Second Annual Christmas Market: Major Success
By Savannah Owens
The Second Annual Christmas Market was a huge success! There were many vendors out on Main Street, selling all sorts of Christmas gift items and cute home decor items. There were creative painted signs, wooden crosses, delicious smelling roasted Christmas nuts, coffee mugs, Dog biscuits, Stockings, Knit scarves, hand warmers, and hats! There was even kids clothing, and customizable earrings and jewelry. Not to mention the adorable Christmas shirts and sweaters, ornaments, bows, bath bombs, soaps and much more!
Created by the masterminds at Two Loops and Simply Spoiled, this market was a definite stop for all your Christmas gift-list needs! Who knows? After you check off all those lucky recipients on your list, you might even find some exciting things for yourself!
Chelby Murray was manning the Raffle/Giveaway table, sponsored by all of the vendors. Each vendor donated items from their booth and Chanda from two loops and Katie from Simply Spoiled compiled them all into six baskets full of Christmas goodies! Winners will be announced from 3:30 to 4:00pm, and proceeds from the raffle go towards supporting toy drives with local churches. You can also drop off a new unwrapped toy to the booth and receive a special discount card for all your holiday shopping needs!
SmallCakes had their food trailer out; selling their yummy cupcakes and treats to all. Shoppers were bundled up in winter coats and festive Christmas Sweaters, not even a little wind could keep this party from happening!
David and Pam Morrow sold a variety of really creative Christmas decorations. She had painted wooden trees, ornaments, and a biblical painting made for “a mantle”. Pam said her favorite items was her mantle piece and her decorative sleds. The sleds take approximately 5 to 6 hours to make. Pam’s inspiration comes from events she attends and Pintrest. She enjoys traveling to markets and sharing her creations with people.
Cindy Landcaster and Tracey Fox were there with their booth “Pretty Fabulous”, selling handmade gifts and specialty items. Tracey knits and sews the cup cozies, and Cindy makes the scented loofahs. Right now this duo is raising money for Cindy to go on a mission trip to Haiti. Both of the women work, so they started this as something to do for fun, and love “visiting with people [at the markets]”. They’ve had lots of traffic and say it was a “Very profitable day”. Tracey’s favorite thing to make it her bracelets. She explained; “I love them! The more you wear them the fuzzier they get!” Cindy’s favorite loofah smells were “50 Shades and Black Tie”. They seemed to be having a lot of fun, and be sure to look for Cindy in “A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas” playing at the Main Street Theatre on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Dec. 17th.
A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas: A Comedic Twist on the Classic Tale
By Savannah Owens
A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas follows three redneck best friends; Bill, Dave, and Jimmy as they navigate their relationships while on a hunting trip on Christmas Eve. The women: Lou, Barbie Jo, and Darlene try to stick to their normal Christmas routines while airing their frustrations about their men. The story is narrarated by a friendly traveler named Bob who arrived in the little town of Christmas and invites the audience to join him on the journey of a special Christmas.
Little do these couples know their problems are about to be solved when a Christmas Miracle finds it way into town!
Presented by the Community Players and Main St Theatre; this show is suitable for all ages with a plot that everyone can enjoy. The audience was kept laughing the entire night. The realistic caricatures provided entertainment while telling the story of Christmas in a new way. The cast was comprised of: John D’avignon, Cindy Landcaster, Shawn Deterding, Tim Karl, Sheila Armstrong, Ben Braddy, Lindsey Plumley, Kiara Stowater, and Sierra Joslin. They deliver a comedic yet heartwarming performance compiled with situational comedy to deliver a must see attraction for all!
Showtimes include December 9th-17th-Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm! Tickets are $10. To order tickets call 903-885-0107 or order on their website here. Make sure you get there early to get your seats because this show will fill up fast!
Update: City of Como Boil Water Notice
City of Como Mayor Darla Henry tells KSST News that all problems have been remedied but the city must wait until Monday to submit a water sample to a third party lab for tests. Until the test approves the city water for use, the boil water notice remains in place.
The city had issued a boil water notice through the weekend for Como residents. The Como public water system asks all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.) Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may no have received this notice directly . You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Wildcats Enter Championship Game With Solid Win Over Kountze
The #13 ranked Wildcats’ basketball team is in the championship game of the Union Grove Chick-fil-A Tournament after a 71-49 win over Kountze Friday afternoon (December 8). Kountze is ranked #19 in Class 3A.
The Wildcats once again were fast starters Friday. They jumped out to a 23-7 first quarter lead and they led at the half, 41-21. The Lions used ten successful three-point shots to chip away at the lead but when the final horn sounded, the Wildcats had a 22 point win. All thirteen Wildcats’ varsity members got to play and ten of them scored points.
