Wildcat, Lady Cat Track Results
Wildcats Track
Left with lemons, Sulphur Springs’ track coaches did the best they could to make lemonade. After Mt. Pleasant’s Friday meet was canceled earlier this week due to their tragic bus accident, the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track coaches were able to put together a dual meet at Paris. Wildcats Track Coach Matt Young said his team was able to get another good workout in at the informal meet. The glorified practice allowed coaches to coach. Among highlights, Coach Young said Josh Thompson had his best throw of the year at 143 feet in discus. In shot, Ian Blanch continued to climb in the high 43 feet range hoping to get to the 45 feet area. Tiesan Goodson triple jumped 40-feet-11 inches into the wind. Coach Young said Eli Sellers ran a good 800-meter race and he added Payton Vickery also ran well in the 800-meter race and also participated in the 1600-meter run. He said Landon Thornton started slow in the 3200-meter run but came back. Coach Young said he was not pleased with hand offs during relay races. Ryan Humphries did not run the 100-meter dash but did run a 40.6 in the 300-meter hurdles. Mason Buck was right behind at 41.0. Landry Tyson hit the first hurdle in the race but ran very well after that. In the 110-meter hurdles, Terrell Turman ran his best race of the year with a time in the low 16-second range. Freshman Calem Wade was clocked at 15.9 in the race. In the mile relay, Coach Young said Ricardo Torres had a time in the high 53 second range. The other runners came in at around 54 or 55 seconds. Coach Young said he would taking a select group to a Kennedale meet next Thursday. The district meet at Pine Tree will take place April 12-13.
Lady Cats Track
Lady Cats Track Coach Triston Abron said the informal, dual meet at Paris Thursday featured a very different atmosphere from the usual track meet. He was glad the team got some work in. Coach Abron said his athletes could tell the difference in the informal meet so times, jumps and throws were not as good as you would usually see this time of the season. He did like the opportunity to do some coaching during the informal meet. Coach Abron named several athletes he was pleased with. He said Sydney Washburn, a freshman distance runner, won one of her races by 75-meters although she didn’t have her best times. Coach Abron did say N’ysa Dugan did run her best 100-meter dash time of the season with Sadavia Porter right behind her. He liked how they competed with each other. Coach Abron also said he enjoyed watching hurdler Faith Hatley continue to come back from an injury sustained in the Sulphur Springs meet back on March 3. He said she was just about all the way back. Coach Abron said Abbi Baier did a good job in the 300-meter hurdles although she did not have her best time. A very fast and competitive Kennedale meet featuring Metroplex athletes is next for some of the Lady Cats next Thursday. Then the district meet comes up in Pine Tree on April 12-13.
Game Day: Wildcat Baseball, Lady Cat Softball
There is Wildcats’ baseball and Lady Cats’ softball on this Friday game day. The Wildcats travel to Greenville while the Lady Cats will host Greenville at home at Lady Cat Park.
The Wildcats have opened district play with 4 straight wins. Greenville has yet to win a district game. Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack does not want this to be a trap game for his team. He has painful memories of a loss in Greenville and other times when the Wildcats eked out wins in very windy conditions. He is counting on this year’s Wildcats to be mature enough to know they can’t be complacent and must play well to win. The Wildcats JV Royal Team will play at 4 p.m. Friday with the varsity following at around 7 p.m.
Meanwhile the Lady Cats’ softball team will be opening the second half of district play at Lady Cat Park. The Lady Cats finished the first half 4-2 in a second place tie with Mt. Pleasant and Pine Tree. The Lady Cats JV will play at 4:30 p.m. with varsity to follow at around 6 p.m. Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo is hoping his team will have an undefeated second half. He expresses confidence in his team. We will bring you Lady Cats’ softball against Greenville live on KSST Radio at around 6 p.m. We will also videotape the game for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Atmos Plans Controlled Release of Natural Gas Near Brashear
Atmos Energy is doing routine maintenance work on the company’s pipeline in Hopkins County beginning Monday, April 3. We wanted you to know in case you get calls or inquiries from the general public. There will be a controlled release of natural gas near Brashear.
Atmos is notifying residents directly in the general area where the work is being performed. In addition, city officials in Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County officials and 1st responders, and the SSISD are being notified.
Video: A & M-Commerce Students Attend Texas Undergraduate Research Day at Capitol
COMMERCE, TX—Sixty-three lucky students from 51 different universities across the state of Texas participated in the “Texas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol” event which took place, March 28, in Austin. The event included a variety of activities for students, such as a tour of the Capitol building, Senate/House committee meetings, and meetings of the full Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives.
This is the fourth such Undergraduate Research Day that has been conducted in the past few years, showcasing the experience of undergraduate students engaged in research through high-quality poster displays.
