Lady Cats Basketball Falls to Mount Pleasant in District Opener
The Lady Cats basketball team were on the road the last two games and lost both to Dallas Kimball and Mount Pleasant.
Last Saturday the women’s basketball team travelled to coach Erica Delley’s alma mater and took on the Lady Knights, falling to Dallas Kimball in a tight one 34-30.
Sulphur Springs was up in the fourth against the Lady Knights, but once Kimball got momentum and came back, the Lady Cats could not put the breaks on and as a result suffered a come-from-behind defeat to the Lady Knights.
“We did a whole bunch of good things,” Coach Delley said. But said her team “[has] to work on finishing games,” the women’s basketball coach said.
Sulphur Springs had the chance to rebound Tuesday, Dec. 14 when they travelled east on I-30 to take on district foe Mount Pleasant in both teams’ district openers.
The women’s basketball team fell to the Lady Tigers to go 0-1 in district.
The Lady Cats started out well, jumping to a 7-3 lead, but the Lady Tigers defense which presses their opponents wore down the women’s basketball team.
Mount Pleasant hit a couple of threes and jump shots to pull away from Sulphur Springs in both teams’ district openers.
Coach Delley said her freshmen may have gotten rattled by the defensive pressure, but liked the way her team performed nonetheless.
“We’re getting better,” Coach Delley said. “I like the way they played and I liked the way they hustled and never gave up the game,” the women’s basketball coach said.
The two losses drop the Lady Cats basketball team to 0-16 overall (0-1 district).
Next up, the women’s basketball team will be back at home on Friday, Dec. 17 when they host Texas High. JV will get the action underway at the SSHS Main Gym on Friday at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity at 6:15 P.M.
Friday’s district match-up between Sulphur Springs and Texas High will be broadcasted over the radio on KSST 1230 AM. If given permission, we will also be broadcasting the game on to KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
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.
Plans For Jail Trusty Facility Taking Shape But Still In Design, Development Stage
Plans for the 48-bed jail trusty facility are beginning to take shape, but are still in the design and development phase, according to DRG Architects LLC Principal Architect Wayne Gondeck. DRG is the company that designed the current Hopkins County jail facility/sheriff’s office.
As is the process when constructing a facility to house inmates, the initial plans have been submitted to the jail standards administration. A meeting was held with the state officials, with some recommendation. Modifications are being made based on those recommendations as well as requests made by the Commissioners Court, Sheriff and Jail Administrator.
The revised plans have to go back to the state authorities over jails, and another conference, less formal than the first required sit down meeting, will be conducted. Once any issues are resolved and the plan is given the green light by state and local officials, the project will move into the construction documents phase of the building project. Those will then be sent to the jail commission, and officials will be given a chance to discuss that and provide a time for any formal comments to be made. If the jail commission is not satisfied, then a written response will need to be accompanied by the written design information.
Gondeck hopes to be at the stage by the end of January to start looking at contractors for the project. Several contractors have called enquiring about the project. They hope to be able to go out for requests for qualifications and proposals right before Christmas, with a mid January deadline for those interested to get their qualifications and information in. They’ve held off so as to have as clean a request for contractors as possible before posting that information.
He said they have been working out with civil engineers a plan for runoff so that it won’t increase the waterflow into the nearby creek.
Discussed at previous planning sessions for the trusty facility was whether to design it for low risk, medium risk or as a maximum security facility. The plan changed from low risk to medium security. After consultations the determination was that there would not be a big design difference if the facility is constructed as a maximum or minimum security facility. That would, if the need arose in the future, allow the jail to segregate some inmates or house female or federal inmates. Space within could be utilized for classes and gatherings, such as church services for the male trusties.
One adjustment officials stipulated is additional cell access. Where the corrections officer would be stationed, truck delivery, trusty and dumper pickup locations have also been considered with adjustments made. Whether to provide a full kitchen and storage for trusties’ snacks and items too was considered in the plan.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked is the project with some of the adjustments that were being considered to make the facility a maximum security structure would put the project over budget. He noted that a total of $4.5 million has been designated to cover everything. That, he said is the entire budget, and no more to spare.
Gondock said some items could be scaled back if the project looks like due to increasing materials and labor shortages the project costs get too high, while still keeping the basic design that meets jail commission standards. For instance a $3,000-$5,000 door on a safety vestibule could be left off.
Beth Wisenbaker, grants coordinator for Hopkins County, said she anticipates as part of requirements for the federal funding, environmental and historical impact studies and statements will likely be needed. Gondock noted that if there are any findings in the mitigational plan those would be addressed in Phase 2 with environmental. For Phase 1, a company soil drills. For environmental, if they find anything that requires it, then the need would arise to go back and test it.
