Wildcat Tennis Opens Season in Sherman Thursday
Weather permitting, the Wildcats’ co-ed tennis team will open their winter and spring season with a dual match at Sherman on Thursday at 3 p.m. As of Wednesday morning, Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said the match was still on.
He said his team has had good practices, even around Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Coach Martinez said the Wildcats are ready to play. He called Sherman a good team and he added the Wildcats would have their hands full Thursday. Coach Martinez said the Wildcats would only get better by playing tough teams. He said he has lost a couple of players he had during the fall team tennis season.
Coach Martinez said Blaine Flemens has decided to concentrate on FFA activities. He added senior Alicia Lusinger has decided not to play due to recurring back problems. Coach Martinez said he still expects his team to be competitive. He said the team would be in seven or eight tournaments this season.
The district tournament will take place April 4-5 in Texarkana.
Lady Cats Win 5th Game in a Row
The #9 Lady Cats’ basketball team broke open a close game with strong scoring in the second and third quarters to defeat Greenville, 63-32 Tuesday night in Greenville. It was the Lady Cats fifth win in a row.
The Lady Cats led only 9-6 after the first quarter. They outscored the Lady Lions, 17-7 in the second quarter to take a 26-13 halftime lead. The Lady Cats outscored Greenville, 20-4 in the third quarter and the Lady Cats were up 46-17 after three. The Lady Cats just outpointed the Lady Lions, 17-15 in the fourth quarter to make the final score, 63-32.
Sadavia Porter had 25 points to lead the Lady Cats. Kaylee Jefferson added 15 points. Autumn Tanton scored 8 points. Imani Taylor had 7 points. Jamia Hall and Te’Arria Rose scored 3 points each. Danielle Godbolt had 2 points. The Lady Cats shot a solid 50% from the field sinking 27 of 54 shots. The hot shooting from 2-point range made up for an 0 for 7 night shooting three-pointers. The Lady Cats also made less than half of their free shows sinking 9 of 19 for 47%. The Lady Cats grabbed 27 total rebounds including 16 offensive boards. Godbolt got 7 rebounds and Jefferson had 6. The Lady Cats had 10 assists and Jefferson led the team with 4. The Lady Cats had 8 deflections and 20 steals. The Lady Cats committed only 11 turnovers.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman acknowledged his team got off to a slow start against Greenville Tuesday night on the road before putting things together in big second and third quarters to take a 63-32 win. Coach Chapman said Greenville did some different things Tuesday night and he said he wasn’t surprised since it was the second time around for the two teams. He said the Lady Lions were determined to limit Kaylee Jefferson’s scoring.
Coach Chapman said his team had to figure out other ways to score. Coach Chapman said even Porter struggled some at first. She and the rest of the team were a combined 0 for 7 from behind the three-point line. Coach Chapman said he was more concerned with the team’s free throw shooting. The Lady Cats hit 9 of 19 for 47%. He said making free throws is a key factor in games. Coach Chapman was pleased to see the Lady Cats turn over the ball less than they have in the two previous games. They had 11 turnovers Tuesday night.
The #9 Lady Cats improved their first place district mark to 7-0 and their season record to 21-3. Next the Lady Cats take on Hallsville in Wildcats Gym Friday night. The Lady Cats defeated Hallsville on the road, 73-26 back on December 15.
Wildcats Basketball Continues District Win Streak
The #8 ranked Wildcats’ basketball team jumped on Greenville early, then build a big half time lead before cruising through the second half in a 63-37 win in Wildcats Gym Tuesday night. The Wildcats led the Lions 15-4 after the first quarter and 40-14 at the half. Both teams scored 23 points in the last two quarters. All thirteen Wildcats players saw action and eleven of them scored points. Bryson Lynn led the Wildcats with 11 points including three three-point baskets. Victor Iwuakor got 10 points. Michael Jefferson scored 9 points including three three-pointers. Cameron Kahn scored 7 points coming off the Wildcats bench. Keaston Willis, Godsgift Ezedinma and Day Day Hall all scored 6 points. Dedric Godbolt had 3 points. Iverson Wade and Xavier Cork scored 2 points each. Jeremiah Roland added 1 point. Greenville’s Jeremiah Abrego led all scorers with 15 points.