This year Texas A&M University-Commerce was represented by student Bernadette Jonson and faculty advisor, Dr. Venu Cheriyath whose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research takes a look at PTSD development in zebrafish and its prevention by introducing an antioxidant. Their research took into consideration the similarities between zebrafish and humans—namely, social nature and functional parallels between select brain regions.
PTSD is a psychological disorder with limited treatment options. Although molecular mechanisms that cause PTSD remain unclear, Johnson and Cheriyath hypothesized that zebrafish would demonstrate PTSD and that the antioxidant treatment would help inhibit PTSD symptoms. Their hypothesis proved correct.
Theatre Appreciation Class Offered at PJC-Sulphur Springs Center

THE ARTS: Instructor James Owsley discusses some current theatre productions with Anna Jones, a student in his theatre appreciation class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center. Students planning to attend PJC-Sulphur Springs Center this summer or fall can contact an advisor for registration and scholarship information by calling 903-885-1232.
Healthcare Worker Arrested for Assault of Elderly
Sulphur Springs Police were called to an assault at an apartment in the 200 block of Duckworth Street Thursday at 11:53 a.m. There the officer noted visible injuries on an individual over 65 years of age.
Hayley Nicole Herring, 29, of Sulphur Springs was believed to be the aggressor in the assault. Herring, a healthcare worker, was arrested of Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled, a Felony 3. She is in Hopkins County Jail being held on a $30,000 bond.
Bella Is Missing; Your Help Needed
This is Bella. She went missing Tuesday March 21 from Cr 2310 and 3311 around country club area. She is a black and white border collie and aussie mix. If found contact Tristen Painter at (903) 348-0185 or Ashley Bagwell at (903) 438-6177.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report March 22-28, 2017
March 22nd
At 8:02 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 3750 in Hawkins.
At 8:24 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 3056 in Hawkins.
At 8:57 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 852 in Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to a call at 10:18 a.m. on FM 2869 in reference to a credit card/debit card abuse. The reporting party stated that an unknown person had made 3 unauthorized charges on her debit card for utility services. Her financial institution had requested that she file a report.
At 4:06 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near 4L Processing.
March 23rd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2351 in Mineola at 9:04 a.m. in reference to a dog bite. The victim had been running and was approached by 2 dogs, one of which bit her on her leg. She was advised to seek medical attention if needed. The deputy made contact with the owner of the dog and issued him a citation.
At 11:36 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 at CR 3118 in Quitman.
Deputies were on patrol at 9:20 p.m. in Winnsboro, when they observed a car with 2 individuals known to have active felony warrants out of Wood County. The deputies conducted a traffic stop and, while in the process of arresting the 2 individuals, one tried to escape custody by running. Deputies were forced to deploy a taser in order to prevent further escape and it was effective. Jennifer Clanton, 34, of Gilmer was arrested for outstanding felony warrants and Escape. Michial Moses, 42, of Gilmer was arrested for outstanding felony warrants.
March 24th
At 6:35 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4730.
At 9:45 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 2320/Highway 37.
Deputies were dispatched at 12:48 p.m. to CR 3588 on a theft call. The complainant reported that an unknown person had stolen a wireless trail camera and 2 spinners from 2 different deer feeders on his hunting property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 2:27 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37/4800.
At 8:25 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1801/CR 2620.
Deputies were dispatched to County Road 3560 in regard to a burglary of a habitation. The reporting party stated that an unknown person had broken into his cabin and stolen several hunting weapons and tools. Investigators will follow up.
March 25th
At 10:19 a.m., deputies were dispatched to E. Highway 80 in Mineola in reference to a fraud. The victims reported that an individual by the name of Robert Stevens knocked on their door stating that he had just finished a paving job down the road and had 2 or 3 yards of asphalt left. He offered to fix the end of their driveway and only charge them $30.00 per yard. They agreed but, a short time later, a truck dumped a large amount of asphalt on their driveway. The individual paved the entire driveway, which was not the agreement, and then presented them with a bill for $9,500.00. Robert Stevens has been involved in other cases involving deceptive trade practices and this case has been forwarded to investigators. Please do not sign any contracts with individuals who approach you in this fashion. Sheriff Tom Castloo advises to call the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if contacted by this individual or others with any similar offers.
At 10:23 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 14, one mile south of FM 49.
At 10:57 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1643.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual who reported a known person had stolen a tote bag from his residence containing identification cards, cell phones and a laptop. The investigators will follow up.
At 11:57 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37 North near FM 14.
Deputies were dispatched to County Road 2336 in Mineola at 6:25 p.m. on a dog bite call. The victim was riding his bicycle when a black and tan medium sized dog came onto the road and bit him on his leg. The deputy met with the owner of the dog and is following up on this case.
At 8:04 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2935.
March 26th
At 12:41 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 1801/CR 2640.
