Council Paves Way for Block Grant; Proclaims April Fair Housing Month in City
Citizens of Sulphur Springs are urged to be aware and support fair housing laws as a result of a proclamation read by Mayor John Sellers Tuesday night January 2, 2018 during the regular session of the council. April is Fair Housing Month. Housing and streets were the primary focus for the council as they met in the first session of the New Year.
Members of the council approved designated signatories for documents pertaining to a Texas Community Development Block Grant. They also approved establishing policies needed as a part of responsibilities in taking the grant. The grant will provide $275,000 for a rebuild of Sunset Street. That amount is to be matched with $135,000 by the city. Council Member Place 1 Craig Johnson questioned how long the city would be bound by the policies required. City Attorney Jim McElroy responded that the city is already bound to the policies by state and federal law and the policies approved would add no new burden on the city.
Bids and contracts for paving were also approved. Paving materials were the primary interest. Planned street work in December was not accomplished due to the lack of materials. Additional streets are also on the list as the city moves toward spring street work. A low bid of $287,276 by Texana Land and Asphalt was approved.
Council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance authorizing the execution of a special warranty deed conveying certain property of the city on Main Street to Billie Ruth Standbridge. The property will be developed as retail and residence.
#8 in Texas 5A Wildcats Defense Stifles Marshall 50-28
The Wildcats’ basketball team, ranked #8 in Class 5A, used their tenacious defense to stifle the Marshall Mavericks, 50-28 in Marshall Tuesday night. Marshall managed only 10 points during the first two quarters and trailed at halftime 27-10.
The Wildcats got scoring contributions from six different players. Victor Iwuakor led the Wildcats with 11 points. Michael Jefferson scored 10 points. Keaston Willis and Jeremiah Roland added 8 points apiece. Dedric Godbolt had 7 points and Godsgift Ezedinma scored 6 points.
The Wildcats are 2-0 in district play and they improved their season record to 19-3. Next the Wildcats take on Texas High Friday night in Wildcats Gym.
#9 in Texas Class 5A Lady Cats Remain Unbeaten; 71-27 Win Over Marshall
The Lady Cats’ basketball team, ranked #9 in Class 5A, remained unbeaten in district play as they handily defeated Marshall, 71-27 at Wildcats Gym Tuesday evening.
The Lady Cats outscored the Lady Mavs in each quarter leading 22-11 after one quarter, 39-17 at halftime, 60-27 after three quarters and 71-27 at the end. Marshall went the entire fourth quarter without a point.
Lady Cats point guard Sadavia Porter got off to a sizzling start scoring the Lady Cats first ten points. Porter had 21 points at halftime and ended with a game high 28 points including four three-point baskets. She also had a team high 6 assists. The team racked up 19 assists sharing the ball. Kaylee Jefferson had 14 points and 7 rebounds. Danielle Godbolt scored 10 points including two three-point baskets. Imani Taylor and Autumn Tanton both scored 6 points. Taylor hit two three-pointers. Te’Arria Rose had 3 points hitting one three-point shot. .Jamia Hall and Tareyla Kelley both scored two points. It was a very good shooting night for the Lady Cats. They hit 54% from the field making 30 of 56 shots. The Lady Cats even shot a red hot 53% from three point range sinking 9 of 17 three-point attempts. The Lady Cats made 2 of 4 free throws for 50%.
The Lady Cats had 26 big deflections that led to 19 steals. Porter and Taylor both had 8 deflections. Porter had 7 steals. The Lady Cats had four blocks. They committed just 10 turnovers.
The Lady Cats are 4-0 in district play and they are 18-3 for the season. Their two biggest first round district tests remain before them. The Lady Cats play at Texas High Friday night. After a bye next Tuesday, the Lady Cats will host Mount Pleasant Friday week in Wildcats Gym to complete the first half of district play.
Day, Evening Nurse Aide Classes at PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus
Two nurse aide classes to accommodate both daytime and evening students will begin Jan. 22 at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
NURSE AIDE TRAINING PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Nurse Instructor Kristi Schultz, right, will be teaching a daytime nurse aide class at the campus from Jan. 22 through Feb. 22. Registration for the classes is now being accepted at the campus, located at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs. For more information call the campus office at 903-885-1232.
A daytime class, to be taught by Kristi Schultz, will begin on Jan. 22 and conclude on Feb. 22. The classes will meet from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
The nighttime classed will begin on Jan. 22 and conclude on March 5. The class will meet from 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and will be taught by LaTosha Ivery.
The PJC-Sulphur Springs Center is now registering applicants for the classes. To register for either class, go by the campus during office hours or call 903-885-1232 to get more information and reserve a place in the classes.
