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.
Lady Cats Soccer Shut Out in Joshua, 6-0
The women’s soccer team were missing a few key pieces on Monday, Dec. 20 and as a result fell to a tough Joshua squad 6-0.
The loss brought the Lady Cats back down to Earth after last weekend’s Sulphur Springs tournament in which Coach Javier Aguayo’s squad beat two of there opponents ranked in the top-10 of 4A-Division II.
The Lady Cats coach said he was missing some key players Monday.
Coach Aguayo said at the end of the day, Joshua were the better team on Monday, Dec. 20.
The loss drops Coach Aguayo’s team’s scrimmage record to 3-2-1.
Next up, the Lady Cats will take the rest of the week off for Christmas before resuming action next Tuesday in the DFW metroplex.
Sulphur Springs takes on Midlothian Heritage, another tough opponent in scrimmage action for the women’s soccer team.
Tuesday, Dec. 28’s scrimmage match with Heritage is scheduled to kick-off at 11 A.M. for junior varsity and 12:30 P.M. for varsity.
To round out 2021 and scrimmage play for the women’s soccer team, the Lady Cats host Palestine on Thursday, Dec. 30 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.
Drunk and Impaired Driving Involved in Nearly One Quarter of all Holiday Traffic Deaths
DRUNK AND IMPAIRED DRIVING INVOLVED IN NEARLY ONE QUARTER OF ALL HOLIDAY TRAFFIC DEATHS
TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign urges Texans to celebrate the holidays without driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Dec. 20, 2021
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.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
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.
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Lady Cats Basketball Loses in Marshall, 56-19
The women’s basketball team lost their third district game in Marshall 56-19 on Monday, Dec. 20.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad could not keep up with the high-flying Lady Mavs.
Marshall outscored Sulphur Springs 30-10 in the first half.
With the game and victory on the line, the Lady Cats were only able to put in two baskets in the third quarter.
Marshall took control from there as they led 45-14 heading in to the fourth.
Sulphur Springs fought until the final whistle, as even though the game was already out of reach the Lady Cats were only outscored only by six in the fourth.
The loss drops the women’s basketball team’s season record to 0-17.
With Monday’s loss Sulphur Springs dropped their third straight district contest, now sitting at 0-3 after the first quarter of the district season.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad takes the rest of the week off before taking part in their final tournament next week in Kaufman.
The third and final tourney for Sulphur Springs takes place the Monday and Tuesday following Christmas on Dec. 27-28.
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: 2021 Livestock And Forage
By Dr. Mario Villarino, CEA-Ag/NR, [email protected]
Relevance
Livestock and forage production are a 3.96 billion dollars industry in the Central Region. Livestock and forage enterprises are affected by climate and market variability. Hopkins County currently has more than 100,000 head of cattle with 27,000 head of dairy cattle. Due to environmental requirements of federal and state authorities, Hopkins County dairy operators must maintain environmental requirements for operation.
Response
This plan collaborated with dairy (Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Museum) and beef organizations (NETBIO) to determine and conduct educational efforts needed for the successful operation of livestock farms and ranches. This plan had the goal of providing educational experiences to 350 beef producers, 150 private applicators, 60 dairy producers and 60 landowner seeking private applicator accreditation.
The plan included the following activities:
- Hopkins-Rains Hay Show (with Soil Conservation Board).
- Saltillo Hay Show (with Saltillo FFA).
- Field Day for Producers and Grasslands Managers (20 Participants).
- 4 New Pesticide Applicators Trainings (quarterly).
- Cattle Trail in Beef Day (76 Participants).
- Dairy Outreach Fall Conference (13 Participants).
- Pesticide Private Applicator CEU (82 Participants).
- 34 Press releases (digital and printed media).
- Result Demonstration in pre-conditioning of beef cattle.
- 1,255 Telephone consultations.
- 357 Site visits.
Evaluation Strategy
Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated programs.
- 100% (13/13) participants completed the evaluation for the Dairy Outreach Fall Conference.
- 95% (19/20) participants completed the evaluation survey for Field Day for Producers and Grasslands Managers.
- 85% (70/82) participants completed the evaluation survey for Pesticide Private Applicator CEU.
Results
- 2021 Field Day for Producers and Grasslands Managers
- 95% (18/19) indicated an economic benefit of managing grasslands.
- 90% (17/19) learned the role of pastures for upland birds.
- 79% (15/19) indicated an environmental benefit for managing grasslands.
- 74% (14/19) Indicated increase learning in rotational grazing.
- 72% (13/19) learned proper water management in grasslands.
- 72% (13/19) learned new methods of grass utilization.
- 2021 Cattle Trail
- 99% (75/76) have a better understanding of the value of beef ranchers in their daily life.
- 97% (74/76) have a better understanding of the path beef takes to get to the consumer’s plate.
- 2021 Dairy Outreach Fall Conference
- 92% (12/13) indicated an increase in understanding on at least one program item.
- 85% (11/13) indicated an increase in understanding of fly control in manure.
- 85% (11/13) indicated an increased in understanding the importance of beef on dairy to improve value of calves.
- 69% (9/13) indicated an increase in understanding of manure management technology.
- 78% (7/9) indicated intention to adopt fly control strategies in dairy systems.
- 73% (8/11) indicated intention to adopt practices to improve the value of calves.
- 67% (6/9) indicated intention to adopt environmental stewardship practices.
- 62% (8/11) indicated intention to adopt manure management strategies.
- 2021 Pesticide Private Applicator CEU
- 87% (52/70) learned the biology and control of armyworms (38% knowledge increase).
- 85% (51/70) learned better ways to calibrate a sprayer (40% knowledge increase).
- 82% (50/70) learned the impact of soil fertility in herbicide treatment programs (38% knowledge increase).
- 80% (49/70) learned the history of integrated pest management (36% knowledge increase).
- 70% (42/70) learned new laws and regulations (28% knowledge increase).
For more information, contact Dr. Mario Villarino, CEA Ag/NR, Hopkins County, at 903-885-3443 or [email protected].
Extension programs of Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas.
Tuesday Game Day Has Wildcats Basketball and Soccer in Action
Tuesday game day on Dec. 21, 2021 has Wildcats basketball in their district-opener at home and men’s soccer in the DFW metroplex taking on McKinney North.
Men’s basketball are all too ready to get their first district game under their belts as they host an always tough Marshall squad in the SSHS Main Gym.
Coach Shaver and his team come in to Tuesday’s home district-opener with a 14-5 record and hope to win against Marshall and continue their dominance at home before their final tournament on the season next week in Allen.
The men’s basketball team is 4-0 at home in the SSHS Main Gym.
Tuesday’s match-up with the Mavericks is a mid-afternoon one at 3:30 P.M. Freshmen and JV precede Coach Shaver’s varsity team at 1 P.M. and 2:15 P.M. respectively.
Tuesday’s district opener with Marshall will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
If given permission we will also livestream the game on to KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
Moving over to soccer, the Wildcats are in the DFW metroplex taking on McKinney North.
Coach Alexi Upton’s squad are all too ready to get back on the pitch after having a week off.
Sulphur Springs was originally scheduled to travel to Carrolton’s RL Turner last Friday, but a cancellation last week meant the Wildcats were without an opponent, taking the forfeit win over RL Turner.
Now, the men’s soccer team are 4-0-1 with the forfeit win, and look to get a fifth win in six games of scrimmage play if they can beat a tough McKinney North team.
Unlike men’s basketball, Wildcats soccer have a regular start time of 7:15 P.M.
JV and freshmen kick-off at 4 and 5:30 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.
