Whitehouse Coach Expects to Lessons for District Play to Be Found in Friday Game Against Wildcats
Adam Cook is in his fifth year as the Head Football Coach of the Whitehouse Wildcats. He took over in 2013. Coach Cook joined the Whitehouse coaching staff in 2006 as a quarterback coach for then head coach Randy McFarlin.
Whitehouse has started 2017 with 2 wins and a loss. After victories over Hallsville and Tyler Chapel Hill, Whitehouse ran into a buzz saw as they lost to Carthage, the #1 team in Class 4A, last week. Coach Cook says Carthage showed him areas of weakness for his team. He says he expects his team to be in the thick of things in the district race this year. Whitehouse doesn’t open district play for another three weeks. They play Kennedale next week and then have a bye before district play begins.
Coach Cook says leaders on his defense include three-year starter safety Javier Neal, defensive tackles Christian Owens and Darius Trimble and cornerback Kyevon Rider. Offensive leaders according to Coach Cook include wide receiver Cameron Cantrell, quarterback Jacob Clemons, running back Clayton Cook, wide receiver Kendrion Johnson and tight end Brandon Bullard.
Concerning Sulphur Springs, Coach Cook calls them much improved this year. He says both teams have been very similar in the past. But Coach Cook says Whitehouse now does things a little different on defense than Sulphur Springs. He says fans can also expect to see differences on offense since Whitehouse has a new offensive coordinator this season. He says quarterback Ryan Humphries is the best spread quarterback his team has faced this year. Coach Cook says Sulphur Springs will do a good job of preparing his team for district play this year.
Sulphur Springs Wildcats travel to Whitehouse for a 7:30 p.m. start. The game will be broadcast on KSST. Video replay of the game will be seen on Suddenlink Cable Channel 18.
Terrific Tuesday Fundraising Mini-Walks Going Terrifically!
TAMMIE REARDON MODELS THE “WALK TO REMEMBER” T-SHIRT AVAILABLE AT $20 EACH DURING THE FUNDRAISING DRIVE THROUGH OCTOBER 5
Tammie Reardon, Director of Terrific Tuesdays in Sulphur Springs, is participating in each of the mini-walks for the fundraising drive for her program. Tammie asks the community to be generous in support of Terrific Tuesday, a weekly program which assists caregivers of victims of Alzheimer’s and various dementia by giving them a day off each week from their caregiving duties. Since many caregivers are spouses or family members of the dementia patient, they often provide full-time unpaid care as an expression of love and concern for the victim. When their loved one comes to Terrific Tuesday on Tuesday from 9 am til 2 pm, it represents free time to run personal errands or to enjoy a few hours for themselves. While their loved one is at Terrific Tuesday, they receive loving care, delicious food and a fun and friendly environment with games, music and interaction. Each participant has a one-on-one personal companion assigned to them during all the activities. Many participants look forward to returning each week to their “club”, Terrific Tuesday. Keeping the non-profit program operating all year requires monetary support. Donations are appreciated year-round and through early October, you can purchase a T-shirt for $20 and quilt raffle tickets at $1 each or 6 for $5. The goal for this year’s Terrific Tuesday Drive is $10,000 which covers a year’s operating costs. The final portion of the drive, the Walk to Remember Celebration, will take place in the Gardens at Christus Mother Frances hospital on Thursday October 5 starting at 6pm. The public is invited to walk the manicured walking path and meet the families and professionals who care for the Terrific Tuesday participants. Donations to the program can be made at that time, the raffle quilt will be given away and the final goal total will be announced. Donations can also be dropped off and T-shirts purchased at the Sr’s Center, 150 MLK Drive in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Please see the entire schedule of mini-walks below. You’re welcome to join in!
SEPTEMBER 21 MINI-WALK AT SUNNY SPRINGS NURSING AND REHAB
United Way Begins 2017-2018 Campaign, “Help Starts at Home”
Wednesday at the Southwest Dairy Museum, Hopkins County United Way 2017-2018 Campaign, “Help Starts at Home”, began with the annual workers’ luncheon. The goal for 2017-2018 is $175,000.
