs. My husband, Toby, and I have been married for 19 years. Toby is a captain with the Greenville Fire Department where he has worked for nearly 20 years. We are also co-owners of Snap Fitness here in Sulphur Springs and also in Greenville, for which I am the accounting manager and bookkeeper. Our parents are Gary and Pat Odom and Steve and Renee Armstrong. We have three children, Tyler (18) a senior, Jake (14) 8th grade, and Chandler (7) 1st grade. We are faithful members of First Baptist Church.
I was born and raised in Sulphur Springs, got married here, am raising our three children here, have utilized our hospital and physician services here, dined, shopped, and been entertained here. I, like many others, am thankful for our small town and love that I can call it my home. To be instrumental in creating new jobs, opportunities, and economic growth to entice other “hometown kids” to come back to Sulphur Springs to make their home and raise their families is certainly one of my goals!
I have lead and served on numerous civic organizations, such as Mothers Culture Club, Relay for Life, Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board, Dial Study Club, and several others; however, this is my first experience with the governmental sector. I am a concerned citizen and try to stay informed about the issues involving our city. Although I AM NOT a politician, I do feel that leadership changes in ANY organization are vital for continued progress and improvement. Having new leadership in our city promotes new ideas, renewed excitement for projects — old and new — and allows for new perspectives on issues at hand.
I believe it takes all kinds of people…different ages, ethnicities, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc…to get an effective consensus of our community. I also believe it is very important to interact and talk with members of our community to get their thoughts and feelings on the progress and problems of our city so that, when factored into the position and guidelines of the city, an informed and fair decision can be made when issues arise.
If elected, I look forward to helping to make Sulphur Springs a place that we can all be proud of and to bring to the table new and fresh ideas to help continue revitalization, promote the growth in new businesses, and make general improvements to ALL areas of our city. I am willing to delve into the business of our city and will strive to present perspectives and ideas that I feel would be in the best interest of the city and all citizens of Sulphur Springs.
Fred A. Tarpley Memorial Writer’s Conference Set March 10
Local author Sharon Feldt is 2018 President of the Silver Leos Writers Guild which meets monthly at Texas A and M Commerce. She is inviting everyone who loves to read or has an interest in writing to make reservations to attend the March 10 Memorial Writers Conference at Texas A and M Commerce Rayburn Student Center. The annual Conference is dedicated to the memory and writing passion of the late Professor Fred A. Tarpley whose teaching influenced generations of students.
During the day-long conference, published authors and writing educators will cover these topics: “Story World: Why Setting is So Important”, ” The Road to Publication and Other Great Disasters”, “The Element of Memory”, “Making It Real: Creating Dynamic Fiction Inspired By Your Life”, and “What If: Writing Alternate History”. Speakers will include TAMU Writing Center Director Diana Harris and the team of Judy Ford and Robin Reid, both TAMU PH.D. instructors in History, English and Creative Writing, also Texas writers Pamela Cripps Haskin who authors children’s books and memoirs, Reavis Z. Wortham, author of two mystery book series and Bobbi Kornblit with two novels to her credit. Each of the speakers will intrigue, instruct and inspire the audience.
If you would like to attend the Conference or find out more about the Silver Leos Writers Guild, go to their Facebook page or you may e-mail Sharon Feldt at [email protected]. Deadline to register for the conference is March 1. Cost is $50 for members and $55 for non-members.
North Hopkins FFA Students Will Enter Livestock at Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show Feb 22-24
The North Hopkins FFA Chapter boasts 60 busy members who participate in numerous areas of FFA involvement. The chapter officers visited the KSST/Channel 18 studio to discuss the upcoming Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show to be held in Sulphur Springs February 22-24 in the Civic Center arena.
Chapter President is Senior Rachel Stanley, who will show a Charolais-mix steer. Rachel has been showing livestock for 8 years. Her twin brother who is Chapter VP Samuel Stanley will show a mixed-breed steer during his 10th year of entering livestock shows. First VP Faith Wheeler shows chickens and Secretary Amy Sprague will show a Boer goat, and both young ladies will proceed to the Houston Livestock Show following the local show. Breeanna Hicks is Chapter Reporter and she will enter her pens of chickens in the poultry division. All these students credit their families as well as the North Hopkins FFA Advisor Team Christin Daugherty, Britney Bettes and Richard Watson with setting them on the road to success.
Without exception, these students expressed that FFA has given them a foot forward in planning for careers when they graduate. Despite the early and late hours and the daily responsibility for feeding, grooming and handling their projects, all the students agree that working with livestock has instilled confidence and an I-can-do-it attitude in facing challenges successfully. Be sure and give a handshake or a pat on the back to the hard-working North Hopkins FFA students when you see them at the county show!
