Steak with Brandon Williams
Steak is the tuxedo of meats… pair that up with a ThermoPro Instant-Read Thermometer, Lighter Cubes, and 2 hours with Brandon Williams, and you have the making for a made-for-TV movie.
This unique culinary opportunity will be up for grabs going to the highest bidder at the Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction November 19th, 2022. Bid early bid often.
RECALL: Issue With “Gluten Free” Labeling on Cedar Creek Popcorn Box Containing Gluten
Cedar Creek Popcorn of Sac City, Iowa is recalling its 18 oz. Old-Fashioned Caramel Holiday Popcorn Box because the side of the box features a Gluten Free claim when there are elements with gluten contained in the product. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Cedar Creek’s 18 oz. Old-Fashioned Caramel Holiday Popcorn Box was distributed nationwide at Tractor Supply Company stores. It carries a UPC code of 025606000612.
The product comes in a cardboard box – photographs follow this release. All lots and dates of manufacture are included in the recall.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.
The recall was initiated because the Gluten Free claim on the side of the packaging did not match with the product’s ingredient label and allergen information. Procedures are being put in place to assure that food safety issues are taken into consideration for the design and approval of all future packaging.
The product has been removed from sale at Tractor Supply Company stores.
Consumers who have purchased this product and would like a refund, or that have questions regarding this recall can contact the company at 319-573-7409, Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00pm CST.
Week 5: Hopkins County United Way At $107,507, Leaving $42,500 Of Goal To Raise
With just one week remaining in the 2022-2023 fundraising campaign, Hopkins County United Way remains $42,492.92 shy of the $150,000 campaign goal, which benefits 18 local nonprofit agencies serving Hopkins County residents of all ages and segments of the community.
The community generously contributed another $37,325.29 in donations to the 2022-2023 campaign over the past week, bringing the total received so far to $107,507.08 as of the campaign workers report meeting Tuesday.
HCUW has one more campaign workers meeting, at which campaign officials hope to close out the 2022-2023 campaign. All campaign workers who are able are encouraged to attend, what hopefully will be a celebration in meeting the $150,000 goal to provide funding as allocated for 18 agencies.
[Click HERE to see HCUW 2022-2023 campaign allocations and recipient agencies]
Campaign workers are reminded to follow up on an outstanding donation packets so that those donations can be counted toward the 2022-2023 campaign.
While most campaign donations and pledges are made through workplaces and civic organizations, anyone who is not contributing through one of the traditional channels may still make a contribution to help support HCUW. They can even be made in memory or honor or memory of a loved one, friend, mentor or someone of importance.
Check donations may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way campaign headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made by debit or credit card or PayPal on the Hokins County United Way website, hcuw.org, by clicking “Make a Donation”, or via the Hopkins County United Way Facebook Page by clicking “Shop on Website.”
Campaign workers who have received packets but are not able to attend the weekly meeting can contact HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning by phone or text message at 903-243-4066, or by email, to arrange to get the pledges and contributions to her, contact Glass or drop them by Landers Creek Outfitters on Main Street.
The final campaign workers report meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office. However, instead of meeting on Tuesday as usual, the last HCUW report meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.
AG: Agreement In Principle Reached In Opioid Settlement With CVS Pharmacy
Texas to Receive $276 million Under Proposed Deal
An agreement in principle has been reached with CVS Pharmacy for its role in the nationwide opioid epidemic. Under the $5.034 billion multistate settlement, more than $276 million will be designated for Texas. The agreement will largely track the terms of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement with opioid distributors that was executed in July 2021, according to Texas Attorney General’s Office.
“Millions of Americans have died or are sick due to the opioid epidemic. While significant work remains, a broad coalition of states reached certain terms with CVS, and we are hopeful that we will be able to reach a final agreement on all terms,” Texas Attorney General Paxton said. “Pharmaceutical companies that have been at the root of the problem must be involved in not only changing their business practices to keep this tragic epidemic from taking more lives in the future, but also by providing treatment for those currently still struggling with opioid addiction.”
This agreement is the latest opioid settlement negotiated for Texas. With the addition of the CVS funds, General Paxton will have secured over $2.37 billion for Texas from Allergan, Mallinckrodt, Teva, Endo, Johnson & Johnson, and McKinsey & Company distributors.
