Three Teams in Action for Tuesday Gameday
Almost halfway through December, winter sports are beginning to roll.
Not only is basketball well through their pre-district season, but now soccer in Sulphur Springs gets underway.
Wildcats basketball plays at home, but the Lady Cats are on a bye.
Men’s soccer begins the season on Tuesday, Dec. 13 but play on the road. Lady Cats soccer also plays on the road, but in their second scrimmage game on the season.
Sulphur Springs already began their scrimmage season last Friday in a 6-1 blowout win at Tyler High.
Four athletes scored in the demolishing of the Lady Lions. Rowan led the way with a hat trick, scoring thrice in Tyler. Anna Williams, Haylee Schultz, and Kylie Clark all put a goal in the net as well.
Coach Adriana Brena and women’s soccer once again hit the road on Tuesday, Dec. 13 as they make the short trip out to Caddo Mills.
The Lady Foxes host Sulphur Springs as the Lady Cats (1-0 in scrimmage play) look to make it two straight victories to open their pre-season.
That game kicks off in Caddo Mills on Tuesday at 7 P.M.
Wildcats soccer opens their season on Tuesday, Dec. 13 as they head to South Dallas for their scrimmage opener.
Sulphur Springs takes on Oak Cliff Faith Family in their pre-season opener.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team hope for similar efforts in their scrimmage-opener as the Lady Cats had in their 6-1 pre-season opener last Friday in Tyler, but they will no doubt settle for a solid victory.
That game kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in Dallas at 7:15 P.M.
Wildcat soccer looks to take advantage of jumping down to 4A (as almost every team in Sulphur Springs has already) and have their eyes set on something bigger than just making the playoffs; they want to win.
Last season Coach Upton and his team were bounced out of the playoffs in a Bi-District loss to Whitehouse.
This season, however, Wildcat soccer is ranked #4 in 4A Region-II and hopes to win a District Championship and make it further than last year’s efforts.
It all starts with their scrimmage-opener on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in Dallas at 7:15 P.M.
Wildcats basketball is the last team up in action on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Coach Shaver and his team host Texas High at 7:30 P.M.
Sulphur Springs continues to roll through their non-district season, now a stellar 13-3 on the year.
Last weekend Coach Brandon Shaver and his team traveled to Houston for a tournament. In Stafford, the Wildcats placed second falling only in the championship game to Fort Bend Marshall.
Even with the 66-56 loss for the gold finish, Sulphur Springs went 5-1 and are now 13-3 with just a few contests, a tournament, and a turn of the new year away from playing district games.
This week has the Wildcats playing back-to-back home games, on Tuesday and Friday hosting Texas High and Nacogdoches, respectively.
Tuesday, Dec. 13 has men’s basketball hosting former district foe Texas High. That game tips off in the SSHS Main Gym on Tuesday at 7:30 P.M.
Tuesday’s match-up with former district foe Texas High will be broadcasted onto KSST Radio.
That game will also be broadcasted onto KSSt Radio’s Youtube channel.
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.
Como-Pickton December 2022 Teacher And Students Of The Month Recognized
Como-Pickton CISD officials recognized four individuals at the regular December school board meeting, held Monday night, Dec. 12, 2022. One district teacher was selected as the Teacher of the Month, and one student from each campus as Student of the Month.
Congratulation to these students and Monk.
2023 Lights of Life Gala Sponsorships Now Available
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The17th annual Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Lights of Life Gala committee is moving ahead with plans for this popular event. Sponsorship invitations were mailed last week to approximately 750 businesses, organizations, and individuals.
The sponsorship levels are priced the same as last year’s levels, although the names have been changed to go with the theme. For a $30,000 sponsorship, known as Diamonds and Denim, several marketing opportunities are included as well as five 100 for $100 tickets and twenty Gala tickets.
Sponsorships range from $30,000 to $1,000 and each includes tickets for the event.
The evening will offer a delicious meal, live auction, silent auction, and dancing. Popular activities such as Heads or Tails and 100 for $100 will be back again!
Whitney and Logan Vaughan are serving as the 2023 Gala co-chairs. They wanted the theme they selected to reflect the uniqueness of Hopkins County. Stilettos and Stetsons encompasses the farming and ranching heritage as well as the urban delights offered in the area including as the performing arts, global businesses, and quality shopping and dining experiences.
