Lady Cats Cross Country Team Finishes Season Strong at Regionals
The Lady Cats cross country team fought hard and competed well but did not have the finish necessary to move on to the state competition.
Sulphur Springs led by head coach Ross Hicks travelled to Garland earlier this week to compete in the 5A Region II Championship meet and while not all of the men travelled and competed, one Wildcat did end up placing.
Senior Evan Patrick finished at 100th with a time of just over 18 and a half minutes.
The Lady Cats were led as always by Haylee Schultz. The sophomore crossed the line at 21:14.16.
Next up for the women was Jolene Carpenter, finishing her 5K with a time of 23:10.74 and 113th place.
Two more Lady Cats made the top-155; junior Rebekah Stanley and sophomore Jazmin Yanez at 149 and 155, respectively.
Stanley crossed the line at 25:43.80 and Yanez was not far behind at 26:13 flat.
The final Lady Cat to place in a crowded field of talented runners was freshman Maddie Poskey, who placed 161st.
Sulphur Springs finished with 568 points, good enough for 20th at the Regional meet.
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.
PUBLIC NOTICE – Bidding For 1,007-Acre Agricultural Lease At Thermo Mine
The City has an annual Agricultural Lease at the Thermo Property open for bidding right now. This lease is for 1,007 acres with a minimum bid of $25.00 per acre being accepted. This lease is for agricultural use only. No hunting, fishing or other recreational use will be permitted. Sealed bids are due by November 30, 2021 at 10:00 A.M.
The bid specification can be found on our website at https://www.sulphurspringstx.org/Invitation%20to%20Bid-%20Thermo%20Lease.pdf
Any questions pertaining to the bid opportunity should be directed to Ashley Floyd at [email protected]
Dias Hired To Fill Vacancy At Cooper Lake State Park
By Steve Killian, Complex Superintendent, Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, Texas — One of the best parts of my job is to help our Park Rangers find a new position through a promotion. Even though this is usually bittersweet, as it was in this case, our long time Office Manager, Kimberly Swaim, was promoted to our regional office because of excellent service, resulting in big hiking boots to fill! We were very fortunate to have found an excellent candidate to take over this important administrative position.
I am happy to announce that Amanda Dias is our new Office Manager for Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit. She brings over 15 years of administrative, operational, and technical experience stemming from work in sales, education, and the medical field. Amanda has experience working in several fast-paced medical clinics, as well as operating a drive-thru Covid-19 Clinic. She joins us from Fort Hood, Texas. Her husband, Ramon Dias, who is also a Park Ranger at Cooper Lake State Park, retired from the Army after 20 years of service and was hired at the Park in 2019. They have two adult children: Jeramiah, who serves in the Air Force, and Alexa, who resides in Dallas.
Amanda will oversee HQ operations including assisting in the development and implementation of Park policies and procedures, managing and overseeing the administration of programs and practices at the Park, maintaining accounts payable and receivables, monthly billing, and budgeting. She promotes a healthy work environment and truly cares about her team members. Customer service is a cornerstone of her professional character.
Her family’s interests are agribusiness, investing, self-improvement, and helping and mentoring others to be their best. She also enjoys reading and taking continuing education courses. Amanda plans on graduating from Excelsior College in 2022. Spending time with family and friends is very important to her as she values those close relationships. Stop by and meet our new office manager during your next adventure at the Cooper Lake State Park.
Allen West To Be At The Wall That Heals From 4-5 P.M. Friday, Nov. 5
Allen West, who has announced his candidacy as a Republican candidate for Governors in 2022, plans to speak at the wall this afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m. at the Vietnam mobile memorial wall, The Wall That Heals, located on Sulphur Springs High School Track.
“This is not a political event and I just learned of the exact time he would be here. I spoke to him this morning to verify he was coming and he said he would be here at 4 p.m. He told me he was coming as a respectful soldier and was not trying to make it a political event. I told him there were a lot of folks in Hopkins County that would like to meet him. He told me this was not about him, but he would love to meet the folks so I could get the word out and he would see them this afternoon. If you want to meet Lt. Col. Allen West (Ret.) and Republican candidate for Governor of Texas, come out to The Wall this afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m.,” Donnie Wisenbaker, Hopkins County GOP Chairman, stated in a release just before lunch Friday, Nov. 5, 2021.