Texas’ AG worked closely on these negotiations with the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, the news release from Paxton’s office stated.
Lady Cat Volleyball Hits First-Round Road Block in 3-1 Loss to Van
Sulphur Springs never recovered from a slow start in a season-ending 3-1 loss in the Bi-District round of playoffs in Wills Point versus the Van Lady Vandals on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Lady Cat volleyball fell down 2-0 in sets, playing do-or-die from there.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s team made some mistakes, combined with a talented opponent in Van and volleyball had their work cut out for them.
The Lady Cats played hard throughout their Bi-District playoff game, but still ultimately fell short.
Set two saw a big lead for the Lady Vandals, but Coach Dorner’s team would not quit, fighting to the very last point. While they lost that set, they used their momentum to carry them to a set three victory, eliminating any chance of a sweep of the Lady Cats.
Winning set three, volleyball could only celebrate the win for so long as they still had to win set four, on top of that forcing a set five (which they also would have had to win to move on to Area).
Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs, they could not win set four; necessary to extend their season. A loss in set four eliminated the Lady Cats from the postseason.
Seven seniors saw their volleyball tenure in Sulphur Springs come to an end Tuesday.
It’s a tough end to an otherwise solid season.
The season-ending loss in the opening round of playoffs brings the Lady Cats’ record to 20-18 (6-4 district) and were the #3 seed from 15-4A. Sulphur Springs was swept in their warm-up game prior to falling in four sets in Bi-District.
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.
Chill Out With These Winter Energy Tips
By Beth Dattomo, manager of public affairs, Atmos Energy Corporation, [email protected]
Atmos Energy Reminds Natural Gas Customers to Safely Plan Ahead for Cooler Weather
GREENVILLE, Texas – Nov. 1, 2022 – As the leaves begin to change color and we enjoy the many traditions of autumn, it can be easy to overlook the fact that winter is right around the corner. Atmos Energy reminds natural gas customers that now is the time to prepare for cold weather by performing household safety checks and implementing energy-saving measures, so you can stay warm while managing your winter heating bills.
If you need natural gas service reconnected, contact us now to schedule an appointment before cold weather arrives. Atmos Energy is available at 888.286.6700 – Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time – or visit us online at www.atmosenergy.com
During the appointment, you may choose to have an Atmos Energy technician enter your home or business to relight gas appliances that are accessible and are in a safe working condition. However, this is not a substitute for routine or manufacturer-recommended safety inspections and maintenance of your appliances and gas piping. Your gas piping and appliances are your responsibility and should be inspected periodically. A responsible adult 18 or older must be present during the appointment.
Now is also a great opportunity to perform routine household safety checks like inspecting your home’s natural gas piping and appliances and ensuring smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working condition.
Maintain Your Natural Gas Lines
- Customers are responsible for the maintenance and service of natural gas appliances and natural gas lines from the meter into their homes in all states Atmos serves, except in Kansas.
- Customer-owned natural gas lines include all piping that goes from your natural gas meter to the appliances on your property. This also includes a pool or spa heater, barbeque, or other natural gas appliances.
Monitor for Carbon Monoxide
- Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas emitted when fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, natural gas ranges, or furnaces, and it can be poisonous to humans if it builds up indoors.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends replacing your CO detector every five years and installing a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home.
- The CDC also advises buying a detector with a digital readout to best detect the highest level of carbon monoxide concentration.
Financial Assistance
This winter, as energy prices are elevated across the board, financial assistance is available to help customers manage costs:
- Budget Billing is a great tool to help manage your budget because your natural gas bill will be more predictable every month. In the winter, your bill can rise unexpectedly as the weather gets colder. However, with Budget Billing your costs are spread more evenly throughout the year, so you are not surprised by high winter bills. Visit www.atmosenergy.com/budgetbilling to learn more.
- Installment plans are available that spread out payments of your balance over time – with no charges or fees to do so. Call 888.286.6700 or visit www.atmosenergy.com/AccountCenter to establish a plan that meets your needs.
