Coaches and Educators Rally to Help Legendary Coach in Need of Heart Transplant
East Texas coaches and educators are rallying to help legendary East Texas football coach Dickie Meeks, who has been hospitalized in need of a heart transplant. According to Wildcats Coach Greg Owens, insurance is not covering a large portion the Meeks’ medical costs. Meeks’ daughter Sonja and Meek’s son in law Jeremy Burleson used to work in the SSISD.
An account for donations for Meeks has been set up at First National Bank in Mt. Vernon. You can help by sending checks to Richard E. Dickie Meeks at First National Bank, Box 909, Mt Vernon, Texas 75457. Meeks also has a GoFundMe page on line.
Meeks retired from coaching in December ending his second stint at Mt. Vernon. He won state championships at Chapel Hill and Henderson. He also coached at Pine Tree and Pittsburg. Coach Meeks’ coaching career spanned 42 years, 37 as a head coach.
“Updated” Mt Vernon Lady Tiger Basketball Coach Center of Controversy; Board Votes to Retain
Before a packed auditorium the Mount Vernon School Board voted 5-2 to not remove Lady Tiger Basketballl Varsity and golf coach Brad Floyd. Floyd was accused of a long list of financial and professional errors including the violation of the educational code of conduct by the Superintendent of Schools. The list was read by the superintendent during an open session of the board at the request of Floyd’s attorney. The superintendent noted a specific bank account opened, as a non-profit organization, in the name of the basketball team. It was stated that Floyd had not kept accurate records on the account nor had he sought school approval for the account.
Floyd is not the first instructor the superintendent has asked the board to terminate due to professional errors regarding financial accusations. Mount Vernon’s Theater Arts instructor, who had served the district for a number of years and had seen success in One Act Play competitions, was terminated. More than one principal has resigned as well.
The proposed termination placed before the board was placed in jeopardy according to Floyd’s attorney based on state law regarding termination of an employee. The district is required by law to provide a specific time frame and specific steps that allow Floyd opportunity to respond to allegations including an independent hearing regarding the termination which would give Floyd opportunity to speak to the charges. Floyd could not respond to the allegations during the board meeting Thursday night. He would have had opportunity to ask for a public hearing but the board refused to give opportunity for Floyd to speak even though it was pointed out to the board that Floyd had asked for the meeting held Thursday to be open and not in executive meeting. Shortly after the observation, the board took a short break.
The Mt. Vernon School Board met a special meeting for Thursday, January 5 at 5:45 p.m. in the Auditorium to consider the termination or suspension of Mt. Vernon girls basketball Coach Brad Floyd. Floyd was accused of misusing district funds, a charge he denies.
A petition in support of Coach Floyd was circulating in town and on line. The coach’s supporters intended to present the petition, which urges a no vote by the board on the question of terminating the coach or placing him on suspension without pay. The on-line petition drew nearly 1,000 supporters comments. The petition notes that no public comments will be allowed at the Thursday night board meeting, which has only the one agenda item dealing with Coach Floyd.
The petition reads:
“This petition is being circulated to show the MVISD School Board and Superintendent just how many people support Coach Floyd. Coach Floyd is a valuable asset to our school district and community. We will no longer sit idly by and watch as innocent, hard-working employees are subjected to such treatment as Coach Floyd (and others before him) is enduring. We also feel that the timing of this decision shows no regard for our students and their performance, hard work, and dedication. We respectfully ask the Board to not terminate or suspend Coach Floyd and to show their support for him by voting NO either of the proposed recommendations.
Please sign and share this petition, and also be present at the meeting this Thursday night at 5:45. It is time to take a stand for what is right! We stand with Coach Floyd! #keepcoachfloyd”
Three Baggies of Meth in Jacket and Another in a Cheetos Bag; Sulphur Springs Man Arrested for Possession
Traffic stop at Highway 19 and Wildcat Way initiated by a Hopkins County Deputy around 10 p.m. Wednesday resulted in the arrest of James Christopher Castleberry, 32, of Sulphur Springs.
During the stop for a traffic violation, the deputy asked Castleberry to step out of the 2002 Honda Accord he was driving for a weapons check. In the pocket of his jacket was what felt like a glass pipe commonly used for smoking methamphetamine. Also in the pocket were three baggies containing a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine. A further search of the vehicle revealed a Cheetos bag in the center console containing another baggie of suspected methamphetamine along with a baggie containing several white pills. Total weight of the meth was 11.4-grams.
Castleberry is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams, less than 200-grams and is being held on a $25,000 bond.
Where Will You Be When the Curtain Goes Up on Main Street Players 2017 Season?
