Texas Cicada
They are out and about! This recently hatched cicada tried to climb a KSST Satellite Dish. His exuviae or abandoned exoskeleton marked his progress across a cement pad. The wood post was much easier to grip. The maiden voyage should happen this afternoon.
80% of Wildcat Football Season Ticket Holders Renew Monday
Lynette King, the coordinator of Wildcats Football Season Ticket Week, said almost 80% of last year’s season tickets were renewed on Monday. Ms. King said the large turnout resulted in lines forming almost all day Monday. She also explained that the process is now being stored on a computer. The old done by hand boards have gone away. In an attempt to accommodate season ticket holders this year, Ms. King said hours have been increased opening at 8:15 a.m., closing at 5:30 p.m. and with no lunch break. The activity is taking place in the high school Media Center.
Ms. King said ticket holders have had good attitudes and are excited about the coming football season and the new Prim Stadium. She said renewals continued at a steady pace Tuesday but there was no line as of around 11 a.m. Season ticket holders must renew their tickets by 5:30 p.m. Tuesday or they will lose them. Some courtesy calls will be made Tuesday afternoon.
Wednesday season ticket holders who have renewed may seek upgrades and may request more tickets. Ms. King said some relatively decent seats would be available to those who are in line early Wednesday. Tickets that are left will go on sale to the general public Thursday and Friday. The activity will conclude at noon Friday.
Lady Cats Volleyball Begins Two-a-Day Practice
Practice for the Lady Cats’ volleyball team got underway with a two-a-day session Tuesday in the main gym at the high school. An early session focused on conditioning while a later session dealt with volleyball skills. A total of forty girls attended. Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness, in his second year as Lady Cats coach, said the tryout sessions Tuesday and Wednesday are designed to be hard. Team assignments are expected to be made after Wednesday’s tryout session.
After a practice Thursday, the Lady Cats will host a scrimmage against Commerce and Cumby on Friday. The Lady Cats will also scrimmage several teams at Wills Point Saturday. They open the regular season at home next Tuesday (August 8) beginning at 3 p.m. against North Lamar and Sherman.
The Lady Cats have eight returning players off last year’s ten player squad. Coach Maness must replace net player Rita Hill and setter Tori Moore. Coach Maness said the setter is a key position like a football quarterback. He said he would be looking at a couple of players to replace Moore. Last year the Lady Cats set a new school record for wins going 30-12.
The Lady Cats were 9-3 in district play and finished second to Hallsville. The Lady Cats lost to Forney in a bi-district match. Coach Maness said he expected his second year to be smoother than his first since he now knows the volleyball girls much better. His assistant coaches again are Jerrod Hammack and David Carrillo.
Photo from 2016 season
Video & Story: Feeding Families Through Fruitful Harvest Ministry Since 2009
Back in 2009. Melba Sickles and her sister Barbara Martin stepped past wishful thinking and opened a food ministry to serve the local community. Today, Fruitful Harvest is serving 60-65 families weekly with a quantity of fresh produce plus a box of staples per qualifying family through an arrangement with the NE Texas Food Bank. Each week’s assistance also includes a printed devotional message, and time is available at the pick-up location for prayer and encouragement for those in need. Fruitful Harvest Food Ministry is a local offshoot of missions begun by Charlie Sickles, who continues to stay hands-on involved in prison ministries and international missions. Read on to find out how the small local mission gets needed food into the hands of local persons.
At their warehouse on California Street in Sulphur Springs, Melba and Barbara have a regular core group who gladly volunteer their time on Mondays, plus other individuals who pitch in when they can. Between 2 and 5pm, Melba is ready with a clipboard and a list of clients who qualify through proof of income. The “outdoor” crew under the welcome canopy includes Vickie Hathcoat, Millie Nylan, Mike Sellers and Katherine Ferguson, plus Alma and Carol who frequently assist clients select and bag produce. On break this summer from college, Blake provides the “muscle”, doing carry-outs to clients’ vehicles. Just steps away in the warehouse, Barbara is assisted in packing boxes of staples and frozen foods by Candi and Shelby, and by Brandy who doubles in carry-out chores. Small families or single persons get one size box, and larger families receive a larger box. Because of the ministry’s 501c3 status, food is purchased in bulk through the Food Bank at very low cost, and the cost is covered through the generosity of the sponsors of Fruitful Harvest Ministries. All labor is provided on a volunteer basis.
