Wildcats Football Team in Ennis Today For Friday Gameday, Plus First Ever Wildcats Cross Country Invitational Tomorrow
It will be something of a bye weekend for Sulphur Springs sports.
Normally, Fridays and Saturday bring Wildcats football, Lady Cats volleyball, and Wildcats and Lady Cats cross country, but on the Sept. 24 edition of Friday gameday the volleyball team will be enjoying one of their two byes in district play today.
So with that, today, Friday Sept. 24 brings Wildcats football and tomorrow brings the first ever Wildcat Invitational for the cross country team.
Wildcats football will be out in Ennis tonight to take on a top-10 Lions team.
Coach Greg Owens’s program reeled a bit earlier this week after their Homecoming district-opening loss last Friday to Crandall.
But the Wildcats football head coach said that they had a good week of practice and instead of harping on what went wrong for his team last Friday, they have been energetic and ready to take on a tough Ennis Lions team.
It will not be easy though for the Lions come into the game 4-0 (1-0 district) after their 28-0 win to open district play in Greenville last Friday.
But now Coach Sam Harrell’s squad will shift their focus from their shutout win last Friday versus Greenville to tonight’s match-up with the Sulphur Springs Wildcats [0-4 overall (0-1 district)].
That game is set to kick-off at 7:30 P.M.
We will not be livestreaming tonight’s match in Ennis, but we will however be broadcasting the Wildcats’ second district game over the radio on KSST 1230 AM.
Moving over to the cross country team, Wildcats head Coach Ross Hicks is all too excited to get the first ever Wildcat Invitational underway.
His team had a solid outing last Friday in Hallsville at the Hallsville Invitational, with several runners recording personal-record (PR) times.
And even though his teams did extremely well in Hallsville, he hopes his program not only competes well again tomorrow, but wins the first ever cross country 5K hosted by Sulphur Springs.
Coach Hicks said he has been trying to put this invitational together for years, and will enjoy his team being a leg-up on the competition since they have been practicing the course all season long.
Races will start for the first ever Wildcats Invitational tomorrow starting with 5A and 6A runners at 8 A.M.
As mentioned earlier the Lady Cats volleyball team are enjoying a much-needed bye today after competing against four district foes.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad has won five of their last six contests, including Tuesday’s road win at Pine Tree, with the only match her volleyball team lost during that stretch was at home in a five-set classic versus Texas High on Sept. 14.
After taking some time away from the court, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be back on the road when they travel to Hallsville to take on the always-tough district foe Hallsville on Tuesday.
That game is set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 5 P.M. beginning with JV/Freshman squads, followed by the varsity Lady Cats game at 6 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.
Author, Civil Engineer Describes What, In His Observations, It Takes To Make “Strong Towns”
Author Charles “Chuck” Marohn Jr., a civil engineer, Thursday evening described what, in his observations as a professional engineer and a land use planner for decades, it takes to make “Strong Towns.”
Some of the basic principals Chuck Marohn discussed have already been implemented or discussed for Sulphur Springs. The ordinance passed allowing accessory dwelling units and the infill housing development programs, renovating and repurposing existing buildings for current uses too fit within the scope of actions the author believes help grow and strengthen towns. ADUs, however, are a starting point, he said.
The Minnesotan said resiliency and adaptability are key factors for change, growth and strengthening towns. He noted that earlier towns that flourished adapted. They started small and grew, within the area, adding on to existing structures. For instance, early in the 1900s, a town may have started out as a line of what some would these days call a shack or a tiny home. Private citizens then added on to and reinforced existing structures on existing property, with infrastructure. Over time, towns grow into cities with various neighborhoods. Structures grew taller and wider, made of stronger, more durable brick.
Somewhere along the way, however, urbans sprawl began, adding more infrastructure as neighborhoods were abandoned or other larger homes and subdivisions were constructed further away from the main part of town. The problem is the city infrastructure for those towns require more maintenance than city revenues allow. This is a problem.
The solution, according to Marohn’s estimation, is to come back in. To reclaim neighborhoods, not by building larger more expensive structures, but filling spaces with people, improving within. This needs to be a mostly private movement, with less federal and governmental dollars tied to the improvements, not more bigger, newer structures that require more infrastructure.
