Lady Cats Golf
Lady Cats Golf Coach Whitney Spigener said her team shot good scores on the first day but then had a hard time on the second day of a Rockwall sponsored tournament at Sulphur Springs Country Club last Friday and Saturday. The Lady Cats were fourth after day one and finished fifth. Sophomore Morgan Landers shot a personal record 85 on the first day and then 98 on day two and finished in 14th place in the tournament. Alissa Sotelo shot 109 and 101. Emma Lane had 104 and 117. Charleigh Potts fired 123 and 118. Alyssa Underwood shot 118 and 113. The Lady Cats tournament at Northridge Country Club in Texarkana was canceled Tuesday due to wet grounds. The Lady Cats play next on Monday at Hide-A-Way Lake in Lindale.
Sulphur Springs High School Class of 1950 Donates for NEW Senior Citizens Center
Senior Citizens Center.
Shown in the Photo (Standing) Left to Right: Shirley Flippin, Rex Flippen, Marge Morrison, Barbara Abercrombie and Karon Weatherman (Sitting) Juanita Hammond, Merida Mabe, Mary Jo Ledbetter and Martha Kate Chapman
Sulphur Springs City Council Candidates Set
The May 6th ballot for Sulphur Springs City Council will feature one incumbent, a former city employee, an SSISD employee and two former city council members. KSST will present a more complete look at the candidates in March. Each candidate will be asked the same set of questions and their response will be published on ksstradio.com.
For Place 6, former city council members Brad Burgin and Charles Oxford are joined by SSISD Maintenance Director Dan Froneberger. Kayla Price, current occupant of Place 6 will not seek re-election as she pursues other interests. Price has served as city mayor during her time in office and has been a driving force behind growth and development in the city.
Incumbent John Sellers will face former city staff member Andy Lowen for Place 7.
EDC Sees Strong Interest in Local Area for Expanding/Relocating Business and Industry
In recent weeks, the local Economic Development Corporation has been busy with prospective manufacturing and business companies inquiring about and visiting Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. With the approach of spring and the first of the year in the rear view mirror, companies are beginning to explore options for expansion and/or relocation.
Roger Feagley, EDC Director, told KSST News he has no set pattern in his approach to working with a prospective company. His approach depends on the company itself. He said some companies prefer that no one knows they are visiting the area. He stated that includes even the EDC knowing that the owner or representative of the company is here. He said other companies like the attention of being obvious in their intent. Some companies desire to get the feel that the community wants growth. Growth does provide problems, Feagley said, but having no growth creates even greater problems. He noted that some communities are dying doe to being short sighted regarding industrial growth. “You want to be a growing community. Yes, there are problems with growth but these are much easier problems than those of dying communities.”
Those companies that do not want anyone to know they are interested in the area are often more concerned that their employees in their current location(s) will learn of their intent. Feagley said that in most cases the company is expanding rather than relocating but there is less stress for employees regarding their stability if their search is less obvious. He also noted there are those that do not want the fanfare of a public visit. He said the EDC will do short meetings with those companies and allow the company to explore on their own.
Often in those brief meetings, the company will ask questions regarding specific concerns. One of those concerns is taxes. The local EDC is able to tell the company representative or owner that local and state taxes are not the highest around. Texas currently ranks 10th lowest in business taxes across the United States. The states that have lower taxes are often states that contend with weather conditions and employment issues such as skill-set of employees due to a more rural environment such as Wyoming. Those coming from other states are often here thanks to the lower state taxes and more affordable housing. According to Feagley, businesses look for the skill set of the employable and an affordable pay scale that matches the need of that business.
Locally, the labor pool seems small. Local unemployment rates are in the upper 3% to lower 4% of the workforce. However, Feagley said there is a labor shed that includes other counties nearby that do have a higher unemployment rate. He stated that people in this area will drive 40-50 miles for a job. The good news is that the unemployment rate is low locally, which means people have jobs and are willing to work, and that there is a skilled workforce and/or available training for workers. Utilizing a computer software program, the number of people to be hired and a work code can be input into the spreadsheet and from that the number of available and trainable employees can be found. He stated that most businesses look for 50 applicants for one job as a rule of thumb for available workers.
