Playoff Game Set for Lady Cats
With a District Championship, Lady Cats basketball will travel to Grand Saline to meet Lindale. The Tuesday night, February 16th game will be played at 7 p.m. in the Grand Saline High School gym. Sulphur Springs will be the home team. Tickets for the game are $3 for students and $5 for adults.
The game will be heard on KSST and streamed on ksstradio.com and the KSST app. Scores will also be posted on social media by KSST.
After the Lady Cats Basketball Team defeated Pine Tree, 47-19 Tuesday night, Lady Cats Coach Jeff Chapman acknowledged that it was hard for a team to get up to play someone they had soundly defeated the first time around. The Lady Cats won at Pine Tree, 60-13 on January 15.
Coach Chapman said his team was not as smooth Tuesday night as they usually were. He firmly believes his team will be ready when playoff games begin. Coach Chapman discussed freshman Sadavia Porter who scored ten first quarter points to get the Lady Cats going and who led the Lady Cats with 15 points. Many of Sadavia’s points came after steals. Coach Chapman called her a great athlete who is getting better and better. He also praised the team’s one senior honored on senior night Lexie Moore. Coach Chapman said Lexie, who is a third year varsity player, had made great strides as a player. He added she was smart and caught on to things quickly and was also unselfish.
The win also earned the Lady Cats their first district championship since 2002 when Caron Hoffman was coach.
Spring Planting
by Mario Villarino
As you go over ksstradio.com during your Sunday ready, you probably are celebrating Valentines’s Day somehow and enjoying the cooler temperatures of the year. Our youth livestock projects are getting ready for their county livestock show scheduled for the last part of the month (NETLA Show Feb 25-27, 2016, Regional Civic Center Arena) and our ranchers and gardeners are getting ready for our summer to start. I want to remind you that this is a great time to work in your composting and pruning before the springs properly comes. Be cautions in starting planting unless you have a way of protecting those early seedlings from a sudden cold front frost. Here I am including the recommendations from Texas A&M AgriLife horticulturist for the month of March:
“Often, tomato and pepper plants started outdoors from seed will grow so quickly they will catch up with commercial plants in size within a few weeks. For many gardeners, this is the only way to obtain rare or heirloom varieties. But because this has been a winter with erratic weather patterns, it’s best to keep an eye on young tomato transplants so that they may be covered if the threat of a late frost occurs. Don’t be in a hurry to set out young pepper plants. Wait until the temperatures seem to be settled. Pruning of evergreens and summer flowering trees and shrubs should be completed in early March. Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs as soon as they finish blooming. Start hanging baskets of petunias, ferns and others for another dimension in landscape color. One attractive begonia plant can yield a number of others through careful rooting of stem cuttings. Plant dahlia tubers in fertile, well-drained soil. In North Texas there is still time to plant seeds of your favorite annuals in flats to be transplanted out-of-doors when danger of frost is past. Select and order caladium tubers as well as coleus plants for late April and early May planting. Do not plant caladiums until soil temperature reaches 70°F. As camellia and azalea plants finish blooming, fertilize them with three pounds of azalea-camellia fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed area. Check mulch on azalea and camellia beds and add where needed. Fertilize roses every 4 to 6 weeks from now until September.Beware of close-out sales on bare-root trees and shrubs. The chance of survival is rather low on bare-root plants this late in the season. Your best bet at this time of year is to depend on container-grown or balled-and-burlapped plants for landscape use.Plant Blue Plumbago (Plumbago capensis) now for season long low maintenance color. It is usually cold hardy to Zone 8 and sheltered places elsewhere. Although tolerant of sunny conditions, blue plumbago prefers a little protection from the hot afternoon sun. It is quite drought tolerant and blooms from spring till frost. Now is a time to thin larkspur, zinnia, cockscomb and cosmos seedlings. Plants will bloom much better if thinned to about 4″ apart. Transplant or share the extras with gardening friends.”
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
President Names Hopkins County For December Disaster Aid; County Completing May Disaster Relief Agreement with FEMA
As Hopkins County officials conclude their agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the Presidential Disaster Declaration made last May, the President has once again declared Hopkins County a disaster county following the December 26-27, 2015 floods that did major damage to roads and bridges in the county.
According to County Judge Robert Newsom, the final agreement regarding the May, 2015 disaster that did major damage to roads and bridges is about two weeks away from completion. Commissioner Beth Wisenbaker, tasked with the responsibility of representing all precincts in the county to FEMA, “Until I put my signature on the contracts, I’m not sure how long it will be before this ends.” Wisenbaker also stated that final dollar amounts for the May disaster are basically set but could change before signing day.
