New Band Trailer A Big Hit During Ceremonial Reveal
Semi Dedicated To Past Staff, Students, Administrators Who Built The SSISD Band Program
The Sulphur Springs ISD Band program‘s new trailer was a big hit during the ceremonial reveal Wednesday evening.
Lead by a police car, the blue and gold semi trailer rolled down Houston Street and into the visitor parking lot at Gerald Prim Stadium Wednesday evening, where it received applause and cheers from an ecstatic gathering.
At the Community-Wide Reveal & Dedication Ceremony Nov. 11, SSISD Director of Bands Spencer Emmert was as giddy as his students after getting his first glimpse of the semi trailer, trimmed in Wildcat colors with Sulphur Springs Band on the side and the band’s introductory phrase, “Man, oh, man that Wildcat Band” on the back door of the trailer.
“We are dedicating this trailer to the all of the past staff, students, administration from Sulphur Springs Band, who have worked so hard to build this band program, year after year, decade after decade,” Emmert said.
This is Emmert’s 19th year to be affiliated with the SSISD band program, 15 as band instructor. The 4 years he directed the Winnsboro band, he and his family still lived in Sulphur Springs, where he had children involved in the SSISD band program.
“Seeing the change in that almost 20 years has been unbelievable. We’ve had some of the best administration in the state, the best I would say. Our school board has always been so incredibly supportive of these kids and we are just fortunate; I am fortunate to be in Sulphur Springs and work here,” Emmert said.
The dedication, Emmert said, is “most specifically to Mr. McCauley,” referring to Charles McCauley who lead the SSISD Band program since the fall of 1998, when the late band director resigned his post at Quitman High School, where Emmert had been a band student until his graduation in the spring of 1998. After 4 years of college, Emmert began working with McCauley at SSISD.
“That was really a new beginning for this band program,” Emmert said of McCauley’s direction. “We know that he passed away a few years ago. We also want to highlight him this evening. He would be one of the most proud people tonight.”
“I remember about 9 years ago, all we had was that little white thing,” Superintendent Mike Lamb said of the small trailer pulled by a school truck. “Charlie was so excited I ask me if we could get that box truck, and I thought I was Santa Claus. ‘Oh, yeah. I’ll get you a box truck. I’ll be a hero.’ That little old box truck don’t mean much anymore. We’re there baby.”
Emmert also thanked the school board for appreciating the band program’s need for a semi trailer, seeing the band program’s struggle to safely keep three vehicles on the road in good working order when traveling to contests as well as football games.
“The struggle of packing and loading three different vehicles to go to contest and even football games has really opened our minds to how much this means for us, so from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of everyone in this band, I’d like to really thank our school board and our Band Boosters for everything they’ve done and continuing support in the future,” senior drum major Tristan Stewart said.
Stewart along with senior drum major Galilea Sosa and junior drum major Joel Villarino presented SSISD Board of Trustees President Robert Cody with thank you poster signed by band members and band facemasks for the board members. The band performed for the administrators as a thank you for the trailer.
The Band Boosters president also offered thanks to Lamb and Cody for their support of the band students.
To the students, she said, “We have taught y’all work hard. Hard work pays off. This is proof of that. Take care of this. This is a gift, this is a privilege.”
The band supporter said one of her favorite parts of their Paris Sketches program is the beginning. The spirit of unity and togetherness is displayed as they step forward with a beautiful sound, together.
Cody commended Emmert for his leadership and credited him for the band program’s successes. He noted that the school afforded new uniforms for the band last year and this year a semi trailer to effective haul all of their cargo.
“The excellence comes from each one of you, and the hard work and dedication that you put into this program. Those uniforms don’t play their hearts out. That trailer won’t play their hearts out. But, if every Friday night and every band competition that y’all go to, y”ll represent Sulphur Springs. You represent your community and your school district. Hats go off to y’all. Y’all are the legacy. These things will fade but y’all will continue to build a legacy from this point forward that Sulphur Springs has an amazing band program,” Cody told the band students.