Funds received during the drive will be allocated to:
- Boy Scouts of America, Circle Ten Council, $3,500
- CANHelp, $11,000
- East Texas Council on Alcohol/Drug Abuse, $1,000
- Heritage Christian Counseling Center, $9,000
- Hopkins County 4-H, $2,700
- Hopkins County Christian Alliance, $9,000
- Hopkins County Community Chest, $71,000
- Lake Country CASA, $9,000
- Lil’ 4’s Club, $2,250
- Meal-A-Day of Sulphur Springs, $7,000
- Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Inc., $3,800
- Our Place/Lakes Region Community Center, $5,000
- SAFE-T (Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas), $4,500
- Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, $6,000
- Sulphur Springs Symphony League, $1,000
- Teen Court, $4,000
- The Dinner Bell, $4,000
- Winnsboro Community Resource Center, $500
- United Way Worldwide, $1,750
- Administrative Expenses, $18,950
Brandon Williams is President of United Way for the 2017-2018 year.
Adam Teer will serve as Campaign Chairman.
For more information call 903-243-4066.
Unique Sentence Handed Down for Sexual Assault
In Eighth Judicial District Court Wednesday, a sentencing hearing for Juan Daniel Santana Mendez, 20, assessed a sentence of 10-years deferred probation with 120 days in the county jail. Also, as a condition of probation, he will spend the victim’s birthday and the date of the rape in the county jail every year for the duration of his probation.
Mendez had previously pled guilty to the offense of sexual assault of a child. Factually, he forcibly had sex with a 15-year old girl against her will. The state had sought a maximum 20 year sentence in the state penitentiary. Mendez attorney had argued for a sentence of probation.
Mendez was arrested in November of 2016 for the charge.
Chamber Connection September 21, 2017
The deadline has come and gone for last year’s cooks to keep their stew site, but we have a few sites left in the 48th Annual Stew Cook-off. The absolute deadline for entry into the contest is Friday, October 6th at 5:00 p.m. All cooks signed up for the 48th Annual Stew Cook-off will need to attend the cooks come-and-go reception on Tuesday, October 17th at 6 p.m. at the Southwest Dairy Museum. Cooks will receive their grocery reimbursement check from the Chamber, their goodie bags, and a list of rules and regulations for the Stew Cook-off. Please make plans to be there!!! T-shirts will be available for purchase that night. Call the Chamber for additional information at (903) 885-6515.
SSISD hosts a ribbon cutting celebration for their new student construction project
SSISD is holding a ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 21st for their new construction project at 128 Fore Street at 2:30 p.m. Sulphur Springs High School is proud to announce that their Construction Tech I students will be undertaking the project of building a home on 128 Fore Street in Sulphur Springs during the 2017-18 school year. This is the second year of their Architecture and Construction programs, and they are excited about this opportunity for our students. The project will be completed under the direction of their Construction instructor, Mr. Harold Smithson, with community contractors, local companies, the SSISD Maintenance Director, Mr. Dan Froneberger, and the SSISD Maintenance Staff actively supporting and helping throughout the process. The Principles of Architecture and Interior Design students, under the direction of their instructor, Mrs. Christina Davis, will be making the interior selections to finish out the project. Come by and support this amazing new project for SSISD.
Corner Grub House offers a Give Back Day for Dakota Crouse
Corner Grub House is offering a 15% Give Back Benefit on Saturday, September 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for Dakota Crouse, son of Tony Crouse, local police officer. Corner Grub House will give 15% of all the day’s purchases to the Crouse family. There will also be a silent auction throughout the day. All proceeds go to help with medical bills. Corner Grub House is located on the west side of Celebration Plaza.
Cumby Food Pantry holds its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Wednesday, September 27th at noon
The Cumby Food Pantry is holding their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Wednesday, September 27th at noon. The Cumby Food Pantry is located at 8285 I-30 Service Road SW in Cumby. Come by and welcome this new business to Hopkins County!