However, now with the most recent disaster declaration, the county will begin the process again. FEMA representatives have already begun the tour of areas affected by the December disaster. Wisenbaker states there are yet roads for FEMA to drive as they assess the damage. In fact, according to a previous story reported by KSST News, some of the December damage was done to areas where the May damage had already been repaired. Wisenbaker states that FEMA representatives are beginning to realize that how roads are built in Hopkins County is different from road construction elsewhere.
Older roads in Hopkins County have no stabilization base and that base is difficult to establish. Wisenbaker stated that when roads were first built the dirt from the ditch was used to form the base. Crude oil was mixed with that dirt as well and laid over the base. She stated that even with current methods, the rebuilding of roads in the county is difficult. She stated that using oil sand, the rebuilding of a road in Hopkins County costs $72,000 per mile. Other methods are more expensive. She said that obtaining crude oil is also currently difficult. With oil prices low, most oil companies are “…leaving it in the ground,” she said.
Yet, there remains the exact placement of repairs under the disaster. The areas to be repaired are marked with GPS coordinates and those specific areas are the focus of the repair and reimbursement system. Wisenbaker stated that when repairs to roads and bridges are performed the county pays for the work and then turns in the receipts to FEMA.
FEMA’S PRESS RELEASE REGARDING THE PRESIDENT’S DECLARATION:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Texas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of December 26, 2015 to January 21, 2016.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe winter storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in Bailey, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Ellis, Hall, Hardeman, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Kaufman, Kent, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Navarro, Parmer, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Titus, and Van Zandt counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Kevin L. Hannes has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Hannes said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Texas.
Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:
- Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
- Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
- Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
How to Apply for Assistance:
- Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Saltillo Senior Night
Lady Lion Seniors – Tallie Boekhorst and Senior Paula Boekhorst, Richard and Heidi Clover and Senior Haylee Clover and Brandon Hogue and Lori McPhearson and Senior Malori Hogue.
Sienna Collins being honored as the 1st Place Cross Country runner at state.
Lion Seniors – Dana Bench and Senior Lane Bench, Amy Underwood and Senior Jonathan Van Holten and Sahira Olvera sister and Senior Pascual FiscalMother-Son Superhero Night at Children’s Museum
Wham! Bam! Slam! Superheroes are coming to the Children’s Museum on Saturday, February 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Now that the Daddy-Daughter Dance is history for this year, it is time to turn attention to the Mother-Son Superhero Night, a time for mothers and sons.
The evening will feature Galactic heroes from Earth and beyond. Superheroes can be the traditional Superman, Batman, or Spiderman; they might also be a Jedi from Star Wars or a fireman or policeman. Superheroes include many characters from throughout the universe.
Each young man will have an opportunity to take on the role of a Superhero. The young Superheroes can solve a crime at the Cypress Bank by following the trail of the bank robbers. They may also save a dog in a house surrounded by flood waters. These and other activities will make the Superhero Event a time to remember for each young boy.
“The Superhero food will include Wonder Dogs, Cat Woman Claws, and Lightsabers. Power
Punch will also be available. We want the food to be good but to also go along with our Superhero theme”, said Kathy Erwin who will be the caterer for the event.
Decorations will set the tone for the evening and will reflect the theme. The traditional heroes of Superman, Batman, and Spiderman will be seen throughout the Children’s Museum. “My grandson loves Superheroes, and I want the decorations to be exciting to him”, said Lonnie Plunkett, Decorating Chairman.
“Volunteers are so important for any event at the Children’s Museum. The group for the Mother-Son Superhero Night will play an important role in making the evening special for young boys and their moms. It will be such a fun time!” said Sharline Freeman, Director of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum.
Tickets for the evening are $30 per couple. Purchase them by calling the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum at 903-886-6055.
Shots Hit Post; Wildcats Lose to Longview
The Wildcats Soccer Team lost a hard fought match to Longview, 2-1 at Gerald Prim Stadium Tuesday night. The close loss had Wildcats Soccer Coach Andy Holt shaking his head as he remembered several Wildcats shots on goal that hit the goalposts. Longview scored in the first half and led at the half, 1-0. In the second half, the Wildcats tied the match at 1-1 on a goal from Gerardo Arellano. It remained tied until the Lobos took the lead with about five minutes left to play in the contest. The loss drops the Wildcats to 3-2 in district play. They are now tied with Longview. The Wildcats season record is now 8-7-1. The Wildcats are back on the road Friday as they play at Texas High.
Wildcats Basketball Battle Back But It’s Not Enough
The Wildcats Basketball Team battled back from a late double digit deficit to tie Pine Tree 58-58 in the fourth quarter only to see the Pirates score the game’s last four points in a 62-58 Wildcats loss at Pine Tree Tuesday night. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 3-9 in district play. Their season mark falls to 10-18. The Wildcats will have their final home game Friday as they will play Longview. It will be senior night and seven seniors will be honored. Longview won 72-60 on their home court back on January 19.