Cities can help by first listening to people’s needs in neighborhoods, then seeing what small things can be done to help right now, not big projects down the road, and be willing to adapt with that need, according to Marohn.
Adapting is being like a rainforest instead of a farm during times of extreme sun and rain, according to Marohn. A rain forest will adapt, changing, but a cornfield doesn’t change because it was designed with one purpose, to grow corn. Changes in the weather can ruin a cornfield crop, while the rainforest tucks in, with perhaps different flora more dominant at times than others, some growing under others, serving as a habitat for fauna as well. The cornfield will die and unless replanted and nurtured during idea conditions. Towns need to be more like rainforests.
In early days, if a roof leaks in a home, the owner can make small improvements to an extra room, then rent it out. That money, in turn, would pay for roof repairs, while meeting someone’s housing needs without overtaxing budgets, city infrastructure, and potentially without requiring a loan. Similarly, if citizens and business people locate in town, they can take advantage of existing infrastructure and space.
For instance, if a family moves from a metropolitan city to a small town, and lives near the heart of downtown, they could become employed at or establish their business nearby. That could allow the individual to walk to work, cutting down on the number of vehicles needed, which would put less stress on streets and reduces the family’s expenses. The infrastructure should already be in place. Funding brought in from taxes and use of services should help cover those costs for the city as opposed to moving to a subdivision on the edge of town, creating a need for more funding than is needed to maintain it.
Allowing this reclamation of neighborhoods in the heart of town can sometimes require towns to lower expectations to allow small, incremental steps, according to . For instance, instead of expanding or expecting a large highway through town to bring business as one town did, another might make the road smaller, add parking, allow people to start off small in portable buildings or small spaces along that roadway. This allows them to see if their business will work, provides a service, brings them to town without the high overhead of a prime property until they are established.
There are many options, but the process starts by asking people their needs, and trying to offer options to neighborhoods and communities, solutions to their current needs. Then, cities need to keep asking people in the areas in need, listening and looking for solutions, options, ways to meet those needs, to quit building outward and start adapting within.
Marohn said instead of seeing an influx of peopel moving from out of state or more metropolitan areas to your city as a problem, embrace them, bring them into the city. Encourage them to fill in those areas that aren’t in use, aren’t filled, already exist, or where smaller operations can utilize existing infrastructure, enhance property values and meet needs.
The presentation lasted about 1 1/2 hours, allowed time for a few questions for the audience then featured opportunities for community members to speak briefly with Marohn when purchase his book “Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution To rebuild American Prosperity,” or his newest publication, “Confessions of a Recovering Engineer.”
Neal Barker read “Strong Towns” while working more at home during the pandemic, liked what he read so he looked more into the topic, and reached out to Marohn when his representatives noted he would be available to begin public engagement again.
Texas Farm Credit and KSBR, LLC., are sponsoring food from Haystacks. The City of Sulphur Springs also assisted in the effort to make the speaking engagement possible. Barker credited the City of Sulphur Springs, Clarion Pointe Hotel, The Venue at 219 and Lonnie Fox DJ Services are all contributing to make this event possible.
Marohn offers tips, courses, a blog and podcasts on building small towns, based on his observations and experiences in the industry, on the website for the organization dedicated to this topic, www.strongtowns.org
Round 2 of the Jettrim IJSBA World Finals begins October 6
Jettribe is excited to be packing-up for the upcoming historical 2021 40th Anniversary Jettrim IJSBA World Finals October 6-10. The race serves as Round 2 of the WGP #1 Jet Ski World Series. Jettribe will be an Official Gear Sponsor of the WGP #1 Jet Ski World Series.
The World Finals started in 1981, with the help of OEM brands like Kawasaki, to create affiliated events for the watercraft industry for better and safer racing. The first races took place in Lake Havasu. The city of Lake Havasu states they are proud to host the event each year. Every year hundreds of riders from all over the world prepare and train for this championship competition.
Special thanks to Scott Frazier and past IJSBA Presidents for bringing the PWC Racing sport to where it is today. We are excited to see how the sport will continue to grow over the next 40 years!
