Shoe Sensation Sulphur Springs Grand Opening
Shoe Sensation Sulphur Springs is set for their Grand Opening Friday November 19th, 2021. KSST will be doing a live remote from their Mocking Bird Ln location on Saturday from 10AM to 1PM.
Store Manager George says they are soft open right now, and will continue to serve customers through the Grand Opening this weekend. There are discounts available during the Grand Opening, and KSST has a limited number of coupons good for a 20% savings on any one item. You can pick them up at the station, or at the new Shoe Sensation store.
George says they will be open till 9pm on Saturday, and 1pm till 6pm on Sunday. “Right now people are really looking for the Hey Dude shoes.” said George. He and the 12 member team have already had to restock some of the Hey Dude offerings. George thinks they will be very popular for Christmas gifts.
‘Superintendent In Training’ Hired At Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, Texas — For those who love baseball, the farm system analogy probably best describes Texas State Parks’ philosophy for our newest position. Cooper Lake State Park was assigned a new position, Park Operations Trainee, a fancy term for a “Superintendent in Training,” hence the farm system reference for which Callie Shell was drafted.
She will learn her position from the best group of professional park rangers in the league, in my opinion. Her contract lasts for up to three years and by the time her minor league stint is completed, Ranger Shell will be able to play many positions, including that of Park Superintendent within one of our 80-plus Texas State Parks.
Callie Shell is from Franklin, Texas, and recently graduated from Texas A&M University-College Station in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and minors in Psychology and Tourism Management.
This past summer, she completed an internship at Cooper Lake State Park. Callie learned about the Texas State Park system overall, along with the different opportunities our Agency has to offer. She was hired after a long and competitive process and returned to Cooper Lake State Park this month.
Ranger Shell has a passion for the outdoors that comes, in a large part, from her childhood spent adventuring across the U.S. with her dad, camping in sometimes very remote and wild locations. She considers herself very lucky to be able to continue to pursue her passion working in the outdoors and within Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
In her off time, Callie enjoys reading and relaxing with her cats, and you might even find her painting a scenic mountain landscape from a past adventure.
Stop by and see Ranger Shell this weekend on your leaf peeping adventure!
For more information concerning the park, please visit and like our Facebook page, or contact us at Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur at 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek at 903-395-3100.
– Submitted by Steve Killian, Complex Superintendent, Cooper Lake State Park
Claire Bybee Signs Letter of Intent with Kansas State University
Lady Cats senior track star Claire Bybee signed a letter of intent Monday, Nov. 15 to run track at the next level at Kansas State University.
Bybee is the daughter of Tony and Denise Bybee.
The senior said she met the coaching staff of the Wildcats earlier this year when the senior made her visit to the Little Apple.
The senior said she had a chance to talk with them in her visit late this summer. The senior said it just felt like home.
Bybee said she loved the top-notch facilities that KSU offers.
The campus is just over an eight hour drive from Sulphur Springs.
The senior said she is excited at the opportunity to lead the team and make the field as a freshman. Bybee said she intends to get points for the team and would love to qualify for nationals her first year as a KSU Wildcat.
The senior said getting a track offer to compete at the next level is a dream come true. Bybee plans to major in kinesiology.
Bybee’s track coach Ross Hicks said she has put in the work and is an exemplary student on and off the track.
The cross country and track and field coach joked that he had nothing to do with Bybee’s success with the pole vault.
He said that he was merely a supporter in her endeavor to make state in the event, but added that the senior almost qualified for regionals in the 300M hurdles.
Coach Hicks said while the team was disappointed Bybee could not compete in the COVID-shortened year of 2020, they knew she would step up and compete her junior year, which she did in spades.
The track coach said Bybee was a great competitor and an even better student.
Coach Cipoletta made another visit to the Sulphur Springs after last week’s Haire signing, and said he will miss the senior and all the work she put in day-in and day-out.
The former Wildcats basketball coach said Bybee is a special athlete who Sulphur Springs will miss come graduation time.
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.
Bryan Man Jailed On Criminal Activity, Controlled Substance Charges
A Bryan, Texas man was jailed on engaging in criminal activity and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance charges Friday night, according to arrest reports.
(April 25, 2021 Brazos County Jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis said while assisting another deputy on a traffic stop in a South Broadway Street business parking lot just before 10 p.m. Nov. 12, 2021, he noticed a man throw down a cigarette onto the parking lot from a Chevrolet SUV. Davis ordered the man to step out of the SUV to talk to him.
Davis reported as the 27-year-old Bryan, Texas man did so, he displayed several nervous indicators. So, he asked the man if there was anything illegal in the vehicle he was operating. The man, identified in arrest reports as Arturo Pina, admitted to having contraband in the console and was detained while the officer searched the vehicle.
Davis reported finding an object wrapped in electrical tape, which turned out to be a baggy of crystal-like substance the officer identified based on his law enforcement experience as methamphetamine. The deputy also noted in arrest reports he found two meth pipes. Pina allegedly admitted to being on the way to Paris, Texas to delivery the illegal substance. Pina was taken to jail, where the baggy was unwrapped and determined to actually be 2 baggies within the tape, the substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed approximately 115 grams, Davis wrote in arrest reports.
