After Fan Sendoff From Home, Lady Cats Softball Team Opens Regional Quarterfinal Series Wednesday Night
Some of the parents of Lady Cats’ softball players organized a send off event as the team left Lady Cat Park on their bus headed for their game against Huntsville Wednesday evening at Whitehouse.
It gave the girls’ fans a chance to cheer the girls as they departed town.
The Lady Cats Softball Team does begin their best 2 out of 3 Regional Quarterfinal Series with Huntsville Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Whitehouse.
Huntsville was a district champion and the Lady Cats were co-champs, Huntsville in District 16-5A and the Lady Cats in District 15-5A.
The Lady Hornets went 10-0 in district play and they are 28-5 for the season. Huntsville defeated Texas High and Forney to get to the Regional Quarterfinal. The Lady Hornets are ranked #7 in the State in Class 5A according to a Texas Girls Coaches Association Poll.
The Lady Cats were 11-1 in district play and they defeated Hallsville in a seeding game to earn the district’s number one seed. The Lady Cats downed Lufkin and Crandall to get to the Regional Quarterfinals. The Lady Cats are 26-3 for the season.
Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo says he has fond memories of the Whitehouse all-turf field. The Lady Cats defeated Whitehouse there in game one of a bi-district series in 2019, 14-4, in a game shortened to 5 innings due to the ten run rule.
The next day, at Lady Cat Park, the Lady Cats got a win to wrap up the series.
This marks the fifth time Coach Carrillo’s Lady Cats have made it to the Regional Quarterfinal round. Game two is at Rusk Friday at 6:30 p.m.
A game three, if needed, will be back at Whitehouse Saturday at 2 p.m. KSST sister station, KRVA-FM, 107.1, will bring you Lady Cats and Lady Hornets Regional Quarterfinal action tonight at 6:30 p.m. from Whitehouse. Ross LaBenske will have the play by play.
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.
Dallas Man Jailed After Bond Revoked On Felony Charge
A 46-year-old Dallas man was jailed at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2021, after his bond was revoked on a felony charge, according to arrest reports.
Kenneth Paul Tolly Jr. was taken into custody in the district courtroom by a Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer and escorted into the jail for bond revocation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a 2020 Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. He man remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, May 12, 2021, on the bond revocation order.
Tolly was initially arrested on July 15, 2020, on the controlled substance charge as well as an assault by threat charge. Deputies responded to reports of a person trying to break into his own residence and arguing going on at an Interstate 30 address shortly after 5 a.m. July 15. Upon arrival, deputies found Tolly screaming and yelling at his father and his girlfriend. Tolly allegedly made threatening comments to harm both and sent text messages about harming his girlfriend, deputies wrote in 2020 arrest reports. Tolly was arrested on the assault by threat charge, then later served with a controlled substance warrant.
The Dallas man was released from jail Aug. 20, 2020, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail records. A Hopkins County Grand Jury indicted the Dallas man in December of 2020 for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
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 Woman Reportedly Had Child In Car During Drunk Driving Crash
A 39-year-old Dike woman had a child in the car with her during a drunk driving crash. The crash occurred Tuesday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender reported finding Sydnee Rochelle Kirk at the scene of a suspected drunk driving crash reported at the intersection of County Road 3512 and FM 3236 around 4 p.m. May 11, 2021. Lavender, in arrest reports, noted a child passenger had been in the Ford Fusion with Kirk.
While speaking with the Dike woman, Lavender reported smelling a metabolized alcohol odor emitting from her breath. When asked, she claimed she had “only had one or two shots” around 2 p.m. Lavender determined Kirk was intoxicated following standard field sobriety tests and took her into custody for drunk driving.
When asked, Kirk agreed to a breath test. The test was administered by a state trooper. She tested 0.103 g/210L on the first sample and the second breath sample had a reading of 0.102 g/210 L.
Kirk remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, May 12, 2021, on the driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under 15 years of age charge. Her bond was set at $10,000 on the felony DWI charge.
KRVA Summer Fun Trip Giveaway
After the year you’ve had, you deserve a break.
KRVA appreciates you, and wants to help you take time to unwind and reset this summer with a free trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas!
With a 3-night stay at Edgewater Resort, and tickets to Magic Springs Waterpark, this trip will be fun for the whole family.
To enter to win, go to the KRVA Facebook page, “like” the homepage, and the “KRVA Summer fun” post-and that’s it! You’re automatically entered to win!
Don’t wait! Winners for this trip will be announced Friday Morning at 7:15am on KRVA 107.1 FM.
And make sure to keep listening all summer long for more great giveaways from KRVA!
