Winnsboro Police Department Media Report —Dec. 12-18, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Dec. 12-18, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Randy Merida, 18 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 12-19-2022 for Driving While Intoxicated.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 90 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 17 citations and 17 warnings during this reporting period.
Four EMS Staff Recognized During Hospital District Board Meeting — 3 Receive Pins For Efforts Saving A Life, 1 For 36 Years Service
Four Hopkins County EMS staff members were recognized during the regular December 2022 Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors meeting last week.
Service Recognition
Laura Ballard was recognized for 36 years of dedicated service with Hopkins County EMS, starting in 1986.
“She’s been serving the citizens of Hopkins County over the terms of 7 US Presidents. Exactly 36 year ago today is when she started. That’s 4,320 shifts on the ambulance, away from her family for 24 hours at a time. That’s almost 12 years of work for Hopkins County EMS, which is 4 years more than the average 8 to 5 job,” said Hospital District CEO/EMS Director Brent Smith on Dec. 13, 2022.
Smith presented Ballard with a crystal award thanking her leadership, service and dedication to HCEMS service.
“Now, the special things is we’re not going to be losing Laura. She’s coming over to the admin side. She’s going to be working alongside Stacy. She’s just changing departments,” Smith noted.
Life Saving Recognition
Three paramedics received a special award during the Dec. 13, 2022, Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors meetings
Hopkins County EMS Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson explained the EMS service recognizes staff hose who perform outstanding service. When an ambulance crews “runs a full arrest,” they are eligible to receive a ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) pin. They return any previous ROSC pins and exchange it for a new one for the additional number of saves.
Another special pin that can be given is a CPR Save pin. Sanderson said in his 30 years in the EMS service, he can only recall three times in which one has been awarded. When an EMS service or other first responder is credited with saving a life using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for a full arrest in which the patient eventually leaves the hospital neurologically intact, they are eligible to receive a CPR Save Citation Bar.
This week, three members of Hopkins County EMS received the Save pins for a June 29, 2022 call involving a cardiac arrest, which turned out to be a bit more difficult than usual.
Sanderson, EMS Bradford Berry and Paramedic Jacob Kelso responded to a 911 call in which dispatchers advised the caller’s condition was deteriorating. The crew arrived on scene, then spoke to the patient long enough to figure out who she was
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022.
“It wasn’t hard because we all knew her, then she coded,” Sanderson said, looking toward Clary Parker, with whom they’d worked on different occasions over the years. “Nothing prepares you for that. It was very stressful.”
The crew followed protocol, beginning CPR, and continued to give care while transporting her to the emergency room, where the “ER staff went above and beyond” to save Parker.
“And because of that, she’s sitting right over there,” an emotional Sanderson said, calling on Parker to present the pins to the two paramedics who cared for her on the call.
“What do you say to someone that saved your life other than thank you? But, I’m here today because they recognized that I was in a full arrest and went above and beyond everybody did. All I can say is thank you. I need to hug you,” Parker said before presenting each member of the team with his pin.
“For those of you who don’t know, Clary has been a house supervisors at the hospital a long time. It’s a miracle she’s here. It is a tribute to what Jeff said, first responders, their quick responders getting her quick to the hospital. It was very shocking for our staff to see someone you’ve worked with for a long time in that condition,” CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs CEO Paul Harvey said.
CHRISTUS Asks Community To Consider Donating Blood At Drive Friday To Help Bolster Supplies Through Holiday
Holiday Hours For CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Urgent Care, Virtual Announced
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
New Gastroenterology Physician
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 will be seeing patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic located at 107 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. Ask your provider for a referral.
Blood Drive this Friday
Carter BloodCare is holding on strong to maintain a safe supply during the holiday season.
However, with high schools out and donors traveling, it will be difficult to maintain the supply if we do not have donors come to give these next couple of weeks. Please consider stopping by the Carter BloodCare bus to donate blood in the front hospital parking lot.
You may drop by the blood donation bus on December 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 800-
366-2834 or go to https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/136519.
Donors will receive a fleece blanket while supplies last.