Melba and Barbara believe that each week’s distribution of food impacts 200 people or more. The volunteers feel that their lives are blessed by the labor they perform, and sponsors know that their donations are well spent. Melba and Charlie are pleased that they can share their ministry’s “spirit of caring” with the community as well as their grandchildren. According to Melba, the only need they have is carry-out help as that requires a strong back and youthful energy! If interested, inquire on Mondays at 413 California Street in Sulphur Springs.
Melba and Charlie Sue
North Hopkins ISD Tax Swap Allows Rate to Remain The Same While Providing More Funds for School Improvements
In a press release from the office of North Hopkins Superintendent Darin Jolly, the district has announced a tax swap vote to be conducted in October, 2017. The vote will provide additional funds for school improvements while not increasing school taxes.
On Monday, July 31st, 2017, the North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees adopted an order calling for a Tax Ratification Election (TRE) for October 6th, 2017 to generate additional funds for district operations without increasing the overall tax rate for taxpayers. Specifically, North Hopkins ISD voters will be asked to approve a 13 cent “tax swap” decreasing the Interest and Sinking (I&S) tax rate from $0.215 to $0.085 in order to increase the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate by the same rate from $1.04 to $1.17 per $100 of property value to generate additional funds for school improvement. Upon voter approval, this $0.13 “tax swap” from I&S to M&O will maximize state funding for North Hopkins ISD without any increase to the overall tax rate for local taxpayers.
Charlie Vaughn, Robert McPherson, David James, Allen Joslin, Jim Westbrook – Photo Courtesy of Cindy Roller
Sherry Smiddy, Dr. Darin Jolly, Vicki Ferrell
North Hopkins Superintendent, Dr. Darin Jolly explains, “This TRE “tax swap” is basically a formality for our voters to approve. Our current tax rate is $1.04 on the M&O side and $0.215 on the I&S side for a total tax rate of $1.255 for every $100 of property value. Because the school district wants to raise our M&O tax rate over $1.04, the state of Texas requires voter approval, to not exceed the $1.17 maximum on the M&O tax rate. Therefore, North Hopkins ISD has opted to increase the M&O tax rate from $1.04 to $1.17 (13 cents), while equally reducing the I&S tax rate by 13 cents from $0.215 to $0.085. This equal tax “swap” from I&S to M&O is a wash for local taxpayers, while increasing state funding for the success of every student of North Hopkins ISD. Once this 13 cent swap is approved by voters, our total tax rate will remain $1.255.”
The $0.13 “tax swap” from the I&S tax rate to the M&O rate will generate an estimated, additional $250,000 per year for North Hopkins ISD to be utilized for bus and transportation upgrades, facility updates, energy efficiency, and parking lot improvements with no additional burden for taxpayers, while still providing the funds needed to meet our current bond obligation.
North Hopkins ISD taxpayers have the opportunity to approve this “tax swap” to increase funding for our amazing students, staff, and community. Each voter will influence learning and boost our North Hopkins experience by supporting this Tax Ratification Election (TRE) on October 6, 2017.”
“Our North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees is always looking for ways to improve our great school district. The TRE allows taxpayers to approve this “tax swap” and will greatly help our school with funding for needed improvements in days ahead,” said Board President Robert McPherson.
Trustee Sherry Smiddy added, “The advantages of this TRE are obviously needed. Our kids deserve every effort we can make for their success. Additional state funding with no cost to local taxpayers is the obvious choice for our kids.”
Trustee Vicki Ferrell shared, “We need to get the positive word out that the TRE will help our students and improve our school without raising taxes.”
