Wildcats Soccer Falls 3-1 at McKinney North For First Scrimmage Loss
The men’s soccer team dropped their first scrimmage of the winter 2021-22 season on Tuesday, Dec. 21 to McKinney North 3-1.
Coach Alexi Upton’s squad travelled to the DFW metroplex Tuesday to take on the McKinney North Bulldogs but costly errors paved the way for a Wildcats loss.
Sulphur Springs committed three keeping errors that proved too much to overcome in a 3-1 scrimmage defeat on Tuesday in McKinney.
The Wildcats lone goal was scored by Alex Yanez and assisted by Osvaldo Arellano.
Through six scrimmages, Yanez leads the team with six goals scored and assisted another goal. Arellano scored three times in the Sulphur Springs tournament.
The Tuesday loss to McKinney North drops Wildcats soccer’s scrimmage record to 4-1-1.
Men’s soccer take the rest of the week off before resuming action next Tuesday versus Jacksonville.
That scrimmage is set to kick off at Gerald Prim Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 4:30 P.M.
Freshman will kick off at 1 P.M. and the junior varsity will follow at 2:30 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.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrested On Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault Charges
A 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested at 1:32 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, on aggravated robbery and aggravated assault with deadly weapon charges for offenses alleged to have occurred over the weekend.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Scott Davis, Deputies Zach Steward, Justin Wilkerson and Isaac Foley were dispatched at 7:46 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, along with Investigator Shea Shaw, to a residence just outside of Sulphur Springs, where a robbery was alleged to have occurred.
A deadly weapon was alleged to have been displayed during the commission of the robbery. The suspect then reportedly obtained items from an individual at the residence, which he took with him when he left, according to investigators. The sheriff’s officers assisted Investigator Shaw in developing the case. Evidence was collected, a suspect identified and warrants were obtained Tuesday morning, Dec. 21, 2021 for Tyler T-Ray Ivery’s arrest.
HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Drew Fisher reportedly located Ivery at his place of employment in Sulphur Springs at 1:32 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, and took him into custody on the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated robbery warrants.
A Glock handgun was also reportedly located in a backpack, which was seized as evidence as part of the case, Sgt. Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Ivery was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on both warrants as well as three city traffic warrants. The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man, who jail reports show is also known by Tyler Tyrone Ivery and Buddy, remained in the county jail late Wednesday morning. Bond was set at $100,000 each on the aggravated assault and aggravated robbery charges.
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.
Drunk And Impaired Driving Involved In Nearly One Quarter Of All Holiday Traffic Deaths
AUSTIN– A night of drinking at a friend’s house for Richie Griffin in Austin led to the holidays spent in the court system after he crashed into a home when he got behind the wheel drunk. This is just one of many stories that highlight the costly and tragic consequences of driving under the influence. This holiday season, TxDOT wants to remind Texans to always find a sober ride.
Throughout December, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign will host events across the state featuring video testimonials of Texans like Griffin who deal with the daily consequences of drunk driving, either as an offender or survivor. These powerful stories and drunk driving facts can be found at SoberRides.org.
“It is our hope that these moving, first-hand accounts will encourage all of us to make the right choice and not ever drive after drinking or doing anything that can alter our judgment,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. ”We don’t want to turn a happy time of year into one that could be marked by tragic loss caused by someone’s poor decision to drink and drive.”
There were 2,462 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes in Texas during the holiday season of December 1, 2020 through January 1, 2021. Those crashes killed 93 people and seriously injured another 215.
Drinking and driving is 100% preventable and can have serious physical, emotional and financial consequences that can last for years. A DWI can hurt or kill someone, devastating the lives of victims and survivors forever. It can also cause significant and expensive legal issues, create difficulty finding or keeping a job and bring a lifetime of regret.
There are many sober ride options available. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, stay put, call a friend or family member, or use mass transit to ensure you don’t drive impaired.
The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Oct. 22, 2021.
2 Men Receive Prison Sentences In District Court
Two men, a 27-year-old Pittsburg man and a 39-year-old Hopkins County man, received prison sentences in hearings before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt this month, according to court reports.
Brandon Darel Roach pled guilty on Oct.18, 2021, to the third-degree felony offense of retaliation and pled true to two punishment enhancement paragraphs, making the third-degree felony punishable under the habitual offender statute. An unindicted case for harassment of a public servant was dismissed pursuant to Section 12.45 of Texas Penal Code, after the 39-year-old Hopkins County man acknowledged his guilt in that case, according to court reports.
