Chamber Connection – March 29
If you are a Chamber of Commerce member and want to host a Business After Hours (or Before Hours), we have some openings for you!
We are scheduling our monthly networking events for the remainder of the year, and are looking for host businesses. The cost of the event is free; we just ask that you provide some refreshments.
You simply open your business from 4:30-6 p.m. on the designated day (or 7:30-8:30 a.m.), and welcome the guests.
If you’re interested, send me an email at [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
Skeet Shooting
Heart of Hope will have a Skeet Shooting Event, starting at 11 a.m. on May , at the Church at Klondike. Entry fee is $15 and includes lunch and a raffle ticket. The contest will be sporting clay shoot, wolf chase and buddy shoot. There will also be a kid shoot for 14 and under. Bring your own ammunition.
Proceeds benefit Heart of Hope in Sulphur Springs. For more information, call 903-440-1665.
Freedom Ball
This year’s Hopkins County Freedom Ball is going to be bigger and better than ever! Come help celebrate our local heroes at the Hopkins County Civic Center on May 20.
This years theme is “Top Gun” and Jason Walden & The Alibis will be providing the music for the evening.
Tickets are $125 each, and 200 tickets are set aside for veterans and their wingman each — first come, first serve. So, get your tickets now.
For tickets, contact Danny Davis at 903-438-4003.
Health Fair
A 55+ Health Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at The ROC at First Baptist Church. There will be blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, preneed counseling, hospital equipment, information on hospice and home health as well as assisted living, Medicare and Medicaid.
For more information, contact Karon Weatherman at 903-243-3255.
Health Care Foundation Gala
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Lights of Life Gala has sponsorships and individual tickets for sale for the premiere event of the season that includes dining, dancing, live and silent auctions and games. All money raised goes to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs.
Go online to LOLGala2023.GiveSmart.com to purchase tickets or to sponsor.
Lunch and Learn
The Chamber will host its spring Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, April 18, from 11:30-1 p.m. The program will be a roundtable discussion on marketing, both conventional and social media. The seminar will be informational and practical to help business marketers increase their profile by doing it themselves. The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.
Call 903-885-6515 or email [email protected] to sign up.
Ribbon Cuttings
Frank Conrad’s Edward Jones office will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, March 29, at the office located at 513 Oak Ave. Everyone is invited to join in the event.
Wildcats Soccer hits second round roadblock in 2-0 Area loss to Palestine
Coach Alexi Upton and his team never recovered from a 2-0 deficit at the half, falling with that score to Palestine in the second round playoff game.
Tuesday, Mar. 28 in Tyler, Sulphur Springs looked to get a big upset of the #1 team in all of 4A.
Instead, Palestine played their pace on the pitch.
They stymied any sort of Wildcat momentum consistently, frustrating Coach Upton’s squad.
That, and two big goals prior to the half sunk Sulphur Springs morale.
In fact, the second and final goal scored in the Area playoff contest came with less than a minute to go in the first period, giving Palestine a huge 2-0 lead heading into the locker room.
That would be all they needed as Sulphur Springs fell 2-0 in the second round.
The opposing Wildcats forced Coach Upton’s team into a corner, as they knew the Wildcats’ kryptonite.
Sulphur Springs struggled to score at times throughout their season. In their 15 non-district contests, eight times — over half of those games — resulted in a one-goal differential game for the Wildcats.
To put Coach Upton’s team behind in a hurry put #1 Palestine in a great chance for an Area championship win.
Sulphur Springs, after surrendering a second goal prior to the end of the first half, all but doomed the Wildcats as from there they had to play catch-up, something they have not had to do a while, especially throughout their 12 game district season.
A huge rally never materialized as the Wildcats fell 2-0 to Palestine in the area round.
Coach Upton’s squad played hard all 90 minutes and had some good opportunities, but those were tough to come by as the quickness and well-coached team the opposing Wildcats possess continuously intercepted passes and chased down Sulphur Springs athletes to cancel out any sort of attack.
12 seniors played in their final game for Coach Upton.