North Hopkins ISD Tax Election day is set for October 6, 2017, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the North Hopkins ISD Administration Building, 1994 FM 71 West, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482. Early voting for the Tax Ratification Election will begin September 19th, 2017, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Hopkins ISD Administration Building. Please contact Sharlene Brice if you have election related questions at 903-945-2192 EXT. 8010.
DPS Will Not Charge Local Law Enforcement for Lab Tests
At the urging of Texas Governor Greg Abbot, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not charge law enforcement agencies for state crime lab services beginning September 1. In a letter to DPS, the Governor asked DPS to not initiate the proposed charge for analysis of controlled substances, toxicology and DNA. Despite the state’s tight fiscal budget, Governor Abbott said it would be premature to consider charging law enforcement agencies. He said he would not allow the 13 DPS labs to be underfunded.
KSST News reported July 25th that the Texas Department of Public Safety had announced they would be charging all law enforcement entities that utilize their testing labs beginning September 1, 2017. The proposal had come as a surprise to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom and Sheriff Lewis Tatum as well as to City Financial Director Peter Karsten and Chief Jay Sanders. This sudden bit of budgeting news created some issues for budgets that were nearing completion for the county and, specifically, the Sheriff’s Department, as well as the budget process for the city.
Judge Newsom and Sheriff Tatum stated that the fees could cost the county department as much as $1,000 per week. The cost to the city had not been estimated.
The Wise County Sheriff, Lane Akin, had proposed charging DPS to house DPS inmates in his jail.
According to the General Appropriation Action passed by the 85th Texas Legislature, DPS would need to collect up to $11.5 million in fees for forensic analysis services in order to realize the full budge authorization for DPS crime labs. DPS was to begin charging law enforcement agencies for using certain crime laboratory services and had released a fee schedule for particular services. Included in fee charges are: $75 for alcohol analysis, $75 per controlled substance analysis, $150 for a toxicology test, $150 per quantitation sample analyzed, and $550 for DNA Analysis.
The budget for DPS labs is near $75-million per year. The Legislature provided the DPS lab system approximately $63 million for FY 2018-2019, and required up to an additional $11.5 million to be charged and collected (as stated above), which would make up the balance of the total authorized budget.
Wildcat Football Season Ticket Sale Brisk
It’s season ticket week for owners of Wildcats Football season tickets. Monday and Tuesday are days that current season ticket holders can renew their tickets. Site of season ticket week is the SSHS Media Center. Hours are 8:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:15 a.m. until noon Friday. There will be no breaks for lunch hours this year.
With the transition from old Prim Stadium seats to renovated Prim Stadium seats and with an increased use of a computer in the renewal process, things have slowed down some and lines are longer than in the past. However everyone KSST talked to Monday morning said everything about renewals went smoothly. They said they were pleased with the location of their seats in the renovated stadium. They also all expressed excitement with the new facility and with the upcoming football season.
Tickets that are not renewed by the end of the business day Tuesday will be made available to others. Wednesday is the day for season ticket holders who have already renewed their tickets to seek upgrades or additional tickets. Tickets left over will go on sale to the general public Thursday and Friday.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report July 19-25, 2017
July 19th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Quitman; at approximately 12:26 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 4560 near Winnsboro; at approximately 6:20 a.m. Augustus Seabolt, 44, of Winnsboro, was located and arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1122 near Quitman, at approximately 8:25 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:14 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3582 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:18 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor was stealing electricity from the reporting party’s property and criminal trespassing. Michael Combs, 26, of Hawkins, was arrested for Criminal Trespassing.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2790 near Mineola; at approximately 1:41 p.m. The vehicle was located and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to SPUR 514 near Yantis, at approximately 6:51 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. The individual was located and issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2336 near Mineola, at approximately 7:57 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2270 near Mineola, at approximately 11:33 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. While clearing the scene, drug paraphernalia was confiscated. Kyle Sparks, 27, of Garland, and Kimberly Sparks, 52, of Garland, were arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
July 20th
Deputies were dispatched to Oak St near Yantis, at approximately 10:02 a.m., in reference to a criminal trespass. Deputies made contact with the actor over the phone and a Criminal Trespass Warning was issued.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7905 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:44 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Depuites were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:06 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4529 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies cleared the scene without incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Oak St. near Yantis, at approximately 6:16 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2260 near Mineola; at approximately 9:07 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 9:32 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2869 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1170 near Quitman, at approximately 9:38 p.m., in reference to reckless driving. The vehicle was located and the driver was cleared.
