Wildcats Soccer Falls to Jacksonville 4-2
The men’s soccer team lost their second straight scrimmage, falling to Jacksonville 4-2 at home on Tuesday, Dec. 28.
Wildcats soccer were able to put in two goals versus a talented Indians squad, but it proved not to be enough as they fell by two goals to Jacksonville.
Another issue for Coach Alexi Upton’s team were defensive errors, which proved to be costly in the scrimmage loss to the Indians.
Angel Andino and Uriel Santacruz both scored goals unassisted for Sulphur Springs.
The second-straight loss for Wildcats soccer puts their scrimmage record now at 4-2-1.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team look to return to their winning ways when they take on Wylie East again at Gerald Prim Stadium on Friday.
The New Year’s Eve match-up kicks off with JV2/freshman at 1 P.M. followed by the JV and varsity at 2:30 P.M. and 4:30 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.
A Year in Review – Master Wellness Volunteers
By Johanna Hicks, Family & Community Health AgriLife Agent for Hopkins County, jshicks@ag.tamu.edu
As we gear up for the new year, I wanted to share another Extension component that has reached thousands of people – the Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteer initiative. But first, here’s a brief description:
Primary program areas for Family & Community (FCH) agents are health, nutrition, family well-being, and food safety. There are numerous programs available for implementing at the county level. However, there is a limit to the amount of programming one person can implement. Volunteers contribute greatly to the FCH program and can further extend education into the community.
A group of trained volunteers serve as advocates for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and substantially increase the scope and impact of the FCH program. The Master Wellness Volunteer program provides volunteers with 40 hours of health and nutrition education. In return, volunteers give back 40 hours of service during the first year and 10 or more hours each year thereafter.
RESPONSE
- Seven planning meetings
- Eight issues of Volunteer Connection newsletter
- Professional development opportunities provided
- Three recognition events given to honor Master Wellness Volunteers
- Nine trained volunteers contributed 796.25 hours in 2021, reaching 4,854 individuals
RESULTS
Master Wellness Volunteers served as presenters in the following:
- Summer Youth Day Camp session
- Head Start Walk & Talk Nutrition sessions
- Annual Christmas Joys Holiday program
- Leadership Advisory Board meeting reports for MWV’s
- Retired Teachers program
- Walk Across Texas (served as team captains)
- Walk Through Texas History (served as team captains)
Planning meetings and assistance:
- Hopkins County Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest
- Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series (registration, survey distribution, refreshments)
- Cooking Well with Diabetes series (tray preparations/assistance, registration survey distribution)
- Marketing for programs
- 4-H Foods Project meetings
- 4-H Clothing project meetings
- Food Drives
- Ag-in-the-Classroom
- Summer youth day camp
Networking:
- Dress a Girl Around the World
- Stitchin’ Heaven
- Senior Citizen’s Meal-a-Day
Other:
- Covered front Extension lobby in absence of secretary
- Researched ideas for youth camp programs
Value of volunteer hours: $22,746.38
Future Plans
The 2022 Master Wellness Volunteer Training cohort being offered state-wide will be held in Hopkins County. Plans are to hold the first and last meetings face-to-face, and obtain frequent contact with participants throughout the training series. Upon passing the certification exam, they will be notified of opportunities to provide service.
If you or someone you know would like to participate in the 2022 training, please call my office at 903-885-3443 and I’ll provide the registration information. The first face-to-face training day is Jan. 18, at the Extension Office.
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County, may contacted at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at 903-885-3443; or at jshicks@ag.tamu.edu.
Chamber Connection – Dec. 29: Grand Opening, Business Before Hours, Banquet Scheduled During First Week Of January 2022
By Butch Burney
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 Butch@HopkinsChamber.org 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.
Ribbon Cutting
Rythmic Productions Music Company will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon, Friday, Jan. 7, at 1217 South Broadway, Suite Q. Please join us for this event!
Law Enforcement/First Responders Banquet
The annual Law Enforcement/First Responders Banquet is set for Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, where we will say “Thank you” to the men and women who serve and protect us on a daily basis. If your business would like to be a sponsor and/or provide a door prize to go to our local heroes, please contact us at 903-885-6515 or Butch@HopkinsChamber.org.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Dec. 29 is Snap Fitness. You can see more photos and read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Lady Cats Soccer Bested By State Champ Midlothian Heritage, 8-0
Lady Cats soccer team travelled to the DFW metroplex on Tuesday, Dec. 28, taking on a talented Midlothian Heritage squad and losing 8-0.