The structure is to be built as the current jail, solidly, with typical wall sections, planks on concrete blocks reinforced. The trusty facility would be built with precast concrete, fire proof attic space, able to withstand high winds, and if maximum security, the walls would need to have 8 feet with rebar.
The kitchen as proposed has a three compartment sink, cabinet storage, an ice maker, double convection oven, reach in refrigerator and freezer where meals or food for special diets can be stored. The facility also would have a small commercial laundry. The trusty housing areas would have two zones for smoking, providing an additional safe area where inmates could be moved to if there is a fire on one side. The lighting is to be all LED.
Instead of two water broilers for all 48 inmates to use for showering, the commissioners and sheriff indicated a desire for all tankless heating. This would mean all 48 could take showers and they’d never run out of hot water, and water wouldn’t have to be heated all the time, which could prove more efficient.
A desire too was expressed by the sheriff for natural gas heating rather than electric heating of the facility, which they believe based on current uses would be more efficient
One commissioner asked if the facility was constructed so that, if the county chose at a future time, solar panels could be install on top of the building. This is something the county has done for several buildings and are finding to be financially beneficial in reduced energy costs.
Funding for the Hopkins County Trustee Housing Facility would come from the $7-plus million the county has been awarded in American Rescue Program funding, with no local tax dollars allocated for the project. The facility would keep the trustees, who work in the community, separate from other inmates as a safety precaution against COVID-19 or any other illness being spread, and to better keep contraband such as snuff or controlled substance out of the county jail, officials noted when announcing plans to use a large chunk of the COVID-19 related funding to build separate housing for jail trusties.
In addition to the DRG and county officials, Adams & Associates Principal Gary Adams also was present at the Dec. 9, 2021, meeting.
Wildcats Soccer Continues Unbeaten Pre-Season With 3-1 Win in Greenville
Coach Alexi Upton’s Wildcats varsity soccer team were the only squad to get the win over the Greenville Lions on Tuesday, Dec. 14.
The men’s varsity soccer team beat Greenville 3-1 to stay unbeaten in scrimmage play.
Edgar Salazar got the scoring going for Sulphur Springs, assisted on the goal by Alex Yanez.
An own-goal committed by the Lions gave the Wildcats their second goal on the night.
Coach Alexi Upton’s squad was able to put away the scrimmage match thanks to an Alex Yanez goal that was assisted by teammate Manuel Vega to complete the 3-1 win over the Lions.
Men’s soccer continues their unbeaten pre-season, now at 3-0-1 after the win in Greenville.
Next up, the Wildcats will be in the DFW metroplex taking on Carrollton’s RL Turner HS on Friday, Dec. 17. JV2/freshmen will get the action going Friday at 4 P.M. followed by JV at 5:30 P.M.
Varsity will kick-off against RL Turner at 7:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Chamber Connection – Dec. 15: Shopping Local Isn’t Just A Slogan, It’s A Way Of Life
By Butch Burney
As you finish up your Christmas shopping – or get started, if you’re a Christmas Eve shopper – don’t pass up the treasure of local stores and restaurants.
Shopping local isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life. When you shop (and eat) local, you not only support your neighbors and friends who are small business owners and their employees, you keep your money circulating in your hometown. Local staff are helpful, courteous and make it easy to purchase what you are looking for.
Don’t spend gas and time trying to force your way through Metroplex traffic, or buy online only to realize what you purchased wasn’t quite what you thought it was. Shop here. Buy here. Live here.
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.
Wreaths Across America
Veterans who are buried in Sulphur Springs City Cemetery will have a wreath placed on their gravesites on Saturday, Dec. 18, during National Wreaths Across America Day. For a $15 sponsorship, you can help provide the wreaths during the ceremony. To make a donation, go to: WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/tx0613.
Golden Agers Gift Tree
You can adopt a senior citizen through the Golden Agers Gift Tree, through Dec. 17, by choosing a name off the tree and going shopping with the senior. The tree is located at the Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
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. 1, Millennium Shopper. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education
By Johanna Hicks, Extension Agent
Each year, our staff provides summaries of programs that have had an impact in Hopkins County. This is the first in a series of program summaries. Because our youngest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 ½, he has been as my inspiration for helping individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes – primarily type 2 diabetes. Below is a summary of the relevance, response, and results for the Diabetes and Chronic Disease Management in Hopkins County.
Relevance
The Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) defines chronic diseases as those lasting longer than 1 year resulting in continued medical care or limited daily activities, including type 2 diabetes. Currently, in Texas approximately 2.33 million (11.2%) adults have diabetes with 621,000 (21%) of those being undiagnosed in 2021.