Holiday Hours – CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and CTC Urgent Care
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary care and specialty clinics will be open regular hours this week, but closed the day after Christmas, Monday, December 26th.
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care in Sulphur Springs will be open on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022, but closing early at 2pm. It will also be closed on Christmas, Sunday, December 25, 2022. However, it will be open regular hours on December 26, 2022.
- For non-emergencies, CHRISTUS Virtual Care On Demand is another option available. It is a service available to patients over the age of five and providers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day and on holidays. To schedule CHRISTUS On Demand Care visit christushealth.org/virtual-medicine or go to your MyCHRISTUS account (formerly known as “MyChart”) and click on virtual visit or On Demand Care.
Physician Retirement
It is bittersweet to announce that Dr. David Sargent will be retiring at the end of this year.
He has blessed Hopkins County with his Ear, Nose, and Throat expertise for fourteen years! He will be truly missed. We wish him all the best in his retirement.
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
Lady Cats Soccer Wins 3rd Annual Sulphur Springs Lady Cats Scrimmage Tournament
Lady Cats soccer scored early and often in their 3rd Annual Lady Cats Scrimmage tournament, finishing as champions on Saturday, Dec. 17.
Coach Adriana Brena and her team won their first game, beating Mabank 3-1. The one goal given up in their tournament-opening win was the one and only goal given up by Lady Cats soccer on the day.
From there, they blew out their next two opponents Kaufman and Spring Hill by a combined margin of 12-0.
Their efforts on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Gerald Prim Stadium were more than enough to crown Lady Cats soccer Champions of their 3rd Annual Sulphur Springs Scrimmage Tournament.
The three wins picked up on Saturday brings women’s soccer’s preseason record to 5-0.
Sulphur Springs plays in their final scrimmage next Tuesday, Dec. 27 when they travel to Gainesville.
That game kicks off at 12:30 P.M.
After that, Coach Brena and her team take Christmas off before hosting their first regular season game Friday, Dec. 30. Henderson comes to town to take on the Lady Cats in both teams’ season-opener.
The regular season kicks off for women’s soccer at Gerald Prim Stadium prior to the New Year next Friday at noon.
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.
Rep. Slaton Files Legislation To Prevent Manufacture, Selling of Vehicles With Remote Kill Switches in Texas
Representative Bryan Slaton of House District 2, in a Dec. 19, 2022 press release, announced the filing of legislation to stop the implementation of remote kill switches in personally owned vehicles.
According to the release, House Bill 1031, if passed, would outlaw the manufacture or sale of vehicles with remote kill-switches that can be activated by the manufacturer or the government, or the installation of such a device in personal vehicles, in the State of Texas.
In the press release, Representative Slaton issued the following statement:
“The idea that the federal government or an international mega-corporation would have the ability to decide when, where and if private citizens can operate their own personal vehicles is not only preposterous, but it is deeply antithetical to the principals of a free country. We all saw the incredible encroachments on individual liberty during COVID. God forbid something like that occurs again, and the government or leftists corporations have the power to remotely shut-down your personal car, and prevent you from traveling. And in an age of cancel-culture, woke-ism, and social-credit scores, this kind of power is just one more step in the direction of an Orwellian future for America.”
The bill, according to Slaton, would help nullify any current or future federal requirements that personal vehicles be equipped with technology that could remotely shut down or disable the vehicle.
“I am grateful for the work that Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom and their Executive Director, Terri Hall, have done on this bill and this issue as a whole. The surveillance-state and their corporate cohorts are bent on making everything that we do trackable and regulated, and we must get ahead of it. The freedom to travel within our own country is incredibly important, and steps must be taken now to ensure it is preserved,” Rep. Slaton concluded.
House Bill 1031 doesn’t apply to an ignition interlock device required for individuals convicted of drunk driving offense. HB 1031 would, however, make it a state jail felony offense to manufacture, distribute (sell) or possess with intent to distribute any application or device with technology capable of being activated by the manufacturer or a governmental entity, including US, state and local government entities (which would include law enforcement officials) or of being installed on a light truck or passenger car in Texas beginning Sept. 1, 2023. Certain occupational licenses would also be revoked for those caught with the devices.