At the sentencing hearing on Dec. 20, 2021, Roach faced a punishment range of 25 to 99 years or life in prison due to two prior consecutive prison sentences, or deferred adjudication community supervision.
Assistant District Attorney Zachary Blackmon Monday called four family members as witnesses as well as the jailer Roach was accused of harassing.
The court also had available for review all of the discovery evidence in both cases, which reportedly included numerous jail calls in which the defendant threatened to beat and kill numerous people, including family members, as well as disciplinary records from Hopkins County jail. Blackmon argued these items establish a pattern of violent and insubordinate behavior exhibited by Roach during the time he was in custody in Hopkins County jail. Evidence was presented alleging that Roach was a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, according to the ADA.
Roach reportedly was the only witness to testify on his behalf.
During closing arguments, Blackmon asked that Roach be sentenced to life in prison due to the potential danger he presents to society and his family. Roach reportedly asked for probation with mental health treatment.
On Dec. 20, Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt sentenced Roach to 80 years of imprisonment.
Lamont Lankeen Mitchell pled guilty Oct. 19, 2021, to the third-degree felony offense of assault of a public servant and a plea of true to a punishment enhancement paragraph, making the third-degree felony punishable as a second-degree felony. The 27-year-old Pittsburg man’s other two pending cases were dismissed pursuant to 12.45 of Texas Penal Code, after he acknowledged his guilt in those cases.
The case was set for a contested sentencing hearing on December 6, 2021.
Mitchell faced 2 to 20 years imprisonment in the penitentiary with an optional fine up to $10,000. Deferred adjudication community supervision was an option for the court as well.
ADA Blackmon, during Mitchell’s sentencing hearing, rested on the pre-sentence investigation report. Discovery information, which reportedly included evidence that Mitchell is a Blood gang member, was also available for the judge to review, according to the prosecutor.
Mitchell testified on his own behalf, the sole defense witness. He asked the judge to sentence him to deferred adjudication community supervision for the assault of a public servant charge.
During closing arguments, Blackmon asked the judge for a “proper prison sentence” based on the acts Mitchell allegedly committed and pled guilty to, the defendant’s criminal history, and an alleged gang affiliation.
Judge Northcutt sentenced Mitchell to 12 years of confinement in Texas Department of Criminal Justice for assaulting a peace officer.
Hicks: Your Health And Wellness
By Johanna Hicks
Last week, I provided a brief summary of educational impacts in the area of diabetes management. This week, I’m sharing information about Extension activities pertaining to youth health and wellness – summer day camp in particular.
Relevance
According to https://nccd.cdc.gov, Hopkins County has a population of approximately 36,810, with 21% of children living in poverty. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that an average of 21% of youth ages 6-19 are overweight. Additionally, approximately 24% achieve 1 hour or less moderate physical activity; an average of 45% consume less than 1 serving of fruit per day, and 50% consume less than 1 serving of vegetables per day. Other factors that can be a detriment to youth health and wellness include:
- adult obesity (31% of Hopkins County population)
- adult smoking (17%)
- insured (22%)
Response
The Community Health/Wellness Alliance and Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers identified the need to continue addressing childhood health in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, and well-being. This was accomplished by partnering with the Sulphur Springs Independent School District 2021 summer day camp program.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provided 8 sessions, each approximately 1 to 1½ hours in length. Incentive items were distributed to reinforce the topics taught. Sessions included:
- physical activity at each session
- “Color Me Healthy” curriculum
- imaginary field trips
- MyPlate
- sun and water safety
- Hands-on cooking session on reading and following a recipe, food safety, hand hygiene, and kitchen safety.
- Seven issues of Color Me Healthy newsletter included recipes, tips for healthy eating, suggestions for incorporating physical activity into daily life, and more.