A review of Pina’s criminal reportedly showed the 27-year-old Bryan man to have a prior criminal history elsewhere, including being entering into a state database for affiliation with a criminal street gang, Davis noted in arrest reports. Pina was accused of conspiring to deliver a controlled substance as a criminal street gang member; he was booked into Hopkins County jail just after midnight Nov. 13, 2021, on a delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Pina, who is also known as Arturo Davila Pina Jr., remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in lieu of $150,000 in bond, $75,000 on each of the two felony charge, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
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.
Dike Community Tradition Revived Over Weekend
A Dike community tradition was revived over the weekend. The Dike Fall Festival hosted at the Community Center Nov. 13 was a big hit with residents of not only Dike, but Sulphur Bluff and Mahoney communities as well.
The Dike community held Fall Festival events regularly about 40 ago, an occasion community members could look forward to, and if reports to KSST are anything to go by, this year was no exception.
Residents were so excited to once again be able to have this autumnal tradition, event planners said they were asked if they’d consider hosting a monthly event for the community to enjoy and where they could fellowship.
All items were donated for the Fall Festival, so the event was offered at no charge to any who wanted to attend. The annual event was hosted from 11 to 4 p.m. Saturday, but some attendees reportedly enjoyed visiting so much that some lingered at the venue after the festival had officially closed down talking.
Event planners report having a huge turn out of residents of all ages, from babies to great-grandparents, and as is tradition, there were several big pots of stew and deer chili, with cornbread, plus what seemed to be enough sweets to fill a bakery, huge success.
While no details have been worked out, event planners say with the huge success of and excitement at the Fall Festival on Nov. 13 they fully intend to plan more events for the whole Dike community to enjoy.
Wildcats Basketball Rolls Past Tyler Legacy in Season Opener
Sulphur Springs had a big day last Saturday when they travelled to Tyler to take on Tyler Legacy, beating the Red Raiders 72-30 in the season-opener for the Wildcats.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad fired on all cylinders in their regular-season opener as they built a 10-point lead after one 16-6.
The second quarter was more of the same as the Wildcats stormed out to a 38-11 halftime advantage.
While the Red Raiders of Tyler Legacy were able to score 19 in the second half, Sulphur Springs continued to roll and put up 34 more points en route to a dominating 72-30 win in their road-opener.
The season-opening win gives the Wildcats a 1-0 record to start their season.
Next up, Sulphur Springs will be in the SSHS Main Gym on Tuesday, Nov. 16 when they host the Paris Wildcats.
Tuesday’s match versus Paris is also Medical Personnel Appreciation night for the men’s basketball program.
The battle for Wildcats supremacy will begin at 6 P.M. with varsity only. The match was originally scheduled to begin at an earlier slot of 4:30 P.M., but due to playoff football for the visiting Wildcats the game was pushed to 6 P.M.
Tuesday’s non-district contest versus Paris will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM. If given permission by Paris, we will also be broadcasting 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.
Busy Week for FFA Chapters in Hopkins County
During this busy Autumn season, FFA students around the area are involved with livestock and other projects. Several FFA Chapters in Hopkins County schools are planning fundraising events during November, because coming up during the winter months ahead are trips to livestock shows in other cities as well as FFA officer events. You are invited to attend the local events and support America’s Future Farmers!
The Como-Pickton FFA Chapter plans the annual fundraising Stew and Auction on Tuesday November 16, 2021. Between 6pm and 9pm, stew will be served and shop-made projects will be auctioned, as well as other items donated to the chapter for the fundraiser.
Members of the Cumby FFA Chapter will put on a Dinner and Auction fundraiser on Thursday November 18, 2021 in the school cafeteria. Dinner serving will begin at 5:30, and the Auction will start at 6pm. If you’d like to donate items or other support to the Chapter, please call 903-994-4822.
Sulphur Springs High School FFA Chapter members will host a Stew and Auction on Thursday November18, 2021 starting at 5:30pm in the school cafeteria. Custom shop projects and other items made by the students will be put up for auction when the sale begins around 6pm.
Other Hopkins County schools have their FFA fundraisers coming up in the coming months. Since school got underway, most FFA officers from the county chapters have been involved in LDE, or Leadership Development Events and many have entered livestock during the Texas State Fair and other cattle and livestock contests.
2021 Blue Santa Program Online Registration Form, QR Code For Donations Active
Annual Toy Drive Planned Nov. 30 And Dec. 1 at Walmart
After a brief glitch last week, the Hopkins County-Sulphur Springs Blue Santa program’s 2021 online registration form is active to accept applications from families in need of a little extra help providing Christmas gifts for their children this year. Donations are also being accepted to help Blue Santa ensure no Hopkins County child age 1-14 goes without Christmas this year.
Blue Santa Applications
This toy distribution program is a partnership brought to you by Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Law Enforcement and CANHelp, and benefits Hopkins County children ages 1 to 14. Up-to-date information regarding the Hopkins Blue Santa Toy Program can be found at www.canhelponline.org.