Raising Funds for Terrific Tuesdays; September Mini-Walks and The Walk to Remember October 7 on Celebration Plaza
The 2021 ‘Walk to Remember’ benefiting Terrific Tuesdays will take place on beautiful Celebration Plaza on Thursday October 7, at 10:30 a.m. According to organizer Tammy Reardon, “everyone is welcome to come out and walk on the inviting walking paths in front of the courthouse in downtown Sulphur Springs! It’s always a fun event and you’ll meet many people there whom you know, and who also share a love for this wonderful program assisting our local residents who are victims of dementia and memory loss”.
The weekly Terrific Tuesdays club program is currently suspended due to COVID concerns. It’s mission is to offer these often-isolated persons a weekly time for crafts, music, lunch and social time with others, as well as allowing their caregivers a few hours of time for themselves.
| We have been working on projects to help families even when we can not physically meet. We will also be starting an Alzheimers support group beginning on the 1st Tuesday of each month. Tammy Reardon, Terrific Tuesdays Director |
“Our fundraiser is an important one, as it secures funding for an entire year of Terrific Tuesdays club meetings, project goals and support group meetings. With a donation of $20, you will receive a 2021 Walk to Remember T-shirt,and donations in any amount are welcome. Get your T-shirt and wear it proudly now, and be sure and wear it at the October 7 ‘Walk to Remember!'”
Below are some of the Mini-Walks and Car Parades planned as fundraisers as the month of October is drawing near.
HCUW 2021-22 Campaign Report Meeting Dates, Goal, Allocations Announced
Hopkins County United Way at the annual workers kickoff luncheon provided information regarding this year’s $150,000 goal and allocations, as well as dates for the upcoming HCUW 2021-22 campaign workers report meetings. Donation packets were distributed for campaign workers to begin delivering to local businesses to request donations to the 2021-22 campaign.
HCUW will host a luncheon next week for the lead donors to the 2020-21 campaign, which was chaired by Mike Horne. The campaign workers report meetings will each begin at 9 a.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office:
- Tuesday, Oct. 5
- Tuesday, Oct. 12
- Tues.day, Oct. 19
- Tuesday, Oct. 26,
- Wednesday, Nov. 3
- Tuesday, Nov. 9
The final date has been designated if the campaign has not wrapped up by then. HCUW 2021-22 Campaign Chair Kristy Moseley said the goal is to try to get all donations in by Nov. 3.
Following allocations meetings held over the summer to hear from agencies previously helped by and who have requested funding from HCUW this year, the 2021-22 HCUW campaign goal was set at $150,000, which will support 18 different local nonprofit organizations. Those organizations. their 2021-22 allocations include:
- Boy Scouts of American, Circle Ten Council, $1,500, (-$600)
- Bright Star Baseball, $1,000
- CANHelp, $18,250, ($10,250)
- East Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, $1,500, (-$500)
- Heritage Christian Counseling Center, $8,000
- Hopkins County 4-H, $2,000
- Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Community Cupboard, $7,000
- Hopkins County Community Chest, $40,000 (-$14,500)
- Jehovah Jireh Food Pantry, $3,000, ($2,000)
- Lake Country CASA, $10,000, ($1,000)
- Lakes Regional Community Center on behalf of Our Place, $4,000
- Meal-A-Day of Sulphur Springs, $8,000 ($1,000)
- NETCAC (Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, $3,500
- SAFE-T (Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas), $4,000
- Shadow Ridge Therapeutic Riding Center, $4,000
- Sulphur Springs Symphony League, $1,000
- Teen Court, $4,000, ($500)
- The Dinner Bell, $4,000 ($1,000)
HCUW also is required to pay 2 percent of the goal to United Way Worldwide to be part of the larger United Way organization. Finally, HCUW allocated $22,250 for administrative expenses including a salary for a part-time secretary, supplies, utilities, annual audit, postage and campaign materials.
HCUW Campaign Workers Kick-Off 2021-22 Campaign With Luncheon
Hopkins County United Way campaign workers gathered for lunch Wednesday afternoon at Southwest Dairy Center to kick off the 2021-22 campaign to raise $150,000 for 18 local agencies.
Board President Mike Horne opened the program with a prayer, asking for a blessing for the safety and health all who have volunteered to hand out packets and collect donations for the campaign, and those in the businesses they visit.
“Thank you for taking time to be here. Thank you for volunteering again this year,” Horne said. “I’m going to be a little biased, anybody that volunteered last year I want to thank you. We had a very successful campaign last year and I know that this year is going to be even better.”