Saltillo ISD Homecoming Queen and Court
L to R: Michael Clover escort of Sophomore Duchess Graycie Hodges, Edi Olayo escort of Sr. Sylvia Feijen, Chris Boekhorst escort of Sr. Shelby Matlock, Crown Bearer Kaden Olvera, Flowergirl Eliana Romero, Walker McGill escort of Sr. Lupita Olayo, Lyle Bench escort of Sr. Madison Simmons, Jayden Holloway escort of the past Homecoming Queen Rainie English, Matthew Gurley escort of 2018 Homecoming Queen Christie Gurley, Sr. Jordan Sustaire escorted by Levi Hoover, Sr. Adriana Ortega escorted by Branson McGill, Sr. Tori Mobley escorted by Trevor Moore, Junior Duchess Lorena Castro escorted by Ben Moore, Freshman Duchess Paisley Kastner escorted by Steven Marroquin.
Saltlillo Senior Basketball Night
Lady Lion Seniors L to R: Amy Sustaire, Sr. Jordan Sustaire, Mark Sustaire, Donna Gurley, Sr. Christie Gurley, Blake Gurley, Tammy Matlock, Sr. Shelby Matlock, Larry Matlock, Laura Mobley, Sr. Tori Mobley, Gary Mobley, Sr. Madison Simmons & Mike Simmons.
Lion Seniors L to R: Ronnie Green, Sr. Walker McGill, Ashley McGill, Sr. Branson McGill, Debra Saxon, Sr. Lyle Bench, Kim Moore, Sr. Trevor Moore & Ann Jones
Armstrong Files for City Council Place 1
Erica Armstrong has filed for Place 1 on the Sulphur Spring City Council. Armstrong filed Friday morning, the last day to file for a place on the ballot. She joins challenger Justin Davidson and incumbent Craig Johnson in the race for the seat.
Andy Lowen filed Thursday as a candidate for Place 3 on the Sulphur Springs City Council. Lowen joins challenger Norman Sanders and incumbent Oscar Aguilar in that race. The other place on the ballot, Place 2, features Jimmy Lucas and Sara Gibson. Incumbent Place 2 Clay Walker will not seek re-election.
Currently, incumbents Kerry Wright and Jason Dietze are the only two to have filed for the Sulphur Springs School Board.
The two incumbents for Hopkins County Hospital District Board, Suzanne Bankston, Ph.D. and Dr. David Black, DVM have filed.
Kelty Named Citizen of the Year at 92nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Tim Kelty was named Citizen of the Year and Carolyn McKinney was named Woman of the Year during the 92nd Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet. The 470 who filled the Exhibit Room at the Hopkins County Civic Center celebrated the accomplishments of several county residents and of the local chamber during the two hour event. With the dd1920’s theme, “Extra! Extra! Read All About It!”, a video highlighting historical moments from the past delighted the crowd. Several community awards were presented.
Chamber President and CEO Lezley Brown said the night was a huge success. “Our goal was to say thank you to all of the Hopkins County Chamber supporters. We can be successful at the Chamber because of the support we receive from the business and citizens of Hopkins County, and we are so thankful for all of them. We loved stepping back in time to the 1920’s and, now that we are back in 2018, we are going to do what we do best—keep moving forward!”
Members of the Military Coalition, last year’s winners, presented the Citizen of the Year Award to Kelty. In presenting t he award, Kelty was called a friend of industry and retail growth in the city. A local realtor, his business development and partnership with others was emphasized. In receiving the award, Kelty revealed that the land purchase by Chic-fil-a has been accomplished. He noted it would be located on Shannon Road by Chili’s. He also noted that Kentucky Fried Chicken would be returning to Sulphur Springs if a few utility problems can be solved. The Citizen of the Year Award is sponsored by Echo Publishing.
Beta Sigma Phi presented the Woman of the Year Award was presented by Sheila Boyd. In presenting the award to McKinney, her many accomplishments were noted. Her service to the community includes Dairy Festival Board and a number of other organizations.
Other awards presented included:
Two awards sponsored by the Chamber Workforce Committee and presented by last year’s winners :
- Joe Wallace with Saputo presented the Large Business of the Year: Lowe’s
- Chad Young Owner of KSST/Channel 18 presented the Small Business of the Year: Award to Interstate Body Shop and owner Chuck Sickles.
Two received the Caregiver of the Year Award presented by the Pilot Club and presented by Jane Goldsmith, member of the Pilot Club. The two honored were Faye Sandifer and Patricia Harrison Cooper.
Local cattleman Don Smith, member of Professional Ag Workers presented the Mark Sustaire Family as Agriculturist of the Year.