Results
A retrospective 17-question post survey was distributed. Twenty-five surveys were returned indicating the following:
Students indicated learning:
- 100% (25/25) were able to identify dairy products from a list
- 100% (25/25) were able to identify recommended number of minutes of physical activity
- 100% (25/25) were able to identify the best beverage for hot days
- 96% (24/25) were able to identify safe food practices
- 92% (23/25) were able to identify what to do in the event of severe weather
- 88% (22/25) were able to identify sedentary behavior vs. physical activity
- 88% (22/25) were able to identify foods in the protein group
Intent to adopt practices:
- 100% (25/25) indicated that they will drink more water and fewer sweetened beverages
- 100% (25/25) indicated that they plan to eat breakfast every morning
- 88% (22/25) indicated that they plan to eat more fruits & vegetables
As a side note, the partnership with the SSISD earned the School Health and Wellness Award from the Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences at the 2021 state conference.
Closing Thought
Never underestimate the impact you may have on a child.
Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County, may be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; phone at 903-885-3443; or email at [email protected].
Holiday Closures for Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County
Here is a list of closures and changes affecting Sulphur Spring and Hopkins County residents during the holiday season 2021. More information will be added as it comes in to KSST.
The Sulphur Springs Post Office will be closing at 1pm on Friday December 24, and remain closed through the weekend. There will be no postal service on Saturday December 25 and no package delivery on Sunday December 26 by Postal carriers.
Guaranty Bank will close at 1pm Friday December 24 and remain closed on Saturday December 25.
Alliance Bank branches will remain open through Thursday December 23 and will be open until noon on Christmas Eve Friday December 24. Alliance Bank will re-open on Monday December 27, 2021.
City National Bank will close at noon on Friday December 24 Christmas Eve, and will not offer Saturday services on Christmas Day.
Pilgrim Bank plans to close at 1pm Friday December 24 and remain closed on Saturday December 25.
The Covid Vaccine Clinic at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Sulphur Springs will not be held on Friday December 24 or on Friday December 31. The Friday Covid Vaccine Clinic will re-open starting Friday January 7, 2022 from 9am til noon in the front lobby of the Sulphur Springs hospital.
City of Sulphur Springs offices will be closed both Thursday December 23 and Friday December 24 for the holiday.
There will be no change in trash pickup for residents in the City of Sulphur Springs this Christmas. The Monday/Thursday schedule and the Tuesday/Friday normal schedule will be observed.
There will be no Dinner Bell on Wednesdays for the remainder of December. The Dinner Bell food ministry of First United Methodist Church will resume on Wednesday January 5, 2022.
Meal a Day will take Friday December 24 as a holiday. No Meal a Day meals will be served or delivered on Friday December 24.
School resumes in Hopkins County school districts during the first week of January 2022.
KSST invites everyone to tune in for the reading of the Christmas cards sent in by listeners. The cards will be read on the air each morning through Friday Christmas Eve between 8:15am and 8:30am on the Good Morning Show, by retiring host Enola Gay and station owner Chad Young.
Chamber Connection – Dec. 22: Appreciate Each Person In Your Life With Gift Of Time, Memories
By Butch Burney, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, [email protected]
For all that we’ve lost and everything we’ve gained in 2021, Christmas is an annual reminder to appreciate each day and to appreciate each person in your life.
I hope that everyone has family or loved ones that they can connect with this Christmas season. A gift of time is more meaningful that anything wrapped under a tree, so make it your mission to spend time with those significant to you and make memories that can’t be erased.
Have a happy and safe Christmas.
Annual Nominations
As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year — Beta Sigma Phi Organization — P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year — The Pilot Club — P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award — Adult Leadership Class — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year — Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau — 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal — DBA — 109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Paraprofessional Educator (Secretary or Aide — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria) —Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year — nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement — civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Chamber Directory
Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Business Before Hours
One Church will be hosting a Business Before Hours on Wednesday, Jan. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. It is a great time to connect with others in the business and social community. There will be breakfast refreshments available. Please make time to join us Jan. 5 at One Church, 1400 Loop 301.
2 Arrested On Felony Warrants
Two people were arrested on felony warrants over the past two days in Sulphur Springs, according to arrest and jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro initiated a traffic stop on a red Dodge Charger at 12:16 p.m. Dec. 19, 2021, on Hodge Street. The car pulled into a residence that was last known to be associated with Francisco Manuel Velasco, a man Officer Castro said he knew to be wanted.
Upon contact with the driver, Castro recognized the man as Velasco. The officer reported assisting Velasco out of the car and put him in handcuffed. After dispatched confirmed the warrant, the officer transported the 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man to jail.