Through the years over $4M has been raised by the Foundation to bring health-related programs and equipment to the citizens of Hopkins County. These are offerings that a rural hospital would normally not have available.
A limited number of Individual tickets will be available in February.
For more information about sponsoring the 2023 Lights of Life Gala, contact the Foundation at [email protected] or 903-438-4799.
Top State Runners Recognized By Hopkins County Commissioners Court
Some of the top runners in the state — Miller Grove and Saltillo Cross Country teams — were recognized by Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning.
“This is an exciting time. We have some of the finest young people in the state here in the courtroom today,” said Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, prior to reading four proclamations, one each recognizing the athletic achievements of three groups of Hopkins County students as well as one Lady Hornet for her individual achievement in the 2-mile course during the at the State of Texas Class 1A Cross Country Meet.
Saltillo Lions
The Saltillo Lions were congratulated for successfully conquering all opposition and taking home the UIL Class 1A State Cross Country Championship Award. Newsom on behalf of the Commissioners Court commended the runners “for their united goal, relentless team efforts and shared mindset of championship accomplishment during all workouts as well as during competition.”
“Along with the leadership of the team’s seniors, we congratulate the underclassmen in becoming one with their experienced members to produce strength beyond their own as individuals,” Newsom read from the proclamation honoring the Saltillo Lions for their “well-deserved place upon the podium as Championso f the 2022 Cross Country Competition.”
The 2022 Championship Cross Country Team included Heston Peeples, Colton McGill, Tobin Potter, Adrian Don Juan, Cristian Trejo, Jacob Sexton, Luke Ritter, Coy Collins, Gunner Tarver and Jonas Beadle, as well as Manager Landon Peeples, and Coaches Casey Riddle, Mike McMinn, Bill Giles and Brett Myers.
Before presenting a framed copy of the proclamation, the Judge encouraged “all to acknowledge the admirable performance of the Boys Cross Country Team of the Saltillo Independent School District in the Class 1A State Cross Country Meet for 2022.”
Coach Giles said the group of dedicated runners start at 5:45-6 a.m. every morning to run up to 50 miles a week since April, including sacrificing their summer break to get in their runs.
“They are pretty awesome. I am very proud of them. All summer and into the fall, they were out there pushing themselves,” Giles said.
MG Lady Hornets
The Miller Grove Lady Hornets captured the 2022 State Girls 1A Cross Country Championship title during the UIL meet held Nov. 5 at Old Settlers’ Park in Round Rock. Contributing to the team’s overall win with their hard work, determination and team effort were Lady Hornets Shaylee Stracener, Kylie Hargrove, Alaira Serrano, Celeste Robertson, Jamilyn Hensley, Avery McInvale, Aleah Sotelo. MGISD Coaches include Assistant Coach Joey Chastain, Head Coach Dalton Herndon, and Assistant Coaches Randa Ramsey and Chris Horton.
Newsom then called for “all citizens of Hopkins County to proudly applaud the outstanding achievement of their exceptional athletes for their accomplishments as Champions for the State of Texas in the Class 1A State Cross Country Meet of 2022.”
After presenting a framed copy of the proclamation ,which was awarded during the 9 a.m. court session, the Judge then singled out Lady Hornet Shaylee Stracener, presenting a separate proclamation recognizing the cross country runner for her individual achievement at the state contest. Newsom appeals to Hopkins County residents to join him in honorably commending Shaylee Stracener “for her fine performance and accomplishment as Silver Medalist of the 2022 Class 1A UIL State Cross Country Meet.”
The Lady Hornets began preparing for the 2022 fall season in April, running approximately 35-40 miles per week, including during the hottest part of summer, according to Herndon.
MG Hornets
The Miller Grove Hornets were recognized as the state runner-ups in Boys Cross Country. Newsom recognized this team for the effort and determination of each, as well as perseverance toward the common goal. The 2nd Place Miller Grove Hornets included Yahir Santana, Eli Griffin, Kavan Smith, Anthony Lester, Drew Lester, Ethan George, Ryker Haivala and Jaden Furrh. Coaches include Assistant Coaches Randa Ramsey and Joey Chastain, Head Coach Dalton Herndon and Assistant Coach Chris Horton.