The women’s varsity squad were missing some key starters in their Tuesday pre-season contest with the state champion Lady Jags.
Coach Javier Aguayo, Lady Cats soccer coach, said that the girls that went out there worked very hard throughout the game.
The women’s soccer coach said that wins are always good but we learn more from losses.
Sulphur Springs’ loss to Midlothian Heritage drops the Lady Cats soccer team’s scrimmage record to 3-3-1.
The Lady Cats will see if they can rebound from the tough loss in the DFW metroplex when they return home to take on Palestine on Thursday.
Coach Aguayo said he looks forward to a great match.
Sulphur Springs hosts Palestine on Thursday, Dec. 30 at noon (JV) and 2 P.M. (varsity).
On Saturday, Jan. 1 women’s soccer hosts their annual alumni game at 2 P.M. also at Gerald Prim Stadium.
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 Jailed For Second Time This Year For Violating Probation
A 40-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed for the second time this year on a warrant for violating his probation, according to arrest and jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro reported seeing Cory Frank Horton, a man he knew to be wanted, driving a Nissan Altima and stopped him. After having him step out of the car, Castro advised Horton of the warrant and took him into custody. The car was released to the passenger, according to arrest reports.
Horton was booked into Hopkins County jail for the second time this year on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He was also jailed March 27-April 16, 2021, on the charge as well as a Smith County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for indecent exposure-adult, according to jail reports.
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.
Wildcats Basketball Goes 1-1 in Day Two of Allen Holiday Tournament
Tuesday, Dec. 28 was a busy one for the men’s basketball team, taking on two tough opponents in Rowlett and Frisco Memorial.
In the first match against Rowlett, Sulphur Springs jumped out to a 16-7 lead thanks to scoring from Parker Whisenhunt and Caleb Alexander, who finished with 22 and 16, respectively.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad wound up ahead of the Eagles 25-18 after one thanks to the aforementioned sharp shooters.
The game opened up in the second with both teams scoring 17+ as the Wildcats lead 47-35 at the half.
Rowlett continued their scoring ways in the second half, continuously chipping away at Sulphur Springs’ lead to pull within 10 heading in to the fourth. Coach Shaver’s team struggled to sink free throws in the second half which would have changed the complexion of the game, and the Eagles cashed in on the opportunity to pull the game within five late.
A clutch three from Branson Lynn sealed the victory for the Wildcats as Sulphur Springs edged the Eagles 70-67.
After Whisenhunt and Alexander, Lynn was up next in scoring for the men’s basketball team with 12. Cason Arrington finished with nine, followed by Kordrick Turner who got seven in the first half.
Malachi Myles and Jackson Darrow rounded out scoring for the Wildcats with four points between the two of them.
After the win over Rowlett, Coach Shaver’s team took a break before taking on Frisco Memorial for the second game on the day.
The Warriors, according to last week’s TABC rankings are #7 in 5A.
They showed exactly why early, taking a big 22-9 lead heading in to the second quarter.
Frisco Memorial continued to show their offensive prowess in the second. Luckily for Coach Shaver’s squad, shots started to fall for Sulphur Springs as the Wildcats were only outscored by one, 22-21.
The men’s basketball team fought tooth-and-nail to keep up with the top-10 ranked Warriors but fell 82-69 to close out day two of the Allen tournament.
A back-and-forth affair to the finish, the Wildcats fought for three quarters to chip in to the Warriors lead, but each time Sulphur Springs began to shift the momentum Frisco Memorial took it right back.
Four Wildcats finished in double digits:
- Caleb Alexander — 17
- Kordrick Turner — 15
- Parker Whisenhunt — 12
- Cason Arrington — 11
Brandon Lynn wrapped up day two with a six point game against Frisco Memorial. Malachi Myles and Jackson Darrow got four and three, respectively. Bull Turner notched a free throw in the fourth.
The 1-1 day two performance puts the Wildcats basketball team’s season record at 17-6 (1-0 district).
Coach Shaver and his men’s basketball team close out their participation in the Allen Holiday tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 29.
Their final contest pits the Wildcats against Mesquite Horn in the Auxiliary Gym at 12:30 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.
Construction of Fitness Court Enters Next Phase
Construction of a fitness court in Pacific Park enters the second phase this week with additional ground work. Crews were out working Tuesday morning, cementing a blue layer of the project to the concrete foundation. The project should really start taking off, now that the foundation has had the requisite month to set.
