Saltillo Lions Cross Country Places Second at State Meet in Round Rock
The Saltillo Lions cross country team had another solid meet, placing second at the state tournament held in Round Rock, TX.
The Lions had a great outing thanks in large part to two runners who placed in the top-10.
Coy Collins Gunner Tarver led the way as they got 5th and 7th place with times of 16:59 and 17:01.
Next up for Saltillo was Rowdy Speir at 42nd, finishing at 18:33.
Cristian Trejo and Luke Ritter were top-60 runners at the state meet; Trejo was 57th place with a time of 18:50 and Ritter was not far behind Trejo at 60th crossing the line at 18:53.
Adrian Don Juan and Andrew Redburn were the final two runners for the Lions were had sub-20 minute times of 19:09 and 19:45, good enough for 81st and 109th, respectively.
Team results for the 1A state championship were as follows:
- 1st- Miller Grove — 50
- 2nd- Saltillo — 105
- 3rd- Tilden McMullen County — 154
And while the Lions did not capture a state title in cross country, they should not hang their heads after competing all season-long and advancing to the 1A state meet where they placed second.
Chamber Connection – Nov. 10: After Hours Mixer, Lighted Parade, CASA Fundraiser, Turkey Trot On Tap
By Butch Burney
I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work 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 After Hours
Our next Business After Hours networking event is scheduled at Money Law Firm-First American Title from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18. Come to their office at 1335 South Broadway to interact with other business men and women and for refreshments and giveaways. It’s a great way to meet new connections.
Christmas Parade
The local Lions Club is hosting their 15th Annual Christmas Light Parade, presented by Carriage House Manor, on Friday, Dec. 3. Every entry must be decorated with working Christmas lights. The parade will begin at Buford Park, down Connally Street to the square, north on Church Street and west on Houston Street, ending at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The parade begins at 7 p.m.
Registration must be received by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 30. To register, pick up and entry form from any Lions Club member or at the Chamber, 110 Main St.
Categories for judging the entries are Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit Organizations/Churches.
Miracles Made on Connally Street
Miracles Made on Connally Street is the name of the CASA Christmas Tree Raffle that will be conducted until Dec. 6. The raffle will be held Dec. 8, with all proceeds benefitting the children served by Lake Country CASA.
Tickets are $25 each and each tickets gives you a chance to win one of 12 small decorated Christmas trees.
For more information, call 903-885-1173 or visit CASA at 218 Connally St.
Turkey Trot
Make way for your holiday meals by participating in the 11th Annual Hopkins County Turkey Trot, benefiting Journey Road Ministries and Mothers Culture Club. It will be Thanksgiving Day morning, with a 5K and 10K each starting at 8 a.m. There will be a Kids Run Run at 7:30 a.m.
Entry fee for the 5K race is $30 and for the 10K race it’s $40. Register online at GetMeRegistered.com and search “Hopkins County Turkey Trot. Early registration ends Nov. 10.
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 Nov. 3, Happily Ever After Travel. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Ribbon Cuttings
- G5 Cattle and Meats will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, Feb. 12 at their location, 3445 Interstate 30 West. They will also have a grand opening event on Saturday, Feb. 13, that will include local chefs, Wagyu tasting, giveaways, bounce house, corn hole and more. It will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Masterpiece Ultrasound Boutique will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 468 Shannon Road West. We hope you will join us for the event.
Blue Santa Sign Up, Toy Drive Have Begun Online
Donations Accepted In Blue Barrels, During Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Toy Drive, By Scanning QR Code
The annual Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Blue Santa sign up has begun online. The blue barrels are going out this week to businesses and other locations around the county as part of the annual Blue Santa toy drive. Toys are needed this year like never before, according to program organizers.
Blue Santa, coordinated by local law enforcement associations, officers and other officials, plans to help more than 800 kids this year. It takes $60 to provide gifts for each kid from a financially disadvantaged family in need of a little help this year.
The 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.
This year, there are more ways than ever to support Blue Santa.
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.
This year, Blue Santa’s also gotten a little more high tech. Those who wish to give but don’t know what to get or who don’t have time to shop can simple scan the Blue Santa QR code on flyers (see images at right or below) and on the barrels to may make a monetary donation from their mobile devices.
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.
Financially challenged families in need of assistance in providing toys for their children this Christmas may sign up for Blue Santa program online at www.canhelponline.org during the month of November.
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.
