SSHS Wildcat Band Member Levi Caton Selected As All-State Musician On Trumpet
Levi Caton, a member of the Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band, will perform with the Texas All-State Symphonic Band on trumpet in San Antonio, Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Henry B. González Convention Center, as part of the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.
Levi is the 9th student in school history to be named to the All-State Band. The first All-State band member from Sulphur Springs was Kelley Fletcher, who also performed on a trumpet, in 1980.
“We are so proud of Levi! This is the most impressive accomplishment any band student can achieve,” said Spencer Emmert, SSHS head director. “The All-State experience for me in 1998 was one of the top memories I have from high school. We look forward to seeing and hearing Levi at All-State, with the best musicians in all of Texas.”
Levi will sit in the same section that SSMS Head Director Brittany Robinett sat in for three of her four eligible years.
“Trumpet players are special, and I am so excited for Levi to get this opportunity. He will fit right in in San Antonio with the other fine musicians,” Robinett said.
Levi Caton was chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region, and Area levels. Levi is a junior at Sulphur Springs High School and plays trumpet under the direction of Spencer Emmert, who is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, a 14,000-plus member organization headquartered in Austin. This is Levi’s first time to perform as a member of a TMEA All-State organization. Levi is the child of Kevin Caton and Ailsha Caton.
High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through auditions to qualify at the state level. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. only 1,875 students are selected through a process that began with over 70,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 18 ensembles.
Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition. This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 33 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in eight TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group. Only the top 2.6% of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians.
These All-State students participate in four days of rehearsals directed by nationally recognized conductors during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close. For the All-State concert and conductor information, go to the Performances section of www.tmea.org/convention.
Overall, more than 30,000 people from Texas and around the world are expected to attend over 290 workshops, 100 performances, and visit over 1,200 exhibit booths at the nation’s largest music educators convention.
Congratulations to Levi Caton for making the Texas All-State Symphonic Band on trumpet.
Inpatient Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis Offered At CHRISTUS For Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
New Service offered: Peritoneal Dialysis
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs is now offering inpatient hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for patients battling End-Stage Renal Disease with an acute hospitalization need. We are excited to have these services available in our community.
For questions about the CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs Inpatient Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis, please contact Dana Ingram at 903-438-4409 or [email protected].
New Staff
CHRISTUS proudly announces the addition of Umair Sohail, M.D., to our Gastroenterology team in Sulphur Springs. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity medicine. Dr. Sohail is seeing patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic located at 107 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sohail, please ask your provider for a referral.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org.
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report Jan. 2-8, 2023
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Jan. 2-8, 2023 included:
Arrests
- Justin Osborne, 40 years of age, of Scroggins, was arrested on Jan. 4, 2023, on a Cass County Warrant for Revocation on a Possession of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance and two Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and Failure to Appear.
- Landon Davidson, 20 years of age, of Bogota, was arrested on Jan. 5, 2023, for Possession of 4 Grams or more but Less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B Controlled Substance, Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon, and Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 208 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 112 citations and 61 warnings during this reporting period.
SART Sets Protocol To Reduce Re-Traumatization, Prioritize Safety Of Adult Victims Of Sexual Assault
If you’ve driven downtown, you’ve likely noticed the brightly colored mural on the side of Texas Trading Company. But do you know what those multihued hands reaching up with hearts represents?
Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association, in partnership with Sherwin Williams and Lowes, sponsored the mural, painted by Jacoby Smith, to help promote community awareness for the Sexual Assault Response Team. The SART’s job is to create systems that reduce re-traumatization and prioritize victim safety during investigation and prosecution of alleged sexual assault cases, and in providing assistance to victims of sexual assault.
Similar to the Multiagency Disciplinary Team that works together on sexual assault and abuse cases involving children, the SART focuses more on helping adult victims of sexual assault.
“We have developed a process for how sexual assault cases are to be handled in the 8th District and held a training that addressed sexual assault investigations for law enforcement and telecommunication professionals in the 8th Judicial District and neighboring counties. We also have been promoting community awareness of the SART so that people in our community know about the SART and why we have one,” said Jodi Haney Cox, Assistant District Attorney for Texas’ 8th Judicial District, noting 6-colored mural downtown.
That process includes a written interagency protocol that establishes local and regional processes for investigating and prosecuting sexual assaults, identifying and obtaining medical and forensic care, mental health care and advocacy resources for victims, which meets requirements of Texas Local Government Code 351.256.
