Sulphur Springs Man Dead As Result of Motorcycle Crash
March 30, 2023- A 44-year-old Sulphur Springs man riding a motorcycle was killed on March 29th at about 1:20 Wednesday afternoon in a head-on collision with an SUV on Hwy 11 about 4 miles east of Sulphur Springs. The victim was identified as Michael Huggins. Preliminary DPS reports indicate that Huggins was Westbound when his 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle crossed the center line and collided with a Ford Explorer SUV driven by Elizabeth Shafer of Sulphur Springs. The preliminary report also shows that it is believed Huggins was not wearing a helmet.
Huggins was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace BJ Teer. Shafer suffered non-incapacitating injuries and was transferred to Christus Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Baseball drops second straight, hosts Liberty-Eylau on Friday
Editor’s Note: Baseball hosts L.E. Friday
Tuesday brought a gut-punch of a loss at Wildcat Park.
Sulphur Springs led early only to crumble down the stretch en route to a 4-3 loss to Pittsburg.
Wildcats baseball had a chance to at least tie the game, if not win in walk-off fashion, had they not struck out in their final at-bat.
Alex Macias, with the bases loaded and two outs struck out swinging on his final two pitches in a four-count at-bat to watch as Pittsburg rallied from down two runs to get a big win over the Wildcats.
Sulphur Springs jumped out to a 2-0 lead after their first at-bat.
Two errors, a fielder’s choice and two singles, the second of which coming from Matt Mitchell, allowed SS Macias and Grayson Hardy to score in the first inning.
From there though Pittsburg flipped the script, scoring a run each in the fifth and sixth innings prior to an even bigger seventh, getting two more runs en route to a 4-2 lead over Sulphur Springs.
Coach Jerrod Hammock’s squad had an excellent chance to at least send the game to extra innings.
In their final at-bat, a lead-off double, coupled with two singles allowed the Wildcats to get back in it trailing 4-3.
A sacrifice bunt put an out on the board, and a quick groundout made it two, still trailing by one. A walk off Evan Moore loaded the bases, but still down to their final out.
The strikeout of Macias sealed the come-from-behind win for Pittsburg, 4-3.
Mitchell’s two RBI single were huge for Sulphur Springs, allowing them to pick up their early lead in the first inning. He went 2 for 3, crossing home himself as well Tuesday.
Kaden Mitchell picked up his second loss starting for the Wildcats, his first since the opener just over two weeks ago. He pitched all seven innings, allowing all four runs and walking five.
Mitchell struck out seven in the 4-3 loss to Pittsburg.
The loss on Tuesday drops Wildcats baseball’s season record to 5-8 (1-4 district). The home loss to the Pirates is the second straight and sixth in seven games for Sulphur Springs.
More crucially though, the Wildcats’ defeat at the hands of Pittsburg drops them into fifth place.
Next up, Coach Hammock and his squad begin round two of district play Friday, Mar. 31 when they host Liberty Eylau (4-1, 2nd)
That game tees off on Friday at Wildcat Park at 7 P.M.
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.
March 29 Vietnam Veteran Memorial Service
March 29, 2023- Veterans of the Vietnam War met at Celebration Square this morning to honor those who served in the war. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a nationally recognized holiday meant to pay tribute to Veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were prisoners of war or who were listed as missing in action.
Veterans set the flags at half staff to honor those who served and those who did not return home. A rifle salute which was also given during the service of the event. Captain E Ridley Briggs spoke during this service to express the significance of the date. Robert Kerr read an Official Presidential Proclamation during the event.
Softball ends round one of district play Friday
Lady Cats softball looks to finish round one of 15-4A play with a perfect record.
Through four games, Sulphur Springs is 4-0.
Their most recent wins came Monday and Tuesday. Originally slated to host North Lamar Friday, the game had to be postponed due to rain coming in Friday afternoon.
Coach David Carrillo’s team made quick work of the visiting Pantherettes, as Crimson Bryant picked up her first perfect start on the season.
The senior went the entire five-inning game without surrendering a hit nor allowing a North Lamar batter to reach first on a walk.
But another gem of a game by Sulphur Springs came on Tuesday, Mar. 28.
In a duel with then-undefeated Pleasant Grove, like battles of old with Hallsville, both teams came into Tuesday’s contest in Texarkana hoping to stay undefeated and, as a result, front runner of the district.
Sulphur Springs left the doorstep of Arkansas Tuesday night with a huge 6-1 win over the Lady Hawks.
Bryant picked up yet another win in Texarkana, going a complete seven innings while allowing two hits and a run, her first surrendered in four starts.
The senior ace walked four, but struck out 18 PG batters. Bryant also came up big on the offensive end, getting two hits.
She was surpassed only by Reese Ragan, recording three hits in the 6-1 win against the Lady Hawks.
Arguably the biggest hit of the game came from KK Montgomery, who crushed one for a two-run homer.
Coach David Carrillo’s team continues to roll through their district season. After four games, Sulphur Springs stands as the lone team from 15-4A to be be undefeated.
Their season record now sits at 18-4 (4-0 district).