Residential Search Yields Xanax Bars, THC Wax, Marijuana, Pistol
Five Others Jailed On Controlled Substance, Related Charges
A residential search yielded Xanax bars, THC wax, marijuana and a pistol Monday afternoon, resulting in one arrest. At least five others have also been arrested on controlled substance and related charges from Friday, Nov. 4- Tuesday morning, Nov. 9, 2021.
Main Street Search Warrant
Sulphur Springs Police Department Special Crimes Unit assisted police detectives in execution of a search warrant at a Main Street residence around 1 p.m. Nov. 8, 2021.
During the search, SCU Lt. Mark Estes found 108 grams of suspected Xanax bars, 4.9 grams of suspected THC wax, 18.7 ounces (1 pound, 2.7 ounces) of marijuana, a 9mm pistol and several rounds of ammunition. The officers also found multiple large vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana residue and digital scales, Estes and Detective Brian Shurtleff alleged in arrest reports.
As a result, resident Marc Oneil Hutchings was arrested at 1:30 p.m. on charges of possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana. The 26-year-old Sulphur Springs man also found to have an outstanding warrant for failure to appear.
Hutchings was booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:14 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, marking the third time he’s been jailed in Hopkins County this year. He was also spent hte night in jail April 10, 2021, and July 23, 2021, on public intoxication charges.
He remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 9, 2021. His bonds on the charges totaled $90,000 – $50,000 on the second-degree felony Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, $30,000 on the third-degree Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge, and $10,000 on the marijuana charge.
Warrant Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alvin Jordan responded at the Adult Probation Office just before 9 a.m. Nov. 8, 2021, and took 50-year-old Amy Lea Spencer of Como into custody for violation of probation, which she was on for a 2017 possession of controlled substance charge.
Spencer, who is also known by Amy Lea Jones, Amy Lee Jones Spencer and Amy Lee Spencer, was held in the county jail on the charge Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.
Monday was the second time she has been jailed for violating probation on the charge. She spent Jan. 6-31, 2019 in the county jail for violating probation on the charge as well, according to jail records.
I-30 Drug Paraphernalia Arrest
A HCSO deputy stopped early Monday morning, Nov. 8, after noticing a vehicle parked in the ditch along the south Interstate-30 service road . Upon closer inspection, a man appeared to be asleep in the driver’s seat of the Dodge Ram 1500. The man was awakened and asked to exit the truck to speak with the deputy. The deputy reported the man to be disoriented, involuntarily shaking, had a quivering voice and red, bloodshot eyes.
After being asked a several times, the deputy alleged in arrest reports, the man exited the pickup and agreed to let the officer search his pockets for weapons and contraband. The deputy located a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine with residue on it in while searching the man.
At that point the man, identified as a a 37-year-old Springdale, Arkansas man, was placed into custody. A probable cause search of the truck turned up no further paraphernalia or other contraband. Another deputy arrived and transported the Arkansas man to jail. His truck was towed and his dog was housed at Sulphur Springs Animal shelter.
The Arkansas man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 7 a.m. Nov. 8, 2021, on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge. He was released later Monday.
Cumby Warrant Arrest
HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson was made aware of two warrants for Joshua Randall Case’s arrest Saturday, Nov. 6. Wilkerson went to the 21-year-old Cumby man’s Main Street residence and contacted him. Case was taken into custody at 11:17 p.m. on the warrants, which were confirmed through HCSO Communications, Wilkerson noted in arrest reports.
Wilkerson transported Case to jail, where he was booked at 12 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, on a Class A misdemeanor warrant for burglary of vehicles and a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for an Oct. 9, 2019, prohibited substance in a correctional, civic or community facility.
Case, who is also known by Joshua A. Case, remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday evening, Nov. 9, 2021; his bond on the burglary charge was set at $2,000, and he was held on the probation charge.
South Locust Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Thunderbird at 10:22 a.m. Nov. 5, 2021, on South Locust Street. Upon contact with the driver, Officer Sean Hoffman recognized him as a man who did not have a valid driver’s license.
Police reported the man displayed signs of nervousness, including excessively shaking hands, pulse beating so rapidly in his carotid artery it was visible and the man’s excessive talking. When asked to be honest about why he was so nervous, the man allegedly admitted he had marijuana in the vehicle and retrieved the aforementioned contraband.
The officers had him step out of the car while a search was conducted. Police reported finding a glass pipe of the kind commonly use to smoke methamphetamine in the floor behind the driver’s seat of the man’s car. A magnetic hide-a-key box found under the car directly below the driver’s side door yielded a bag of suspected meth and another bag containing marijuana seeds.
