Lady Cats Golf Wins Spring Opener
Coach Whitney Spigener and her squad won their spring opener last week, their first win on the year.
The women’s golf program placed second in all three of their fall competitions.
In a crowded meet which included state competitors Lindale and Canton, Lady Cats golf won the competition.
“It wasn’t our greatest showing,” the golf coach said, “but every other team faced similar struggles last week at Wills Point.”
Coach Spigener said the course was muddy, a product of the greens being let go, the golf coach said, providing some stiff adversity.
The Lady Cats coach is very impressed with her squad’s efforts in their spring opener.
“Considering all of that, and we had a decent showing… I couldn’t be more pleased with it,” Coach Spigener said.
Mykylie Meador and Allison Thomas both shot 91 last Monday in Lindale.
Evie Birdsong shot 95, a season-high for the freshman.
Sophomores McKenna Meskimen finished with 96 and Kenzie Posey shot 104.
Even the JVB squad 437, beating several varsity teams at last Monday’s spring opener. Brylie Brock shot 99, first on JV. Autumn Allen got 105 and Kaylie Schumacher finished at 114.
The golf coach said she and her squad are happy to win their spring opener, but Coach Spigener said her team still aspired for a better performance than they got last week.
“The girls were not pleased, they came off really irritated,” the women’s golf coach said Tuesday morning during an interview, “which is I was glad of, because the progress we made from district last year, we even beat our scores from [then],” Coach Spigener said.
So to not only win their first competition, but to be hungry to do better, excites the women’s golf coach.
“That was really nice to do that, the golf coach said about her squad winning their first contest on the year, “but what even is more nice is we beat Lindale by four strokes and Canton by 20. Those are two of our top regional competitors, so it was nice to get out there and see that.”
Coach Spigener said the two aforementioned schools went to state last year, with Lindale placing fourth at Regionals. The golf coach hopes to win that championship, if not squeeze into state come later this semester.
Sulphur Springs shot 373 as a team, edging out Lindale by four strokes to win their first meet.
The golf coach said it was nice to see where her team stacks up with Regional competitors, even in tough conditions.
Coach Spigener expects more tough weather next week in the form of rain in their second tourney come Monday. She said she hopes her squad can get out there and enjoy a decent round before inclement weather rolls in.
Lady Cats golf has another early start Monday, Feb. 27 at Van Zandt CC.
Sulphur Springs tees off at 9 A.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.
Paris Junior College CDL Training
CDL TRAINING
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center truck driving instructor Todd Vanderhart, (standing left) is teaching this group of students to be truck drivers. For information about this or other workforce education opportunities, call the campus at 903-885-1232.
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.
George Back in Hopkins County Jail
February 21, 2023 – Brittany Leigh George is back in Hopkins County Jail on drug related charges. She is currently charged with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
This is not the first time George has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2020, She turned herself in to authorities for a outstanding felony warrant. That warrant was for a 2019 arrest. She was indicted by a Grand Jury in April 2019. George was charged with manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. 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.
Lady Cats Softball Goes Perfect 7-0 to Start Season
Coach David Carrillo and his squad are thrilled with this past weekend‘s performance.
At home, in the friendly confines of Lady Cat Park, Sulphur Springs went a perfect 6-0 to start off their season.
A three day tournament, starting Thursday, the softball team got things started with Ursuline Academy.
The Lady Cats easily took care of UA, 7-0. Sulphur Springs, led in the circle by Crimson Bryant and Anna Goldsmith gave up no hits in the season-opening shutout.
Following the win over Ursuline Academy, Coach Carrillo and his squad squared off with former district foe Texas High, and just like old times it was a tight one.
The Lady Tigers put the first two runs on the board, only to give up four runs just as quickly, falling to Sulphur Springs 4-2.
Friday, Feb. 17 saw two more wins by the Lady Cats, both back-and-forth affairs. First, in a 3-2 win over Gilmer, the softball team scored three early but held their breath as the Lady Buckeyes scored two in the top of the fourth, only to see their comeback end there in a 3-2 loss to the Lady Cats.
Sulphur Springs then dispatched Duncanville 10-5.
In their first at-bat, Coach Carrillo watched as his team scored eight runs in the bottom of the first. After that the Lady Cats began Saturday play with another shutout, this time over Mount Vernon.
Bryant threw a no-hitter, narrowly missing out on a perfect game after walking one in the 7-0 win.
In their finale at home this past weekend, the softball team took on Anna. The Lady Cats saved their best for last in a come-from-behind 4-2 victory.