Coaches are usually not 100% satisfied after any game. The Wildcats basketball team defeated Greenville, 63-37 in Wildcats Gym Tuesday night. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipolleta found some things to like and other things he didn’t care for in the win. He liked the way the Wildcats came out and jumped on Greenville building up a big lead at halftime. After that Coach Cipoletta said he did not think the Wildcats played very hard after getting way ahead in the game. He said the Wildcats gave Greenville too many offensive rebounds. There were also things like several missed dunks. Coach Cipoletta said he liked the way his second group played. He said they worked hard to share the ball and make defensive stops. Coach Cipoletta said a win is a win and he added he was pleased with the win. All thirteen Wildcats got to play and eleven of them scored points. Coach Cipoletta said the team is a fun group but he added, sometime they have a little too much fun. He said he has to remind himself he is dealing with teenagers.
The #8 ranked Wildcats are 5-0 in district play and 22-3 for the season. The win was the Wildcats fourth in a row. They continue district play Friday night at Hallsville. Coach Cipoletta said he believes Hallsville may be the second toughest place to play in the district behind only Mount Pleasant.
Lucas Files for City Council Place 2
Jimmy Lucas filed for Place 2 on the Sulphur Springs City Council on the afternoon of the first day to file, January 17, according to City Secretary Gale Roberts.
A native resident of Sulphur Springs for 54 years, Lucas said choosing this city as his home has been key to his success in life, and it’s time for him to give back. If elected, Lucas plans to address the growing challenges facing the community including road repairs, taxation and business development outside of downtown. Additionally, fire/rescue, police services, parks and recreation and senior citizen services are a top priority for Lucas.
Previously, Lucas has stated, “If elected, I can ensure citizens that each vote made from this seat will be in the best interest of all citizens and all consumers for our city. I have no issue or reservation with questioning or going against the grain to guarantee all residents are represented.”
Cumby Schools Closed Thursday, Friday Due to Illness
Due to illness, Cumby schools will be closed Thursday, January 18th and Friday, January 19th. According to Cumby School officials, a large number of students and teachers are unable to attend due to sickness.
The school administration states that the buildings will undergo a thorough cleaning during the days the school is closed.
Cumby School; Robotic Champions
Auction of Seized Cattle Underway Wednesday
According to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office the hundreds of head of cattle seized by the SPCA of Texas and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office December 4-6, 2017 are being sold at auction today, Wednesday, January 17th, according to the court order issued in a settlement reached in Justice of the Peace court and upheld in an appeal made by the owner of the cattle, George Lawrence Bergin, 61, to Hopkins County Court at Law. The cattle are being sold at a Lamar County Sale Barn.
Bergin faces a Felony Cruelty to Animal charge which will not be influenced by the decision of the court regarding the sale of the animals.
The proceeds from the sale will reimburse the State of Texas and Hopkins County for any expenses in the care and maintenance of the cattle. The remainder of the proceeds over expenses will be paid to Burgin. If the sale proceeds falls short, Bergin will be responsible for the additional charges in upkeep of the cattle until time of sale.
Johnson, Davidson File for Place 1 on Morning of First Day to File for City Council Race
Wednesday, January 17th was the first day to sign up for places on the May 5, 2018 ballot for City Council. Places 1, 2, and 3 are on the ballot this year.
On the morning of the first day, Incumbent Craig Johnson filed for Place 1 and his challenger, Justin Davidson, also filed.
Both Johnson and Davidson announced on social media their intentions to file well before the first day to file.
Craig S Johnson
Incumbent Johnson established a social media page and a twitter account last week. He stated in his first post, “It has been a privilege and honor to serve the citizens of Sulphur Springs as your City Councilman for Place 1. I am 4th generation Hopkins County, was raised here and have lived in other cities. Chaney and I chose to move back to this great city to raise our children. My goal is to work with the other members of the city council and staff to steadily make this a better place for everyone – including those who don’t yet live here but will. It is a long time until elections in the Spring of 2018. I will be posting things here periodically that are of public interest and will have more campaign related items if I draw an opponent.”