Texas WIC is offering a partnership to help with your child’s haircut
Jeff Luster at Studio 9 Hair Designs has partnered with WIC for a discount on children’s haircuts. You may receive $5 off haircuts for children 5 years old and under as long as you bring your ID with name and current WIC shopping receipt. The offer is valid September 1st through September 30th. The hours available for hair appointments are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and are by appointment only. Contact Jeff Luster at Studio 9 Hair Designs, 421 E. Industrial Dr., Suite 208, in Sulphur Springs by calling (903) 335-1491.
First Baptist Church will hold monthly Diamond Set Meetings beginning in September
The 60 Plus Ministry of First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs will begin its monthly Diamond Set meeting next Tuesday, September 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. There will be free blood pressure checks and information by Legacy Hospice. The special program will be presented by Rev. Fred and Jane Randles. The luncheon meal will cost $5.00 per person. Everyone is invited to attend this time of good food, great music, medical information and fellowship.
Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation is holding a Sip & See
The Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation is holding a Sip & See on Thursday, September 28th, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the home of Dr. Scott & Deanna McDearmont, 729 Church Street in Sulphur Springs. Tour this 120-year-old home that has been owned by a U.S. Congressman, State Representative and judge, shoe store owner, and two local doctors. Admission is a $25 donation at the door. John Sellers will be the guide for the evening, and appetizers will be provided by Plain & Fancy. Reservations are required by September 27th. You may make reservations by calling (903) 438-4799.
Bombshell & Co. will host their ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 4th at noon. Bombshell & Co. is located at 101 Bill Bradford Road, Suite 16, in Sulphur Springs. Come by and welcome this new business to Hopkins County!
The Senior Citizens Center will host a Walk to Remember on Thursday, October 5th at 6 p.m.
The Senior Citizens Center will host a Walk to Remember benefiting Terrific Tuesdays on Thursday, October 5th at 6 p.m. The Walk will be held at The Gardens at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. The goal is to pause and remember friends and loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Senility, and Stroke. There is a $20 registration fee that includes a t-shirt. Sponsor booths with information and goodies will be in attendance. For more information, contact Karon Weatherman at (903) 885-1661. Terrific Tuesdays meets each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
Dutch Oven Cook-off and Indian Summer Days is scheduled Saturday, October 7th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hopkins County Heritage Park will host Indian Summer Days with the John Chester Dutch Oven Cook-off on Saturday, October 7th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entry fee to the Indian Summer Days is $3.00 per person and includes food and fun for the whole family! Enjoy live music, tin punch, hide tanning, digging for artifacts, wood carvers, rug loomers, blacksmith work, and more. While there, you may purchase an all you can eat plate for $5.00 to the Dutch Oven Cook-off. Teams will be preparing a meat, vegetable, bread, and dessert. To enter the Dutch Oven Cook-off, call Rick Wilson at (903) 885-9692.
Ribbon Cuttings:
SmartTech hold a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on Friday, September 15th at 4 p.m.
SmartTech Home Solutions hosted their ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday, September 15th at 4 p.m. SmartTech is located at 1217 S Broadway St., Suite A2, in Sulphur Springs. Stop by and explore all the services they offer for home technologies.
Owens Talks Whitehouse at Weekly Media Meeting
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens talked about Whitehouse at his weekly media gathering Wednesday morning. In years past, playing Whitehouse was like looking into a mirror for the Wildcats. Offensive and defensive schemes for each team were similar.
Coach Owens says both teams are still a lot alike on offense. One difference is that Whitehouse will now occasionally put their quarterback under center. The Wildcats never do that. Coach Owens says the teams now have different defensive fronts. It’s a three man line for the Wildcats while Whitehouse uses a four man line. Coach Owens is very impressed with the front four of Whitehouse. Though not as athletic as the Wildcats have seen the past two weeks, the Whitehouse front four is more physical according to Coach Owens. He says the Whitehouse offensive line is good at putting a body on a body.