Fort Worth Woman Sentenced On A Stolen Vehicle Case
A 19-year-old Fort Worth woman has been sentenced on a stolen vehicle case, which Sulphur Springs Police believed to be one of three connected stolen vehicle crashes and multiple burglary cases, which they worked early Friday, Nov. 13, 2020.
Sunny Lea Sweatman appeared before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt in a sentencing hearing. She was accused Nov. 13, 2020 of two offenses, unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
A vehicle burglary was reported to be in progress on Houston Street early Nov. 13, while officers were still investigating a suspicious vehicle report that began near the city library the ended with the stolen truck fleeing to Main Street, then crashing into a light pole behind the police department. In an areas where additional suspected burglaries were also being reported, officers spotted on Houston Street and attempted to stop a car being driven with no headlights on. The driver, later identified as Sweatman, reportedly crashed into into a concrete divider or road control device, on Houston Street at North Hillcrest Drive around 2:50 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, police alleged in the 2020 arrest reports. She was ordered out of the car at gunpoint and taken into custody for evading arrest or detention. Officers later learned the crashed Honda Accord had been stolen from a Main Street address, resulting in the UUV charge, according to the SSPD chief and arrest reports.
The 19-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail on both charges from Nov. 13, 2020 until Jan. 7, 2021; bond on the charges totaled $15,000: $10,000 on the evading arrest charge and $5,000 on the UUV charge.
Sweatman pled guilty on the stolen vehicle charge and acknowledged her guilt in the evading case as part of a what is referred to as a 12.45 agreement or plea, according to prosecutors.
This refers to Section 12.45 of Texas Penal Code which allows a defendant to admit during a sentencing hearing to guilt of one or more unadjudicated offenses and request the court to take each into account in determining sentence for the offense or offenses of which the defendant stands adjudged guilty. While considered the unadjudicated offenses are dismissed.
Sweatman was sentenced to a 12-month commitment in a state jail and ordered to pay a $500 fine on the stolen vehicle charge as well as $500 in restitution. She was taken into custody and jailed Monday, May 10, 2021, on the UUV conviction, according to court and jail reports.
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.
SSISD Wildcat Theatre Programs Display Skills In 2 Free Productions
If you like live theater or just supporting local student thespians, you’ll want to be sure to mark May 13 and May 18 on your calendar. The Sulphur Springs ISD Wildcat Theatre Programs will be displaying their skills in two free productions offered on those days.
The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Theatre will present Don Nigro’s “Cinderella Waltz” starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13, on the stage at the SSHS Auditorium. While this senior showcase is offered free of charge, donations will be accepted for any who feel generous to help the SSHS theatre program offset costs and provide funding for future productions.
According to Concord Theatricals, the Samuel French, Inc., title tells the story of Rosey Snow, a girl “trapped in a fairy tale world that is by turns funny and a little frightening, with her stepsisters Goneril and Regan, her demented stepmother, her lecherous father, a bewildered Prince, a fairy godmother who sings salty old sailor songs, a troll and a possibly homicidal village idiot.”
“Cinderella Waltz” contrasts the familiar happily ever after fairy tale with the darker, more ancient disturbing tale recorded by the brothers Grimm. Don Nigro’s version is an adult fairy tale which blends “grotesque farce and romantic fantasy.”
The Sulphur Springs Middle School Wildcat Theatre then will offer a musical program at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18. The SSMS theatre students will perform Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.,” on the SSMS stage. The doors will open for seating at 7 p.m.
The play is based on Dahl’s classic novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The play features words and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, which were adapted to the stage by Bricusse and Timothy M. McDonald.
As is the case with the movies based on Dahl’s book, “Willy Wonka Jr.” tells the story of candy manufacturer Willy Wonka’s contest. Golden tickets are hidden in candy bars; those who hold golden tickets win a free tour of the Wonka factory and a lifetime supply of candy – provided they follow Wonka’s rules. Four of the five children who take the tour are brats, while a fifth child, Charlie, is more likeable. Those who do not follow the rules face calamitous consequences.
Chamber Connection – May 13, 2021
By Butch Burney
There are so many recognitions happening lately, and like our Chamber Board President Rusty Posey says, you can’t go wrong recognizing people.
We give a salute to Rowena Johnson, who dedicated her life to teaching our children. She was my third grade teacher her first year teaching, and was a loving, disciplined teacher and principal who touched more children and parents than we will ever know. The SSISD board voted to rename Lamar Primary as Rowena Johnson Primary in a proper memorial. Also, thanks to Coach Cip and his family for all they have done in the community. Best of luck moving forward. Lastly, in the education realm, a warm, thoughtful prayer was given at the National Junior Honor Society ceremony Monday night for dedicated SSMS teacher Senor Mangon in his battle with cancer. Hopkins County is blessed to have so many outstanding educators.