In Hopkins County:
• 10% of the adult population have been diagnosed with diabetes, as compared to 11.2% in Texas and 8.5% in the country
• 35% are reportedly physically inactive
• 31% of the county adult population are obese
Diet related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes related to poor nutrition and physical inactivity can be better managed with dietary and self-care management, increased physical activity, and maintaining or achieving a healthy weight.
Education is an integral component in managing the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Texas.
“Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is an Extension Program designed to reach clientele with research and evidence-based interventions. Unlike other chronic diseases, people with type 2 diabetes can learn to manage their disease by following a healthful eating plan, participating in regular physical activity, and developing skills needed to assist in controlling their blood glucose, rather than medication dependency alone.
“Cooking Well with Diabetes” offers practical dietary and self-care management focusing on healthy cooking alternatives.
Response
• Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes (DWBW) 5- lesson session held virtually in partnership with Fannin, Rockwall, Titus, and Hopkins Counties
• Cooking Well with Diabetes (CWWD) 4-lesson series held face-to-face
• National Diabetes Awareness Month exhibit
• Mass media contributions focusing on chronic disease management
TARGET AUDIENCE
Individuals with type 2 diabetes and their families
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATORS
• Texas Diabetes Council, American Diabetes Association (materials)
• Master Wellness Volunteers (marketing, registration, tray preparations)
• Diabetes educator and pharmacist served as speakers for certain sessions
Six individuals from Hopkins County and one for California completed the Virtual DWBW series with all completed the pre- and post-survey . Twelve attended the CWWD series. Nine completed the pre-and post-surveys.
Results
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes:
- 7 of 7 (100%) indicated learning the connection between carbohydrates and blood glucose
- 7 of 7 (100%) reported increased confidence in achieving 30 minutes of physical activity most days
- 7 of 7 (100%) learned how to prevent blood glucose from dropping during exercise
- 6 of 7 (85%) reported gaining confidence in managing diabetes
- 5 of 7 (71%) reported improved overall health (3 remained the same at “good” or “very good”)
- 5 of 7 (71%) reported increased confidence in spacing carbohydrates throughout the day.
- 5 of 7 (71%) increased frequency of checking feet (2 remained the same)
- Economic impact: $147,197
Cooking Well with Diabetes:
- 9 of 9 (100%) indicated that the series met or exceeded expectations
- 8 of 9 (88%) indicated reducing added salt at the table
- 7 of 9 (77%) now use MyPlate for meal planning
- 6 of 9 (66%) indicated increasing amount of fiber when cooking
- 5 of 9 (56%) increased amount of non-starchy vegetable consumption (4 remained unchanged at ½ their plate)
Clientele feedback for both series was very positive. The two series will be offered in 2022 for interested individuals, so stay tuned.
Closing Thought
Greet people, don’t just meet them. Look for the good in others.
Vicki Hitzges, author and speaker
Contact Johanna Hicks, Family & Community Health Agent, at the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; by phone at 903-885-3443; or email at [email protected].
HC Genealogy Society Library Plans an Active New Year, Many Benefits for Membership
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s Research Library, located inside the Sulphur Springs Public Library at 611 North Davis Street, operates with a vibrant group of volunteers eager to help the public with their research needs. Due to flooring renovations going on in December along with the holiday closure schedule, the doors to the HCGS Research Library will not be open during the final weeks of December. However, a bright new year awaits those who plan to utilize the Research Library and the knowledge and expertise of Society members. Good News! The Research Library will re-open on Monday January 3, 2022. In a press release from the HCGS, the good news is announced and membership application provided. Also, you can reach out to hcgstx.org for details.
We are happy to announce that the installation of the new carpet in our library is complete. Numerous volunteers donated their time to return the library to its original functioning state. We will wait until Monday, January 3. 2022, as originally planned, to resume our normal hours of operation.
In the meantime, we have attached the 2022 Membership Renewal form to this email, so that you can take care of that before the first of the year. Remember, the password for the “Members Only” section of our website will expire on January 31st and you will need to have renewed your membership for 2022 to be given the new password. We don’t want you to miss out on any announcements, events or new data added to the website.
It is our sincere hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas! We look forward to seeing everyone after the New Year!
Commerce Tigers Football Earns Two Superlatives, Plus Five Make All-District Team
The Commerce Tigers football team received three superlatives and five Tigers made the 5-3A All-District Team selected by the district’s head coaches Tuesday.
Senior Ashton Seale was named the District’s Utility Player of the Year. Junior Moses Branch was selected as the district’s special teams MVP.
Juniors WR Da’Shawn Jackson and LB Kendrick Greer were chosen to the All-District first team.
Two seniors and a junior were the Tigers to make the All-District second team. Seniors OL Noah Howell and DL Henry Serrano, and junior OLB Carlos Aubrey were the Commerce athletes to make the 5-3A All-District second team.
