Wildcats Soccer Team Drops Scrimmage Contest At North Forney, 3-1, Friday Night
The Wildcats Soccer Team lost a scrimmage match against North Forney, 3-1, Friday, Dec. 18, night in Forney.
Edgar Salazar scored the lone Wildcats goal. David Moreno got an assist on the score.
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton said the Wildcats came out flat and just did not play. He said they struggled against wind conditions. Coach Upton called it a good learning experience.
Next, the Wildcats scrimmage Greenville on Tuesday night at Gerald Prim Stadium.
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.
Sulphur Springs ISD String Orchestra Offers A Virtual Winter Concert
Sulphur Springs ISD String Orchestra Director Hannah Kirby opted to have her students perform a winter concert, but instead of a live in-person performance is hosting A Virtual Winter Concert. This will allow the school to observe COVID-19 precautions at the performance venue while welcoming as many people who want to attend at their convenience.
The program features beginner, intermediate and high school orchestras as well as a few solo performances. The music ranges from Jingle Bells to Disney’s Frozen and Bach, and even offers a surprise finish.
To catch the 25 minute program, click here.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of December 21, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Dec. 21, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
The annual contract to perform crack sealing operations in Grayson County is in progress. Daytime lane closures will be present during crack sealing operations and drivers should expect delays. The following roadways in Grayson County will be crack sealed this year; Business US 377D in Tioga, Business US 377C in Collinsville, SH 289 from the Collin County line to US 82, FM 996 from FM 120 to FM 1417, SH 91 from US 75 to FM 1310, the US 82 frontage road in Sherman, FM 120 from FM 1753 to the Oklahoma State line, FM 1897 from US 69 to the end of State maintenance, FM 898 from SH 11 to the Fannin County line, FM 121 from FM 3356 to SH 289, FM 120 in Pottsboro from Chrissa Drive to Vine Street, and the US 75 frontage roads from FM 902 to the Collin County line.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar Streets (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The northbound exit ramp for Pecan Street and Washington Street is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the next exit ramp for North Travis Street. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street (SH 56) exit. The southbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the North Travis Street exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is closed for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75 at the South Travis Street intersection. Traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
During the week of January 4 through 9, the Houston Street intersection at US 75 will be closed to through traffic in order for crews to perform pavement improvements in the left lane of the northbound and southbound frontage roads. Traffic on Houston Street will be able to make a right turn only onto the frontage road and will detour to the next intersection. This same process will occur for the Washington Street and Lamar Street intersections. This work is weather dependent and may be adjusted due to unfavorable weather.
The eastbound and westbound US 82 mainlanes will be closed to through traffic on December 21 and 22 starting at 7:30 pm in order to set bridge beams for the new US 75 northbound frontage road bridge. During this closure, mainlane traffic will be detoured onto the frontage road. US 82 is scheduled to reopen to traffic each morning at 6:30 am.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to the temporary detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the southbound US 75 frontage road while construction crews work on completing the remainder of the project. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691. The new entrance ramp to southbound US 75 has been opened to traffic.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM 697, Grayson County: between FM 2729 and US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
SH 56, Grayson County: between SH 11 and the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
The annual contract to perform crack sealing operations in Fannin County is in progress. Daytime lane closures will be present during crack sealing operations and drivers should expect delays. The following roadways in Fannin County will be crack sealed this year; FM 1396 from SH 78 to FM 2029, FM 1752 from US 82 to FM 1753, US 82 from SH 121 to the Grayson County line, SH 11 from SH 121 to SH 78, SH 78 from SH 11 to US 69, and FM 68 from SH 78 to SH 34.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin-Lamar County line and County Road 2975. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to build crossovers and turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median. The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. The westbound exit ramp for SH 121 is closed as crews work on building the new main lanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is asked to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121.
Weather permitting, on December 28 westbound US 82 traffic will be moved to the new travel lanes between County Road 2975 and SH 121. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while construction crews begin work on the inside lane, building the crossovers and left turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
SH 56, Fannin County: between FM 897 and FM 1396. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin work on rehabilitation of the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
BU 82H (Bonham Street/Lamar Avenue), Lamar County: from 19th Street SW to 33rd Street SE. Watch for crews performing safety improvements to traffic signals.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the north side of the roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the south side.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. Work on this project is completed. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
FM 499, Hunt County: at Lynn Creek. The contractor has begun demolition work and will be placing structural beams early this week. Road closures began on Nov. 30 and will continue throughout the duration of this project. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for workers and work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is currently working on a two-mile stretch of roadway rehabilitation. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor will be prepping the right-of-way and placing culverts for this project. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing pothole repairs, mowing and metal beam guard fence repairs around the county, and removing debris from I-30 early this week. Crews will also be overlaying various locations on SH 66 and the I-30 frontage roads. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing various sign installations, potholing and debris removal. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway. Crews will also be roadway patching on FM 515, from FM 2795 to the Rains-Wood County line, and repairing rip-rap on SH 276 at Bull Creek. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
SH 34 bridge, Hunt County: 3.5 miles south of Quinlan. TxDOT has placed a temporary concrete traffic barrier to protect travelers from the damage caused by an 18-wheeler accident. The bridge/road is now open to both lanes of traffic. Please drive cautiously and safely in this area.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews. Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Dec. 18 COVID-19 Update: 1 Fatality, 25 New Confirmed Cases, 3 New Probable Cases
Hopkins County residents recovered from COVID-19, half as many new probable cases were reported and fewer COVID-19 tests were conducted at the free testing site on Friday than Thursday. However, one more COVID-19 positive on molecular tests was also reported, the patient count in the COVID-19 unit at the local hospital rose and one additional Hopkins County fatality was confirmed, Texas Department of State Health Services and Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management reported in Dec. 18 COVID-19 updates.