The soccer coach said prior to their Senior Night blowout of North Lamar he will particularly miss this group of graduating students as they have been with the Sulphur Springs coach since he came to town five seasons ago.
Wildcats soccer ends their season with a 19-9-1 record (11-1 district), having been crowned Co-District champs of 13-4A but were seeded #2 from the district in the playoffs.
They won a Bi-District championship before falling in the Area round to Palestine.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Paris Junior College Awarded Part of Multi-Million Dollar Talent Strong Texas Pathways Grant
Based on outstanding accomplishments and dedication to student success, Paris Junior College has been selected to participate in Talent Strong Texas Pathways.
The $16 million five-year statewide economic mobility grant administered by the Texas Success Center is designed to increase the number of credentialed Texans prepared for high-demand careers that offer a living wage.
“I am excited to be recognized for our accomplishments and to be able to continue our Pathways work with a focus on the workforce and building a Talent Strong Texas,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President.
Paris Junior College has been both a state and national leader for more than seven years in the use of Pathways to help students clarify their goals. They select a pathway and stay on track with that pathway to finish a certificate or degree without any excessive hours.
Because of Pathways, PJC students’ average semester credit hours are lower than peer community colleges, and PJC outperforms those colleges in the average time a student takes to graduate.
The state’s higher education strategic plan, “Building a Talent Strong Texas,” targets expanding the attainment of valuable postsecondary credentials. The intent is to increase employment opportunities and income for individuals while creating a deeper talent pool for employers.
“Texas higher education has unique responsibilities and roles to play in what comes next, to expand opportunities for all Texans and ensure our economic competitiveness on a global scale” said Harrison Keller, Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. “Now is the time to seize the vast, Texas-sized opportunities before us to achieve impact at scale and to dedicate ourselves to building a talent strong Texas.”
The Texas Success Center, working with the state’s community colleges, is supporting the scaling of inclusive talent pathways directing students through collaboratively designed programs beginning with short-term credentials and early workplace learning.
“Texas is very fortunate to have a set of funding partners willing to invest in the important work of the community colleges. We are very impressed by the college commitment to design and implement talent pathways” said Dr. Cynthia Ferrell, Vice President of the Texas Success Center. “We are excited to work with Paris Junior College as they continue to partner with local business and education leaders to provide valuable workforce and education opportunities.”
For more information regarding Talent Strong Texas Pathways, please visit https://tacc.org/tsc.
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The Texas Success Center, a unit of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, supports Texas community colleges’ efforts to improve student success and directs the Talent Strong Texas Pathways, a statewide strategy focused on building capacity for community colleges to design, implement, and continuously improve structured career pathways at scale for all students. For more information, visit https://www.tacc.org/pages/texas-success-center/what-we-do.
Paris Junior College, located in Paris, Texas, has successfully educated generations of students since 1924. Offering certificates and associate degrees, the college has been aggressive in expanding technical / workforce and university transfer programs. PJC operates centers in Sulphur Springs and Greenville, Texas.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Douglass ECLC Sent Into Secure In Place
March 28, 2023- Sulphur Springs Douglass ISD had a secure in place order on the school as a unidentified assailant was holding a hostage in a near by residence. The school campus was sent into “Secure”, not “lock down”, for precautionary measures. At this time the “secure” stats has been lifted.
The situation was handled by the Sulphur Springs Police Department. Students and staff are all safe after the situation was handled. The school day will continue as normal as the situation has been resolved.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Hosts National Drug Takeback Day
March 28, 2023- Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. On April 22 starting at 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. all residents may bring their unwanted prescription drugs to Atwoods Ranch & Home (parking lot) located on 817 Gilmer St.
The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. Only pills and patches will be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For disposal information on liquids and sprays, see below:
Disposal of Liquid Medicines, Eye Drops, Ear Drops, and Nose Sprays. Mix the leftover medicine with an unwanted material, like coffee grounds or kitty litter. Then, put the mixture in a container or a sealable plastic bag that will not leak. Throw the container away in the trash where children and pets cannot reach it.