The county judge then called on all of Hopkins County join us in applauding the great effort and valued perseverance of the Boys Cross Country Team of the Miller Grove Independent School District in the Class 1A State Cross Country Meet for 2022.”
Herndon said the Hornets started in April getting ready for the fall cross country season. The students ran an average of 55-60 miles per week, including during the heat of summer.
Lady Cats Soccer Heads to Caddo Mills Tuesday
Coach Adriana Brena and Lady Cats soccer once again hit the road, playing in a second-straight game away from home.
Tuesday, Dec. 13 has women’s soccer heading to Caddo Mills taking on the Lady Foxes.
Sulphur Springs won their scrimmage opener on Friday, Dec. 9, beating Tyler High on their home field 6-1.
The Lady Cats blew out the Lady Lions on Friday thanks to four different scorers putting goals in the net.
Rowan led the way with a hat trick, scoring thrice in Tyler. Three more Sulphur Springs athletes scored; Anna Williams, Haylee Schultz, and Kylie Clark all put goals in the net in the victory at Tyler High.
The win on Friday, Dec. 9 was the scrimmage opener for Lady Cats soccer, now 1-0 in the pre-season.
Coach Brena and her squad play a second-straight road game on Tuesday, Dec. 13 as they head to Caddo Mills.
The Lady Foxes are scheduled to kick-off with the Lady Cats in Caddo Mills at 7 P.M.
Looking ahead to this weekend, Sulphur Springs hosts their annual scrimmage invitational Saturday, Dec. 17.
That scrimmage tournament is held at Gerald Prim Stadium on Saturday with opponents and start times to be determined.
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.
Wildcat Basketball Finishes Second in Stafford Tournament
Men’s basketball returns home to Sulphur Springs this week for a two-game home-stand.
Tuesday and Friday the Wildcats host Texas High and Nacogdoches, respectively. The two-game home-stand begins with Sulphur Springs hosting former district foe Texas High.
That game tips off in the SSHS Main Gym on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 P.M.
Coach Brandon Shaver and his team put on a show in last weekend’s tournament in Stafford, as the Wildcats placed second in a crowded tournament full of talented schools.
Sulphur Springs went 5-1 Thursday through Saturday, going a perfect 2-0 Thursday and Friday before falling short in the championship game.
Thursday saw the Wildcats pick up wins; first against Dekaney in a tight one 56-52 before demolishing El Campo 91-44.
Another perfect day on Friday, going 2-0, Sulphur Springs crushed Alief Elsik 63-26 then MacArthur 80-49.
Prior to taking part in the championship game, men’s basketball faced Dekaney in a rematch of their first tournament game, taking care of them 62-49 to set up a date with Fort Bend Marshall in the gold game.
Unfortunately for Coach Brandon Shaver and his squad they fell 66-56 to place second in the Stafford tournament.
The Wildcats kept it tight, trailing 14-13 after one, but a tough second quarter saw Fort Bend Marshall go up big on Sulphur Springs 37-25. Men’s basketball would have a much stronger third quarter, pulling back within six, but their deficit in the second proved too large to overcome as they went on to lose 66-56.
The loss on Saturday, Dec. 10 ended the Stafford tournament, as the Wildcats fell in the championship game to Fort Bend Marshall.
Men’s basketball went 5-1 in the Houston tournament, now 13-3 on the year.
Sulphur Springs returns home to host two-straight home games. It begins Tuesday, Dec. 13 when Coach Shaver and his squad host former district foe Texas High.
That game tips off on Tuesday at 7:30 P.M.
Tuesday’s game with the Tigers will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
The match-up will also be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
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.
Thinking Ahead To Your 2023 Garden? Consider Ordering Seed Catalogs
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Well, your 2022 vegetable gardens are put to bed now, so it’s time to relax: right? Perhaps, but some of you are already thinking about what you might want to plant in 2023. Unfortunately, most of your local feed, hardware, and nursery garden stores have removed all their vegetable seed packets and will not make them available before probably the end of January at the earliest. Unfortunately, for me, I started getting anxious back in late October.