In keeping with Chapter 56A of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the team prioritizes the health and safety of survivors, including those who choose not to make a police report of the alleged sexual assault. The SART, per the designated protocols also will be responsible for collecting and maintaining statistical data on the number of sexual assaults reported to local law enforcement agencies and the investigation, prosecution and disposition of such offenses, as required by Texas Local Government Code 351.257(A), then provide a written summary to the Commissioners Court by December 1 of every odd numbered year.
Each SART member must participate in a minimum of 4 hours of cross training together each year, and provide a process for information sharing and conflict resolution should any arise between SART members. Case reviews, with signed, written permission of each victim, will allow the SART to evaluate the interagency protocol.
Team members are to attend all scheduled SART meetings, or send their designee. A presiding officer is to be selected to helm the team. Any vacancies on the 8th Judicial District SART must be filled within 30 days of the vacancy occurring. Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, approved composition of the SART
Reappointed to the 8th Judicial District Regional SART are:
- Mary Ferguson, Program Director for Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization that opened in 1994 to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault here in 9 counties in East Texas, including Hopkins County);
- Will Ramsay, 8th Judicial District Attorney;
- Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum;
- Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson,
- Kim Basinger, area Sexual Assault Examiner Nurse; and
- Donna Pendleton with Health and Human Services Commission, to assist with prevention efforts.
Cox noted that NETCAC handles quite a few of the sexual assault cases in the 8th Judicial District . Lauren Fleming with NETCAC conducts a lot of outreach efforts in schools. Thus, the ADA and Ramsay proposed adding Fleming to the SART, to assist in prevention education efforts.
Cox also recommended that a hospital representative be added, so there is someone on staff there who knows the SART process and can help. A lot of the individuals whose cases are prosecuted by the district attorney’s office do visit the hospital for an examination. She recommended adding Cassidy Cameron to represent CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on the SART.
Also recommended for appointment to the team were Delta County Sheriff Charla Singleton, Franklin County Sheriff Ricky Jones, Cooper ISD Police Chief Kenny Stillwagoner, and Amy Dykes with Lakes Region Mental Health authority.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Jan. 9, 2023, approved reappointment and appointments to SART as recommended by the DA’s Office. The mural also was designed to show help, love and support for victims of sexual assault while raising awareness about the 8th Judicial District Regional Sexual Assault Response Team. Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association partnered with Sherwin Williams and Lowes to sponsor the mural. Chick-fil-A is another community partner for the SART.
Wildcats Soccer Takes Tuesday Off Before Heading to Palestine for Second Tournament
Coach Alexi Upton and his squad take a bit of a breather Tuesday before heading to Palestine this weekend for another tournament.
This past weekend men’s soccer hosted a tourney, dubbed the 4A Elite Invitational, and the Wildcats performed very well.
A round-robin, group-style tournament, Sulphur Springs played Caddo Mills, North Dallas and Tyler’s Chapel Hill, and with the exception of the latter, the Wildcats won the first two contests 1-0. Aubrey Camacho scored both goals in the wins over their group foes at home.
Against Chapel Hill, Coach Upton’s team tied the final opponent in the gold group 1-1.
Edgar Salazar scored the lone goal for the Wildcats in the tie on Friday.
With that, men’s soccer could play up to two games on Saturday Jan. 7. The first game had them taking on black group winner Diamond Hill-Jarvis, and if they won, they would have played in the championship game later Saturday.
Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs they fell 2-0 to end their participation in their home tourney.
Going 2-1-1 against talented squads from all over Texas, falling only in the semifinals, is huge for men’s soccer as they continue to learn and grow as a team.
Sulphur Springs is slated to play five games this weekend at a rigorous tourney.
Men’s soccer plays Thursday, Jan. 12 against Mexia at 1 P.M.
Friday has two more games on deck for the Wildcats; first against host Palestine at 1 P.M. then against Lindale later Friday at 5:30 P.M.
The final game slated for Coach Upton’s team comes Saturday, Jan. 14 when they take on Mabank at 1 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.
Commissioners Court Appoints 2 To Civic Center Board, members of Regional SART Team
Hopkins County Commissioners Court appointed 2 to the Civic Center Board, approved SART Team recommendations, and noted that an agricultural lease had been re-signed. Also during the regular court meeting Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, Fire Marshal Andy Endsley gave an update about a public health nuisance abatement case.
At the recommendation of Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Manager Lonnie Fox, Hopkins County Commissioners Court appointed Chris Voorhees to represent Precinct 1 and Jason Tully to represent Precinct 3 on the Civic Center Board of Directors.