Velasco, who jail reports shows is also known by Franny Velasco and Cisco, remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a 2014 felony arson charge, according to jail reports.
Monday marked the second time Velasco has been jailed for violating probation on the charge and third time he’s been arrested, this year, according to jail reports. He was first jailed April 13, 2021, for violating probation.
He was also jailed in Hopkins County on Nov. 9, 2021, on a criminal trespassing charge. According to the Nov. 9 arrest report, Velasco returned to a West Industrial Drive address for which he’d been issued a criminal trespass warning earlier in the day. He was jailed overnight and released the next day on the charge. Bond was set at $2,000 on the trespassing charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis stopped a blue Chevrolet Impala at 1:34 a.m. Dec. 21, 2021, on Putman Street at Oak Avenue for an expired registration.
A records check showed an active parole warrant for occupant Kerry La Terry Gotcher’s arrest. Davis took the 34-year-old Sulphur Springs man into custody and to jail, where he was booked for violation of parole, according to arrest reports.
Gotcher was held in Hopkins County jail on the charge Tuesday afternoon, according to jail reports.
Wildcats Basketball Routs Marshall 75-48 in District Opener
The men’s basketball team hosted Marshall for their district opener, routing the Mavericks 75-48 on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
Sulphur Springs scored early and often, putting up 15+ points on Marshall in all four quarters.
The Wildcats trailed 6-0 early, but the offense exploded from there. Coach Shaver’s squad outscored the Mavericks 22-10 (3-10, 0-1 district) in the first quarter.
The men’s basketball team put the game away in the second as they took a huge 20 point lead going in to the half 38-18.
From there it was garbage time as even though Marshall outscored the Wildcats 30-27, the game was already out of reach for the Mavericks as Sulphur Springs won their district opener 75-48 at home.
Branson Lynn led the way in scoring at 19. Next up in points for the the men’s basketball team was Parker Whisenhunt with 10. Two Wildcats, Caleb Alexander and Malachi Myles both got eight against Marshall.
Kordrick Turner scored seven, all in the first half, and Justin Haire and Cason Arrington had six against the Mavericks.
Jackson Darrow and Jaquon Jones got five and Korderrian “Bull” Turner rounded out scoring with a free throw in the fourth.
The win gives the Wildcats a 15-5 record (1-0 district).
Coach Shaver’s squad takes the rest of Christmas week off before heading back to the DFW metroplex to participate in the Allen tournament.
The tourney which reunites the Wildcats with former head coach Clark Cipoletta lasts from Monday until Wednesday next week.
Once details of the opponents and start times for the tournament are released they will be posted here.
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.
SSPD: Traffic Stop Results In Marijuana Delivery Confession
A Jefferson Street traffic stop resulted in a marijuana delivery confession and subsequent arrest. A South Broadway Street traffic stop late Monday night also resulted a marijuana warrant arrest, according to arrest reports.
Jefferson Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Edward Jaime reported stopping a Lincoln MKX at 2:33 p.m. Dec. 20, 2021, on Jefferson Street for a traffic violation. When contacted by police, the 30-year-old man driving admitted to having marijuana in the back seat of the vehicle, which he was on his way to deliver, Jaime alleged in arrest reports.
The officer conducted a probable cause search following the man’s marijuana delivery confession. Jaime reported finding two large clear bags containing suspected marijuana. Gage Jahvon Williams was placed under arrest at 2:45 p.m. and transported to jail for delivery of one-fourth ounce of marijuana or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana, an state jail felony offense. He was released from Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the marijuana delivery charge.
Monday was the second time Williams has been arrested this year after being found in possession of contraband, according to jail reports. He was jailed July 21, 2021, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. Police reported finding four Adderall pills the man did not have a prescription for when patting him down on July 21 during a traffic stop. He was released July 22, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge., according to jail reports.
South Broadway Street Traffic Stop
Another SSPD officer reported stopping a gray Chevrolet Silverado for speeding in the 1700 block of South Broadway Street at 11 p.m. Dec. 20, 2021.
A probable cause search of the the driver and vehicle yielded drug paraphernalia. A records check by dispatchers revealed a Wood County warrant for 40-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest. He was booked into the county jail on the outstanding possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana charge, police noted in arrest reports.
The 40-year-old was released from Hopkins County jail Tuesday on the Class B misdemeanor charge; bond was set at $2,500, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