- Atmos also offer an online tool that compares your current bill with a previous bill so you can better understand how the weather, billing days, and charges impact your bill. Log in to the Account Center and select “Billing and Usage” to use the bill comparison tool.
- If you need help paying your natural gas bill, financial assistance is available from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program as well as Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth funds through local assistance agencies. Visit atmosenergy.com/assistance to find an energy assistance agency near you.
Winter Energy Tips
Colder weather directly impacts the amount of natural gas that is consumed and your monthly bill. Using energy wisely and making a few household changes can make a big difference in how much you spend on natural gas and other energy bills. Plus, you will lower your home’s carbon emissions when you use less energy.
- Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home.
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
- Change or clean your heating and air conditioning unit filter regularly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Your equipment will use less energy if it ‘breathes’ more easily.
- Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use.
- Reduce your shower and bath time. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home’s hot water use.
- Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded.
- Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – warm air goes right up the chimney!
- If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
- Atmos Energy offers rebates for high-efficiency natural gas appliances, energy-saving devices, and weatherization upgrades for customers in Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas. Visit www.atmosenergy.com/rebates for details.
For home safety tips and to learn more about customer-owned natural gas piping, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/home-safety, and for more energy-saving tips visit www.atmosenergy.com/energytips.
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor. Atmos Energy safely delivers reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of Atmos Energy’s vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, Atmos is modernizing its business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas.
Find Atmos Energy online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Wildcat Football’s Senior Night Pushed Forward to Thursday Due to Fears of Inclement Weather
Wildcat football hosting Senior Night has been moved forward to Thursday, Nov. 3.
Coach Brandon Faircloth’s team now hosts Senior Night versus Anna on Thursday, Nov. 3, still at Gerald Prim Stadium.
Kickoff is still at 7:30 P.M.
It’s the second straight week Sulphur Springs has faced weather concerns.
Last Friday in Kaufman, the Wildcats could only play the first half before consecutive rain delays forced the game to be called as a loss for Wildcat football.
Sulphur Springs could only manage a touchdown in the 28-7 loss to the Lions as Kaufman claimed the second spot in 8-4A football. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 3-1, their first loss in district play.
Now they host undefeated Anna on Senior Night to wrap up the regular season. That game is again on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Prim at 7:30 P.M.
Lady Cat XC still runs Friday though at the state meet.
Coach Ross Hicks and his squad run in the 4A state championship meet Friday in Round Rock.
Sulphur Springs clinched a trip to the state championship competition for the first time in school history after finishing third at the Regional competition.
Cross country gets a practice run in Thursday prior to racing for all the marbles Friday morning at the 4A state championship.
That meet gets underway Friday in Round Rock at Old Settlers Park at 8:30 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.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report — Nov. 1, 2022
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell Tuesday evening, Nov. 1, 2022, presented to to the City Council in a Memorandum as well as aloud the following monthly manager’s report:
CLAIMS
We had 1 workers compensation that required surgery in October. A police officer injured his knee while in training. We did not have any liability claims.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
I have signed the contract with TDHCA. We have sent the contract out to bid, and we will open bids on November 16. Expect to approve the bids at the December 6 regular city council meeting.
PACIFIC PARK
XLNT Construction has ordered the steel frame for the pavilion. The lead time is 4 months. I don’t expect to see any more activity at Pacific Park until February. At that time, XLNT will construct the building in about 90 days.
When the pavilion is complete, we will demolish the old basketball courts and grade the interior of the park. Then we will install irrigation and sod.
COLLEGE STREET
The contractor needs to construct several driveway approaches and other miscellaneous items. We decided to construct the intersection at College and Jackson ourselves. The intersection will have brick crosswalks, and it is just too complicated for this contractor. The contractor signed a deductive change order, and the Capital Construction Division will begin soon.
Further east, the Capital Construction Division has installed 771 feet of storm drain, 6 inlet boxes and 4 junction boxes to eliminate the flooding problem at Ramsey Street.
College Street work at Mitchell Street 
Sidewalk and road work on Patton at College Street. 
Sidewalk and road work on Patton at College Street. 
Sidewalk and road work on College Street at Patton 
Sidewalk and road work on College Street at Patton 
Road and sidewalk work on College Street facing Oak Avenue and Celebration Plaza. 