Tied at one, Sulphur Springs got the go-ahead run just to see the Coyotes strike back for two, then leading 3-2. Coach Carrillo’s team got the last laugh though, to the tune of three runs for a 5-3, rallying win over Anna.
Hitting highlights include:
- Nicole Higgins — 6 for 12, RBI, eight runs
- Reese Ragan — 5 for 12, 5 RBI, run
- Crimson Bryant — 5 for 10, 4 RBI, two runs
- Jadyn Harper — 7 for 14, 4 RBI, five runs
Going 6-0 over three days brings the Lady Cats softball team’s season record to just that.
Following their home tourney, Sulphur Springs hit the road Monday to play at Lindale.
Coach Carrillo’s team picked up yet another blowout, this time thrashing the Lady Eagles 20-0.
That, combined with the 6-0 outing for Lady Cats softball last weekend and Sulphur Springs starts their season 7-0.
Next up, the softball team heads to Mount Pleasant for another tournament.
It gets underway Thursday, Feb. 23 when Sulphur Springs takes on Hooks at 9:30 A.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.
Nacogdoches officials searching for missing 16-year-old
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is asking for public assistance in finding a missing teen.
Officials said that 16-year-old Sean William Fuller was last seen on Feb. 17 leaving a residence in the 2000 block of South FM 225 in Nacogdoches County.
Fuller is an African American male that weighs approximately 115 pounds and is about 5-feet, 11-inches in height and was last seen wearing a black, red, grey and white “poncho-style” hoodie, blue jeans and white shoes, according to a release.
If you have information on Fuller or his whereabouts, contact the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office at 936-560-7777.
Hopkins County Chambers Of Commerce Banquet Award Winners
Feb. 21, 2023- The Hopkins County Chambers Of Commerce Banquet was Feb 16 and several members of the community were selected and given awards during the banquet. The awards were Given to those who were outstanding in their fields. The award winners of the event were:
Caregiver of the Year, selected by the Pilot Club – Carlie Penson
Growth and Renewal Award, selected by the Downtown Business Alliance – Linda Galligher
Ambassador of the Year – Kim Beck
Outstanding Agriculturalist of the Year – Bonnie Huffstetler
Community Pride Award, selected by the 1994 Leadership Class – CANHelp
Educators of the Year – Auxiliar Educator, Jason Blanchard, Como-Pickton Paraprofessional Educator, Daryl Franklin, Como-Pickton Professional Educator, Talisa Harris, SSISD
Bobby McDonald Vision Award – John Sellers
Woman of the Year, selected by Beta Sigma Phi – Cathey Williams
Small Business of the Year – Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home
Large Business of the Year – Signature Solar
Citizens of the Year – Dr. David and Pam Black
Iowa Resident Arrested for Theft of Wallet
February 21, 2023 – Alexandria Mae Newton is in Hopkins County Jail, following her arrest for theft of a wallet. Inside the wallet was $100 and a driving licence.
Employees of a local business witnessed Newton removing items that did not belong to her. Newton managed to exit the building with the items. Police arrived in time to catch her walking away from the business. Once arrested, Newton did not want to identify herself.
Newton has an extensive criminal past. In Des Moines, IA in 2019 Newton was charged with homicide by reckless driving, diving without insurance, driving with a suspended license, failure to obey a traffic control device and failure to render aid and provide information at a crash scene after crashing her mother’s vehicle. The sole occupant of the other vehicle died of his injures. Newton admitted to police she had been drinking prior to the crash. See that story here.
Newton and another subject were arrested at the same business during the same disturbance. The second individual may have been providing a getaway vehicle. The connection between Newton, a resident of Iowa, the other arrestee who resides in Ohio, and this Sulphur Springs business is unclear.
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.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release Feb. 20, 2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, February 20, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
New Primary Care Provider
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is excited to welcome Rebecca Couch, Nurse Practitioner, to our team of Primary Care providers. Rebecca Couch is now accepting new patients at 105 Medical Circle, (Medical Building 1). To schedule an appointment, please call 903.885.3181.
February is Heart Month
Give your heart some love. A simple heart scan called “Coronary Calcium Scoring” can detect your risk of cardiovascular disease. This noninvasive exam takes only minutes to perform and can detect heart disease in early stages. This a screening that is good for all men and women ages 40-70 with an intermediate risk for coronary artery disease. Cardiac CT Calcium Scoring Scan is only $75 at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs. You can schedule an appointment by calling 903.606.4019.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Lights of Life Gala
Tickets for the 2023 Lights of Life Gala tickets are now on sale. This year’s event will be on April 22, 2023 and include dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions. For tickets, please visit
NEWS RELEASE
the Gala website: LOLGala2023.givesmart.com. For more information, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] or 903.438.4799.