Keaston Willis led the way for the Wildcats with 16 points including 2 three-point baskets. Michael Jefferson added 15 points with a pair of made threes. Victor Iwuakor chipped in 14 points. Coming off the bench Bryson Lynn and Day Day Hall had 6 points each. Lynn had two three point baskets. Dedric Godbolt and Godsgift Ezedinma each had 4 points. Reserves Iverson Wade, Xavier Cork and Cameron Khan all had 2 points. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said Kountze was a very athletic team who shot the ball well.
He said the Wildcats did a good job of getting stops and pushing the ball in transition for some easy buckets early on. Coach Cipoletta said the Lions zoned the Wildcats the majority of the time. He added the Wildcats did a good job of being patient and getting high quality shots. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats were able to pound the ball inside early which opened up the perimeter for open three point shots. He concluded by saying he and Assistant Coach Philip Manning are very pleased with the way the Wildcats are sharing the ball and getting stops on the defensive end. He said if the players keep putting the team first, the sky is the limit for this team.
The Wildcats season record is now 12-1 and they have won five games in a row. In the Union Grove tournament championship game, the Wildcats will face Willis Saturday at 1 p.m.
Lady Cats One Step Closer to Championship at Edgewood Tourney
The Lady Cats’ basketball team got one step closer to getting in the championship game of the Edgewood Tournament with a quarter-final win over Campbell, 52-30 Friday morning (December 8).
The Lady Indians put up quite a battle after falling way behind after the first quarter trailing the Lady Cats, 15-2. The Lady Cats also led at halftime, 31-14. In the second half, the Lady Indians seemed to do a better job of avoiding turnovers and they began to cut into the lead. After three quarters, Campbell only trailed 37-26. They got to within 9 early in the fourth quarter. The Lady Cats responded and built the lead back up for the 22 point win at 52-30.
Kaylee Jefferson led the Lady Cats with 16 points. Autumn Tanton added 14 points and Sadavia Porter had 12 points. Danielle Godbolt scored 8 points and Te’Arria Rose scored 2 points. The Lady Cats won despite struggling with their shooting. They hit 21 of their 57 shots for a so-so 37%. That included 0 for 7 from behind the three-point arc. However the Lady Cats were a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line.
The Lady Cats got 24 steals. Tanton was the team’s top rebounder with 8. Jefferson and Godbolt had 6 rebounds each. Four of both Tanton’s and Jefferson’s rebounds were offensive rebounds. The Lady Cats improved their season record to 10-2. They have won four games in a row.
Next in the Edgewood Tournament, the Lady Cats will get a rematch with Gilmer in a semi-final game Saturday at 10:40 a.m. The Lady Cats defeated the Lady Buckeyes, 46-34 in the Winnsboro Hoopfest on November 30. The Edgewood Tournament Championship Game will be played Saturday at 5:20 p.m. The Lady Cats won the tournament last year defeating Campbell in the final game. A third place game will take placeSaturday at 4 p.m.
VFW Post 8560 Makes Donation to Meal A Day
Karon Weatherman receives a $250 donation to Meal A Day from Ed Oetting, Quarter Master of VFW Post 8560.
Skywarn Storm Spotter Training in Emory, January 22, 2018
A SkyWarn class will be offered in Emory at the Emory City Center January 22, 2018. The event begins at 6 p.m. January 22, 2018.
The United States is the most severe weather-prone country in the world. Each year, people in this country cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,200 tornadoes, and two landfalling hurricanes. Approximately 90% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, causing around 500 deaths each year and nearly $14 billion in damage.
SKYWARN® is a National Weather Service (NWS) program developed in the 1960s that consists of trained weather spotters who provide reports of severe and hazardous weather to help meteorologists make life-saving warning decisions. Spotters are concerned citizens, amateur radio operators, truck drivers, mariners, airplane pilots, emergency management personnel, and public safety officials who volunteer their time and energy to report on hazardous weather impacting their community.
Merry TUBACHRISTMAS Saturday at Texas A & M-Commerce Music Building
COMMERCE, TX—Over 50 area tuba and euphonium players will present the ninth annual Commerce Merry TUBACHRISTMAS concert on Saturday, December 9th. The performance has been moved to 12 p.m. at the Music Building at Texas A&M-Commerce, conducted by A&M-Commerce Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, Dr. Jeff Baker.
TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902.
The music performed will be from Carols for a Merry TUBACHRISTMAS, which is featured at all official Merry TUBACHRISTMAS concerts.
“This will be a festive event that is family-friendly and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone,” said Dr. Baker.