As worded, it seems an app or technology on a personal vehicle could not be accessed by law enforcement or car manufacturer to locate and shut down the vehicle if it was stolen.
According to Slaton’s office, the bill would not effect vehicles that already have this technology included, nor does it have any effect on vehicles sold outside the state or passing through the state.
“We are not prohibiting the ownership of a vehicle with this tech, just the manufacture or sale of such a vehicle in Texas,” according to Andrew J. McVeigh V, Slaton’s Chief of Staff.
When asked if the bill would impact discounts insurance companies might offer for vehicles equipped with anti-theft systems, Slaton’s office said while they can’t “speak to current insurance company policies,” Legislators could be asked “in a committee sub” to consider a “prohibition on insurance companies punishing someone for not having something that is illegal under state law.”
Hopkins County Records — Dec. 19, 2022
- David Bryan Tredway II to Marina Guadalupe Medina Ramirez and Jesus Rodriguez Jr.; tract in the Thomas Tobar survey
- Jason Moore, Jimy Don Moore and Tina Marie Moore to Brandon Moore and Kimberly Moore Yosten; tract in the Greenlief Neely
- Brandon Moore, Kimberly Moore Yosten, Terrane William Yosten and Sabrina Ann Baker Moore to Adora Lynn Lockaby and Anthony Wayne Lockaby; tract in the Grenlief Neely survey
- Patsy Ray Gravette who is also known as Patsy Sue Ray to Janice McFarland and Jerry McFarland; tract in the John G. Procello survey
- Mario Carlos to Ernesto Miranda Vidales; tract in the William Clapp survey
- Justin Hill to Tina Kuhel; tract in the JJ Box survey
- Linsey Dennis and Sean Dennis to Timothy Kirk Johnson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Wiley Wroten to Wiley H. Wroten Jr. trustee, Wroten Living Trust UTA; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Finance of America Structured, Securities Acquisition Trust 2018-SB1 and Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB trustee, to Tyler Thomas Lee Wolf; tract in the George W. Wetmore survey
- James Luther V. Master and Chelsey Meadows to Brett Hyatt; tract in the W Bone survey
- Clyde A. Rilea and Linda G. Rilea to Jeffery Dan Davis and Sandra Darlene Davis
- Kelli Williams and Toby Williams to Alan Screws and Kim Screws; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Eric P. Butschek to Catherine V. Morgn-Butschek
- Kevin S. Brewer, Kimberly M. Brewr, Aaron Denine Malone and Raymond P. Malone to Jarred Pickett; tract in the T. Dorsey
- Cindy Johnson and Jesse Johnson to Jose Olvera; tract in the GC Wetmore survey
- Jake C. Debord and Virginia Carold Debord Staes to KSP Sulphur LLC; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- James Haskell Gill Jr. and Twila Jo Gill to KSP Sulphur LLC; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Bobby Joe Gunter and M. Alice Gunter to Terrie Webb; tract in the Daniel Holbrook survey
- D. Perry Hostetler and Emily L. Hostetler to Paul Bennett; tract in the Lucy Ann Collum survey
- Texas Farm Credit Servics FLCA to Christopher James Fritzwater
- Texas Farm Credit Services FCLA to Diana Marie Gilliam and Melvin Rubin Gilliam Jr.