The concrete slab for the fitness court had been poured by Nov. 29, 2021, and is required to set for 28 days before any additional work can commence. Crews had begun taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather on Dec. 28, 2021, to begin the next phase of construction on the fitness court.
“This is an outdoor gym that offers free fitness opportunities to any residents and visitors and is fully accessible for all ages and abilities,” Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski explained during a July 2021 City Council meeting.
The City of Sulphur Springs applied for and received a $25,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign to construct a fitness court. After an evaluation of the city’s park facilities, the appreciable improvements planned at Pacific Park made it the recommended location for an Outdoor Fitness Court.
The outdoor fitness court is among several updates and renovations identified by the community for Pacific Park during the planning process for an updated Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan for city recreational facilities.
Pacific Park Renovations
Sulphur Springs voters in November 2019 approved funding for Pacific Park renovations as well as a new Senior Citizens Center to be constructed on Oak Avenue. Construction of a new Grays Building using that funding was completed in June 2021, along with new sidewalks around the building and front facing parking spaces.
On August 27, 2020, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Commission approved the City of Sulphur Springs’ grant request for $1.5 million, with a $750,000 match contribution from the city. The TPWD grant will go toward additional renovations in Pacific Park. Crews have already worked on some drainage issues around the park.
New playground equipment, ordered through BuyBoard purchasing cooperative, is reported to be in. The area has to be prepared and weather hold for that project to move forward. The $245,000 project designed by MHS Planning & Design and provided by Whirlix was preferred by 84 percent of community members who responded to a March 2021 online survey.
Additional improvements planned at Pacific Park include the basketball pavilion and new restrooms. Walking paths and landscaping are expected to follow thereafter. Funding permitting, city officials are hoping to be able to irrigate the park so that it will continue to be lush like Celebration Plaza.
Senior Citizens Center
Construction of a new activity building for senior citizens using the voter approved funding has been on hold for several months, first due to skyrocketing costs of materials which have contractors holding off bidding on projects and others guaranteeing prices only for a week. Availability of construction crews too has had another impact on construction projects, putting some contractors behind schedule. The city made the decision to hold off for a little while in the hope that construction costs, especially for steel and lumber, stabilize soon. Now, the city is holding off as an application is being prepared for submission for yet another grant.
A Texas Community Resiliency Program grant from Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs would allow the City of Sulphur Springs to not only enlarge the new Senior Citizens Center building to be constructed on 301 Oak Ave. If fully funded at the requested amount, the new design plan would include all wish list items for the new facility,
The city accepted proposals for grant administration services for the project through 10 a.m. today (Nov. 30). During the regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7, the City Council agreed to contract with KSBR LLC for grant writing services at a rate of 13% of the Community Resiliency Program grant. The city plans to apply for $1.5 million in grant funding, which would double the total project budget. That should not only cover additional costs of materials but also allow the city to increase the size of the new senior citizens center building from about 8,500 square-feet to about 11,000-square feet. That, Niewiadomski noted, is “kind of what our desired output was from the onset, but due to budget constraints we had to reduce things to try to make it work.”
Passenger In Monday Morning Chase Held In County Jail In Lieu Of $225,000 In Bonds
Driver Who Fled Has Yet To Be Apprehended
The driver who managed to get away from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies during an early morning traffic stop and Monday morning chase has yet to be located Tuesday afternoon. The 32-year-old passenger apprehended after a brief foot chase Dec. 27 remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday evening in lieu of $225,000 bond.
According to arrest and sheriff’s reports, HCSO Deputies Elijah Fite and Josh Davis initiated a traffic stop on a silver four-door car at 12:54 a.m. Dec. 27, 2021, for a defective license plate light. The driver reportedly continued for about a mile before exiting I-30 and stopping on U.S. Highway 67 near Brashear. When the deputies asked the driver to exit the vehicle, the driver allegedly threw the vehicle in drive and drove off, traveling a short distance before pulling over.
The driver and his passenger, identified in arrest reports as Aleman Sandoval, then immediately jumped out of the vehicle and took off running, according to sheriff’s reports. After a brief foot pursuit, the deputies were able to take Aleman-Sandoval into custody.
A search of the area by local law enforcement officers was launched. A Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter scanned the area and Texas Department of Criminal Justice dogs were reported to have been called in and searched the area later Monday morning.
The search was unsuccessful. The driver was reportedly last seen early Dec. 27, 2021, wearing a blue long sleeved shirt, blue jeans and a white mesh hat with a gray bill. The sheriff’s office released two photos (see above) of the suspect reported to have been driving the vehicle. Anyone who sees the suspect who was still at-large late Monday morning is instructed not to approach the man, but to call 911.