At 7:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869/CR 4505.
March 27th
At 11:51 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 154 East in Quitman.
At 12:56 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869, 2 ½ miles south of FM 2088 in Winnsboro.
At 1:03 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 in Quitman.
Deputies met with a complainant in the Sheriff’s Office in regard to a fraud report. The victim stated than an unknown person had made an unauthorized charge to her credit card. The investigators will follow up.
At 3:14 p.m., deputies met with complainants in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office regarding theft of timber. They reported that they believe that a timber company harvested timber from their property without their consent. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
The Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a reckless driver on County Road 3144 in Quitman at 8:06 p.m. When the deputies located the vehicle and made a traffic stop, the deputy detected the overwhelming odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the driver and he was unable to complete the Standard Field Sobriety Test. Steven Glenn Newsome, 64, of Mount Vernon was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated with Open Container, Third or More.
March 28th
At 8:19 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312, north of 2088 in Winnsboro.
At 9:55 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69/FM 515.
At 10:05 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37/CR 4186 in Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2320 in Mineola at 4:32 p.m. on a theft call. The complainant reported that U.P.S. had left a package at his home while he was away and an unknown person removed it from his property.
Deputies were dispatched at 5:55 p.m. to County Road 2231 in Mineola on a burglary call. The complainant reported that an unknown person had entered his shop, which is located behind his residence, and stolen multiple firearms valued at approximately $1,000.00. This case has been forwarded to investigators for follow-up.
At 7:45 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 49, west on FM 2869 in Hawkins.
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 Crimestoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Two New Books Offered on Early History of Hopkins County
Genealogists John Sellers and Shirley Patchen have compiled two new books from existing records on early history of Hopkins County. Both books are indexed by surname and business name, and locations mentioned in the books are geographically indexed as to the original sites of historic places and features. You can purchase “The Collection of Kenneth and Sidney Brice Early Histories of Hopkins County” for $30 and the “Hopkins County 1895 Souvenir Booklet” for $20. Shipping cost is $3 each. Contact the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library at [email protected], at 611 North Davis or by phone at 903-885-8523. You can read a brief synopsis of both books below.
“The Collection of Kenneth and Sidney Brice Early Histories of Hopkins County”
Kenneth and Sidney Brice shared a love for Hopkins County history. Together they interviewed and collected history for many years. They wrote more than 61 articles in preparation for the county’s Centennial, held in July of 1954, with their articles appearing in the “Daily NewsTelegram” and the “Hopkins County Echo”. This book contains 250 pages, including name and place indexes. It covers the earliest history and families of our county. The history begins in 1846 and goes through 1894. Local historian and President of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society, John A. Sellers, added current geographical addresses to the business, place, and subject index. The cost of this great history of Hopkins County is $30.00 + $3.00 shipping and can be purchased through our library.
“Hopkins County 1895 Souvenir Booklet”
This 1895 souvenir booklet was originally published by H. Bascom Thomas for “The Sulphur Springs Gazette” newspaper. It featured the businesses of the county including 52 portraits and biographies of early businessmen, history of the town and 17 photos of county buildings, including churches and schools. We are offering a pearlized soft-cover updated retyped version of the original “1895 Souvenir Booklet” The new book is now name-indexed and contains 69 enhanced photos that look like portraits. The cost is $20.00 plus $3.00 shipping.
TxDOT Launches Talk, Text, Crash Campaign
AUSTIN – An estimated one in five traffic crashes in Texas is caused by distracted driving, and the problem is getting worse. As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, the Texas Department of Transportation is launching its “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign to remind drivers to stay focused on the road.
“People are dying on Texas roadways because drivers are diverting their attention from the road to talk on a phone, send a text, post to social media or engage in some other distracting behavior,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “When drivers take their focus off the road, they put themselves, their passengers and others at risk. It’s just not worth it.”
Last year, there were 108,962 distracted driving crashes in Texas – up three percent over 2015. Those crashes killed 452 people, seriously injured another 3,068 and are highest among drivers ages 16 to 34.
In Texas, 38 percent of drivers say they regularly or sometimes use a cell phone while driving.[1] Text messaging is particularly dangerous as reaction times double when drivers read or send text messages.[2] A driver texting at 55 mph will lose sight of the road for nearly five seconds, which is comparable to driving the length of a football field while blindfolded.[3]
While mobile phone use is the most recognizable driving distraction, other high-risk activities include adjusting a music player, grooming, eating or programming a navigation system. The “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign reminds drivers to:
- Put away the phone – or turn it off – before getting behind the wheel.
- Pull over to a safe location if you must talk or text.
- Use an app that will block texts and calls while driving.
- Tell friends, family and colleagues you won’t respond to calls or texts when driving.
- Always give driving your full attention.

Couple in a car