- Gary Lewis and Rachel Lewis to Ignacia Santes Jimenez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Kristi Marie Shultz and William Bryan Shultz to Syedan Farms LLC; tract in the Charles Prufer survey
- Kattie Foster and Jeremy Dale Melton to Jill Bridges and Randall Bridges; tract in the Minor Blossom survey
- Exodus Construction, Leap of Feath Enterprises LLC DBA Valencia Omar Construction to Renee Torres; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Kenneth Wayne Crowson and Ruth Ann Crowson to April D. Servin and Martin A. Servin; tract in the AJ Hargrave survey
- Rigo Mejia and Rosario Mejia to Omar Castillo-Alvarez and Gabriela A. Sandoval; tract in the Jasper County School Land
- R. Blackwell to Juan Carlos Lozano; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Charlesie S. Bowers and Patrick F. Bowers to Curtis Aaron Davis Canada and Kasey L. Davis; tract in the Maria Santos Coy survey
- Arthur Bradley McKeel and Patricia McKeel to Andrea Ann Kendall and Jon Christopher Kendall; tract in the Tobe Ford survey
- Jason P. Lacomfora and Jennifer Jill Lacomfora to Don Sapugh and Jill Sapaugh; tract in the LP Dikes survey
- Craig Williams and Jackie Williams to John Wilbur and Stacie Wilbur; tract in the John Jordan survey
- Tabor Ventures LLC to Luis Alberto Reyes; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Juana Jennings and Everett Jennings to Everett Jennings No. 3 LLC; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Sharon A. Ricks to Andrew Pickles; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Richie White to Lonette D. Copeland White; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Dean Edward Falls Estate, Partners in Care Trust Company-Ancillary Administrator, to Wood Investment Group LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Everett Jenings No. 3 LLC to Ryan Sneller; tract in the Honeysuckle Creek Estates
- Candace Espinosa and Sean Espinosa to Lisa M. Stroud; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Timothy M. Kelty Trustee for the Timothy M. Kelty 2020 Trust, to EXA Real Estate LLC; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Virginia Sue Porter to Kelli Geraci and Troy Geraci; tract in the JC Tabor survey
- Patsy Jean McGary to Terrel Shain McGary; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Annette Murillo and Edder Sinoe Murillo Virgen to Annette Murillo and Edder Sinoe Murillo Virgen, co-trustees for the Murillo Family Trust, and Ivan Murillo Virgen; tract in the John Norris survey
- Holley Dennis and Michael Grady Dennis to James Cody Dennis; tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell survey
- Geraldine Stubblefield, who is the same person as Jerry Stubblefield, to Bryan Oyler; tract in the Lofton Vess survey
- TTTT Limited to Cord Burnett; tract in the Country Club Estates
- Deborah Leigh Burkham to Grancine Marie Lynch, Richard Wayne Lynch, Alison Jeanne Osborn and Bryan Edward Osborn; tract in the Francis Hopkins survey
- Don Petty and Jearline Petty to Shelby Brown and Thomas Brown; tract in the A. Fitzgerald survey
- Shannon Carpenter to William Chadwick Duty; tract in the George C. Wetmore survey
- Billie M. Phillips to Anna B. Pettit; tract in the Thomas B. Garrett survey
- Kathy Wilhite to Don Alan Sides and Kristin K. Wondra; tract in the AB Hudson survey
- Vicky Chambliss France to Michael Shane Gilbert; tract in the W. Finley survey
- William L. Goggans Jr. Estate, Martha Johnson independent executor, to Shirley Anne Gardina Goggans
- Benjamin Thomas Pegues and Jessica Pegues to Angela Grace Pegues and Benjamin Blayke Pegues; tract in the John G. Procello survey
- Cecil Wayne Rich Jr. to Makayla Rayanne McKinney, Hebert James Rich, Marcus Lee Rich and Michael Wayne Rich; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Sunbird Poultry Inc. to Kimthoa Thi Pham and Hoang Tan Vo; tract in the Joseph Kimbell survey
- Debra Ann Bohannon to Kristy J. Moseley; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Joe Tom Braden Estate, Roy King independent executor to Kenneth Wayne Youngblood; tract in the B. Jordan survey
- Alan Screws and Kmi Screws to Brad Busby and Kinde Busby; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Sharon Martin and Wilson Martin to Katrina Spinato; tract in the James Riggs survey
- Paulino Reyes to Arnoldo Romero Otiz; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Lloyd Nowlin and Sandra Nowlin to Spears Enterprises; tract in the Sarah H. Norris survey