As a result, 34-year-old Kerry Leterrys Gotcher (also known by Kerry La Terry Gotcher) was arrested at 11:41 a.m. Nov. 5 by Hoffman and SSPD Officer Cook, for possession of a Penalty Group 1/1B controlled substance and on three misdemeanor warrants, one for failure to maintain financial responsibility and two for no driver’s license. Fees owed on the traffic charges totaled $1,123.20.
Gotcher remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday evening, Nov. 9, 2021, in lieu of the $35,000 bond set on the controlled substance charge.
Gilmer Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer reported stopping a Chevrolet Avalanche at 3:54 p.m. Nov. 5, 2021, in the 800 block of Gilmer Street for a traffic violation. While talking with the driver, the officer reported smelling a strong marijuana odor emitting from the SUV. When asked, the man reportedly admitted he’d smoked marijuana earlier in the day.
A probable cause search revealed a bag containing suspected marijuana in the passenger’s side of the console. The driver claimed it and was taken into custody at 4:29 p.m. for possession of drug paraphernalia.
A records check showed the 31-year-old Sulphur Springs man had five outstanding misdemeanor warrants, two each for failure to maintain financial responsibility and no driver’s license, and one for open container.. Fees on the outstanding charges totaled $2,228.20.
The man was transported to jail and booked in on the drug paraphernalia charge and five warrants, and the vehicle was released to the passenger. He was released from jail on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.
Friday was the second time in four months that the 31-year-old Sulphur Springs man has been booked into Hopkins County jail. He was also arrested July 31, 2021, on a driving wile intoxicated with open container charge; he was released on a $1,000 bond later that day on the DWI charge.
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.
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.
Extension Demonstrates Christmas Joys At Annual Holiday Program
The 48th Annual Extension Christmas Joys holiday program returned to Southwest Dairy Center Monday, where two sessions -were all but at capacity.
Many of residents will remember this program as “Christmas Show & Tell,” started by long Hopkins County Extension Agent Janie Crump. When Johanna Hicks took on the position of family and consumer sciences Extension agent for Hopkins County, she kept the holiday tradition going. The annual Christmas program has grown over the past few years to the point that reservations are now required.
For a cost of $5, to offset costs of the event, including a thick booklet filled recipes, patterns and directions for all of the foods, crafts, gift-giving ideas, and stress management tips discussed and introduced during the Christmas Joys program. Each participant also registered for chances to win door prizes, enjoyed refreshments and received goody bags as well. The program and booklet includes ideas to do with children and students, as well as a few sewing ideas, crafting ideas, and some really delicious recipes using real dairy products. Door prizes were drawn throughout each session.
Hopkins County Extension Agent Johanna Hicks presented “Johanna’s Joyful Journey,” which included a little bit of sewing, a little crafting, and some recipes.
Master Wellness Volunteer Joann Brennan’s program featured “Broccoli for all Occasions,” as well as some no-bake sweet treats. She explained her change to healthier eating, which includes a lot of broccoli, which she’s learned to like.
Master Wellness Volunteer Susie Faltesek presented “Creative Christmas Pots,” ways to use small to mediums sized plant pots to create festive Santa and Mrs. Claus figures to dress up home holiday décor.
Hunt County Master Gardener Pat Abramson presented “Pat’s Pampering Presents,” Jo Alice McCue presented “Tis the Season to Season up and the Southwest Dairy Museum staff contributed as well.
Man Allegedly Barricaded Himself In Restroom, Flooded Diner
A 59-year-old man ended up in jail after he allegedly barricaded himself in a restroom and flooded a diner, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded just before 10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2021, at a West Industrial Drive diner, where a person was reported to have barricaded himself in the restroom and was flooding the facility. Upon arrival, the deputies observed the issue. They then breached the door and removed the Sulphur Springs man from the restroom.
The 59-year-old was taken into custody at 10:20 p.m. and jailed just before 11 p.m. Nov. 8, on a Class B misdemeanor criminal mischief charge as the damages from the flooding were expected to be less than $750. He remained in Hopkins County jail on the charge Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 9, 2021.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
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.
Paris Junior College Homecoming Wraps up With Awards, Crowning
Paris Junior College wrapped up Homecoming weekend on Saturday with the Distinguished Alumni Awards presentation and the crowning of a King and Queen.
Honored for their contributions to both the community and to Paris Junior College, Brad Hutchison, Class of 1964 and Lynn Patterson, Class of 1974 received their awards from Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC president.
Saturday evening Nathaniel Windham of Pickton and Baylee Metcalfe of Sand Springs, Okla., were crowned during halftime of the men’s basketball game. Other members of the Homecoming Court included Beau Brewer of McKinney, Rylie Hardison of Mt. Pleasant, Da’May Jones of Houston, and Jessika Roberts of Forney.