For more information about the National Take Back Day, please call the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4040
Tuesday Gameday has four teams in action, including Area playoff soccer double-header
Tuesday, Mar. 28 is an another busy gameday for Sulphur Springs sports, as four teams are all in action.
Starting out on Tuesday is Lady Cats soccer, playing in their Area playoff game with Palestine.
Coach Adriana Brena and her squad are riding high following their 9-0 dismantling of Chapel Hill in the Bi-District match.
Seven scorers came up big last Thursday and hope to do the same Tuesday, Mar. 28 when they take on 16-4A runner-up Palestine.
The opposing Lady Cats also had a big game in their playoff opener, taking care of Carthage 3-0 in their Bi-District match-up.
Sulphur Springs will need an equally impressive game as their 9-0 win over Tyler’s Chapel Hill if they hope to move on to the third round of playoffs.
That game kicks off in Tyler on Tuesday at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Rose Stadium at 5:30 P.M.
Tuesday’s area game with Palestine will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
Second team up on Tuesday is Lady Cats softball, playing in their second district game in as many days.
Catch David Carrillo’s squad played North Lamar on Monday, winning yet another 10-run rule district contest, 12-0.
Monday’s district match-up was originally scheduled to be played Friday, Mar. 24, but due to rain coming in Friday afternoon that game had to be postponed to Monday.
It made little difference for Sulphur Springs, as they got a no-hitter from Crimson Bryant, going a complete five innings while giving up no hits nor runs, but striking out 12 in the victory.
12 hits were recorded in the 12-0 shutout win, with each hitter crossing home plate.
With the win Monday, Coach Carrillo’s team remains undefeated, now 17-4 on the season (3-0 district). They have a quick turnaround as on Tuesday, Mar. 28 Lady Cats softball heads to Pleasant Grove for their final district game in round one of 15-4A play.
A win at PG for Sulphur Springs would make them the sole undefeated team in the district.
That game tees off in Texarkana Tuesday at 6 P.M.
Also on deck Tuesday is Wildcats baseball.
Coach Jerrod Hammock’s team looks for a reversal of fortunes, as five of their last six have all been losses for Sulphur Springs.
Most recently, on Saturday, the baseball team hosted North Lamar in a game that was originally scheduled to be played Friday. Just like with the Lady Cats, rain coming in Friday afternoon forced a postponement to Saturday.
Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs they fell at home to the Panthers 12-2. It’s the third 10-run rule district loss for the baseball team, now 1-3 through four district games.
In the first two contests, playing the front-runners for 15-4A, the Wildcats managed just one hit in each game.
They rebounded in a 6-4 win in Paris, but Saturday saw them hit twice, with the result being the same as the first two losses in a 10-run rule defeat at the hands of North Lamar.
They are now 5-7 on the year.
Sulphur Springs ends round one of district play Tuesday when they host Pittsburg (1-3, tied with the Wildcats for 4th).
That game tees off at Wildcat Park Tuesday at 7 P.M.
The last team up on Tuesday is Wildcats soccer, and like the Lady Cats they play Palestine in the Area round.
On Thursday Sulphur Springs took on Athens, suffocating the Hornets for a 2-0 win in Bi-District.
The other Wildcats are 16-4A champions, having won 13 of their 14 district games.
In their opening round playoff game, they easily took care of Sabine 6-2.
Coach Upton and his team will need an equally impressive game plan as the one they had Thursday in their win over Athens if they wish to move on to the Regional Quarterfinals held later this week.
The Area match-up between men’s soccer and Palestine is set to kick off in Tyler, also at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Rose Stadium, at 7:30 P.M.
Another Tuesday gameday brings another soccer playoff double-header, and just like last Thursday both soccer playoff contests for the soccer programs will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
17th Annual Lights of Life Gala Sponsor KSBR, LLC
Gala Co-Chair Whitney Vaughan (l-r) accompanies Katy and Sergio Ramirez for a check presentation recognizing the Ramirezes’ sponsorship of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 17th Annual Lights of Life Gala to be held on April 22. The Ramirezes are owners of KSBR, LLC and The Market on Main. Thank you, Katy and Sergio, for sponsoring the Gala!