- Sharon IK. Ailes agent, John H. Heilman to Lloyd Nowlin and Sandra Nowlin; tract in the Sarah H. Norris survey
- Kevin Mohl and Shari Mohl to Everett Jennigns; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Sherry Hill and Troy Hill to Reece Caddell; tract in the James Webb
- Amanda Cunningham Gonzalez, who is in fact Amanda Cunningham Gonzalez Martin, and Brian Chadwick Martin who is also known as Chad Martin, to Juan Carlos Campo and Sandra E. Campos; tract in the Elisha Simmons survey
- Christopher Baker Davis Jr. and Katherine W. Davis to Glenna Christine Brice and Rickey Shane Brice; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Brittan Blount and Kennady Blount to Shana Suzanne Green and Timothy Lee Green; tract in the Jasper County School Land survey
- Kason Childress independently and as agent, Kris Childress and Lisa Childress to Andrew Clifton Riley and Darla Jean Riley; tract in the Thomas Norris survey
- Regina Dykes to Texas Resources Acquisitions LLC
- C. Threadgill to Damian Edmunson; tract in the Green Weaver survey
- Damian Edmundson to Joseph Nickerson and Stephanie Nickerson; tract in the Green WEaver survey
- Abel Austin and Jessica Austin to Christopher S. Penny and Jeana M. Penny; tract in the James S. Johnson survey
- Christohper Penny and Jeana M. Penny to Abel Austin and Jessica R. Austin; tract in the James S. Johnson survey
- Christopher Penny and Jeana M. Penny to Jeffrey W. Stevens and Robin Ann Stevens; tract in the James S. Johnson survey
- Alton Nelson and Teresa Nelson to Brad Busby and Nathan Crouch; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Full Gospel Pentecostal Outreach Church to Bent Investments LLC
- Craig Harris and Sharon Harris to Jason Friddle, Matthew Thomas Harris, Monica Harris Lane and Steven Sappelt; tract in the S. Coy survey
- Blanca E. Hopkins to Rockin Rentals LLC; tract in the Green Weaver survey
- Rhonda Gail Keller to Christopher Eugene Keller; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Quatro Properties LLC to Fernanda Lomas Lopez and Pascual Alvarado Obregon; tract in the MJ McGee survey
Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Dec. 19-23, 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. 19-23, 2022 includes:
- MONDAY, Dec. 19 — Sloppy Jo Sandwiches, Ranch Style Beans and Potatoes
- TUESDAY, Dec. 20 — Chicken Pot Pie, Sweet Potatoes and Pickled Beets
- WEDNESDAY, Dec. 21 — Chicken Nuggets With Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
- THURSDAY, Dec. 22 — Beef Spaghetti, Okra & Tomatoes, and Garlic Toast
- FRIDAY, Dec. 23 — Chicken & Dressing Casserole, Broccoli and Corn
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.
Wildcat Basketball Falls on Friday, Hosts Again Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 20 has the Wildcats at home for their third-straight contest.
Tuesday Gameday this week has Sulphur Springs playing in their final non-district contest prior to the new year.
- (Note: men’s basketball plays in a holiday invitational tournament starting the day after Christmas next week)
Coach Brandon Shaver and his team host Bullard on Tuesday, Dec. 20 looking to rebound from their loss on Friday at home.
Men’s basketball did not have the game they envisioned for themselves on Friday, Dec. 16 when they hosted Nacogdoches, falling to the Golden Dragons 48-46 at home.
Tight after one quarter, both teams struggled to make shots early on.
That changed in a big way in the second when Nacogdoches started nailing buckets, going on a run that saw them sprint past the Wildcats and leading at the half, 36-28.
While scoring did improve for Sulphur Springs (the Wildcats got a paltry four points in the second), the Golden Dragons stayed a step ahead of them as they went on to close out a nail-biting victory, 48-46.
Men’s basketball had a chance to tie it up late, potentially sending Friday’s game to overtime, but a late turnover committed by the Wildcats as the clock wound down iced the win for Nacogdoches on Friday, Dec. 16.
Kordrick Turner scored 16 in the loss, followed closely by Branson Lynn at 13.
Parker Whisenhunt and Theo Mckelvy scored eight and seven, respectively; and DJ Wilkerson got a field goal to round out scoring for the Wildcats.
Friday’s loss at home is the fourth on the season for men’s basketball, now 14-4 on the season.
They play in their final regular season game of 2022 on Tuesday when they host Bullard.
That game tips off in the SSHS Main Gym on Tuesday, Dec. 20 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.