Dec. 18 COVID-19 Case Counts
The DSHS Dec. 18 COVID-19 Case Counts dashboard showed 25 additional Hopkins County residents as of 5:45 p.m. Friday had received positive COVID-19 results from molecular testing. That’s 49 new lab-confirmed cases in the last 2 days, 63 this week and 201 so far this month. That’s more than the total for all other months except October, when 323 total cases were recorded. December is ahead of even October’s pace, however, as only 103 new cases had been reported through the 18th day of October, according to case counts reported by HC/SSEM officials. Overall, 1,033 Hopkins County residents have received lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive molecular test results since March. That’s a composite positivity rate of 5.55 percent, according to the DSHS dashboard.
Three additional probable cases were also reported in the DSHS Dec. 18 COVID-19 dashboard, that’s three fewer cases on Friday than on Thursday, for a total of 78 new probable cases since Sunday and 1,024 since DSHS began tracking probable case data in June.
Twenty of the Hopkins County residents who received positive COVID-19 test results were reported to have recovered from the virus on Friday. That’s four consecutives in which recoveries were reported. So far this week, 220 county residents have recover from the virus. This month, 1,146 recoveries have been reported, but that number includes probable case recoveries not previously reported. When the state began providing daily counts by testing type on Dec. 11, 810 probable recoveries were included in the total. Cumulatively, including all testing types reported, 1,840 Hopkins County residents are reported to have recovered from novel coronavirus 2019, according to the DSHS Dec. 18 COVID 19 Case Count dashboard.
Another Hopkins County resident has also been confirmed by death certificate to have died from COVID-19, increasing the total to 65 Hopkins County fatalities, giving the county a fatality rate of 6.29 percent among Hopkins County residents who have been confirmed by molecular testing since March to have the virus for the virus and 3.16 percent of all cases, confirmed and probable.
Those changes increase the overall count from 145 active Hopkins COunty cases on Thursday to 152 on Friday. That’s the fourth day in a row the active case county has risen, but is still 15 less than on Sunday and 31 less than on Tuesday.
Testing and Hospital Reports
HC/SSEM in the Dec. 18 COVID-19 update reported 5,885 molecular COVID-19 tests have been performed at the free testing center at 128-A Jefferson Street since the Red Cross building sometimes referred to as the old Fidelity Building opened on Sept. 25, including 71 tests on Thursday, 545 so far this week and 1,354 this month.
Cumulatively, DSHS reports a total of 12,554 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Hopkins County, including 10,495 molecular tests, 958 antigen tests and 1,101 antibody tests.
Free testing continues to be offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays through January and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at 128-A Jefferson Street. Registration is online only at www.GoGetTested.com. Anyone can be tested, even children, provided an adult registers them and accompanies them to the test.
HC/SSEM also in the Dec. 18 COVID-19 update reported 20 patients in the COVID Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on Dec. 18, up from 17 on Dec. 17.
| Type of Test | 12/14 | 12/15 | 12/16 | 12/7 | 12/18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular (Viral) Tests | 10,204 | 10,298 | 10,375 | 10,397 | 10,495 |
| Antigen Tests | 889 | 902 | 935 | 938 | 958 |
| Antibody Tests | 1071 | 1075 | 1,087 | 1,087 | 1,101 |
The Dec. 18 COVID-19 Test and Hospital Data dashboard, however, showed 145 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients were in hospitals across Trauma Service Area F Friday, five less than on Thursday, making up 13.15 percent of the total hospital capacity, a 0.62 percent decrease overall.
TSA had 1,003 total staffed hospital beds, which includes most of Northeast Texas including Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. That’s 85 less staffed beds on Friday than on Thursday. Total hospitalizations in TSA F increased by three to 643, and staffed inpatient beds rose by 14 to 1,011.
Overall, there were only seven available ICU beds spread among hospitals in TSA F, one less than on Thursday and four less than on Wednesday, but still two more than on Dec. 10-12.
TSA F also had 63 ventilators available, six less than on Dec. 17 and nine less than on Dec. 14.
Lady Cats Basketball Team Struggles Against Marshall Friday In Home District Loss, 39-32
The Lady Cats Basketball Team had a tough night Friday, December 18, at home against Marshall getting a district loss, 39-32.