Coach Owens says Whitehouse will throw more than they run on offense. He says Whitehouse was a good seven on seven team this summer because they run good route patterns. A Cantrell, Cameron Cantrell, is their leading receiver. His brother was a Whitehouse star receiver and is now at Texas Tech. Coach Owens says Whitehouse has two good running backs, one is shifty and the other is a power runner. The Whitehouse quarterback manages a good mid-range passing game. The quarterback will also take off and run. Coach Owens says they don’t throw long as much as they used to. On defense, Whitehouse has a veteran free safety who is a difference maker according to Coach Owens. He says the Whitehouse secondary plays with confidence and attempts to keep everything in front of them.
As for keys to the game, Coach Owens says he is looking for his team to finish things and be consistent Friday.
Lady Cats Have Best Game in Mt Pleasant; Preparing for Greenville
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness said the Lady Cats played probably their best game of the year in a 3-0 district victory at Mt. Pleasant Tuesday night. He said it was a lot like the Lady Cats road win at McKinney North back on August 15.
Coach Maness said the Lady Cats played very good defense at the net not allowing Mt. Pleasant to do much. He said the Lady Cats passing game was on. Coach Maness said he got production from several players at the net. Coach Maness was especially pleased with the Lady Cats serving. He said there were few bad serves and lots of service aces. Coach Maness said they have been working on serving in practice and it showed. He said overall the Lady Cats played with energy and intensity.
Coach Maness said the Lady Cats came out like they knew they needed a win after an 0-2 start in district play. Mieke VanBenthem has a big game at the net. She had 11 kills and 3 blocks. Coach Maness said it was the best she has played all year. He said Anden Hammack adjusted quickly after being moved to setter earlier this season and she had 31 assists Tuesday night.
The Lady Cats play at Greenville Friday. Coach Maness said he thought that the Lady Cats would use a loss to Greenville during a Wills Point tournament in mid-August as motivation Friday.
Texas High Remains Dominant in Team Tennis as Wildcats Lose Tuesday
The Wildcats’ team tennis squad lost to powerful Texas High, 18-1 in a district match Tuesday (September 19) in Texarkana. Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez called Texas High an exceptionally good team.
Before the match, he urged his players to have fun and compete. Coach Martinez said his team did that. Wildcats #1 boys player Alex Benitez got the win for the Wildcats, 2-6, 6-4 and 10-5 in a tiebreaker. Coach Martinez said the other Wildcats’ players cheered on Benitez and shared in the win.
Next the Wildcats play a district match with huge playoff implications. They host Mt. Pleasant next Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Wildcat Tennis Complex. Coach Martinez remembered that Mt. Pleasant gave the Wildcats a devastating 10-9 loss in Mt. Pleasant last year. He said as the Wildcats team bus came home from Texarkana Tuesday, it went through Mt. Pleasant and he said he could tell that the players were already looking forward to next week’s match.
Blue Blazes Booster Club Plans Dinner, Auction to Send Girls to NYC in 2018!
Blue Blazes Drill Team Officers: LT. Mattie Caprotta, Captain Natalie Contrera, LT. Mikayla Rogers, LT. Kayla Arneson, LT. Jada Smitherman, not pictured Co-Captain Peyton Virgil
Five of the Sulphur Springs High School Blue Blazes Drill Team officers interviewed at KSST about their upcoming fundraising Dinner and Auction on Saturday September 23, 2017 at 6pm in SSHS Cafeteria. There will be silent and live auctions where you can bid on exciting prizes and experiences. The dinner will be catered by Don Lalos. Blue Blazes will help serve. Tickets are still available this week at $10 each.
The fundraiser is for the trip to NYC planned by the Blazes in January 2018. There are 24 Blazes who plan to take the 2018 trip along with parent sponsors and Blaze Director Christie McCullough. Their itinerary will include a dance class with a professional choreographer, a Broadway show and the exciting sights of the city. Donations of items for the auction are still being accepted through Friday and tickets are still available through Friday September 22, 2017. Also, donations to the 2018 Blaze Trip are welcomed by contacting SSHS.