New Service Available: Peritoneal Dialysis
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs is now offering inpatient peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis 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].
Catalytic Converter Thief Arrested
Feb. 20, 2023- Christopher Lee Price was arrested Saturday Feb. 18 by Officer A. Chaney for the theft of 8 catalytic converters on CR 1106.
Hopkins County Sheriffs Office Communications received a call in reference to multiple cars on the victims property in which all the catalytic converters had been removed from the vehicles located on the property. The victim stated that they suspected, Price ,who had been over to the victims dairy to work, to be the suspect. Officer Chaney arrived to the scene and made contact with the victim to discuss a way to bring Price back to the property to speak with the officer. Price was contacted by the victim to come to the property, shortly after Price arrived at the scene and was met by the officer at the driveway. Officer Chaney then read Price his rights and shortly after Price admitted to only one of the thefts, although the 7 other cars had fresh cut marks and converters removed. A short time later Officer Chaney returned to Price with the victim and once again asked about the converters, Price then admitted to all 8 of the thefts being caused by him. Price admitted to using a reciprocating saw to cut through the catalytic converters to take them, he also admitted that the saw was currently stored in the trunk of his car. Price consented to the search of his trunk and the rest of the car. The vehicle was photographed and evidence was taken from the vehicle. Officer Todd Evans arrived on scene to transport Price to jail where he was released to jail staff.
This is not the first time Price has been in jail. He was arrested in 2022 for aggravated robbery of a Cooper Tx convenience store. During that robbery he wore a face covering, and displayed a firearm tucked into his waistband. Surveillance video played a key role in his identification and arrest. His bail at that time was $150,000 on the Felony 1 charge.
Price was booked with 8 counts of theft of a catalytic converter of an amount over $2500
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.
Human Trafficking Courses Bring Awareness, Volunteer Opportunities To A&M-Commerce Students
COMMERCE, TX—Students at Texas A&M University-Commerce are gaining awareness of human trafficking thanks to the university’s newly developed undergraduate and graduate courses. The courses also provide volunteer opportunities for students to help trafficking victims.
The U.S. Department of Justice defines human trafficking as “a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts.”
According to a Department of Homeland Security report, human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion annually, with traffickers victimizing an estimated 25 million people worldwide each year.
Lyndsey Norris is a clinical instructor for the School of Social Work at A&M-Commerce. Following years of research, she is working toward her doctorate in higher education focusing on human trafficking research.
She initially developed an intensive master’s level course on the subject offered to A&M-Commerce social work students. The success of the graduate course encouraged Norris to develop an undergraduate course available to all A&M-Commerce students, regardless of their major.
The undergraduate course is available during the winter mini term. Students learn the various forms of human trafficking, identify the human cost of buying cheaper items made possible by human trafficking and discuss human smuggling, which can often lead to human trafficking.
“Another real eye-opener is the number of college students nationwide who participate in sugar dating,” Norris said.
She explained that sugar dating, also known as “sugaring,” occurs when students engage in relationships with older, wealthy individuals to offset the high costs of attending college without falling into student debt. Norris said the practice often falls under or turns into human trafficking.
Zachariah Branham, a junior majoring in social work at A&M-Commerce, said the undergraduate course increased his awareness and vigilance.
“This experience showed me the importance of being fully aware of my surroundings, especially when I’m with my wife and daughter,” Branham said. “Now that I’ve been educated on the realities of human trafficking, it’s hard not to look for the signs wherever I go.”
The graduate-level human trafficking course is available to social work students each summer.
“We go into greater detail about several types of human trafficking in the United States and worldwide, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking and organ trafficking,” Norris said. “We also review related governmental policies and entities, including the Trafficking in Persons Report, the U.S. Congress, the Department of Justice, and the United Nations.”
The course also investigates Texas directives and coalitions focused on human trafficking.
“Texas is second in the nation behind California for the number of human trafficking incidents,” Norris reported. “Students learn why Texas is such a hot spot, including its sheer size, the border with Mexico, and the number of major interstates running through the state.”
Natalie Shelton is pursuing her master’s degree in social work at A&M-Commerce.
“This course dives deep into the undercurrent of the human trafficking epidemic,” Shelton said. “The curriculum reveals the factors that lead marginalized populations to be subject to trafficking and the elusive operations traffickers utilize in their execution of modern slavery.”