July 21st
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 3:59 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies cleared the scene without incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 11:47 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 81, was found deceased in his residence. An autopsy was ordered by the Justice of the Peace.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:51 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party over the phone, at approximately 2:22 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on CR 1545 near Alba. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 3:45 p.m., in reference to a dispute. The known actor left the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4192 near Quitman, at approximately 5:25 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and everything was OK.
At 9:02 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 182 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2176 near Quitman, at approximately 11:04 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
July 22nd
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1660 near Alba; at approximately 12:18 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Hawkins, at approximately 12:37 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 1:39 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Medardo Hernandez, 52, of Lindale, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 2:25 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 4:33 a.m. The individual was located and everything was cleared.
At 10:45 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 3056 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to Winnsboro ER, at approximately 3:26 p.m., in reference to a dog bite that occurred on CR 3148 near Winnsboro. The owner of the dog was advised of the quarantine protocol.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 1686 near Alba; at approximately 6:07 p.m. Naomi Hausch, 29, of Alba, was arrested for Hinder Apprehension/Prosecution, and Wayne Jones, 55, of Alba, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 1686 near Alba, at approximately 6:43 p.m., due to an expired registration. During the stop, marijuana was confiscated. Rhonda Melton, 49, of Alba, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, and Kane Phelps, 22, of Alba, was arrested for Expired Registration.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 9:22 p.m., in reference to shots fired. The individual was located and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2157 near Quitman; at approximately 10:25 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
July 23rd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1970 near Yantis, at approximately 3:57 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. The individual fled from the ER and was then located and transported back to the ER.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:10 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 80, was found deceased in his residence.
Deputies were dispatched to Cimarron Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 6:16 a.m., in reference to a missing person. Allison Daniel, 17, of Hawkins, was located and arrested for Minor in Consumption. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4849 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:32 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole multiple tools from the reporting party’s garage. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 12:28 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 4470 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 5:57 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
At 6:36 p.m., cows were reported out on Loop 564 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1885 near Yantis, at approximately 8:35 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. While at the scene, deputies noticed a warrant was out for Brittany McDonald, 29, of Winnsboro. She was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1447 near Quitman, at approximately 9:00 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a firearm from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
July 24th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1660 near Alba, at approximately 12:08 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to Cheyenne near Quitman, at approximately 1:01 a.m., in reference to a dispute. A known actor left the scene, prior to the deputies’ arrival. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actor.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3230 near Quitman; at approximately 1:50 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3689 near Hawkins; at approximately 9:32 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Hawkins, at approximately 11:47 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2229 near Mineola, at approximately 1:45 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to ETMC at approximately 3:21 p.m., in reference to a dog bite that occurred on CR 2388 near Alba. The owner of the dog was advised of the quarantine protocol.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:08 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1590 near Alba, at approximately 7:44 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and everything was OK.
July 25th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2310 near Mineola, at approximately 8:57 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 9:11 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7543 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:01 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. The reporting party advised the deputies that he just wanted it reported.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:02 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 6:30 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1795 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:39 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3880 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:19 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Between the dates of July 19th and July 25th, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included Police Departments and Emergency Medical Services.
Total Jail Count – 142 prisoners – 115 males and 27 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.
Dinner Bell Menu For August 2, 2017
Dinner Bell Menu for
August 2, 2017
The Menu:
When your garden is overproducing and your kitchen is packed with produce, you make Ratatouille! This multi vegetable concoction originated in the Provence region of France. (southern France bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and Italy to the east)
Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Garlic
Steamed Rice
Ratatouille
Garden Salad
French Bread Crostini
Assorted Cookies
Tea or Water