Enter Davidson who also announced his intent to seek the seat on social media. Davidson stated in the post that he, too, will have a social media site for his campaign prior to beginning his official campaign. The announcement was made on a personal site . He stated, “I am pleased and honored to announce my intent for candidacy to the City Council of my hometown. During my life experiences coupled with my countless hours of attending City Council meetings and listening to the people of Sulphur Springs, I have gained an understanding of the complexities of city government including its capabilities and limitations…I see helpful and positive roles for the City Council. We must listen to the people and do what’s best for the full community and not a select few.”
Local Restaurants Hosting Job Fair Wednesday Until 2 p.m. at City Hall
Today at Sulphur Springs City Hall, a job fair for downtown restaurants is underway until 2 p.m. According to managers of the various food venues, there is a tremendous need for cooks and also for those who can multi-task in a restaurant environment.
Managers of the various venues represented at the event said the need for employees who will be on time and who can work in a fast paced setting is a priority. Those who would serve alcohol to customers must be at least 18-years of age. There is not a need for those who would wash dishes, they have had a large number to apply for those positions.
At the event, an online certification is available for those who would handle food. The online certification has a small cost attached.
Como-Pickton CISD Cancels School Wednesday; No electrical Power
An electrical power outage at Como-Pickton schools has forced administrators to cancel classes and school activities Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
“We don’t know when power will turn on, so out of respect for families waiting on our decision, we will go ahead and cancel for the day,” according to Linda Rankin, Elementary School Principal. 
Real Estate: Number of First Time Home Buyers Increasing: Ideas for Buyer and Seller
Planning to purchase a new home in 2018? It may be one of the best seasons for new home buyers. The number of first time home buyers is increasing and many want to purchase before interest rates begin an expected increase.
Here are some suggestions for buying and selling your home.
For Buyers: Home buying season is starting earlier and earlier, and it’s important to get ahead of the competition. As 95% of home searches begin online, take advantage of tailored searches for schools and local amenities, and even factor in your commute from the comfort of home.
Get your financial house in order. Whether searching for a starter home or a new nest for your family, it’s important to be clear on your financial health. Take the time now to look at your budget, how much you can reasonably use for a down payment, and set parameters and goals for search – and stick to them. Get pre-approved! It’s a requirement for you to talk to a lot of real estate professionals and gives you a sense of what you can afford. Comparison shop for rates and loans: Not all lenders will have the same rates. There are a lot of loan options out there, so make sure you get all the information with the options for which you qualify.
The Federal Reserve just raised its benchmark rate from 1.25% to 1.5%, which means borrowing costs for mortgages could increase. Realtor.com is forecasting that 30-year fixed mortgage rates could push past the 4% mark in the coming weeks and could reach 5% by end of 2018.
Start Sooner rather than Later: Home buying season is starting earlier and earlier, and it’s important to get ahead of the competition. With kids still in school and the holiday season/snowy weather, makes for less competition with other buyers.
For Sellers: Your home value shouldn’t be a guessing game. With 31 of the 50 largest U.S. metros are back to pre-recession price levels, talk to a local real estate expert to get the most up-to-date information.
Make sure the Price is Right. Your home value shouldn’t be a guessing game. There some steps you can take to get a good ballpark idea of what your home will garner and how it compares to other for-sale homes in your area. Ultimately, a real estate professional is the best expert when it comes to determining your home’s value. check out local open houses to get an idea of what similar homes in your area are going for.
Take advantage of peak selling season – Spring/Summer – when you have the most buyers in the market. This is especially true for starter homes, where demand is expected to increase significantly. First time home buyer market is expanding up to 43%. Give it time – Do as many showings as possible before making a final decision. Want to get as many people through your door as possible.
Make a good first impression. Buying a home is emotional and you want to make sure your house pulls at the heartstrings the minute the potential buyer lays eyes on it. Take beautiful listing photos: With 95% of all buyers starting their search online, your listing photos are your first impression to potential buyers. Invest in a professional photographer or enlist a photography-savvy friend who can show off your home in the best light possible. Amp up the curb appeal: Now is the time to fix any broken window screens, missing shingles, and defunct doorbells; give your rooms an extra boost with a fresh coat of paint. These seemingly minor repairs won’t break the bank, but a little TLC will make a difference for potential buyers.