Paris Junior College Lynn Patterson (left) and Brad Hutchison (right)
Photo cutline:
After receiving their 2021 PJC Distinguished Alumni Awards, Lynn Patterson (left) and Brad Hutchison, (right)
are shown with PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.
Photo Cutline :
Crowned Saturday evening during the Paris Junior College men’s basketball game were King Nathaniel Windham and Baylee Metcalfe.
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.
Information From the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Classes
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Instructor Charla Holzbog, right, gives counsel to first year student Kenia Herrera of Sulphur Springs as she studies for one of her classes. For information about the Center, call 903-885-1232.
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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Earns Two Superlatives Plus Four Make All-District Team
The Lady Cats Volleyball team received two superlatives and four Lady Cats made the 15-5A All-District Team selected by the district’s head coaches Monday.
Senior Brooklynn Burnside was named the District’s MVP blocker. Another senior Peyton Hammock was selected as the District’s MVP setter.
Hammock and fellow senior Parris Pickett were chosen as Academic All-State.
Lady Cats chosen to the All-District First Team were Parris Pickett and Laney Hurst. Juniors Addisyn Wall and Mali Maeker were named to the All-District Second Team.
Earning All-District Honorable Mention were seniors AJ Dodd and Myssiah Dugan plus Kinslei Smallwood.
11 Lady Cats earned Academic All-District status: Parris Pickett, Peyton Hammack, Brooklynn Burnside, fellow seniors Kaslyn Hurley and Elli Kate Daniel, and juniors Addisyn Wall, Mali Maeker, Laney Hurst, Crimson Bryant, Kinslei Smallwood and Mary Taylor.
The Lady Cats made it in to the playoffs as the fourth seed with a 7-5 district mark. Their season record was 21-18.
Sulphur Springs fell to an athletic and talented Lufkin team in the Bi-District round.
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.
November-December Tips For Gardeners
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources, [email protected]
Don’t forget to give your landscape a steady amount of water, through irrigation or by hand, if there is not adequate rain. As soon as the November weather appears to be settled, it is time to select and plant such annuals as pansies, violas and ornamental cabbages and kale. Plan now for your spring flowering season with a mixture of annuals and perennials.
Don’t get in a hurry to prune woody plants. Late December through February is usually the best time to prune them.
Place orders for seeds this month so you will have them available when you are ready to plant. By ordering early, you will be more certain of getting the varieties you want. In addition to ordering seeds that you are already familiar with, try a few new kinds each year to broaden your garden contents.
November through February is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. In the Panhandle, planting is often delayed until February or early March. Bring in late-blooming plants such as decorative kalanchoes or Christmas cactus so they may finish flowering in the warmth of the house. Reduce the fertilization of indoor plants from late October to mid-March. An exception would be plants in an atrium or a well lighted window.
Drain gasoline from power tools and run the engine until fuel in the carburetor is used up. Drain and store garden hoses and watering equipment in a readily accessible location. The lawn and plants may need water during a prolonged dry spell.
Continue to set out cool-season bedding plants, such as pansies, violas, stock, snapdragons, and dianthus. Prepare beds and individual holes for rose planting in January and February. Use composted manure, pine bark, and similar materials mixed with existing soil.
Use good pruning practices when selecting Christmas greenery from landscape plants. Don’t destroy the natural form and beauty of the plant. Prolong the life of holiday-season gift plants by providing proper care. Check to see if the pot wrap has plugged up the bottom drainage. Don’t overwater. Keep out of drafts from heating vents and opening doorways. Fertilizer is seldom needed the first few months.
Take advantage of good weather to prepare garden beds for spring planting. Work in any needed organic matter, and have beds ready to plant when needed. Don’t forget tulip and hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator. They can be planted any time in December if they have received 60 or more days of chilling.
Want to start cuttings of your favorite Christmas cactus? As soon as it has finished blooming, select a cutting with 4 or 5 joints, break or cut it off, and insert the basal end into a pot of moderately moist soil. Place it on a windowsill or other brightly lit area. The cuttings should be rooted within 3 to 4 weeks.
Don’t spare the pruning shears when transplanting bare-rooted woody plants. Cut the tops back at least one-third to one-half, to compensate for the roots lost when digging the plant. Take advantage of bad weather and holiday time to study seed and nursery catalogs as well as good gardening books. Berrying plants, such as holly and yaupon, may be pruned now while they can be enjoyed as cut material inside the house.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please email me at [email protected] or call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