Campaign Chair Kristy Moseley, who noted that as owner of Landers Creek Outfitters, being part of the community is “super important to her.” She too offered thanks to those attending the workers kickoff luncheon for taking the time to be present and participate in the annual HCUW campaign.
Moseley too thanked the volunteers who faithfully each year visit local businesses with packets, asking them to contribute to HCUW, then going back to the businesses to follow up on and collect donations, including those working within their own workspace.
“It’s going to be a great campaign,” Moseley said. “I know I’m following this guy, Mike, who blew it out for being a COVID year – a tough year to be able to do that. So, he did a great job – big shoes to fill here.”
She thanked Diana Ramirez for allowing HCUW to hold the event at Southwest Dairy Center, Chris Voorhees of Edward Jones for feeding everyone, Sandi Wallace at Plain & Fancy, Mike Horne for the brochures and printed materials and local media representatives.
She encouraged everyone to get their packets handed out to the businesses they’ve been assigned to contact, then follow up with them regularly and try to get packets in as early as possible so the campaign can wrap up as scheduled by the first Wednesday in November, if not sooner.
Moseley noted that HCUW is about building a better community through the 18 agencies allocated funding in this year’s campaign.
“You’ve probably all been touched in some form or fashion either by a loved one who has needed help by some of these organizations or maybe you, yourself, have at one time been helped. So you all know how important it is for these funds and how it helps our community,” Moseley said. “I feel like at some time in your lifetime, you’ve been a little down on your luck in some form or fashion that these organizations we have in our community have either helped you or pulled someone through. We all know how important that is.”
Moseley said described serving on the HCUW Allocations Committee, hearing stories from different HCUW recipient representatives, as an eye-opening experience. Hearing representatives from different agencies tell their stories, describe what they are able to do for people in the community, made her want to work even harder to do more to help.
“I will say from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to have this position and be here. I just thank all of you are about to do and all the work collecting the funds,” Moseley said.
A short video clip was then played, with Moseley introducing the campaign, and representatives from the different agency recipients briefly describing their organization, how HCUW helps and personally officering thanks to those who contribute to HCUW.
Executive Secretary Susan Berning said the video drives home the point that contributions received for Hopkins County United Way stay in Hopkins County, where the funding supports 18 nonprofit organizations that support people who live in Hopkins County.
All except 2 percent of the funding remain in Hopkins County. That 2 percent ($3,000) will go to United Way Worldwide so that HCUW can be associated with the greater United Way
Each volunteer, except those collecting at their workplace, received filled with items. A worksheet with each business the individual is asked to contact to help the campaign worker track donations received and contacts made, present and past year contributions, where applicable, and a suggested giving amount to serve as a guideline when requesting a donation. A campaign envelop filled with a campaign brochure and on which the volunteer should place their name (or names if working as a team), a contact number and date they anticipate returning to the business for the packet.
Each brochure contains not only the name of each recipient organization, but also the dollar amount, what they do and how many were served last year.
“We want contributors to know that their donation is going to be stewarded exactly how it’s listed here, and they can trust that it will be stewarded that way,” Berning said, holding up the campaign brochure.
The brochure also notes the $22,250 of the $150,000 goal that has been allocated for administrative expenses, including a salary for a part-time secretary, supplies, utilities, an annual audit, postage and campaign materials.
“We want what you do to be very transparent, and that’s the purpose of this,” Berning said of the campaign brochure.
She offered thanks to Sharla Campbell and Emily Glass for helping to set up for the workers lunch, and Carolyn McKinney who prior to her retirement helped host the workers lunch at the dairy museum and has opted this year to return in retirement to work the campaign as a volunteer.
Donations may also be mailed from individual contributors to HCUW Campaign Headquarters, at PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may be made in cash or by check, or online via PayPal or debit/credit card by clicking the Shop Now button on the Hopkins County United Way Facebook page
To have Moseley stop by a business to speak at the workplace, Questions may be directed to Berning by phone call or text to 903-243-4066.