Also added to the mix, especially if the company will move employees to the area, is the availability of quality of schools, hospitals, and housing. Most businesses seeking to relocate locally look at housing costs in our area and find it attractive. While in California recently, Feagley was told by one who was looking at housing and housing cost in the area that the individual could sell their home and buy four houses locally. Many who are moving to Texas are buying larger houses and paying cash based on the sale of their home in other states.
As companies seek to relocate or expand, they often ask interesting questions. The strangest question Feagley has ever been asked was, “How many Thai food restaurants in 2o miles of location?” Thankfully, that was when he was located in another area. He said the manager that would move to that area happened to like Thai food. Quirky questions based on the likes of those who will move to the area are often asked. He also noted that the wife of the owner often has a great influence based on her likes.
Locally, the EDC’s ability to construct a building according to the need of the company is a plus. “We are one of the only EDC’s that build for the client.” Small and medium sized businesses are attracted to that because we can build perfect building for client according to the specifics of the client’s need and desire.
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County are but one of the many in Texas seeking to attract new business and industry. However, the advantages found locally make the area a strong contender.
ESPN 30 For 30 Series Trojan War, USC Trojans and Pete Carrol, Featured at A & M Commerce
COMMERCE, TX— The ESPN 30 For 30 series, a collection of documentary films that highlight notable sports personalities and important sports events, will be screening one of its 2015 documentary films at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The film, known as “Trojan War,” is directed by Aaron Thomas and produced by Malik Aziz, and tells the story of the University of Southern California’s football team, the Trojans, under the leadership of Pete Carroll, who coached the team from 2000 to 2009.
Thomas and Aziz will not only be screening their documentary for students, they will also be hosting a question and answer session with the audience after the film ends. Both have been TRIO participants in the University of Kansas McNair Scholars Program, earning master’s degrees from the University of Southern California Film School and are now working in the television industry in Los Angeles. TRIO is a federal outreach program that provides services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including low-income individuals and first-generation college students.
The screening will be hosted by Dr. Robert Rodriguez, an associate professor of Political Science, and will take place on Monday, Feb. 27, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Ferguson Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
“As educators, we are filled with pride when our students fulfill their dreams,” Rodriguez said. “About 18 years ago, Aaron Thomas and Malik Aziz were my students in the University of Kansas McNair Scholars Program, and now I can tune to ESPN and watch their film broadcast. Their stories are extraordinary examples of how students can succeed through education and hard work.”
Community Calendar for Spring 2017
About 300 Hopkins County 4H and FFA members invite you to meet them and see their livestock projects during the Hopkins County Jr. Market Livestock Shows on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday February 23 and 24 in the Civic Center arena. Top-scoring animals and their exhibitors will be selected for the Sale of Champions on Saturday at 1pm with free admission for spectators. A fundraiser stew lunch will be offered at noon.
A fundraiser BBQ lunch for Wister “Bo” Godbolt will be held on Friday February 24 from 10 am til 2 pm at the H.W. Grays Building. Cost is $7.50 per plate with brisket, links, baked beans, potato salad and drink. Proceeds go to a wheelchair lift for family vehicle. To order plates, call Ricky Godbolt 903-439-4515.
Persons who wish to receive free Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) training can attend a series of three Saturday sessions at Hopkins County Fire Station #20 on February 25, March 4 and March 11 from 8:30am until 4pm. Training and certification is open to men, women and adult-supervised youth, and is sanctioned through FEMA. Contact Fire Cheif Endsley at 903-951-8096 for full details.
Decorated Marine Corps Veteran Tim Lee will speak in three inspirational sessions on Sunday February 26 at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. Times are 8:30am, 11am and 6pm. The public is invited to the free event.
Sulphur Springs Public Library will offer a free program “Why Do I Need a Will?” on Thursday March 2 from 6-8 pm. The program with Q & A session will be offered by local attorney Joel Sheffield. Refreshments will be served.
On Saturday March 4, the Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs “Spring Brunch” will feature a Branson-style Musical Comedy show by Robert Burkhart, a delicious brunch and fellowship. The event will be held at 10 am at League Street Church of Christ. Tickets to attend are $20 each from any Pilot Club member or at 903-348-5099 or 243-0979.