Next up, Coach Carrillo and his team wrap up round one of district play with a second straight home contest.
Liberty Eylau (2-2, tied for 3rd) come to Lady Cat Park Friday looking to rebound from Tuesday’s 21-7 shellacking at the hands of North Lamar.
That game kicks off Friday, Mar. 31 in Sulphur Springs at 6 P.M.
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.
City Of Sulphur Springs Announces Spring Clean-up Days
March 29, 2023- The annual City-Wide Spring Clean-Up has been set for Monday-Saturday, April 24-29, 2023. Sulphur Springs residents may bring large items to discard from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on clean-up days to the city collection site
To verify the person arriving with garbage is a resident, living within the city of Sulphur Springs, those bringing large items to discard will be asked to show proof of city residents by presenting a driver’s license or city utility bill (water bill) with their physical address on it.
No containers or appliances with hazardous or harsh materials will be accepted at the city collection site If discarding a refrigerator for instance, the city resident must show documentation that the Freon within has been removed. No paint, batteries, tires or other household hazardous wastes will be accepted.
Residents do have to bring their own items to the clean-up site; the city will not furnish a means to do so. There are typically people on-hand to help city residents who do take advantage of the City-Wide Spring Clean-Up by bringing items to dump. They can help with some items but residents for the most part will be responsible for offloading their own items.
The drop off will be located half a mile east of the 4 way stop at Jefferson ST (HWY 67) and loop 301
Traffic Stop on Dually Yields Drugs Related Arrests
March 29, 2023 – SOTO-BARRON, DAVID and GUTIERREZ, ALBERTO ORTEGA were driver and passenger in a dually pickup stopped for a mudflap violation in Sulphur Springs.
GUTIERREZ a.k.a. El Nino, who list himself as unemployed, was found to have outstanding warrants for his arrest. That warrant was drug related and was issued by Austin, TX authorities.
Soto, the 48 year-old driver of the vehicle, granted consent to search above vehicle, and a green bag was located in the rear seat. He lists himself as the owner of a Winnsboro based construction company.
The green bag had two bags inside that contained white crystal like substance that leter tested as methamphetamine. The other bag contained cocaine. Neither occupant claimed ownership of the narcotics. Both occupants of the pickup was taken into custody and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. At the jail, the white crystal like substance was found to have an approximate aggregate weight of 19.5 grams. Both occupants booked in and released to Hopkins County Jail staff without further incident. The Dodge Ram was impounded.
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.
Hostage Near Douglass ECLC Public Information Release
On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 8:17 a.m., Officers responded to an address on Freeman Street in reference to a disturbance. On arrival, officers heard loud screaming coming from inside the residence. Officers made verbal contact at the front door and were told by a male subject that the female would be allowed to leave but warned officers not to enter. Officers believed that the male subject was armed and attempted to negotiate with him to exit the residence. The male subject then advised officers that he had poured gasoline and would be setting fire to the house. A short time later, officers noticed a large amount of smoke filling the residence and heard a gunshot from inside. After the smoke filled the house, the male subject broke a window and was able to exit with the assistance of officers. Sulphur Springs Fire Department was able to quickly extinguish the fire. Due to the proximity of Douglas School, the school was placed on “Secure” for precautionary measures and all students and staff are safe.
The male subject was later identified as John Andrew Rushin. Rushin was transported to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office where he is charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Deadly Conduct, Arson, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. The Police Department would like to thank the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety for their assistance.
Soil Test By Mario Villarino
March 29, 2023- With the First Day of Spring and the most recent warm weather and sunny days we start thinking about our warm season pastures and hay meadows. A few things to keep in mind as our warm season forages begin to break dormancy: Soil Test! Soil Test! Soil Test! If you have not done so for this year, please consider obtaining a soil test now.
There is not much that can be done regarding the high cost of fertilizer, but there is much we can do regarding how efficiently we use fertilizer. The soil test is the first step in efficient fertilizer use and improved forage production. Samples should be collected annually for hay meadows and every 2 to 3 years for grazing pastures. For soil forms and bags contact your County Extension Office in Sulphur Springs at 903-885-3443 or visit us at 1200B Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. Scout for warm-season annual weeds and grasses whether to control them with recommended herbicides.
When pastures contain 50% or more weeds, economic inputs start to increase and net returns drop. Apply herbicide early, depending on the climate. To control annual weeds effectively, spray when they are small and growing. Follow the recommendations on the product label. Note: Herbicides that control broadleaf weeds also kill clover.
Sprayer Calibration is a critical step for a pesticide applicator in making sure the correct amount of pesticide is applied to the target site. Calibration is the process by which the amount of pesticide being applied per a unit of area is determined. This step is most often skipped because we get in a hurry, we calibrated it once a long time ago (surely nothing has changed) or we forget. By skipping sprayer calibration the applicator may be applying too much pesticide or not enough pesticide. If too little pesticide is applied, the pest may not be controlled. Using more product than label directions recommend is illegal, may not control the pest effectively, may injure non-targets and may be hazardous to the environment. 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].
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.