The school board president also offered thanks to the parents and friends for their amazing support of the band students, which is evident in the stands at Friday night games and band competitions. They, he said are also a part of the band program.
“Spencer you got us there. You guys worked hard to get here. You’re well deserved this gift to you. Take care of it. Do good things with it, like we know you will,” Lamb said. “I am very proud of this program, these kids.”
Emmert too extended thanks to the many members of the SSISD band staff, color guard and fine arts coordinators for their dedication which, combined with the students efforts and school and community support, are taking the band to “a new level.” He thanked the band supporters for always being the biggest group of fans at competitions, always making the trip to be their for the SSISD band students. He invited them to join the band on Nov. 14 in Celina, where they are slated to perform at 12:45 p.m.
“I think most people would agree and we are excited to see the future. This was a desperately needed thing for us,” Emmert said.
The very expensive “gift” of a semi trailer will allow the band program to fit everything they need to take with them into the trailer, including instruments, sound equipment, electronics, color guard materials and props, thanks to “belly boxes.”
Students, staff, administrators and community members were invited to tour the trailer to gain a full appreciation of the its organization. Most were impressed, noting the different spaces and features within the trailer.
The trailer is two story, with a ramp at the back that slowly opens to a full ramp for ease of moving many band items safer in a quick amount of time. The trailer also opens on the sides for additional access. Lower instruments will be stored on the bottom and wind instruments on the top floor of the structure. The floor of the trailer has a hardwood appearance and there’s carpeting over the metal that creates the second floor, with a mesh cage to hold items in place.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Analyzes Lady Cats Loss at Hallsville Tuesday
Perhaps the Lady Cats winning the first set at Hallsville Tuesday night might not have been such a good thing after all. The Lady Bobcats then won the next three sets to take a 3-1 win that broke the Lady Cats 9-game winning streak in district games.
Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner said the team might have become complacent after an easy set one win. She said a good team like Hallsville takes advantage of that.
Coach Dorner said it was disappointing when adversity happened to the Lady Cats, they stayed down and did not try to get back up. She said any time the Lady Cats tried to rally and seize momentum during the last three sets, they would make a mistake. Coach Dorner said her team did not aggressively go after balls. She said if the Lady Cats would have cut down their mistakes by about 10%, they probably would have won in straight sets. She called the Lady Cats’ play sloppy.
The Lady Cats are still in first place by one game with a district mark of 9-2. Their season mark is 12-7. The Lady Cats could wrap up the district championship with a home win over Longview Friday.
Coach Dorner said she wants the Lady Cats to get it back together and get the job done Friday.
Some stats from Tuesday night:
- Sadie Washburn: 26 kills, 14 digs and 5 service aces
- Kaslyn Hurley: 5 blocks Peyton Hammack 35 assists
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.
2020 Veterans Day Observance In Sulphur Springs
The 2020 Veterans Day observance on Celebration Plaza Wednesday was set to begin at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11.
Veterans Day commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at 11 a.m., the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
An invocation with a prayer for departed veterans was given. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was recited, lead by veterans.
Hopkins County Military Coalition performed a 3-round volley in honor of deceased veterans.
The US and service flags were lowered and Taps played as well.
A proclamation issued by President Donald Trump on Oct. 30 designating November 2020 as National Veterans and Military Families Month, encouraging “all communities, all sectors of society, and all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our great Nation,” was read.
“Caring for the brave Americans in our Armed Forces, and their families, and upholding our sacred obligation to those who have served with honor is the least we can do for those who have given so much for so many. This month, we pledge our gratitude to every man and woman currently serving this Nation in uniform, to all our veterans who helped preserve and defend our precious freedom, and to every family member who shares in the service and sacrifice of military life,” the proclamation states.