The Wildcats will wrap up their season with a game at Marshall next Tuesday night.
She’s Such a Darlin by Michael Jefferson
Mrs. Darlin
I know you guys have seen Mrs. Darlin around school helping with all of the technology problems. She is also the cheerleader coach for the 7th graders, but now she has a bigger role. She is in charge of all the new tablets we just got here at the middle school and she has to fix the tablets when people have problems with them. She also has a new office that is down the hall by the library across from the office.
Every 7th and 8th grade student has a specific tablet assigned to them. When a student brings their insurance money, she gets their table and takes it to them. Once she checks and makes sure that they can log on to the device without a problem, she gives them their charger and make them initial by their name on a sheet of paper.
If students have a problem with their tablet she trouble shoots and begins on trying to fix the problem. If she is having difficulties and can’t find or fix the problem the student is assigned a rental tablet and their original tablet gets sent off to be fixed.
So if you ever having problems with your tablet, go and see Mrs. Darlin and she is sure to solve and fix the problems you have.
Student Council by Brenden Lynn and Justin Brock
Have you ever thought about being a big part of your school? Did you know that there’s a place for you right here at Sulphur Springs Middle School (SSMS) in Sulphur Springs, Texas? Well, then Student Council is the job for you.
Student Council is a group of student leaders who work with an adult supervisor to collaborate with others to impact their school community, which impacts their city or town, which impacts our state, which impacts our country, which changes the world.
Mrs. Frazier is over the 8th grade and Mrs. Glenn is in charge of the 7th grade, and in order to become a Student Council representative, there are three things you have to do.
First, you have to be the best student you can be starting now! Your teachers will give a grade (0-3) 3 being the best and 0 being the worst. TEACHER’S votes count TWICE so it’s 50% of your votes!
Second, your application will be graded. They are looking for a nicely written application with all questions answered. Lastly, the students vote! All of the votes that were recorded, and the student’s grades, will be averaged in and the students with the highest averages would make Student Council.
Student Council is important because it gets students to participate with the affairs of the school. It helps students share their concerns with teachers or school principals. We always are looking for students who follow the WILDCAT way.
Student Council participates in Empty Stocking, Special Olympics, canned food drives, and Relay for Life at various times of the year. “My favorite event that we did last year was Special Olympics- Cause I love to see the smiles and when the kids win you see them light up.” says Mrs. Frazier. They also are trying to adopt a highway at the moment. Mrs. Frazier said “It’s our volunteers who keep this Texas-born program going strong, and your help is needed now more than ever.” Participation is simple:
You adopt a highway that stretches about two-miles for a minimum of two years, interstate highways are not eligible for adoption. You agree to pick up litter four times per year. Adopt-a-Highway signs will be posted with your group’s name at your location of your adoption.
Student Council meets every Tuesday and Thursday in the cafeteria. “This year Student Council is running the concession stand during all home volleyball and basketball games as a fundraiser for students to represent the voices of their fellow classmates!! Voices for SSMS!!” says Mrs. Frazier. Also, at the end of each year Student Council goes on a trip. Last year they went to Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas to tour the Texas Rangers baseball stadium. “Several of our students had a love for the game so we decided to treat them to a tour.” says Mrs. Frazier.
There are approximately 10% of 7th and 8th grade students (about 60 in total) that are in Student Council. Mrs. Williams didn’t want 6th graders in Student Council because she wants them to acclimate to the middle school before they look on the responsibility involved in being a part of Student Council. “Our 7th and 8th grade Student Council has over 60 members which is plenty of representation here at SSMS.” says Mrs. Williams.
“Updated” Lady Cats Win District Championship With Decisive Win
The Lady Cats Basketball Team wrapped up the district championship with a 47-19 win over Pine Tree in Wildcats Gym Tuesday night. The Lady Cats ended district play with a 12-2 record. They had a one game lead over Hallsville when play began Tuesday night. The Lady Cats season record is 25-6. They will play Lindale in a bi-district game next week either Monday or Tuesday with the site and time still to be determined. The Lady Cats defeated Lindale 73-40 in Wildcats Gym back on November 17. It was the Lady Cats home opener and only their third game of the season. In that one the Lady Cats got 28 points from Kaylee Jefferson, 14 points from Lexie Moore and 12 points from Sheretta Hill.
On Tuesday night against Pine Tree, the Lady Cats jumped out to a 19-4 first quarter lead and increased the lead every quarter. Point Guard Sadavia Porter led the Lady Cats with 15 points, Kaylee Jefferson added 9 points and Daieyshia Pruitt 8. The district championship for the Lady Cats is the first since the 2001-2002 season. That team, coached by Caron Hoffman, was a perfect 10-0 in district play.