Data Shows Many Child Car Seats are Misused
NEWS RELEASE
PARIS DISTRICT
Tim McAlavy
(903) 737-9213
[email protected]
DATA SHOWS MANY CHILD CAR SEATS ARE MISUSED
‘Save Me With a Seat’ campaign heralds National Child Passenger Safety Week
Sept. 23, 2021
AUSTIN – A high-speed vehicle crash, and a misused child car seat can lead to an unthinkable disaster, which is why TxDOT is encouraging parents to schedule a free car seat safety check during its annual “Save Me With a Seat” campaign.
Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the nation, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 46% of all child car seats are misused. To encourage parents to schedule a free car seat safety check, the “Save Me With a Seat” campaign is traveling the state to help Texans keep their children safe on the road. “Save Me With a Seat” will coincide with National Child Passenger Safety week which is taking place Sept. 19 – Sept. 25, 2021.
“When child car seats are used correctly, they can help reduce injuries and prevent fatalities when children are involved in a crash,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We urge parents to schedule a car seat check today to ensure they are safely and correctly using the right car seat for their child.”
The “Save Me With a Seat” campaign will be highly visible during the month of September as a branded digital billboard truck travels across the state to make stops in 11 Texas communities. The digital truck will set-up at community events and other high-traffic locations to display messaging from the “Save Me With a Seat” campaign on lighted LED screens. The digital truck will also display video content that educates parents and caregivers on car seat safety. The public outreach campaign will be supported by TV and radio ads, billboards, digital media and social media.
TxDOT offers free car seat safety checks year-round. Parents and caregivers can visit SaveMeWithASeat.org and enter their zip code to find the nearest TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist in their area to set up an appointment or view child car seat safety tips.
As an incentive for parents who visit the website, TxDOT is hosting a free giveaway for a child car seat or booster seat. To enter, the public is invited to visit SaveMeWithASeat.org to fill out the giveaway form. The entry period for the giveaway will run from Sept. 1 – Sept. 29, 2021 with a winner announced on Sept. 30.
In 2020, 78 children younger than 8 years old died in traffic crashes in Texas, and 31 of those were unrestrained at the time of the crash. Among children ages 8-12 in 2020, 40 died in traffic crashes, with 16 of them unrestrained at the time of the crash. According to NHTSA, child car seats in passenger vehicles can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers.
TxDOT reminds drivers that Texas law requires all children under 8 — unless they are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches — to be in a car seat whenever they ride in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250. Children under age 13 should ride in the back seat, properly secured in a seat belt or safety seat.
“Save Me With a Seat” 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, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 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.
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 June 10, 2021.
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Fall Welding Class at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
WELDING CLASS
Students from throughout the area filled the fall welding class. The future welders, from left, include: Michael Reagan, Jason Johnson, Christian Contreras, Cory Belz, Lizbeth Camacho, Nathan Brown, Ty Nichols, Darence Rushing, Daniel Gonzalez, Keith Kirkland, Donavon Throneberry, Jarrett Bartley, Kenneth Mize, RaAnn Carter, Jacob Shackett, Joseph Conway Herron, and Shane Peters.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Blood Drive Held at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
GIVING LIFE
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center math instructor Charla Holzbog was one of the blood donors during the Carter Bloodcare drive held Wednesday at the Sulphur Springs campus. Carter Bloodcare specialist Rebekah Wemitt is preparing Charla for the donation.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
AG: 99-Year Sentence Assessed In Hunt County Human Trafficking Case
Hunt County Couple Accused Of Abuse, Neglect, Making Adopted Children Work In Puppy Mill
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that Barbara Barrett of Greenville has been found guilty of Continuous Trafficking of a Child in Hunt County and received a sentence of 99 years in jail. Barrett and her husband, Jeffery Barrett, are accused of abusing and neglecting their adopted children while forcing them to work in a puppy mill attached to their home. Both were charged with Continuous Trafficking of Persons.
Paxton’s Human Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime Division assisted the Hunt County District Attorney in prosecution of Barrett.
“It is heartbreaking to know this horrid abuse was happening in our state, and it is unfathomable that a person could be so heartless to abuse the foster care system and use children in need of a loving, safe home as slave labor,” Attorney General Paxton said. “There is no excuse for this evil behavior, and it will not be tolerated in our state. We can only hope this successful prosecution will bring some degree of justice to the children that were robbed of the love and care they deserved. I will never stop fighting against human trafficking.”