The proclamation then recognizes the sacrifices military families make in support of the nation’s heroes while serving and as they transition to civilian life. it honors the spouses, parents, siblings and children of service men and women who shoulder increased burdens and responsibilities when their loved ones are called to duty. Military families endure frequent relocations and job searches under state licensing regulations that can prevent them from working in their chosen occupations. They also stand beside their veterans when they deal with lasting physical and emotional scars from their sacrifices. In some cases, military families face a future without their loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Also read at the Veterans Day observance in downtown Sulphur Springs Wednesday was a second proclamation issued by Trump on Veterans Day recognizing the many who have fought to defend our country, its values, interests by defeating tyrants, eliminating terrorists, and securing freedom at home and abroad.
“Their courage and fortitude in the face of adversity serve as an example for all Americans. On Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to all who have proudly worn our Nation’s uniform. These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen selflessly placed lives, well‑being, and security of others before their own. We enjoy the privileges of peace, prosperity, and freedom because of our veterans, and we are forever indebted to them beyond measure,” the proclamation states.
The Veterans Day proclamation notes the adversity, loneliness, fatigue, loss, and other incredible sacrifices veterans endure.
“Many sustained life-altering physical injuries and disabilities; others bear the burden of emotional scars for the remainder of their lives. Our Nation’s veterans fully understand liberty’s high and precious cost, for they have paid it every day since the formation of our Republic,” the MCL official read from the Veterans Day proclamation.
Trump proclaims that “this country and its people are duty-bound to care for our exceptional veterans, their families, and their survivors,” and that the “mental health and welfare of our veterans is of critical importance.” Currently, 20 veterans and service members die by suicide each day; efforts must continue to support veterans’ physical and mental health, according to the proclamation.
The Veterans Day proclamation encourages “all Americans to recognize the fortitude and sacrifice of our veterans through public ceremonies and private thoughts and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs,” Trump proclaimed in the Veterans Day statement.
The US flag was raised at the conclusion of the program.
Among the Marine Corps League and Hopkins County Military Coalition members who had more active roles in the Veterans Day program in Sulphur Springs were: HCMCL Judge Advocate Bob Kerr, master of ceremonies; MCL District 9 Vice Commandant Bobby Ullman, program; Commandant Derb Goodman, commands; Camilo Perez, bugle calls and playing of Taps; and Gerald Heard, leading the Military Coalition.
Wildcats Basketball Will Have Second Scrimmage Wednesday Minus Quarantined JV Team
Wildcats Basketball Freshman and Varsity Teams will be involved in a scrimmage at Frisco Lebanon Trail beginning at 5 p.m. on this game day Wednesday. The Wildcats JV Team has been quarantined due to coronavirus.
The Wednesday scrimmage will be the first for the Freshman Wildcats. JV games, against Tyler Legacy on Saturday and North Lamar on Tuesday have been canceled. The Lebanon Trail scrimmage will be the second for the Wildcats Varsity.
The Wildcats Varsity opens the regular season Saturday at 4 p.m. against Tyler Legacy in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School.
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.
Lady Cats Senior Volleyball Player Sadie Washburn Signs Letter To Play At Dallas Baptist
Lady Cats Volleyball star Sadie Washburn signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Dallas Baptist University during an signing event Wednesday morning in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School. Washburn has been on the varsity for three years.
She said she talked with a lot of colleges but she said her dad recommended DBU. Washburn said the DBU coach saw her play and that led to a visit. Washburn said she got to practice with the Patriots’ team and later the coach gave her an offer. She called the Dallas campus gorgeous.
Washburn said the coach has not discussed a specific position for her but she says she can play any of them. Her favorite is outside hitter, where she says she gets to do a bit of everything. Washburn said she wants to play as a freshman.
She said she plays with emotion. She likes to get very excited when the team earns a point. She takes senior leadership seriously.
Washburn said older girls took her under their wings when she began on the varsity as a sophomore. She said she wants the younger players to look up to her. Washburn said he started playing volleyball in the 7th grade. She also played some soccer and was a member of the band.