Extension Agents Recognize Volunteers, Outstanding Supporter Who Help Make Many Programs Successes
Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Service Thursday evening recognized a group of people who continue to give of their time and talents to help make the many programs hosted by the local Extension office the successes they continue to be. A few very special awards, including state recognition and the Hopkins County Outstanding Extension Supporter of the Year, were presented at the 2021 Extension Leadership Banquet held Nov. 4, at Hopkins County Civic Center.
The Extension Service provided a meal, complete with two chocolate chip cookies each, over which this dedicated group of volunteers fellowshipped and were able to enjoy spending time together — some of which were unable to give up their roles as volunteers for the entire meal. At least one made sure everyone in attendance signed in and received a ticket for drawings for door prizes, and helped clear the tables afterward.
The big award of the night, 2021 Hopkins County Outstanding Extension Supporter of the Year, was presented not to an individual but a family. Extension Agent Mario Villarino noted that Karl and Kelli Ebel are not just strong supporters, but are involved in youth and adult programs.
When Karl Ebel accepted the award on behalf of the family, he noted that Hopkins County is exceptionally blessed to have such a knowledgeable, dynamic Extension team as that of Mario Villarino and Johanna Hicks. In addition to having their names added to the plaque and displayed for years to come, the Extension Agents also presented the Ebels with a wooden engraved token of their appreciation.
Hicks noted that when she accepted a state award for her programs this year, she too received certificates of award for few of the Master Wellness Volunteers’ active involvement in the program. Hicks presented the certificates at the leadership banquet. Joan Brennan, Patsy Neal, Pat Connally and LaTarra Giles were among the volunteers receiving Texas Education Agency Family and Consumer Sciences Innovative Youth Development Programming Awards. Brennan too received an Excellence in Teamwork Award.
The Extension Master Wellness Volunteer Program must complete 40 hours of training to learn knowledge and skills to live healthier lifestyles and ways to encourage others to do the same. They are then asked to give back that many hours of service throughout the year. To recertify, the MWVs are asked to attend the first and last training days of the training, to satisfy the annual 10 hour training requirement, then volunteer a certain number of hours of service annually. Most of the Master Wellness Volunteers have far exceeded the requested service hours, contributing of upwards of 70 hours each. One volunteer logged over 220 hours of volunteer time. The county currently has 11 trained volunteers, who as of Nov. 3, 2201, had logged 824 hours of service, reaching 3,464 individuals, including through the Volunteer Connections Newsletter.
Recognizing for their continued service were Susie Faltesek, Joan Brennan, Pat Connally, LaTarra Giles, Nell Shipp, Patsy Neal, Marjean Allen, Wendy Johnson and Kim Sellers.
Registration for the next Master Wellness Volunteer training opens Nov. 15, 2021. The next session begins in January 2022 and is a hybrid class – the first and last days are in-person, and the the middle sessions are done on-line at the participant’s convenience. The first session will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 18, 2022, with online courses the following weeks, and wrapping with the last session on March 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information and session location, contact Hopkins County Extension Agent Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443.
Wildcats Football Ends Season With Loss in Forney
The Wildcats football team looked to get their first win on the season in their final game of the 2021 season, but turnovers plagued Sulphur Springs as they lost 47-20 in Forney.
Coach Greg Owens’s team had multiple opportunities to score points throughout the game, but seven turnovers given up proved to be too much to overcome.
North Forney led 40-7 at halftime.
The Wildcats never quit though and kept fighting, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Sulphur Springs was able to score twice in the second half and out score the Falcons 13-7 to make it a more respectable final score of 47-20.
QB Matthew Mitchell was the starter for the final two games of the regular season, and while the senior had excellent pocket presence, knowing when to leave the pocket due to pressure, his five turnovers given up were enough to allow the Falcons to turn it around and run away with the game.
The senior QB Mitchell did get a rushing touchdown in the loss.
Running back Malachi Roland had an impressive showing, as on the first of three touchdown drives for Sulphur Springs the sophomore rushed for over 50 yards on the drive, including a nine-yard score on the ground.
RB Douglas Deloney was also able to barrel his way over numerous Falcon defenders to give the Wildcats new life each time he was able tog et a new set of downs.
Riley Hammons was able to snag an INT in the loss.
27 seniors saw their last playing time as Sulphur Springs football members in the Thursday night loss.
And while it was no doubt another tough loss in the fall 2021 season, they can rest easier knowing that not only the upperclassmen, but the whole team did not go out in a football contest without a fight.