“I talked to Jason Tully. He was excited to be able to do that,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley noted.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin noted for the record that he had signed and paid the annual agricultural lease agreement with the City of Sulphur Springs. The property, located within the old Thermo coal mine which the city now owns, has a large supply of sand which his precinct crews procure and mix with oil on county roads. Although used primarily by Precinct 2, the sand is available and used to some extent by all precincts.
The City of Sulphur Springs helps the county out by allowing the precinct crews to get sand from the pile at the discounted rate of $2 per year. The fee has already been paid, Anglin noted.
The Commissioners Court also approved a resolution reappointing six members from Hopkins County to the Regional Sexual Assault Response Team: Mary Ferguson with SAFE-T, 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson, Sexual Assault Examiner Nurse Kim Basinger and Donna Pendleton with Health and Human Services Commission for prevention as well , or a designee appointed by the team member.
Also appointed to the team representing other areas outside the county were Delta County Sheriff Charla Singleton, Franklin County Sheriff Ricky Jones, Lauren Fleming with Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Kenny Stillwagoner with Cooper ISD police, Amy Dykes with Lakes Region Mental Health authority and Cassidy Cameron with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, or these individuals’ designees.
Assistant District Attorney Jodi Haney Cox noted that NETCAC “handle a lot of our cases” and Fleming does a lot of outreach at schools. Thus, the DA’s office proposed adding her to the list to assist in prevention efforts. She asked that the hospital representative be added so there is someone on staff who knows the SART process and can help. A lot of the individuals whose cases are prosecuted by the district attorney’s office do visit the hospital for examination; having a team member at the hospital can help with that process.
The SART team works to reduce the incidence of sexual assault, hold offenders accountable and to help heal victims.
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley also before the meeting adjourned reported the public health nuisance situation tabled at last week’s meeting had been taken care of. Previously, the property owner was issued a citation and given 10 days to put in a new septic system; if he did not do so, he and the Local Health Authority, Dr. Darrell Pierce, recommended the man continue being cited until it situation was corrected. It was also recommended that county pay for the work, but a lien be placed on the property until the property owner paid off the cost.
During last week’s Commissioners Court meeting, Endsley advised the property owner in Precinct 2 had contacted a contractor who planned to put in the system as soon as the weather was dry enough to do so. The Commissioners Court, then opted to table the matter until this week, giving the property owner time to have the work performed, weather permitting.
At the Monday, Jan. 9, 2022, Commissioners Court meeting, Endsley reported that the new system was installed last week, and Kristy Springfield, the HCFD representative who conducts those inspections, approved it Friday. The fire marshal told the Commissioners that the citation was still pending in the Justice of the Peace Court, and what happened regarding the fine would be up to that judge.
The Commissioners Court also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from two meetings in November and two work sessions in December; and a request from Farmers Electric Cooperative to construct electrical power distribution facilities across County Road 4714, northeast of FM 2653 in Precinct 4. The board also approved payment of bills, revenues and expenses, payroll and financial statements presented.
Cancer Screenings Encouraged For Women Ages 20-49 During Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical Cancer Is The Third Leading Cancer Diagnosis For Women Ages 20-39, Fifth In Women Ages 40-49.
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is recognizing January as National Cervical Health Awareness Month and encouraging women to get screened for cervical cancer.
“Over the years, we have seen a dramatic decrease in cervical cancer. However, rates have recently leveled off,” said Faith Sandberg-Rodriguez, associate commissioner of Family Clinical Services. “Half of the cervical cancer cases we see today occur among women who have never or rarely been screened. We are encouraging Texans to turn that trend around by resolving to prioritize cervical health. Routine cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to detect cervical cancer early, and the first step is talking with your doctor.”
Cervical cancer is the third leading cancer diagnosis in women ages 20-39 and fifth in women ages 40-49. According to the Texas Cancer Registry, there were 1,395 new cases of cervical cancer in Texas women in 2019.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend cervical cancer screenings for women ages 21–65.
HHSC’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program provides low-cost and free women’s health services for uninsured and underinsured Texas women who meet eligibility requirements. Services include cervical and breast cancer screenings, clinical breast examinations, mammograms and breast biopsies. BCCS helps fund clinics across the state to provide these life-saving screening and diagnostic services. In fiscal year 2021, BCCS served 29,232 women, including 5,421 women who received cervical cancer screenings.
The BCCS program is partly funded through the CDC. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program awards funding to states for early detection of cervical and breast cancers. In June 2022, the federal program awarded BCCS more than $7.4 million. The Texas Legislature appropriates more than $2 million annually to supplement federal efforts.
To find BCCS providers or learn more about women’s health services, visit the Healthy Texas Women website or call 2-1-1.