During an inventory of the vehicle prior the pair abandoned at the roadside, prior to the vehicle being towed to the sheriff’s office, deputies reported finding 5 Ziploc type bags that combined had a total weight of 5.052 kilograms. The substance in one of the bags field-tested positive as meth.
As a result, the deputies transported the passenger, identified in arrest reports as 32-year-old Jose Aleman-Sandoval, to the county jail, where he was booked for manufacture or delivery of more than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and evading arrest or detention.
Aleman-Sandoval, who jail reports show is known by the alias Cristian Mejia, remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday evening, Dec. 28, 2021. His bonds totaled $225,000: $200,000 on the manufacture or delivery charge and $25,000 on the evading arrest charge.
HCSO officials anticipate seeking warrants to file charges at-large on the elusive driver of the vehicle who ran from deputies Monday morning.
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 Basketball Gets First Wins on Season in Day Two of Kaufman Holiday Tournament
Women’s basketball got not one but two wins in day two of the Kaufman Holiday Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 28.
The Lady Cats beat Dallas Molina 34-11 to get their first on the season and followed that up with another win versus Elk Hart 40-35.
Sulphur Springs wound up going 2-2 in the Holiday tourney.
The women’s basketball team on day one in Kaufman on Monday, Dec. 27 fell to pool opponents West Mesquite and Tyler 59-48 and 59-24, falling in to the consolation bracket.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad rebounded from the two losses Monday by notching two wins in the Holiday tournament on Tuesday.
The 2-2 effort brings the women’s basketball teams season record to 2-19 (0-3 district).
Next up, the Lady Cats resume action on Friday, Dec. 31 when they travel to Gilmer to take on the Lady Buckeyes.
Friday’s New Years Eve match-up is scheduled to tip-off at 12:30 P.M. and features varsity only.
After Friday’s contest in Gilmer the Lady Cats are back at home next Tuesday, Jan. 4 hosting district foe Pine Tree at 6:15 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
A Year In Review: 4-H Agricultural Plan In 2021
RELEVANCE
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Extension Agent, Mario.Villarino@ag.tamu.edu
4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) projects are an important component of the county 4-H program in Texas. Currently, 63 percent of Texas 4-H members are enrolled in a livestock project. These projects provide youth with subject matter education, as well as valuable learning experiences, character education and leadership skills critical for youth.
RESPONSE
Adult volunteer engagement is critical to administer the program and expand the outreach. As today’s youth are further removed from farming, many do not understand the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives. This plan included a path to the plate program component as part of a summer camp activity. The plan included monthly veterinary science sessions using a directional specific curriculum intended to provide education to achieve Veterinary Assistant Certification.
The objective of the plan was to provide 4-H members with excellent learning opportunities within the ANR project areas. This plan utilized a 4-H Livestock Project Coalition to provide direction and support for the programs and events conducted.
The following activities were implemented during 2020-2021:
- Livestock Clinics (beef, poultry, swine, goat/lamb) (October – January).
- 12 Veterinary Sessions (Monthly).
- Path to the Plate session in beef and byproducts (Multi-County Camp).
- Livestock County Show (Feb, 2021).
- Dairy Livestock Show (June, 2021).
- Participation in all major livestock shows.
- Validation of steers, heifers, goats, lambs, swine and broilers.
- 52 Home project visits.
- 25 Press releases related to Livestock Youth Projects.
Evaluation Strategy
Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated programs. One hundred percent (31/31) responded to the evaluation instrument (Path to the Plate Expo).
RESULTS
2021 Path To the Plate Beef Session (Beef and Leather Works)
- 94% (29/31) indicated a better understanding of the path food production takes to get to our plate.
- 90% (28/31) Indicated a better understanding of the way farmers and ranchers produce the food that we eat.
- 87% (27/31) indicated a better understanding of the connection between agriculture and health.
- 84% (26/31) learned the value of agriculture in daily life.
- 72% (13/19) learned the importance of eating a healthy diet and a variety of food.
- 61% (19/31) indicated a better understanding of the importance and nutritional value of various foods.
2021 4-H Livestock
- 100% (14/14) Indicated to be more willing to work with other.
- 93% (13/14) Indicated to be more comfortable speaking with others.
- 93% (13/14) Indicated to be more confident with their abilities as a leader.
- 86% (12/14) Indicated to be more comfortable working is a team.