These continuing education classes will offer medical skills in preparation for entry level nursing assistants. They will provide introduction to phlebotomy, basic nursing skills, emergency care, and other instruction that will broaden the education for those seeking nurse aide certification.
Wildcat, Lady Cat Soccer Update
Wildcats Soccer
Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins, in his second year as head coach, and four of his senior players were guests on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show this past Saturday (December 30). Coach Wiggins commented on the team’s scrimmages and he discussed the team’s season opening tournament at Forney that gets underway Thursday. The Wildcats defeated Royse City, 1-0 in a Thursday (December 28) scrimmage at Prim Stadium and then they lost 2-0 at Kilgore on Friday. Saturday night the Wildcats had their annual Alumni Scrimmage. Coach Wiggins said the Wildcats played pretty well against Royse City. All players got to play. Coach Wiggins said he took the opportunity to grade players as he looks for the best fit for players and positions. Senior forward Jonathan Alvarez scored the Wildcats goal. Coach Wiggins said against Kilgore, the Wildcats made a couple of mistakes and the defending Class 4A state champs turned those into goals in a 2-0 loss. Coach Wiggins said the Wildcats did not have much opportunity to score. He said the Wildcats played hard but could have played better. The Wildcats open the season Thursday in a Forney tournament. The Wildcats face three teams that they might see in a bi-district playoff game, West Mesquite, Royse City and Forney. The Wildcats also face Amarillo Tascosa. Coach Wiggins said his team this year is made up up thirteen seniors and lots of young kids. On the Coaches Show with Coach Wiggins were forward Johnathan Alvarez, defender Brandon Diosdado, defender Christian Huff and defender and backup goalkeeper Johnathan Lopez.
Lady Cats Soccer
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey, in his first year as head coach after a dozen years as the assistant coach, discussed Lady Cats’ scrimmages and their season opening tournament at Terrell on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show (on December 30). Coach Bailey was joined by senior forward Makenna Kagar. Coach Bailey said the new Prim Stadium featured a fast playing surface and a wider field. The Lady Cats topped Paris, 4-1 Thursday (December 28) and edged by Pleasant Grove 3-2 on Friday (December 29), both games at The Prim. Coach Bailey said the Lady Cats rose to the occasion in both scrimmage games. He expects to see Paris again, probably in the knockout round of their Paris tournament. Coach Bailey said he and the team were more than ready to face someone else after weeks of practice. He said the Lady Cats did a great job keeping possession of the ball and playing defense. Coach Bailey said the Pleasant Grove coach has been busy coaching football and admitted his team had not had much practice time. Coach Bailey said Pleasant Grove was a good team but he added the Lady Cats found ways to shut them down. He said the Lady Cats also took advantage of scoring opportunities. The Lady Cats open the regular season Thursday at a Terrell tournament. Coach Bailey said the Lady Cats would face Balch Springs Christian Academy, Lindale, Athens and Garland. He said it would be a very good tournament for the Lady Cats. Coach Bailey said he expects his team to play deep into the tournament. Makenna Kagar is a four year varsity player. She said she is orally committed to Ouachita Baptist in Arkansas.
soccer ball net
Texas Senate Meet & Greet
A Meet & Greet for two candidates for Texas Senate (District 2) will be held at The Oaks Bed & Breakfast on Tuesday, January 9th. The event is hosted by Sulphur Springs area retired school personnel and the group encourages anyone to attend. Both candidates will be given the opportunity to speak and answer questions with Kendall Scudder starting at 10am and Cindy Burkett beginning at 11am. The group also encourages all past and current school district personnel to attend as the subject of funding for education is certain to be highlighted in this year’s election. The Oaks Bed & Breakfast is located at 516 Oak Ave. in Sulphur Springs.
Hall Announces His Bid for Re-Election to Texas Senate District 2
(Edgewood, TX) Senator Bob Hall announced that he has filed for re-election to the Texas Senate and has a strong campaign of grassroots leaders and conservative support for his re-election.
“I have a proven, conservative record and, as your Senator, I have done exactly as I said I would when I first ran,” said Hall. “Support for my campaign is strong and continues to grow every day. People are proud to help re-elect someone who has demonstrated that promises made will be promises kept.”
Senator Hall’s background as an Air Force Veteran and as a small-business owner and entrepreneur undoubtedly shaped his conservative perspective on limited governance. Hall has been fighting for national security and free market principles his entire life, and he is now one of the state’s most conservative legislators. That experience, and his love for this country, drive him to leave behind the legacy of a patriotic servant for his children and grandchildren. Envisioning their futures compelled Hall to become actively involved in the state’s political process, and he strongly believes it is time to stand in the gap for our children, our liberties, and our future.