Work on Ramsey Street to address water issues on College Street 
Work on Ramsey Street to address water issues on College Street 
College Street roadwork just south of Ramsey 
Drain installed just off Jefferson Street to adress water issues on College Strreet, 
Work behind a Jefferson Street apartment complex to address water issues on College Street 
Work between College and Jefferson Street to address water issued on College Street.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the year-end report of revenues and expenditures.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Texana Land and Asphalt will begin repaving the following streets next week: Como, Drexel, Fisher, and Bonner.
Bad news for the residents on Ardis Street. Atmos is about to replace a gas line on that street, so we have decided to delay Ardis Street until Atmos completes the gas line replacement project.
The various repairs to Commercial Services Drive will be performed in-house.
MISCELLANEOUS
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
• Conducted 41 building inspections, 18 electrical inspections, 19 plumbing inspections, 1 mechanical inspection and issued 20 building permits.
• Made 19 extensive street repairs following utility cuts.
• Repaired 25 potholes.
• Removed 3 fallen trees from city streets.
• Hauled street sweeper spoils to the landfill.
• Hosted the Senior Olympics.
• Sowed winter rye in on Celebration Plaza.
• Removed dead trees from city parks.
• Hosted 1 soccer tournament and 2 baseball tournaments.
• Prepared the Grays Building for 11 rentals.
• Performed repairs at Kids Kingdom.
• Responded to 222 calls for animal control while achieving a 61% adoption rate.
• Made 5 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
• Responded to 2,362 calls for police response.
• Responded to 46 accidents, issued 535 traffic citations, recorded 26 offenses and made 46 arrests in the Patrol Division.
• Responded to 239 fire/rescue calls including 3 structure fires,1 vehicle fire and 3 grass fires.
• Conducted 30 fire inspections.
• Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
• Checked out 3,028 items from the library plus 679 eBooks.
• Installed lights on end caps of the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial walls.
• Upgraded the electrical service at fire station #1, making the solar panels operational.
• Installed 2 new lights at Buford Park.
• Performed preventative maintenance on various items at the water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant.
• Treated effluent to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .20 mg/L.
• Hauled 256 tons of sludge to the landfill.
• Repaired 19 water main ruptures.
• Replaced 22 water meters.
• Unstopped 15 sewer mains.
• Flushed 40 dead-end water mains.
• Sold 2,996 gallons of AvGas and 13,560 gallons of JetA fuel.
• Accommodated 1,198 operation (takeoffs or landings) at the airport
FDA Warns: Don’t Purchase or Use Artri Or Ortiga Products Due To Possible Hidden Ingredients
FDA continues to warn consumers not to purchase or use Artri and Ortiga products as the agency received adverse event reports, including of liver toxicity and death, associated with the use of Artri King and similarly named products since the first consumer warning about an Artri Ajo King product was issued on January 5, 2022, and another in April, 20, 2022. These products are promoted with unproven claims to treat arthritis and osteoarthritis, restore cartilage, and stop joint deterioration, according to a FDA public notice.
FDA analysis revealed certain Artri and Ortiga products contain hidden drug ingredients, including corticosteroids. Undeclared drug ingredients found include:
- Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) that can cause serious adverse events, including infections, increased blood glucose (sugar) levels, changes in blood pressure, damage to bones, psychiatric problems, and adrenal dysfunction;
- Diclofenac sodium (an anti-inflammatory drug) that can lead to adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, or serious gastrointestinal damage, including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal tears of the stomach and intestines, or liver toxicity including liver failure that can cause the need for a liver transplant or death
- Methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant) that can cause sedation, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
These drug ingredients, which are not listed on the product label, can also interact with other drugs a consumer is taking.
Suddenly stopping corticosteroids after long-term use or high doses can result in a serious withdrawal syndrome that includes fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure, low blood glucose levels, fever, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, and shortness of breath. Medical intervention may be necessary.
In support of public safety, and because some of these products may still be available on the market, FDA issued warning letters on October 28, 2022, to Amazon, Walmart, and Latin Foods Market for distributing various “Artri” and/or “Ortiga” unapproved and misbranded drug products. Walmart and Latin Foods Market already issued voluntary recalls for these products, the FDA notice states.