Announcing exciting season opener “String of Pearls” are Sulphur Springs Community Players members and new slate of officers. Pictured are: 
2017 PUBLICIST/HISTORIAN KATE HUTLEY, THE SHOW’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CINDY LANCASTER AND PLAYER’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TRISTON PULLEN
A recent off-Broadway hit, String of Pearls is a study of the lives of the 27 women who have owned or possessed the beautiful string of vintage pearls which has become a bride’s gift. As the pearls changed hands, their significance and value is as unique as each woman. Touching and triumphant, the multiple roles are portrayed by 9 local actresses. The show will be staged at Main Street Theater at 227 Main Street in downtown Sulphur Springs on Friday January 27 through February 5, 2017. Tickets are $10. Make reservations online at mainsttheatre.com, by calling 903-885-0107 or at the door. Rated PG, adult content. If you support live community theater, consider becoming a Community Player member too!
Intoxication Leads to Warrant Discovery
A man stumbling about and causing a disturbance in a box-store parking lot in the city exhibited signs of intoxication Wednesday evening around 8 p.m. Sulphur Springs Police arrested Christopher Leon Huddleston, 37 of Sulphur Springs. Huddleston briefly resisted arrest.
It was found that Huddleston was also wanted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Parole Violation. He is in Hopkins County Jail. Bail has been denied.
Chamber Connection January 5, 2017
Attention All Chamber Members…. Membership Directories are being prepared NOW!!!
Advertisements for the 2017 Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory are available from Lee Ann Peugh at Echo Publishing. Our Membership Directory is distributed to over 5,000 people every year, so I highly encourage you to try an advertisement! Please call Lee Ann at (903) 885-8663 to discuss sizes and pricing options. You will not be disappointed! Please note than no other companies will be handling our Membership Directories. Echo Publishing is the ONLY contact. Please contact Lee Ann Peugh with any questions.
Chamber Members, we are going to print a little earlier than normal for the 2017 Membership Directory. We are going to have it ready for distribution the first part of January, so we need you to do a few things…
- Please go to sulphursprings-tx.com and click on the membership directory. Please check to make sure that we have the correct information for your business. We have been trying to check and recheck it, but I’m sure we have overlooked some things.
- If your membership investment is past due, payment arrangements need to be made prior to
December 30th.
- If you find information that needs to be corrected, please call the Chamber at 903-885-6515. If you want to place an ad in the directory, please contact Lee Ann Peugh at Echo Publishing at 903-885-8663.
Would you like to recognize an Outstanding Educator?
Here is your chance…this year the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee wants to allow all Hopkins County Citizens to nominate their candidates for “Outstanding Professional Educator” (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher) “Outstanding Para Professional Educator” (Secretary or Aide) and “Outstanding Auxiliary Educator” (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria). We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to nominate that “special educator” that has had an impact in their lives. You may pick up a nomination form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and then either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than December 31st! Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected], and our mailing address is P.O. Box 347, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize a special educator!
Nominations for Large and Small Business of the Year!
Please submit your nomination for Large Business of the Year or Small Business of the Year. Nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other. You may pick up a nomination form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than December 31st! Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected] and our mailing address is P.O. Box 347, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
Additional Chamber of Commerce Banquet Nominations
Many other awards are presented at the Chamber of Commerce membership banquet (February 16, 2017). Aside from the awards mentioned above, nominations are also being accepted for:
Citizen of the Year—Echo Publishing Company—401 Church Street, SS, TX 75482
Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483
Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—P.O. Box 347, SS, TX 75483
Agriculturist of the Year—Professional Ag Workers—c/o Agri-Life Extension, P.O. Box 518, SS TX 75483
Each of these nominations should be submitted in writing and mailed to the above-mentioned address.
Drop In Reception for Texas A&M Commerce’s New President on Monday, January 9th
Guarantee Bank and Trust is hosting a Drop In Reception for Dr. Ray Keck, the new President of Texas A&M – Commerce on Monday, January 9th, from noon until 1 p.m. The reception will be held at Guaranty Bank and Trust, 919 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs.
First Baptist Church will host a Trip Planning meeting on Monday, January 9th at 6 p.m.
First Baptist Church will host a meeting for the 2017 long distance trips on Monday, January 9, at 6:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church ROC, 116 Putman Street in Sulphur Springs. There are two long distance trips. The first trip is to The Pacific Northwest Cost which includes Seattle, Friday Harbor, Butchart Gardens, tour of the Victoria and the Hoh Rain Forest. This trip will be on August 20-28, 2017. The second trip will be the Branson Christmas Shows on November 30-December 3, 2017. This trip will include five shows, shopping and a special stop at the War Eagle Mill. Everyone in our area is invited to hear information and receive a brochure concerning these two trips. Light refreshments will be served.
CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital -SS will host Women with Heart on Tuesday, February 7th
CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital in Sulphur Springs, along with Advanced Heart Care, present the 2017 Women with Heart Dinner on Tuesday, February 7th, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. There will be a free dinner and prizes. Women with Heart is an annual program conceived to celebrate and honor women who have survived heart disease. To nominate a woman who has survived and triumphed with the help of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-SS and Advanced Heart Care, please visit the following link. https://www.tmfhc.org/care-treatment/heart/your-heart-health/womens/women-with-heart/. If you have any questions, call Lakan Johnson at 903-438-4462 or e-mail [email protected] / Sherry Moore at 903-439-4062 or e-mail [email protected].