Buying seed packets locally is the cheapest and perhaps the best way to go. The products are good and proven effective. Unfortunately, buying this way leaves little room for experimenting and improving. So, what’s the answer? Actually, it’s very simply. Order seed catalogs. Most are free.
Mine start arriving in October. There are general catalogs that try to offer something of everything, and there are catalogs that offer something of everything but concentrate on two or so categories such as tomatoes and peppers. Johnny’s seeds, so example provides a nice selection of most items you might want. Baker Creek, probably the biggest and most comprehensive of all general catalogs.
Using catalogs, you’ll discover varieties you’ve never heard of that might provide more products than what you’ve historically been able to produce. Motherland okra, subject of a recent article, is an example.
Tomato Growers, Urban Farmers, Totally Tomatoes, and Pepper Joe’s are examples of companies that provide more varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers than you ever knew existed. Now, you can shop for quantity, quality, and numbers.
When you start using multiple varieties of a vegetable, you might want to make a label from say, a portion of a venetian blind slat and tie it to the cage identifying the variety. Otherwise, come produce time, you’ll just have tomato without knowing what variety.
Lady Cats Basketball Has Bye Tuesday, Plays on the Road Friday
Coach Bryan Jones and his squad take a bit of a breather prior to a Friday road game, their second game in three away from the friendly confines of the SSHS Main Gym.
Tuesday is a bye for Sulphur Springs before they play at Ford on Friday night.
Lady Cat basketball hopes to improve upon their three-game winning streak.
Last week Sulphur Springs played a road and home game, beating New Boston on the road 51-46 then taking care of Cooper at home 55-40.
That, and a tournament win over Whitehouse the weekend before in Winnsboro, and Coach Jones’s team has upped their winning streak to three games.
Their win over the Lady Bulldogs on Friday, Dec. 9 once again came thanks to even scoring. Two Lady Cats, Kenzie Willis and Trinity Jefferson, finished in double-figures.
The former finished with a double-double, getting 10 rebounds in the 55-40 win on Friday.
Four more Sulphur Springs players scored eight or nine points; Kaylee and Kyra Carter (both at eight), with Trinity Jefferson and Rainey Johnson getting nine in the victory.
Coach Jones’s team kept Cooper at arms’ length throughout the majority of Friday’s contest. The game generally stayed a 13-15 point lead for Sulphur Springs, besides a sluggish second-half opening. The Lady Cats made some errors in the third to keep the Lady Bulldogs in the game, but quickly regained momentum to put Cooper away for good, 55-40.
Friday was a solid victory for the Lady Cats.
The win on Friday, Dec. 9 is the third straight for Sulphur Springs, now 11-4 on the season.
Women’s basketball has a bye on Tuesday, but hits the road on Friday taking on Ford.
That game tips off in Quitman on Friday, Dec. 16 at 6:15 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 For Dec. 12-16 2022
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 Dec. 12-16, 2022 includes:
- MONDAY, Dec. 12 — Beef Shephard’s Pie, Topped with Mashed Potatoes, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll.
- TUESDAY, Dec. 13 —BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Baked Beans and Coleslaw.
- WEDNESDAY, Dec. 14 — Tater Tot Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, and Broccoli.
- THURSDAY, Dec. 15 — Chicken Fried Chicken With Pepper Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- FRIDAY, Dec. 16 — 2 Chili-Cheese Hot Dogs, Chips and Pickles.
Meal-A-Day is a small non-profit business in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The program is supportive, rewarding, and engaging. The goal for the program is to support the approximate 150-160 seniors receiving daily meals that desperately depend on Meal-A-Day.
The program depends on dedicated volunteers to provide this vital service. In a week, Meal-A-Day workers log approximately 80 volunteer hours preparing, cooking, and packaging meals; and approximately 65-80 volunteer hours delivering meals.
The program was fortunate last week to have community members volunteer their time to fill some of the most desperate needs — for Wednesday drivers and a Thursday cook. One is has even committed to serve as a substitute driver too. But, there’s still plenty of volunteer opportunities for individuals looking for a positive way to lend their time and efforts to help others.