Customers with questions about these products should discuss appropriate treatment options with their health care providers.
FDA encourages health professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Click here to download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
The FDA analyses reflect only the undeclared ingredients discovered in one product from a specific lot, but ingredients may vary from product to product or from lot to lot. Products marketed as dietary supplements that are found to have hidden drug ingredients generally fail to comply with most current good manufacturing practices designed to ensure product quality and safety. Therefore, consumers should expect the manufacturing processes for Artri and Ortiga products are unreliable in providing consistent amounts of active ingredients or to prevent the introduction of unknown chemicals or other impurities.
The FDA is investigating the distribution of these products in the United States and has advised certain companies not to sell or distribute these products. The agency may take additional enforcement steps that may include warning letters, seizure, injunction, or criminal charges.
Three Traffic Stops In Three Days Resulted In Warrant, Controlled Substance Arrests
Three traffic stops in three days by officers in Hopkins County resulted in warrant and controlled substance arrests, according to deputies and troopers’ reports.
FM 2285 Arrests
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Bobby Osornio and Justin Wilkerson reported finding 28-year-old Dallas woman and a 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man at 2:33 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, on the south boat ramp on FM 2285.
After speaking to both, Morgan Elaine Morgan was determined to be wanted on a Dallas County possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and the man to be wanted in Upshur County on a motion to revoke probation on misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge.
A Sulphur Springs Police officer arrived on scene to assist. Both Morgan and the man were placed into custody on the warrants.
Morgan, owner of the Mitsubishi SUV on the boat ramp, allegedly admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle. A search allegedly revealed a red and white zipper bag with several items of drug paraphernalia including a small glass jar with suspected marijuana in it, a glass pipe of the kind commonly used for smoking illegal substances and several hypodermic needles in the vehicle. Additional needles were found in a handbag, Osornio alleged in arrest reports.
Morgan was taken to jail on the Dallas County controlled substance warrant as well as a new possession of drug paraphernalia charge. The 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail on the misdemeanor Upshur County warrant, deputies reported.
SH 11 East Arrests
HCSO Deputies Thomas Patterson, Bobby Osornio and Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a Dodge van with a headlight that didn’t work at 8:07 p.m. Oct. 31, 2022, on State Highway 11 east in Martin Springs.
During the course of the traffic stop, the male in the blue van allegedly gave a false name, which deputies stated in arrest reports they believe was an attempt to elude arrest on parole warrant.
However, when identified as Michael Shane Waddle using Facebook, the 47-year-old Glenn Heights, Texas man admitted he’d given a false name to officers, HCSO deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Deputies took Waddle into custody at 8:21 p.m. and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The Glenn Heights man was booked in at 9:30 p.m. Halloween 2022 not only on the Austin parole warrant, but also on a new Class A misdemeanor failure to identity charge.
While on SH 11 east on that traffic stop, a 36-year-old Como woman arrived at the location in a Nissan Sentra. Aware the woman had a warrant for her arrest as well, the deputies placed Dianna Marie Levesque into custody at 8:21 pm. and transported the woman to Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center, the HCSO officers alleged in arrest reports.
Levesque was booked in at 9:41 p.m. Oct. 31, 2022 on the Tarrant County warrant for violation of probation on a possession of 4 gram or more but less than 200 grams charge, according to arrest reports.
I-30 East Arrest
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Rodriguez reported stopping a Hyundai Santa Fe with defective equipment and an obscured license plate around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, 2022, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 112.
A records check showed Trayvon Lamor White Davionta to be wanted in Dallas County on a misdemeanor family violence assault causing bodily injury charge.
A bag containing a substance the highway patrol believed to be marijuana, two hydrocodone pills and three other unidentified pills was reportedly found near the traffic stop. The suspected marijuana weighed 12.8 grams, the DPS officer alleged in arrest reports.
The 26-year-old Texarkana, Arkansas man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4 p.m. Oct. 30, 2022, on possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 substance and possession of a Class B misdemeanor amount of marijuana, according to arrest reports.
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.