Worm Castings Can Be A Game Changer For Indoor Plant Growth, Production
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
We’ve all heard about the benefits of using worm castings (much more refined than saying worm poop!) in our gardens. Well, that should go double for indoor plants. Actually, worm castings can be a game-changer for growth and production.
Similar to animal manure, worm castings provide bacteria and nutrients (a lot of them!) to your indoor plants, they can actually be considered a superfood! Many buy worm castings, while others make their own corm composter, or else buy one. With my schedule, I just find an individual who sells them!
Worm castings contain an almost endless listing of nutrients. You can start with a mixture of animal bacteria, compost, enzymes, plant nutrients, and remnants of plant matter, including over 50% more broken down leaves and plant matter than regular topsoil. On top of that, they contain several plant-essential minerals like nitrates, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. Then, there’s the borax, carbon, zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt, iron, and nitrogen.
One of the more interesting aspects of worm castings is that with all these ingredients they won’t burn the plants with too much of any one or group of the ingredients, particularly nitrogen, as it’s in a slow-release form. The castings are covered with a worm secreted mucus that prevents a fast nutrient release.
And the benefits just keep coming. Soil, when mixed with worm castings enables the soil mixture to hold on to moisture while resisting erosion and compaction. So, you spend less time watering and worrying about the possibility of excess water induced root rot. Worm castings even offer a resistance to chewing insects such as aphids, and other hard-shelled plant bugs by dissolving their exoskeletons
How much to use? Try ¼ cup of castings for every 6-inch diameter of your container. Unlike chemical fertilizers, a little extra won’t hurt.
SSHS Lady Cats Cross Country Team Recognized
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees during the regular December school board meeting recognized the Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats Cross Country Team, including coaches, for the runners’ accomplishments in State UIL competition this semester.
First, SSISD Board President Craig Roberts recognized Head Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks and Coaches Adriana Brena, Bryan Jones, Sal Mejia and Carlos Ramirez, then had Hicks introduce the Lady Cats Cross Country Team, recognizing the athletes who made school history by not only qualifying for the State Cross Country meet, but concluded the 2022 season 15th overall in the 4A UIL State Cross Country Championship, held at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock Nov. 4.
The SSHS Lady Cats Cross Country Team started out the year in second place at Hallsville, won the home meet (which twill be hosted again next year), second in Arlington at an invitational. The team was the District champion, and in District 4A-Region 2 competition finished third overall in the top four teams to qualify for state. At state, the school finished 15th overall as a team.
Individually, at the District CX Meet Haylee Schultz placed 1st and Edith Martinez 2nd, with Jolea Moore 5th and Laney Hurst 6th, earning each All-District recognition. At region, Schultz finished 12th overall, earning All-Region recognition. Laney Hurst earned Academic All-State honors.
“We have got a lot of young talent here,” Coach Hicks said. “This is one of the best girls team you’re going to find. You couldn’t pick nine girls and have any better character and people to be around. They push each other to be better.”
Coach Hicks noted the Lady Cats have a lot of young talent, with only one senior, and mostly lower classmen on the team.
Freshman McKenzie Buckland ran as part of the Lady Cats Cross Country team, but “got a little bit dinged up” at the end of the year, ending up in a walking boot.
“She did a great job, was always there being consistent, being a great teammate. We love the future that she has and the way she conducts herself,” Hicks said of Buckland.
Jaicee Jasmer, Hicks said, is “very talented” and will be attempting a run at the state individually in track in pole vault.
“She’s an excellent pole vaulter but in the fall she comes and runs cross country. Last year, she just appeared in the summer and she is phenomenal. This year, she’s had her ups and downs with some injuries, non-running-related injuries. But she’s done a phenomenal job and really came through for us huge at the regional meet, being our fifth runner. Without her, there’s a good chance we wouldn’t have qualified,” Hicks said of Jasmer, who was the Lady Cats’ fourth fastest runner at state.
Senior Laney Hurst has had some ups and downs in her cross country career at SSHS, but came back this year with a goal. Who was the Lady Cats’ third fastest runner at state.
SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts and cross country runner McKenzie Buckland 
SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts, and cross country runners McKenzie Buckland and Jaicee Jasmer 
Cross country runner Laney Hurst, SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts, and cross country runners McKenzie Buckland and Jaicee Jasmer
“She was a great leader for our team both through action and through work. She was always that steady; you knew what you were going to get out of Laney every single week and it was huge for the younger girls to have someone to watch and to emulate. We’re going to miss Laney for sure, but we’ve got a track season ahead of us, so we’ve still go ta little bit to go,” Hicks said of the lone senior on the team.
Hicks described sophomore Edith Martinez as “a diamond in the rough.” This summer she showed up, noting her soccer coach wanted her to run cross country. By the second practice she was running right behind their two fastest runners. She was the second fastest runner on the Lady Cats team at state.
“You’ve really done a great job as a sophomore, just really bought in, just did everything the right way, just an unbelievable person. I’m just very, very excited she showed up at just hte right time for us. The Lord had favor on us with Edith showing up,” Hicks said of Martinez.
Jolea Moore was also part of the Lady Cats Cross Country team during the 2022 season, and finished fourth among Lady Cats runners at state.
“Jolea is our immensely talented freshman. We’ve known Jolea through middle school cross country. She came out doing winter races when she was in the 7th grade. She continued to do that. She’s very, very humble about it. She’s very successful, but is able to maintain this humbleness, this person that you wanted to be around. She gelled seamlessly with the team and Jolea did a great job as a freshman,” Hicks said.
Both Martinez and Moore would have qualified for state individual, even if the Lady Cats Cross Country Team hadn’t advanced to state.
Cross country runner Edith Martinez, SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts, and cross country runners McKenzie Buckland, Jaicee Jasmer and Laney Hurst 
SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts and cross country runners McKenzie Buckland, Jaicee Jasmer, Laney Hurst, Edith Martinez and Jolea Moore 
SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts and cross country runners Dylan McKinney, Jaicee Jasmer, Laney Hurst, Edith Martinez and Jolea Moore
Freshman Dylan McKinney joined the Lady Cats CX team in an effort to improve her track performance in the spring semester. Not only did McKinney compete at state as part of the Lady Cats Cross Country Team, she also was part of the state-ranked Wildcat Marching Band, Hicks noted.
Junior Haylee Schultz has been the team’s top runner for the last three years, finishing first among Lady Cats at state, and 85th overall at state.
“She did not disappoint this year as well. She had one little hiccup at our home meet, where a couple of her teammates beat her. It drove her and motivated her; after that, it was on! Sometimes it takes that. She’s done a great job all summer, all year, and to really lead by word and example. She is our leader, the person everyone looks to. Haylee has been with us through thick and thin,” Hicks said of Schultz.
Freshman Abby Williams, in addition cross country, also was a member of the Wildcat Marching Band that placed in the top 10 at state. About 2 days before the district meet, Williams dropped a base drum on her foot, putting her in a boot at district. Luckily, McKinney and Jasmine Yanez were able to step up and fill in for the two in “boots” due to injuries at the time of competitions. Williams was cleared medically just in time to run at the state meet, where she finished fifth among Lady Cat runners.
Jasmine Yanez was the JV leader all year and stepped in when the varsity runners were sidelined in boots due to injuries.
“We had to have someone come in and do it at the regional race and she’d done it before because she was actually a varsity runner last year. She’s also a member off the Wildcat Band. So, success was kind of a motto with these girls. I am very proud of jasmine and the way she fought. She was on varsity last year and she’s worked and worked and worked, and earned that spot back at the end of the year at regionals. I’m very proud of her, of the team,” Hicks said of Yanez.
Cross country runner Haylee Schultz, SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts, and cross country runners McKenzie Buckland, Jaicee Jasmer, and Laney Hurst 
SSISD Board Trustee Robert Cody, cross country runner Abby Williams, Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts, and cross country runners McKenzie Buckland, Jaicee Jasmer, Laney Hurst and Edith Martinez 
Cross country runner Jasmin Yanez, SSISD Board of Trustees President Craig Roberts, and cross country runners McKenzie Buckland, Jaicee Jasmer, Laney Hurst and Edith Martinez