Baumann and sophomore offensive/defensive linemen Cody Jenkins and Jack Nichols were awarded academic All-District.
Jenkins also made the academic All-State second team.
Two players were honorable mentions for academic All-State; Nichols and Baumann.
Mount Pleasant Man Caught In Hopkins County With Firearm Stolen from Marshall
A 23-year-old Mount Pleasant man was caught in Hopkins County with a firearm stolen from Marshall, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Fite reported stopping a gray Dodge Charger at 1:18 a.m. Dec. 13, 2021, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 140 for a defective head light. Upon contact with the driver and passenger, he asked of there were any weapons in the car.
Tydarious Dandre Brooks produced a handgun from the driver’s side of the car and placed it on the front passenger’s seat. A records check revealed the firearm had been reported to Marshall Police Department as stolen. Marshall Police confirmed the status of the warrant.
Deputy Zack Horne arrived and helped Fite detain both occupants of the car. Brooks allegedly admitted he knew the gun was in the car but claimed it wasn’t his. The passenger in the car claimed to have no knowledge of the gun, deputies alleged in arrest reports. Brooks was arrested for theft of a firearm. He was released from Hopkins County jail later Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, on the felony theft charge.
Lady Cats Basketball Begins District Play in Mount Pleasant, Plus Two More Teams on the Road for Tuesday Game Day
Three teams are in action for this Tuesday, Dec. 14 game day, and all three are on the road.
The women’s basketball team find themselves already in district-play, and are all set to make the trip out to Mount Pleasant for their first district contest on Tuesday, Dec. 14.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad will tip-off their district season tonight when they take on the Lady Tigers at 6:15 P.M.
The Lady Cats will be looking to get both their first win in district and first win on the season.
Sulphur Springs comes in to tonight’s road-opening district match with an 0-14 record.
Junior varsity will tip-off the action today in Mount Pleasant at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity at 6:15 P.M.
The other two teams in action; Wildcats soccer and basketball, both are on the road for this Tuesday game day.
Wildcats soccer is the next game up, and while all three teams are on the road Coach Alexi Upton’s squad will be the closest to home in Greenville.
The men’s soccer team went 1-1-1 on Saturday, opening their pre-season with a round-robin scrimmage tournament against Celina, Pittsburg and Lindale. Sulphur Springs won their first and last game, and tied Pittsburg in their second contest to end the tourney 1-1-1 and be crowned Sulphur Springs tournament champions.
Coach Upton’s team no doubt had their sights set on Greenville once the tournament concluded Saturday, Dec. 11 as the two schools have a long-standing rivalry.
The fourth scrimmage (of nine) begins today, Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7:15 P.M. in Greenville.
JV2/freshman will take on the Lions at 4 P.M. followed by JV1 at 5:30 P.M.
Last but certainly not least the Wildcats basketball team will be back in the DFW metroplex tonight to take on Fort Worth’s Arlington Heights HS at 7:30 P.M.
Sulphur Springs for the second week in a row went 4-2 Tuesday through Saturday.
Much like their previous tournament held the weekend before last in Mansfield, the men’s basketball team lost their tourney-opener before rattling off three wins Thursday through Friday and falling Saturday morning to end their participation in each tournament.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad went 3-2 last weekend in the Forney tournament, taking on stiff competition across all classifications 4A and up.
And while they rounded out the tourney with a 2OT loss to top-10 ranked 6A Lake Highlands, the men’s basketball team will no doubt be looking to return to their winning ways later today when they travel to Cowtown to take on Arlington Heights.
That match will begin at 7:30 P.M. and will be preceded by freshman at 5 P.M. and JV 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.
Rep. Fallon To Hold Town Hall Meeting Dec. 21 In Rockwall County
Pat Fallon, Congressman for the 4th Congressional District will hold a Town Hall meeting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 2021, at Heath City Hall Community Room, 200 Laurence Drive in Heath to give an update on the latest in federal legislation. For more information, visit fallon.house.gov or visit Rep. Fallon’s social media pages @Reppatfallon.
The Fourth Congressional district encompasses the 18 counties across Northeast Texas, including all or part of the counties of Bowie, Camp, Cass, Collin, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Titus, and Upshur.
Congressman Pat Fallon has represented North Texans in the Texas Legislature since 2013, first as Senator for District 30. In August 2020, Fallon received the Republican Party’s nomination for Congressional District 4 in August 2020. Fallon replaced John Ratcliffe on the Nov. 3, 2020 ballot. Ratcliffe resigned the position upon being confirmed in May as the director of national intelligence. A total of 73 votes was be needed to secure over 50 percent of votes cast for an outright win. Fallon received 82 votes at the August 2020 district delegation. He beat out Democratic nominee Russell Foster in November 2020.