The concert, free of charge and open to the public, is presented by the Texas A&M University-Commerce Music Department and the Harvey Phillips Foundation. TUBACHRISTMAS concerts are performed annually in over 200 cities throughout the world. Persons of all ages who play the tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, or baritone horn are cordially invited to perform in this concert.
The Harvey Phillips Foundation focuses special attention on musical instruments not ordinarily the object of other support. The Foundation facilitates its goals by providing scholarship assistance to selected established institutions which offer academic and music performance training.
Registration is from 10:15-11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a music rehearsal from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The registration and rehearsal will take place at the Texas A&M University-Commerce Music Building. Participants should dress in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions. The registration fee for participants is $10.00 and music books may be purchased at registration for $20.00.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report November 29-December 5, 2017
November 29th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 49 near Hawkins; at approximately 8:25 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 9:00 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2921 near Golden; at approximately 9:59 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2460 near Mineola, at approximately 10:08 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2958 near Alba, at approximately 1:10 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 81, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:42 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass that occurred on CR 3879. This case is active.
At 2:50 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3940 near Hawkins.
At 3:23 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2880 near Mineola; at approximately 4:06 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and it appeared to be abandoned.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 4:18 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Donald Tucker, 47, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family/Household Member Impeding Breath/Circulation.
At 5:36 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1570 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 6:13 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2146 near Quitman, at approximately 6:54 p.m., in reference to an open door. Deputies noticed the door to be ajar, but there were no signs of entry or theft.
At 10:38 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 11:56 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Austen Walker, 19, of Mineola, was arrested for Criminal Trespassing.
November 30th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1214 near Quitman, at approximately 1:48 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Lauren Clester, 28, was arrested for Assault.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:49 a.m., in reference to drug offenses. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4860 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:32 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area and cleared the scene.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:47 p.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on CR 2298 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party the information needed and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1460 near Quitman, at approximately 3:43 p.m., in reference to an open door. Deputies arrived and located the open door and damage inside the residence.
At 3:45 p.m., in cows were reported out on HWY 182 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Fm 49 near Mineola, at approximately 6:42 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Samuel Albright, 31, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:42 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on CR 1977 near Yantis. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 11:27 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
December 1st
At 5:00 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2450 near Mineola.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:57 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 2983 near Alba. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1503 near Alba, at approximately 1:02 p.m., in reference to a burglary. A known actor stole multiple items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2700 near Mineola, at approximately 1:11 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 1687/CR 1681 near Alba; at approximately 3:29 p.m. Clinton Sharp, 42, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 5:21 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 10:43 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Bermuda St. in Quitman; at approximately 10:49 p.m. Deputies located the individual and gave a courtesy transport.
December 2nd
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:28 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 4:05 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088/FM 312 near Winnsboro.
At 7:00 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3400 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:14 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged a window on the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 7:36 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged property and stole money from the reporting party. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3130 near Quitman, at approximately 12:25 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to find the individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:54 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Gregg Roland, 45, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 8692 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:33 p.m., in reference to an incident that occurred. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1550 near Alba, at approximately 2:33 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 4:55 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 3689 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2210 near Mineola, at approximately 8:07 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Cody McMahon, 28, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 10:52 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
December 3rd
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:55 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 8:11 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1610 near Alba; at approximately 10:06 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1801 near Mineola, at approximately 11:49 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies went out on arrest/warrant service to CR 4730 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:10 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
At 5:45 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2100 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1416 near Quitman, at approximately 7:27 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1795 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:06 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies advised there were no signs of forced entry or damage to the property. The scene was cleared.
At 11:55 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1214 near Quitman.
December 4th
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7631 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:07 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a PlayStation from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 9:51 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to find the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3740 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:59 a.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor stole a vehicle from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 10:31 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s oil well site. This case has been forwarded to investigator.
At 10:35 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37/FM 69 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:48 p.m., in reference to a fraud that occurred on CR 1500 near Alba. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 3:37 p.m. Charles Bennett, 66, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
At 3:49 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Hawkins.
Deputies responded to a reckless driver on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 4:24 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle, spoke with the driver and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:04 p.m., in reference to missing person from HWY 80 near Hawkins. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1895 near Yantis, at approximately 11:13 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
December 5th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:16 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued Criminal Trespass Warnings and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1600 near Alba, at approximately 6:42 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4854 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:39 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4895 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:19 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3450 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:29 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:22 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole construction equipment from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 4:17 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3420 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:24 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 7:27 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 1840 near Yantis.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2153 near Quitman; at approximately 8:58 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Church St. in Yantis; at approximately 10:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Main St. in Quitman; at approximately 11:15 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Between the dates of November 29th and December 5th, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Wood County Electric Cooperative, Upshur County and Child Protective Services.
Total Jail Count – 138 inmates – 117 males and 21 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.