The loss ends the Wildcats football team’s season with an 0-10 record (0-7 district).
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.
Opening Ceremony for the Sulphur Springs Visit of The Wall That Heals
Erected on the Sulphur Springs High School track, the 375-foor-long Wall That Heals provided a reflective backdrop for the Opening Ceremony of the much-anticipated visit of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica. The display will be open 24 hours a day November 4th through 7th for visitors. At 2 p.m. Sunday, November 7, the Wall and Mobile Education Center will depart Sulphur Springs for it’s next visit somewhere in America. There is no cost to visit The Wall That Heals or the Mobile Education Center.
Event Organizer Mandy Kennedy thanks donor Carol Gunn Vernon for her generous donation which enabled the visit from The Wall That Heals 
Judge Newsom read the names of Hopkins County soldiers killed in Vietnam 
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers welcomes the audience 
A representative from US Congressional District 4 Rep. Pat Fallon’s office addresses the crowd 
Dena Loyd assisted Mandy Kennedy during months of planning for the event 
Kelley Fletcher played Taps 
Hopkins County Civil Air Patrol posted the Colors 
Keynote Speaker Capt. Chuck Lawrence, Vietnam Veteran 
Sargeant served as The Riderless Horse 
The stands were filled with local veterans and their families 
Wrapped against the cool breeze, Mrs. Carol Gunn Vernon was Underwriter for The Wall That Heals
Schedule, King and Queen Nominees Announced for 2021 Paris Junior College Homecoming
“PJC in the 1980s” is the theme for this year’s Homecoming festivities at Paris Junior College set for November 4-6. After a final round of voting by students, the Homecoming Court is set as well. Members include Rylie Hardison of Mt. Pleasant, Da’May Jones of Houston, Baylee Metcalfe of Sand Springs, Okla., Jessika Roberts of Forney, Beau Brewer of McKinney, and Nathaniel Windham of Pickton.
Hardison is a 2020 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School. She is from Mount Pleasant, Texas and the daughter of Rachelle Hardison. She is a returning member of the PJC Dragon Cheerleaders and serves as captain this year. After PJC, Rylie plans on transferring to the University of North Texas and majoring in Psychology as well as trying out for the UNT dance team.
Jones is a 2018 graduate of Milby High School in Houston, Texas and is the son of Sean Jones and Christina Cartwright. He is a returning member of the Dragons Men’s Basketball Team and Vice President of the Student Government Association. He was the 2020-21 Most Valuable Player for Men’s Basketball. After PJC, Da’May will pursue his dream of becoming a professional basketball player, and then work towards a career in coaching or physical therapy.
Metcalfe is a 2020 graduate of Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and the niece of Wayne Metcalfe. She began playing soccer at age 4 and competitively at 10, is a returning player on the Dragons Women’s Soccer Team and a member of the Student Government Association. She plans to continue her soccer career at a university and pursue a degree for a future career in a medical field.
Roberts is a 2020 graduate of Forney High School in Forney, Texas. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Harrell. A returning member of the Dragon’s Softball Team, she earned Second Team All-Conference Outfielder for the 2020-2021 season. She actively volunteers at the Downtown Food Pantry along with her teammates. Jessika plans to continue her softball career at a four-year university and become a nurse practitioner.
Brewer is a 2020 graduate of McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney, Texas and the son of Scott and Sheri Brewer. He is a returning player on the Dragons Baseball Team, named a 2020-2021 All-Region Outfielder, was named to the President’s and Dean’s Lists, and maintains a 4.0 GPA. After PJC, he plans on furthering his academic and baseball career at Western Kentucky University.
Windham is a 2016 graduate of Como-Pickton High School in Pickton, Texas. He is the son of Rebecca Jourdan. He is an active member of the Beta Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society, and is pursuing prerequisites for the radiology program at PJC. He hopes to become a radiology technologist.
Activities begin on Thursday, November 4, with the Student Government Association sponsored parade at 4 p.m. Floats and decorated vehicles will line up along South Collegiate Drive and proceed up Clarksville Street to 12th Street S.E., over to Lamar Avenue, around the downtown plaza and back to the College. Immediately following the parade a pep rally will be held in the Hunt Center.
Friday, Nov. 6 is headlined with the President’s Reception hosted by Dr. Pamela Anglin from 5:30 until 7 p.m. in the McLemore Student Center Ballroom. Alumni, friends, and retired and current faculty have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments while reliving PJC memories.