While we’re at it, Hopkins County EMS Appreciation Week is May 16-22, and many events are being organized on their behalf, including luncheons, breakfasts, cards, letter and drawings. Our thanks go out to all first responders.
Chamber Showcase
Plans are being made for the Third Annual Chamber Showcase in early August. This is a fantastic networking event and a way for you, as a business owner or representative, to get your name and services out to the public. Only Chamber members can reserve booths for display (the public is invited to attend free of charge), so contact us at the Chamber to find out how your affordable annual membership not only allows you to rent a booth at the Showcase but gives you advantages and opportunities all year long.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Chamber will be hosting a ribbon cutting at noon Thursday, May 13, for Money Law Firm. The celebration will be held at their Sulphur Springs location, 1335 South Broadway Suite 40, and we would love for you to join us.
Davison Development & Building will be hosting their ribbon cutting on May 18, at noon. We would love for you to join us, at 204B Linda Drive, for a fun celebration with free barbecue and refreshments.
Brookshire’s Food Store in Sulphur Springs is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its updated store, located at 809 Gilmer St., at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 19. There will be a small ceremony inside the store and conclude with a ribbon cutting outside. Brookshire’s Community Kitchen will be there to serve free breakfast, and their 13-foot Big Grocery Cart will be on display. Please join us for this celebration.
Volunteer Fair
The Volunteer Fair on Thursday, May 13, at The ROC has about 20 agencies looking for volunteers. The fair, which is scheduled for 1-4 p.m., will have lots of door prizes and refreshments. If you’re interested in volunteering, it will be a great place to start.
Salute to the Veterans
Also, don’t forget about the 5th Annual Salute the Veterans BBQ Cookoff at VFW Post 8560 on May 14-15. There will be music on Friday night, then the barbecue cookoff is set for Saturday.
Mammography Mobile Coach
The Hunt Regional Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach will be at the Spring Village Shopping Center on May 20. To schedule individual screening mammograms, call 903-408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
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 May 10, Latson’s. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
County Historical Commission Appointments, Contracts Approved By Commissioners Court
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday approved a dozen Hopkins County Historical Commission appointments, a services contractor for storm repair work to county facilities and a space use agreement with the American National Red Cross; they also heard from from a Dike resident opposed to and a Dike property owner in support of the planned Hopkins County Solar farm in the area.
Historical Commission
The Commissioners Court unanimously approved a dozen individuals to serve on Hopkins County Historical Commission for a two-year term.The HCHC members for 2021-22 include:
- John Sellers
- Rick Wilson
- Carlie Penson
- Andrew Froneberger
- Major Willis
- Joyce Bateman
- Josh Willis
- Barbara Hudson
- Bill Glover
- Susan McCary
- Carolyn French
- Paula Altenbaumer
The Texas Legislature authorized counties to establish County Historical Commissions (CHC) to assist county commissioners courts and the Texas Historical Commission in the preservation of our historic and cultural resources. The mission of each CHC is to preserve, protect, and promote these resources, according to the Texas Historical Commission website.
Budget Amendment
County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook presented for Commissioners Court approval an $86,517.03 budget amendment, insurance proceeds received from Texas Association of Counties, less the $10,000 deductible, for repairs to county facilities due to damage during the winter storm in February.
She said $80,921.76 was designated to go into the courthouse repairs and maintenance fund to to start taking care of repairs and maintenance of the probation office and the county courthouse annex building, and the remaining $5,595.27 is designated for the Civic Center for cost of repairing burst pipes. Repairs at the Civic Center cost a little over $7,000, so some of the deductible had to be paid by the Civic Center.
County Judge Robert Newsom noted that damages to all three county buildings that sustained damages resulting from the winter storm were currently being addressed.
The Commissioners Court approved the budgetary change as recommended by the county auditor
Contracts
The Commissions Court too approved a contract with MTG Engineers & Surveyors for professional services under DR-4416, “Texas Severe Storms and Flooding Under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.” The contract has to do with the two portable generators to ensure the county obtains the proper size and connections needed. The engineering has already been done, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley explained, so the county now must enter into contract with MTG part of the grant funding the generator purchases. The court approved the contract as recommended by Endsley to meet grant requirements.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked where things stand on a generator that was sent off. Endsley said the problem with the generator has been diagnosed, and he could go into more in-depth detail during the work session that was to follow the regular court meeting. That generator would not be suited for emergency use, he said.
Also approved was a three-year space license agreement with the American National Red Cross to allow the group to share space in the old Fidelity Express building just off College Street, which served as headquarters for a state-sponsored free COVID-19 testing site from last fall until April.