About National Cervical Health Awareness Month
National Cervical Health Awareness Month, also Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, is observed in January in the United States. Efforts throughout the month raise awareness about cervical cancer and provide education about prevention, screening, and treatments. More information about cervical cancer is posted on the CDC website.
Don’t Throw Out Leftover Coffee — Diluted, It Can Serve As Organic Fertilizer For Some Houseplants
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
My houseplants love coffee, so pour your leftover coffee on them rather than down the sink! Dilute it first, and then pour the liquid mixture on your container’s soil. Both the water and coffee must be at room temperature. If either one is high or low, combine them and let the mixture sit until room temperature is reached.
A leftover coffee liquid mixture can provide a valuable, all-natural, organic fertilizer for numerous house-hold plants such as fiddle leaf fig, pothos, spider, snake, peace lilies, Philodendrons, monsteras, and more. DO NOT put used coffee grounds on your house plant soil. The grounds hold on to too much moisture, allowing it to grow mold or attract fungus gnats, both of which do more harm than good.
The diluted mixture is a great source of nitrogen for the soil which helps house plants to grow more leaves, and stronger stems. Also, the mixture has small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are needed by houseplants. An added benefit is the mixture acts as a slow-release fertilize that improves a plant’s ability to fight disease and pests.
So, what, you ask, is the correct ratio of coffee to water? Well, it’s five parts water to one part coffee. The dilution is necessary because undiluted drip coffee is highly acidic, thus making it toxic to house plants. At a 5:1 ratio, the liquid mixture should have the appearance of weak tea.
Frequency of watering the diluted mixture on house plants is once a week during winter and 1-2 times a week during summer months. By the way, decaf and non-decaf both work great. Should your houseplant eaves turn brown on the edges after application, then don’t use as much the next time! Avoid use on calate, scacti, or succulent plants which will prevent overwatering.
Brew the coffee to extract the nutrients. Instant coffee works, but isn’t as effective as brewed coffee.
Coffee grounds change the soil pH and make it more acidic. Plants that dislike coffee grounds include roses, hydrangeas, gardenias, blueberries, carrots, and radishes.
Wildcats Basketball Falls in Anna, Continues Tough Road-Stand Tuesday
Coach Brandon Shaver and his team look to make a quick recovery from their Friday, Jan. 6 loss in Anna as they have another top-25 match-up coming their way Tuesday.
Tuesday, Jan. 10 has Sulphur Springs playing at Dallas Pinkston, who holds the #8 ranking in 4A according to TABC.
Wildcats basketball could not dwell long on their 60-54 loss in Anna on Friday as they have another tough match-up on the road on Tuesday.
This past Friday men’s basketball headed to the farthest reaches of North Dallas, playing in Anna.
Men’s basketball got the lead early in the game, leading 12-10 with just over two minutes left to go in the first quarter, but from there the Coyotes sunk shots when the Wildcats could not, constantly shifting momentum back their way and thus allowing Anna to keep a foot up on Sulphur Springs.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats Anna stayed one step ahead of Sulphur Springs, picking up a 60-54 win on Friday, Jan. 6.
The Coyotes (now 11-7) demonstrated an intense quickness that saw fast break opportunities for the Wildcats — plays and looks that would have been there in other games — nullified.
That, and the absence of Branson Lynn, made the Wildcats work for all four quarters to fight for the victory.
Malachi Myles and Parker Whisenhunt tied team highs in points scored in the loss, getting 14 each. Just behind those two seniors came another one in Kordrick Turner, who finished at 13 points.
Rounding out scoring in the loss was Cole Theofiledes and DJ Wilkerson, both at four points and Theo Mckelvey who made a free throw in the second.
The loss drops men’s basketball’s season record to 18-6.
The loss in Anna on Friday also snapped a two-game winning streak for Coach Shaver’s team.
But the Wildcats cannot dwell on their upset loss in Anna for too long, as they now prep for the #8 team in 4A in Dallas Pinkston. Tuesday’s road-contest is also the final non-district game.
That game tips off in Dallas on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 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.
Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Jan. 9-13, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
The Meal A Day Menu for the week of Jan. 9-13, 2023 includes:
- MONDAY, Jan. 9 — BBQ Rope Sausage, Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans.
- TUESDAY, Jan. 10 — Ham & Potato Casserole, Normandy Vegetables and Pickled Beets.
- WEDNESDAY, Jan. 11 — Mexican Chicken Spaghetti, Green Beans and Corn.
- THURSDAY, Jan. 12 — Sloppy Jo Sandwiches, Coleslaw, Chips and Pickles.
- FRIDAY, Jan. 13 — Smothered Beef Patties, Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