Registrations will continue through Friday, December 3. Applicants will receive a confirmation email with a pick-up registration number after they finish registration. Online registration requires applicants to take pictures and upload documents onto the form.
Documents needed will include:
- Proof of Hopkins County residency, such as a current bill or current ID;
- Birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child age 1-15;
- Proof of income, as qualification for the program is based on families at 200% or less on federal poverty guidelines, OR proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF or CHIPS (state benefits);
- If applicant is not the child’s parent, proof of guardianship must be shown; and
- Child to be assisted must be 1-14 years of age
Program organizers will be communicating with registered families through email and text reminders regarding toy pick up. Thus, applicants are asked to include a cell phone number on the form. After registering for the Blue Santa Toy Program, applicants will receive registration number by email within 24 hours. Approved will need to present that the registration number and email on the day of pick-up along with identification. Participants may not be able to pick up toys for their children distribution day if they do not have the registration number. If someone else has been designated to pick up the toys in place of the applicant, that individual will also need the participants’ registration number along with their identification.
Applicants who do not receive an email with registration number should double check that the email account submitted is correct and also check their junk/spam folder for that email account. Anyone who still does not receive and email with registration number after that time may contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797, ext. 1, or send an email to [email protected].
Toy distribution for approved participants will be held on Saturday, December 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the First united Methodist Church, 301 Church St. in Sulphur Springs. Everyone must line up at the City National Bank drive-thru at 201 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs.
Any additional questions or to request assistance with the form, contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797, ext. 1, or visit the CANHelp office at 613 Gilmer St. in Sulphur Springs. (Note: CANHelp phones are down Monday morning, Nov. 15, 2021. To contact the office before phone service has been restored, community members may send a Facebook message or send an email to [email protected].)
Blue Santa Donations
The Blue Santa Program depends on the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individuals to provide funding and toys to ensure no child goes without gifts this Christmas.
Toys are needed this year like never before, according to program organizers. Blue Santa anticipates helping provide toys for more than 800 kids this year. It takes approximately $60 to provide gifts for each children from a financially disadvantaged family in need of a little help this year.
This year, there are more ways than ever to support Blue Santa with donations.
- Anyone can drop toys in any of the blue barrels labeled for donations to Blue Santa program located at businesses and other locations throughout the county.
- A toy drive will also be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in Walmart parking lot. Toy and monetary donations may be dropped off during that time.
- Those who wish to give but don’t know what to get or who don’t have time to shop can simply scan the Blue Santa QR code on flyers and barrels (see image at right or on flyers on this page, Facebook or the link on the CANHelp website.) to may make a monetary donation directly from their mobile devices. (Open your photo app, point it at the QR. The link should appear on your phone. Select it and complete the registration process.)
- A brisket lunch will also be provided by CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice for donation of at least $5 during the toy drive, while supplies last.
Additional information about the Blue Santa program will be shared online at Blue Santa / Sulphur Springs / Hopkins County and will be shared on KSST 1230 AM and ksstradio.com and other media outlet as it is made available.
Addison Caddell Signs Letter of Intent with the University of Texas at Dallas Comets
Lady Cats senior softball player Addison Caddell, a four-year member of the Lady Cats varsity softball team, signed a letter of intent Friday, Nov. 12 to play softball at the next level at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Caddell is the daughter of Jake and Meredith Caddell.
Caddell said she met the coaching staff of the Comets a few years ago when the senior softball player was a sophomore.
The senior said she had a chance to talk with him in an unofficial visit late this summer.
The senior said it just felt like a good fit for her.
She said UTD is in a nice part of the metroplex and loves Dallas. The campus is just over an hour drive from Sulphur Springs.
The senior said UTD struggled a bit last year, but is excited at the opportunity to lead the team and make the field as a freshman.
Caddell said she intends to play second or third base for the Comets.
The senior said getting a softball offer to play at the collegiate level is a dream come true. Caddell at the moment plans to major in business with a potential focus in marketing.
Caddell’s Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo said he has seen incredible growth in the 10+ years he has been around and worked with the senior, adding she has put in the work and is an exemplary student on and off the diamond.
The softball coach joked that Caddell’s residence must be near the batting cages because she has spent so much time working on her game there.
Coach Carrillo said one of his fondest memories of the senior was when Caddell was 6 or 7 years old she announced players for both teams during Lady Cats games, so she has truly been around this softball program almost her entire life.
The softball coach said Caddell was a great kid and a great student.
He took it a step further by saying that she is an incredible leader and loves to talk softball due to the wide-breadth of knowledge that the senior possesses.
Coach Carrillo said he will miss the senior and all the work she put in day-in and day-out.
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.
Nov. 16 Jury Panel Canceled
The jury panel summoned to appear at 9 a.m. Tuesday Nov. 16, 2021, at Hopkins County Civic Center, for the 62nd Judicial District Court has been canceled. Those summoned for jury service do not need to report for duty that day, Hopkins County District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher reported Monday morning.