Wes Gerald Back in Hopkins County Jail
March 28, 2023 – Law Enforcement noticed Sulphur Springs resident Wes Gerald, age 48, operating a motorcycle on Bill Bradford Drive in Sulphur Springs. A records check showed the vehicle’s registration to be expired, and Gerald’s driver license to be invalid.
A traffic stop was initiated and Gerald continued to travel on Bill Bradford a few blocks. He eventually turned onto Carter St. Once on Carter St he travel approximately two more blocks before parking in front of a home.
Contact with Gerald was made, and he was informed as to why he was being stopped. Gerald appeared nervous and was sweating profusely. When asked if he had anything illegal on his person he produced a baggie containing marijuana. He was asked again if he had anything illegal on his person, his replied that he did not. Officers noticed Gerald was hiding one of his hand behind his back. When asked to show his hands, Gerald attempted to discard something he was holding. That object came to rest behind the mailbox he was parked next to.
The object was located. It was a small black box, and inside a baggie containing a crystal like substance suspected to be methamphetamine. That substance was later tested and confirmed to be meth.
At this point, the Carter St homeowner, a.k.a Wes Gerald’s friend, arrived home. When asked if Gerald was an acquaintance, the homeowner denied knowing Gerald.
Gerald was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. His Harley-Davidson Road King was impounded. His charges include Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While Licence Invalid, and Criminal Attempt to Obscure Evidence.
This is not the first time Wes Gerald has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2016 he pled guilty to Bail Jumping. Gerald was sentenced to three (3) years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. As part of his plea agreement other charges including Aggravated Assault in Retaliation, possession of drug paraphernalia, and engaging in organized crime were dropped. See that story here.
Wes Gerald was involved in an Undercover Drug bust gone wrong in 2015. See that story here.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
17th Annual Lights of Life Gala Sponsor Echo Design
Echo Design and Print Studio is once again assisting the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation with the 17th Annual Lights of Life Gala by donating their printing and design services for the event. Tickets are available at LOLGala2023.givesmart.com.
TxDOT Seeks Public Input on Building the Transportation System of 2050
TxDOT will host a statewide virtual meeting and local in-person open houses
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation is planning for the future, and public input is crucial as the agency looks to meet the transportation needs of tomorrow. TxDOT is hosting a statewide virtual public meeting with in-person open houses this spring for Connecting Texas 2050, the latest update to TxDOT’s statewide long-range transportation plan.
With unprecedented population growth, increasing demands on our transportation system, and technological innovations reimagining how we move, TxDOT wants to hear from the traveling public as the agency looks toward 2050.
No matter where you work, live or how you get around, this plan impacts everyone in Texas. That’s why TxDOT wants to hear from all Texans to help establish the vision, objectives, performance measures and strategic recommendations for the state’s transportation system through 2050 for all modes.
During the statewide virtual public meeting and regional in-person open houses, TxDOT will explain the process of the statewide long-range transportation plan. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their vision and provide input on transportation goals and needs to help TxDOT plan for 2050.
The statewide virtual public meeting will be available online through May 31, 2023. TxDOT will also host in-person open houses in various locations. For a full schedule, visit TxDOT online. The same information will be available at the virtual public meeting and in-person open houses.
Comments can be submitted online, by e-mail to [email protected], or by mail to: TxDOT TPP Connecting Texas 2050, Statewide Planning Branch Manager, P.O. Box 149217, Austin, Texas, 78714-9217. Comments can also be submitted via comment forms provided at the in-person open houses. Comments must be postmarked or received by Wednesday, May 31, 2023, to be included in the public involvement summary.
The virtual public meeting and in-person open houses will be conducted in English, with Spanish materials available online and in-person. If you need special accommodations, please call 512-271-2025 at least three working days prior to the in-person open house you wish to attend.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at 512-463-8700 and [email protected].
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