Richelle Johnson was named Cahmber Ambasador of the year.
Cathy Singleton and Sharon Harris received the 1994 Adult Leadership Class sponsored Community Pride Award presented by County Judge Robert Newsom. The two ladies volunteer time and energy as they “seek and save” lost dogs, cats, and other creatures that are lost or looking for a home.
The Chamber of Commerce Education Committee presented Sharon Ferguson, a para-professional at Sulphur Springs Elementary School, and Como-Pickton FFA teacher Michael Bowen the Educator of the Year Award. Jessica Kultgen, committee member, presented the award.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum received the Bobby McDonald Vision Award on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department. The Vision Award recognized the “thinking outside the box” efforts of his department in various areas including the county farm worked by inmates and a number of law enforcement initiatives that benefit the safety of the county. Chamber CEO Brown presented the award.
Music for the event was provided by the Sulphur Springs High School Jazz Band.
Lady Cat Softball Win First Two Games in Tourney
No matter the venue, the Lady Cats’ softball team seems to find high gear when it’s time for the Sulphur Springs Tournament. The weather made it too wet to play at Coleman Park or at Lady Cat Park this year. Some teams played games Thursday in Mount Pleasant while others competed at Emory Rains’ beautiful new softball field that features a dirt infield but an artificial turf outfield. The Lady Cats played at Emory Rains and dominated two games Thursday. They got incredibly sharp pitching and big time slugging. They also made no errors.
In their first game Thursday morning, the Lady Cats defeated the Caddo Mills Foxes, 13-0. Pitcher Cheslee Roberts got the pitching win going three innings allowing no runs and just one hit while walking one and striking out two. The Lady Cats pounded out 14 hits. They scored 9 first inning runs and added 4 more in the second inning. The hitting stars were numerous. Five Lady Cats had at least two hits. Sadie Stroud was 2 for 2 with a run scored, four RBIs and a three-run home run. Landri Bell hit a grand slam home run and scored a run. Kelsey Wallace was 3 for 4 with two runs scored, 3 RBIs and a triple that drove home two runs. Brinklee Driver was 3 for 3 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI. Alyssa Abron was 2 for 4 with one run scored. Macee Hollins was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored. Sierra Smith also drove in a run and scored one.
In the afternoon game, the Lady Cats overwhelmed Mesquite Poteet, 14-2. The Lady Cats again started off hot scoring 7 first inning runs. They added 1 run in the second and then 6 more in the fourth inning. Bailey Haggerty allowed only 2 runs and 2 hits with 7 strikeouts and just one walk. She also had two hit batters. The Lady Cats hammered out 17 hits and six different Lady Cats had at least two hits. Abron was the perfect table setter as she was 3 for 3 with a triple, two runs scored and an RBI. Stroud was 3 for 4 with a double and 2 runs scored. Wallace was 2 for 4 with a triple, a run scored and 2 RBIs. Driver was 2 for 4 with a double, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Sierra Smith was 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI. Macee Hollins was 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Alli Fite was 1 for 3 with a run scored and a three-run homer. Bell was 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a double. Karlee Adams was 1 for 3 with 1 run scored and an RBI. The Lady Cats’ season record is 3-0. They will continue play at Emory Rains Friday, weather permitting. They play McKinney at noon and Canton at 6 p.m.
Lady Cat Basketball Season Ends in Area Loss to Frisco Lone Star
The state’s #3 ranked team proved to be a mountain too high to climb for the Lady Cats’ basketball team as Frisco Lone Star won 71-41 in an Area playoff game Thursday night at Rockwall High School.
The Rangers started the game fast scoring the first ten points. They led 21-10 after the first quarter. The Lady Cats settled down in the second quarter and played much better. The Rangers still outscored them 17-14 to take a 38-24 halftime lead. Frisco Lone Star led after three quarters, 59-37.
Senior Kaylee Jefferson gave it all she had and scored 19 points. Nobody in the game scored any more. Sadavia Porter was also fearless against the mighty Rangers and she had 15 points. Autumn Tanton scored 5 points and senior Imani Taylor had 2 points. Stats for the game show the Lady Cats hit 15 of 41 shots for 37%. They were only 2 of 9 from three point range for 22% The Lady Cats made 9 of 16 free throws for 56%. Jefferson led the Lady Cats with 9 rebounds including 7 offensive rebounds. The Lady Cats had only 7 deflections and 6 steals. Jefferson had a block. The Lady Cats had 16 turnovers.
The Lady Cats end a fine season with a 26-6 record. They were district co-champions and bi-district champs defeating Mesquite Poteet, 52-30 on Monday night.