“We can still use some substitute cook’s helpers and substitute drivers for any days of the week. It would be soooooo awesome if we could get a specific person for substitute cook’s helper that could fill-in on Monday and another specific person that could fill-in on Tuesdays etc. We do not have a problem if someone only wants to commit to substitute cooking on only one day. They don’t have to be willing to fill in on any day of the week; and the same thing with the substitute drivers. They can request to only fill in on a specific route or on a specific day of the week,” Tina Phillips and Cecile Toenniges, temporary coordinators for the Meal-A-Day program.
Volunteers who donate time from 7 to 8:30 a.m. help assemble and cook casseroles and vegetables, or donate time from 8:30 to 10 a.m. to package meals, cook desserts, and sanitize kitchen are appreciated. Volunteers don’t have to know how to cook – just be able to follow directions. The head cooks know the recipes and can guide volunteers in the steps to help them get the menu items cooked and assembled for the day’s meals.
We usually know a couple of days ahead when we need a substitute, so they don’t usually have to worry about being called the day before. Sometimes, we even know the week before,” said Phillips.
To volunteer, call the Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661 and ask for Cecil or Tina, or e-mail Meal-A-Day at [email protected].
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.
6 Sentenced In District Court
At least six people were sentenced Dec. 5-7, 2022, in the Eighth Judicial District Court, according to court reports and records.
Sabrina Nicole Floyd on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, was scheduled to appear for a trial before the court on a motion to proceed with an abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal neglect charge. Floyd pled true to violating her probation by smoking marijuana and methamphetamine. During a contested hearing, the defense asked that she be allowed to continue serving her sentence on probation, with a stipulation that she complete an outpatient rehab program. Prosecutors asked that she be ordered to an incarcerated rehab program or a prison sentence. She was sentenced to 12 months in prison on the charge.
The charge stems from a March 19, 2021, incident in which the Como woman was accused of endangering her three young children (ages 3, 6 and 8) by striking a gate so hard it caused significant damage to the pickup she was driving. She reportedly told sheriff’s officers she acted in anger toward her boyfriend, who’d locked the gate to the Main Street residence in Como.
Shaunta Danielle Bell was scheduled at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6, for a trial before court on a motion to proceed with a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Bell pled true to violating her probation by not reporting methamphetamine use. The hearing was contested as well. Her sentence was amended, requiring Bell to complete the rehabilitation program at Morgan’s Mercy Mansion.
Bell was arrested on the original controlled substance charge on Aug. 5, 2020, and indicted on the charge in October of 2020.
Jared Price also was scheduled during the 1:30 p.m. court session Dec. 6, to appear for a trial before the court on a motion to proceed on an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge. Price pled true to violating his deferred probation by contacting a person he was not allowed to contact. Price was adjudicated and sentenced to 1 year in the county jail, a sentence suspended for a period of 2 years on which he was placed on community supervision. He will also be required to do 30 days in the county jail as a condition of the new probation, a term that began that day.
Kendall Ashley Simpson pled guilty Dec. 6, 2022, to a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, as part of a plea agreement. She was then placed on 7 years of deferred probation on the 3rd degree felony offense and assessed a $1,000 fine. Simpson is also required to not only enroll in an outpatient drug rehab program no later than 30 days from the date of the plea, but must complete the program as well.
Joe Dan Whitworth Jr. appeared during the 9 a.m. court session Dec. 7 for a in a trial before court on a motion to revoke his probation on a manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge Whitworth Jr. pled true to violating his probation for using methamphetamine. He asked the judge to consider sentencing him to an outpatient rehab. Prosecutors requested he be be required to serve a prison sentence. Whitworth was adjudicated and sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to prosecutors.
Dalton Shane Dakota Wallace arranged to plead guilty on evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge in the 8th Judicial District Court during the 1:30 p.m. session Dec. 7, 2022. As part of a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 5 years of deferred probation and a $1,000 fine. Wallace was also ordered to complete Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), which is a cognitive rehabilitation program. Per the terms of the agreed upon sentence, Wallace is required to enroll in the MRT program no later than 30 days from the date of the plea.
Wallace was arrested April 4, 2022, after a vehicle chase from Hopkins into Wood County, that concluded when Wallace lost control of the vehicle he was driving, went off the road and struck a tree, officers alleged following the incident.
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.