Her future plans include majoring in biology to become a doctor. She said she is still working to firm up her plans.
Wildcats Football Head Coach Discusses Corsicana Win and Upcoming Greenville
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, we here at KSST radio met up with Wildcats football head coach Greg Owens to discuss the upcoming game on Friday versus Greenville.
The Wildcats emerged victorious against the Corsicana Tigers Friday, 28-21. With the win, Greg Owens and his squad have won not only their first win of the season, but also the first game of zone play.
Coach Owens said last Friday’s win versus Corsicana was like a B12 shot, in that it was really good for everybody associated with the Wildcats. The head football coach and athletic director of Sulphur Springs said the win allowed the team some confidence, a pat on the back, and it allowed the team to hold their head a bit higher — something this squad has sorely needed.
Coach Owens was proud of the way his team accomplished the victory last Friday and thought his team did a good job. The Wildcats football coach said he was proud of the kiddos in the way that they fought and continue to fight.
The coach then went on to talk about the upcoming game on Friday as the Wildcats travel to Greenville to take on the Lions (1-1 zone, 3-2 overall) at 7:30 P.M.
Coach Owens said the Lions have five or six skill guys that are really good, calling them the best group the Wildcats have faced up to this point due to their speed and athleticism. Coach Owens said their upcoming opponents are talented from the QB position all the way down to wide receivers.
The Wildcats football head coach said he thinks his team is getting a lot of work done and have made improvements, the kind of improvements one would see mid-season. It also helps that Coach Owens’s squad has, relative to last week, a much simpler game plan.
Coach Owens said that since the Wildcats will be working with a simplified game plan this week, a Wildcats victory hinges on two factors; tackling and blocking.
The Wildcats head coach elaborated by suggesting that if the Wildcats can slow down the speed of the Greenville Lions, and get those talented guys and not let them get loose, Sulphur Springs stands a much better chance at victory. The Wildcats will be hard-pressed Friday since there is not just one skill position player the defense can hone in on, but five or six as Coach Owens suggests.
Offensively, the Wildcats must stay consistent, Coach Owens said. His team must continue to protect the football and take advantage of opportunities that the Greenville Lions may provide for the Wildcats. Because at any time, the Lions’ speed could really go to the house, Coach Owens said.
The Wildcats will have their hands full as this Friday Sulphur Springs (1-1 zone, 1-3 overall) travels to Greenville (1-1 zone, 3-2 overall) to take on the Lions at 7:30 P.M.
Last Friday Greenville fought hard but lost to the “Goonville” North Forney Falcons, 57-25. Both teams will be fighting for their second win in “Zone” play.
This Friday’s match-up between the two teams will be the second straight zone game as the Wildcats will be looking to extend their win streak to two games.
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.
Extraordinary Nurses Recognized At CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
November 4, 2020 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Ashley Ross, RN was honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ®. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.
Ashley’s patients wanted to thank her for extraordinary care saying “During this COVID pandemic I had the privilege of being Ashley’s patient. I was hospitalized for pneumonia yet suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis. Ashley cheerfully assisted me with any and every way that made me smile and
laugh through it all. She helped me move from the 2nd to the 3rd floor without any hesitation and made me laugh through all my pain and the confusion of being alone during all this. Her love and compassion for her patients shows through with every smile and at that time I truly needed every single smile and she shared them easily and with everyone. It’s hard to find a nurse that can remain so cheerful and smiling through it all.”
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.
(DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at CMFH-SS to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors. Each Honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.”
The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.”
Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human,
extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at CMFH-SS are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
Said Chief Nursing Officer Anitha Sanderson, “We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do
that.”
In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org
SSHS Wildcat Band Competition Season Kicked Off On High Note
Reveal And Dedication Ceremony For New Trailer, Performance Slated Tonight At Prim
The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Marching Band’s competition season kicked off on a high note over the weekend. The SSHS band is preparing for three events over the next 2 weeks.