The weekend celebration continues on Saturday with the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon at Love Civic Center at 11:30 a.m. Honorees include Brad Hutchison, Class of 1964 and Lynn Patterson, Class of 1974. Tickets for the luncheon are $25 and may be purchased through the office of Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs, 903-782-0276 or [email protected].
Saturday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Hall of Fame Room in the Hunt Center will be open to alumni wishing to view the exhibits and enjoy refreshments. The College bookstore will also be open from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for those wishing to buy Dragons hats, t-shirts and other athletic gear.
The women’s basketball team plays Connors State College at 4 p.m. and the men’s basketball team takes on Grayson College at 6 p.m. The King and Queen crowning will be held during halftime of the men’s game in the Hunt Center.
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.
TxDOT Urges Drivers to ‘End the Streak’ of Daily Deaths on Texas Roads as 21st Anniversary Approaches
| November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways |
Nov. 4, 2021
AUSTIN – It was late in the afternoon when Isaac Simmons got the call: a vehicle was broken down along a stretch of I-45 in Fairfield, and Simmons, a 35-year-old tow truck driver, headed out to help.
While winching the car onto his tow truck, the routine stop suddenly became horrific. A speeding car careened off the road, rolled up the tow truck’s sliding bed and flew through the air. The airborne car slammed into Simmons. Two days later he died, making him one of more than 3,200 people who have been killed on Texas roads so far in 2021.
“He was one of the best men I’ve ever known. He always wanted to make everybody smile,” said Nathan Bryant, a fellow tow truck driver who considered Simmons a brother. “Sometimes it can be a little dicey out there because nobody moves over, nobody slows down. They don’t care about human life on the side of the road.”
On Nov. 7 Texas marks 21 years of daily deaths on state roadways with more than 75,000 innocent lives lost to preventable fatal crashes. For the past several years, about 10 people have died every day in crashes in the state. During the height of the pandemic when traffic dropped nearly 50 percent, the death rate climbed to more than 11 a day, shocking state transportation leaders.
Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan, a champion for road safety and TxDOT’s #EndTheStreakTX campaign, said every Texan must do their part. And while the goal of ending the deadly streak is ambitious, Ryan said, it is far from impossible.
“We stick with it. We keep telling the story. We fight back when people say personal responsibility is not a thing. It is. And we don’t give up,” Ryan said. “I am hopeful that it will happen sooner than later, but I am confident that it will happen.”
Most crashes and fatalities are preventable and caused by things such as speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving. That’s why the approach to reaching zero deaths must be through what TxDOT calls the 3 E’s – engineering, education and enforcement. That way, everyone has a responsibility to keep our roads and fellow drivers safe.
Because #EndTheStreakTX is a grassroots word-of-mouth and social media effort, Texans are asked to do any or all the following to help raise awareness:
- Make the best and safest decisions behind the wheel and encourage others to do the same.
- Post pictures on social media with this downloadable sign displaying the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
- Share personal stories on social media of loved ones who have been lost in a crash and use the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
- Follow @txdot social media pages and share posted content.
Industrial Drive Closed From Commercial Services Drive To Bill Bradford Road
Industrial Drive was closed to traffic and operations at Saputo reportedly halted Thursday afternoon due to the presence of natural gas in the area. The contractor boring under I-30 to connecting the final piece of the Saputo sewer main project reportedly hit the gas main, according to the city manager.
First, the far right westbound lane of Industrial Drive was closed where crews had dug in the soil and the presence of a gas odor was detected. Around 3 p.m. Nov. 4, 2021, the odor had intensified and police soon arrived to completely shutting down Industrial Drive just east of the Bill Bradford Road exit off I-30 west, routing traffic north onto Commercial Service Drive to Como Street. Industrial Drive continued to be shut down from there to the Bill Bradford Road underpass. Additional emergency truck had cordoned off with yellow tape a section of the Saputo parking lot closest to Industrial Drive as Atmos, firefighters, city and company employees worked to try to stem the natural gas flow and repair the problem.
At 3:40 p.m., the city manager confirmed the contractor hit a gas main. Saputo operations, he was told and reported, were shut down. That area of Industrial Drive continued to be closed at 4 p.m. Thursday. Workers from Saputo were seen exiting a few at a time. A few had walked across the street to the old VF Outlet parking lot to wait.
Those traveling in the area should plan an alternate route of travel until the road can be reopened.