“I first ran for office because there was a lack of conservative leadership in the Texas Senate, and our District was being represented by one of the most liberal Senators in the state,” Hall stated.
Hall was elected to the Senate in 2014, winning an election where he was largely outspent and widely discounted as a grassroots underdog. Since then, Hall’s work as a proven, conservative leader has been instrumental in many of the Senate’s recent accomplishments. He is Vice-Chair of the Senate’s Transportation Committee and was recently appointed to the State’s critically important Sunset Committee.
“We accomplished a lot, but there is still much to be done. The Texas Senate is now a great example of what electing serious conservative leadership can get done for our state, and I’m proud to have helped lead those efforts. I have voted exactly as I said I would when I first campaigned, and plan to continue to do exactly that. Promises made will continue to be promises kept,” remarked Hall.
Senator Hall has been consistently ranked as one of the most conservative Senators in the Texas Senate. A non-partisan study by Rice University showed that Senator Hall was one of the three most conservative Senators in both the 84th and 85th Legislative Sessions.
“I’m proud to be one of the most, and often the most, conservative Senator, because it means I vote against excessive regulations, vote 100% pro-life, and vote to cut property taxes. When you’re the most conservative, many hard working people support you and support your campaign. In fact, my strong conservative voting record continues to attract a lot of grassroots supporters who previously supported my current opponent,” Senator Hall said.
The Hall campaign has formed a winning campaign team of experienced staff and grassroots leaders. Additionally, Hall has again secured the endorsements of a comprehensive slate of the state’s largest and most influential grassroots organizations, including Texas Right to Life, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Texas Eagle Forum, Texas Values and many more.
“We are proud to have such strong and growing support, especially from the legitimate conservative groups across the state. We are working every day to continue to build a team of grassroots leaders to make sure this seat is represented by a conservative voice in Austin again. I am proud to be that voice.”
More information is available about Senator Hall at http://www.senatorbobhall.c
Game Day: #9 Ranked Lady Cats Host Marshall; #8 Ranked Wildcats at Marshall
Wildcats and Lady Cats’ basketball teams resume district play on this Tuesday (January 2) game day. Marshall is the opponent for both teams.
The Wildcats will be traveling to Marshall. The freshmen team begins play Tuesday at 5 p.m. A JV game will follow at around 6:15 p.m. The varsity contest starts at around 7:30 p.m. The Wildcats, now ranked #8 in Class 5A, are 1-0 in district play with a home win over Pine Tree back on December 19. Since then the Wildcats won two and lost two in a very tough In-N-Out Burger Allen Holiday Invitational Tournament. The Wildcats two losses were to Class 6A ranked teams, Cibolo Steele and Jesuit Dallas. The Wildcats topped John Paul II and El Paso Burges, the #9 ranked team in Class 5A. The Wildcats have a season record of 18-3. All three losses have been to ranked Class 6A teams. The Mavericks are 0-1 in district play. In December, they lost at Texas High.
The Lady Cats’ basketball team, still ranked #9 in Class 5A, will play Marshall at home on this Tuesday game day. The Lady Cats are 3-0 in district play with a home win over Greenville and road wins at Hallsville and Pine Tree. There are just two games Tuesday for the Lady Cats. There will be a JV contest at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity game to follow at 7 p.m. That’s a new start time. It’s thirty minutes earlier than the original scheduled time. Again it’s 7 p.m. for the Lady Cats’ varsity start time on this Tuesday game day. The Lady Cats get back to district play after two wins and a loss in an Idabel, Oklahoma holiday tournament. The Lady Cats beat Arkansas High, defeated an Idabel team that beat them earlier this season and lost to a very good Choctaw Central team from Philadelphia, Mississippi. The Lady Cats are 17-3 for the season. Last year the Lady Cats overwhelmed the Marshall Lady Mavs , 101-26. We will bring you the Lady Cats and the Lady Mavs live on KSST Radio from Wildcats Gym beginning at around 7 p.m. We will also videotape the game for replay at a later date on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Saltillo Lions Defeat Quitman; Face Honey Grove
The Saltillo Lions’ basketball team won their final game in a Boles tournament last Saturday (December 30). The Lions topped Quitman, 47-32. The Lions led 24-12 after one quarter and 31-16 at the half. Quitman cut into the lead some in the third quarter but the Lions still held on to a 39-27 lead. The Lions outscored Quitman 8-5 in the fourth quarter to wrap up the win. Chris Boekhorst led the Lions with 15 points. Matthew Gurley scored 14. Levi Hoover had 6 points. Trevor Moore scored 5. Branson McGill had 4 and Walker McGill scored 3 points.
The win improved the Lions’ season record to 13-11. The Lions play Honey Grove Tuesday night (January 2).