Spring Concert by the Northeast Texas Choral Society is set for May 6 and 7 in the SSHS Auditorium. The concert is titled “Touchstone”. Find out more about the singers and the season at netchoral.org.
The 2017 Hopkins County Dairy Festival plans a full calendar June 9 – 17 including the Parade on Saturday June 10 and Pageant on Saturday June 17. Theme for the 58th annual festival is “It’s Your Moo-ve”
Ladies age 60 and older who wish to enter the 2017 Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant are invited to contact Karon Weatherman at the Sr’s Center in Sulphur Springs. The pageant will be held on Saturday June 10 at League Street Church of Christ, with winners advancing to the Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant later this year. Lavonne Elam is current Ms. Hopkins County Senior. Find out more at mstexasseniorclassicpageant.com.
Saltillo ISD Sends Boys and Girls to Playoffs
Play off teams for Saltillo ISD! Girls play Tuesday night Feb 21 at Trenton ISD at 7 pm in Regionals. Boys play off hopes depends on their Tuesday game.
Sitting L to R – Matthew Gurley, Walker McGill, Dakota Patridge, Branson McGill & Adam Valenzuela; Standing L to R: Coach John Carlisle, Clayton Wilson, Trevor Moore, Logan Camp, Michael Simmons, Ryan Prewitt & Coach Bill Giles.
Sitting L to R: Brenda Castro, Rainie English, Coach Dexter Ivy, Ana Gallegos & Melissa Groenewold; Standing L to R: Tori Mobley, Sienna Collins, Melissa Tawil, Madison Simmons, Coach Colton Smith, Shelby Matlock, Jordan Sustaire, Christie Gurley & Jocelyn Ochoa.
Jr. FFA Getting Ready for Netla Show This Weekend
Dakota Klemptner of the Sulphur Bluff Jr. FFA Chapter is getting his project ready to show at the Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show. Dakota is a 10-year-old fifth grader at Sulphur Bluff ISD. His pig “Smokey” will be shown in his weight class during the Swine Show starting at noon Friday February. The top-scoring livestock, from poultry to steers, will be selected for the “Sale of Champions” set for 1pm Saturday February 25 in the Civic Center arena, sponsored by NETLA, the Northeast Texas Livestock Association.
On Friday February 24, Dakota and other 4H and FFA members will be among these showing 88 swine projects, 64 poultry projects and 25 steers as well as a number of heifers. 43 lamb and 57 goat entries will be shown on Thursday Feb. 23 starting at noon. Come out and meet these “future farmers and ranchers” and see their animal projects! Added money can be placed for youth whose projects make Saturdays sale, to be added to their scholarship earnings. Buyers and bidders are welcome. Admission is free. A stew lunch prepared by the Hopkins County Ag Workers Association will be offered at noon Saturday.
Wildcats Begin Bi-district Tuesday vs. North Forney at Lindale
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta, on KSST Radio and Channel 18 TV’s SaturdayMorning Coaches Show, said his team is confident going into the bi-district playoff game with North Forney, Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Lindale. The game can be heard live on KSST and ksstradio.com stream. It will be replayed later on Suddenlink Cable Channel 18.
Coach Cipoletta said North Forney is led by two seniors. They have a 6-foot-8 post averaging 12 points a game and a stocky, 5-foot-9 point guard averaging close to 20 points a game. The Falcons also have a 6-foot-5 wing player who can finish and some good shooters. Coach Cipoletta feels he has seen enough tape to know what North Forney likes to do.
Coach Cipoletta feels the Wildcats season has prepared them for the playoffs. Games included Paris on the road, two district battles with Mt. Pleasant, games with highly touted Class 6A teams Houston Sam Houston and Dallas Skyline and against talented prep school Pro Vision. Even the Wildcats last district game at Hallsville with the Bobcats needing to win to get into the playoffs. Coach Cipoletta feels his team matches up well with North Forney.
He says the Wildcats are excited about the playoffs. Senior Ke’Ontae Dunn told his teammates about the Wildcats struggles in the past. No Wildcats player has experienced the playoffs. The Wildcats come into the game with a 25-6 record.