“It’s just a renewal of contract. There’s no money exchanged. We just allow them to use that space for their office to do the things they do for us for us for Hopkins County Emergency Management,” explained Endsley. “It’s back to Red Cross, Salvation Army and CERT. They all three share that building there together. Red Cross always is adamant about having a contract with it and they also carry a $1 million liability on the building while they are inside it.”
Asset Disposal
The county officials too were asked and approved the disposal of some sheriff’s office assets. The sheriff’s office is selling 10 vehicles, a vending machine, second row seats for a Chevrolet Tahoe and a Ford Explorer, and two other items. A notice has been posted as required. The items are being sold online at Auctioneer Express. The list of vehicles includes pickup trucks, SUVs and a car.
“There are vehicles that have issues or would bring more at this sale, or were seized property the court has titles for,” Aulsbrook explained.
Public Forum
Dike resident Michelle Barnes, speaking on behalf of residents opposed to the planned solar project slated to begin in September, complained that an individual who spoke out in favor at of the project at a previous meeting doesn’t live in Dike, he just owns property there which he is leasing to the solar company Engie.
“There’s a major difference between actually living in Dike among this industrial power plant and just making making money off a lease with property you own but do not live on. In fact, almost all the people except one that signed the lease with the solar company do not live in Dike. So, how is that fair representation of homeowners when you made the decision to sign the contract,” Barnes said to when addressing the commissioners court during the public forum portion of the May 10 regular court session.
“Trusting the Commissioners Court that we will have a voice and be listened to is what we expect. The fact that our concerns seem to fall on deaf ears does not go unnoticed. I believe there should be representation of the people among the governmental leaders,” Barnes said.
Barnes contends that the Commissioners Court agrees with that sentiment, shown when the court on April 12 unanimously approved a resolution opposing Senate Bill 234 and House Bill 749, “because you believe rural governments will not have a voice in Austin,” which could result in unfair laws and regulations set at the state level and forced upon small rural counties including Hopkins County.
“I am against these bills, but a small fraction of me wants it to go through so you will know exactly how the citizens of Dike feel, in effect, putting the shoe on the other foot,” Barnes told the Commissioners Court.
Tim Fuller, a property owner for the Hopkins County Solar project, however, thanked the Commissioners for their forward thinking in allowing Engie to come in and build the solar project. Fuller noted that he spoke at the prior court meeting, and reiterated Monday that “the properties involved in the project are owned by individuals and we can use our land as whatever purpose within.”
“Again, I thank the commissioners for doing a job that are very seldom thanked. I’ve been here before. I would vote for anyone of you in the next election, preferably each one of you go unopposed,” Fuller concluded.
Beaumont Woman Jailed On Felony Theft Charge
A 34-year-old Beaumont woman ended up in Hopkins County jail on a felony theft charge Sunday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Mykeya Starlet James allegedly tried to leave Walmart with more than $50 worth of merchandise around 1:40 p.m. May 9, 2021. She reportedly passed all points of sale without paying for the merchandise she had collected in the store. She was detained until police arrived, then taken into custody at the store and jailed for theft of property valued at less than 2,500, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson noted in arrest reports.
The charge was enhanced to a third-degree felony offense, however, when it was determined James (who is also known by Keya Payne, Mykeya Starlet Payne and Kidd) had three prior theft convictions, one on Aug. 23, 2007; a second on July 12, 2012; and a third on July 11, 2018.
James was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, April 10, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the third-degree felony theft charge.
James’ jail record in Hopkins County goes back to 2006. Of the approximately 2 dozen times James was arrested, the last two were related to theft charges. She was taken into custody on July 11, 2018, to serve a 6 month commitment in a substance abuse felony punishment facility, part of a sentence for a January 2018 theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions charge. She returned to Hopkins County jail from March 19, 2019 to May 13, 2019 for violation of probation on the theft charge.
Richardson Man Arrested In Dallas On Hopkins County Warrant
A 28-year-old Richardson man was arrested and jailed in Dallas County on a Hopkins County felony warrant.
After Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted, Deputy Amanda Weatherford traveled to Dallas County jail, took custody of Joshua Ryan Knox shortly after 1 p.m. May 10, 2021, according to arrest reports.
Weatherford transported Knox to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 4:45 p.m. May 10, on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
Knock, who is also known by Joshua Ryan Smith, remained in jail on the charge Tuesday, May 11, 2021, on the charge.
He was arrested on the original controlled substance charge on Oct. 7, 2018, after a sizable amount of suspected ecstasy was found in the van he and three others were traveling in, officials reported in arrest reports. He was released from jail on a $30,000 bond on Oct. 8, 2018, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Knox and his three codefendants were indicted in June 2019 by a Hopkins County Grand Jury on the 2018 possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, according to court 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.