New Members to the Chamber of Commerce…
Welcome to our newest members of the Chamber of Commerce, The Oaks Bed & Breakfast. We are excited about having you!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
Nichols To Serve 15 Years With Aggravated Parole Rules
A plea bargain agreement for Patrick Warren Nichols, Jr, 48, will send him to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 15 years with aggravated parole rules. He made the plea late Wednesday afternoon in Eighth Judicial District Court. He will be eligible for parole in 7.5 years.
In 2014 Nichols was placed on 10 years of deferred probation for Engaging in Organized Crime. He had been indicted for a November 4, 2013 offense of collaborating in the delivery of 4-grams or less of methamphetamine. His probation was revoked because he failed to report to probation for over a year, had positive drug tests, failed to pay fines and fees and in October of this year was arrested for Theft of Property over $1500, less than $20,000 and for Sexual Assault of a Child. The last two charges occurred in Franklin County.
For Nichols, the law of Engaging in Organized Crime changed in September 2013, two months before he committed his offense. Had he committed the crime earlier, he would have to serve time under regular parole rules. Instead, he has to deal with aggravated parole rules.
Soccer Teams Enter Tournament Play Thursday
Wildcats Tie Royse City
The Wildcats’ soccer team battled to a 0-0 tie with Royse City Tuesday night on the road in the Wildcats second and final scrimmage of the season. Coach Nicky Wiggins said he was glad to see his team hold the Bulldogs to no goals. He praised defenders Ignacio Orosco, Israel Hernandez and Brandon Diosdado along with keeper Rafael Lopez. On the offensive side, Coach Wiggins said his team struggled in transition and in creativity needed to set up goal chances. Now the Wildcats open the regular season at a three-day Forney tournament that gets underway Thursday. The Wildcats will play five games over three days. The Wildcats will play Garland Lakeview Centennial at 9:45 a.m. and Richardson J.J. Pearce at 6:30 p.m. Friday the Wildcats will play Amarillo Tascosa at 8 a.m. and Carrollton Newman Smith at 6:30 p.m. All the Wildcats opponents are Class 6A schools. Coach Wiggins said on Friday and Saturday, the Wildcats would be tested physically. Coach Wiggins, a first year soccer head coach said he’s excited to get the season started Thursday.
Lady Cats Down North Lamar
What a way to get ready for the season opener? In the Lady Cats’ soccer team’s fourth and final scrimmage this season, the Lady Cats downed North Lamar, 8-1. Coach Jesus DeLeon said his team had started slow in their first two scrimmages but he added that was certainly not the case Tuesday night. He said the Lady Cats jumped on the Pantherettes from the beginning. Gracie Boyer scored an early goal and Faith Singleton added two goals. In the second half, Mileena Zirretta scored a three-goal hat trick in five minutes. Coach Deleon praised the team’s midfielders and forward Makenna Kager who had four assists. The Lady Cats open the regular season at a three-day Terrell tournament Thursday. They finished third in the tournament last year. They will open play against South Garland, the team that won the tournament last year. The Lady Cats play them at 12:45 p.m. Thursday. They also play Hillcrest Thursday at 5:45 p.m. The Lady Cats will play Ferris Friday at 10:15 a.m. and Lindale Friday at 5:45 p.m. Coach DeLeon has fond memories of Terrell. The Lady Cats defeated Waxahachie there in the playoffs and they gave Mansfield Legacy all they wanted in a 2-0 loss in the next playoff game.
soccer ball net
Saltillo Basketball: Lions Defeat Honey Grove; Lady Lions Lost to Bells
The Saltillo Lions’ basketball team won a game at home, 54-45 over Honey Grove Tuesday. The Lions had to stage a big comeback in the second half to win. Matt Gurley led Saltillo in scoring with 19 points. Lyle Bench had 10 points, Trevor Moore 6 points, Clayton Wilson and Logan Camp 5 points each, Walker McGill 3 points and Branson McGill, Adam Valenzuela and Mike Simmons 2 points each. The Lions are now 9-13 for the season. The Lions will play Yantis at home on Friday evening. The Lions JV defeated Honey Grove 56-25 Tuesday. Ben Moore had 15 points, Levi Hoover had 12, Nathan Valenzuela 11, Ryan Prewitt 10, Mike Clover 5 and Dillon Beadle 3 points. The Saltillo JV team is 9-2. They will play Yantis JV at 6 p.m. on Friday at home right before the varsity game.
The Saltillo Lady Lions lost to Bells, 56-32 Tuesday on the road. Tori Mobley led the Lady Lions with 9 points. Ana Gallegos added 6 points. Melissa Groenewold had 4 points. Madison Simmons, Melissa Tawil and Jocelyn Ochoa all had 3 points. Brenda Castro and Sienna Collins had 2 points each. The Lady Lions JV also lost to Bells, 46-31. Sienna Collins was the top JV scorer with 15 points. Melissa Tawil and Jocelyn Ochoa both scored 6 points and Calli Callahan had 4 points.