The band have what Director of Bands Spencer Emmert called a “great performance” Nov. 7, which resulted in straight first division ratings from all judges Saturday, Nov. 7, at an event in Mesquite.
Before they hit the road for another event Nov. 14 in Celina, a special reveal and dedication ceremony has been scheduled for the new band semi trailer, obtained following approval of the school board to transport all of the band equipment and uniforms to band contests and performances.
The band director requested the trailer in February, noting that after several experiencing in which the band trailer broke down between the school and performances. This would also allow for better organization and condition of instruments, equipment and uniforms upon arrival as it could be customized to fit the band’s needs, including compartments and spaced dedicated for specific purposes.
The Community-Wide Reveal & Dedication Ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. this evening, Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the visitor’s parking lot at Gerald Prim Stadium. The event will feature Special presentations and a Band stand-still performance. All community members are invited to attend.
The SSHS Marching Band will be traveling to Celina on Nov. 14 for contest. Their performance time is 12:45 p.m. This will help them prepare for the upcoming UIL contest, which they will host on Nov. 17.
The Region 4 UIL Marching Contest will feature bands in Classes 1A, 2A, 4A, 5A, competing at Gerald Prim Stadium starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 17. The SSHS Wildcat Marching Band will be the final band to perform that day; their start time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17.
If the SSHS Band qualifies, they will compete Dec. 5 in the UIL Area Marching Contest at Mesquite Memorial Stadium.
Man Arrested In Commerce On Hopkins County Warrants
A 42-year-old Commerce man was arrested in Commerce on Hopkins County warrants Tuesday evening at his residence, and returned for the second time this year to Hopkins County jail, according to arrest reports.
Commerce Police notified Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office that they were out with Waylon Wade Underwood at his residence and sought confirmation for a felony Hopkins County warrant. He was arrested in Commerce at his residence. Deputy Chris Baumann responded at the location and took custody of the Commerce man.
As Baumann prepared him for transport to jail, Underwood reportedly requested medical attention. The deputy stopped at Commerce Fire Department. After CFD cleared Underwood of medical issues, Baumann transported Underwood to Hopkins County jail.
He was booked November 10, 2020 on Hopkins County warrants for violation of probation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and theft of service. The 42-year-old Commerce man remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Nov. 11 on the charge.
Underwood was also booked into Hopkins County jail on Jan. 22 on a warrant for violation of probation on the November 2016 controlled substance charge and remained in custody until Feb. 27, 2020.
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.
Lady Cats Nine-Match District Volleyball Winning Streak Ends In Hallsville Tuesday Night
The Lady Cats Volleyball Team had the opportunity to nail down the district volleyball championship Tuesday night, Nov. 10, but it was not to be at Hallsville
The Lady Bobcats were buoyed by senior night, their home court and a vocal crowd. Actually though, things started out well for the Lady Cats. In the first set, they played just like they have during the nine match winning streak. About mid-set, the Lady Cats began to pull away from Hallsville and the Lady Cats took set one, 25-20.
From that point on, Hallsville began to put everything together. The Lady Cats found themselves playing from behind constantly during the next three sets. While the Lady Bobcats played superbly, the Lady Cats were plagued by numerous errors. The Lady Cats gave away too many points to be able to win. Hallsville took the last three sets, 25-18, 25-22 and 25-18 for the 3-1 victory.
Life doesn’t always give second chances but the Lady Cats can still grab sole possession of the district championship by beating Longview Friday in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School. \
After play Tuesday, the Lady Cats are now 9-2 in district play and Texas High, with a Tuesday bye, is at 8-3, a game behind. A Lady Cats loss to Longview Friday and a Texas High win at Marshall would mean a tie at the top of the district standings.
Hallsville is finished with district play with an 8-4 record. They are probably thinking about what might have been since two of their losses occurred when district rules forced them to play their JV team against other teams’ varsities because of a Lady Bobcats varsity outbreak of coronavirus.
The Lady Cats are now 12-7 for the season.
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.