The Lady Cats suffered from slow starts in both the first quarter and third quarter and never led in the game. Marshall jumped out to a 7-0 lead to start the game and also scored the first 7 points in the third quarter after the Lady Cats trailed by only 3 at halftime. The Lady Cats got to within two points but, could never tie the game or get into the lead. They trailed 12-8 after one quarter, 15-12 at halftime and 28-20 after three quarters.
Sophomore point guard Kenzie Willis ended up having a big game scoring a game high 20 points. Willis hit two three-point baskets and was 8 of 12 from the foul line. Junior guard Baylie Large scored 5 points including one three-pointer. Sophomore guard Addisyn Wall hit a three point basket for 3 points. Senior forward Nylah Lindley and senior forward Dalanee Myles both scored two points. Senior guard Katelyn Jones of Marshall led the Lady Mavericks with 10 points.
Marshall is now 2-0 in district play and 3-6 for the season. The Lady Cats slip to 1-2 in district play and 4-5 overall.
The Lady Cats resume district play Tuesday as they travel to Longview to face Pine Tree. There will be a JV game at noon with the varsity game to follow at around 1 p.m.
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.
Hopkins County Records – Dec. 18, 2020
Land Deed Transactions
- Bethany Ashby to James Scott Farmer; tract in the Maria Santos survey
- Stephen L. Andersen to Julie Hoxsie and Sherman Hoxsie; tract in the James H. Gavin survey
- Benjamin Spraggins to Sherry Maynard; tract in the John Pevehouse survey
- Danyele Pool and John Pool to Kaitlyn Reeves and Daniel White; tract in the Randolph D. Spain survey
- Clayton Shilling and Kelsey Shilling to Sergio Ramirez and Katy Sellers; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Carolyn J. Bennett to Robert Franklin Stillwell; tract in the Alex O. Wetmore survey
- Delores Harrison and Bob Vaden to Robert Gregory McPeat
- Betty Jo Morse, deceased, to Dave Morse executor, to Donna Bira; tract in the AW Harlow survey
- Gurdeep K. Randhawa and Harjit Singh to Demetra Robinson and John Robinson Jr.; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- James R. Gotcher III, Pamela Starr Gotcher and Hancock Whitney Banks successor trustee to Hancock Whitney Bank successor trustee
- Troy Adachi-Edwards to Roberto Gregorio; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Donald James Hoffman Estate, Donna Carol Hoffman Estate, Jared Hoffman and Jason Hoffman, independently and as independent executor, to Norma Castillo Camacho and Juan Manuel Aguilar Castillo; tract in the George C. Wetmore survey
- James Coffey and Deborah Coffey to Alec Christopher Barrett and Laura L. Clayton; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Angela L. Dunn and Michael G. Dunn to Atascosa Real Estate Group LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Stephanie Cox and Carolyn Jean Weatherly Drummond, independent co executors for the Charles Dan Weatherly Estate, to McIlrath Properties LLC; tract in the DF Clendenen survey
- Gaylon C. Price and Peggy M. Price to Cassie Maness and Jason Maness; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Kenneth M. Rose to Danny Rose; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Ashley C. Shackelford and Daniel W. Shackelford to Gumaro Rojas Ramirez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- High Point Estates, Jimmy Masters and Mike Moore to Rosey74 Inc.; tract in the Maria Santos Coy survey
- J Duckworth and Johnny D. Duckworth to Stephen kent Renshaw; tract in the F Marrs survey
- Jena Rae Duffield and Joe Heath Duffield to Lauren Jacobs and Paul Jacobs; tract in the James Gahagan survey
- Ana Espinosa and Arcadio Espinosa to Guadalupe Pichardo and Yesenia Pichardo; tract in the Wm H. Moses survey
- Amy Tiemeyer and Jeffrey Alan Tiemeyer to Colton Lee Morrow; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Willis Aaron Grimes to Lou Jean Martin and Michael Martin; tract in the John Aldridge survey
- Miguel A. Jimenez to An Peter Huynh; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- The Queens Place Inc. to Ivan Diosdado; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Gary Lewis and Rachel Lewis to Derick Dial and Tammie Dial; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Coy Johnson to Randi Drake and Ryan Drake; tract in the David Harris survey
- Laura Couch and Nathan Couch to John Rushin and Wendy Rushin; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- David Carrillo and Tina Carrillo to Barbara Hunt and H. Keith Hunt; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Jason Pennington to Clint Williams and Cydney Williams; tract in the GC Wetmore survey
- Teresa Lynn White Weatherford Successor Trust, Eldon D. White Bypass Trust and White Family Trust to Larry Wade Yager and Shelly Diane Yager; tract in the Harriet Brown survey
- Melva Edwinna Burkett to Jeffrey Dale Rorie and Kensey Rae Rorie; tract in the W. Ewing survey
- Clements S Home Incorporated to Jason Speer and Jennifer Speer; tract in the Rock Creed Addition
- Madison Greg Mitchell to Ryan Pope; tract in the Mariana Ballanova survey
- Joseph Macias to Virginia Mayte Gudino Catalan; tract in the HL Ward survey
- MD Brem Jr, independently and as agent, and Dexter Jane Duff to John Harold Brem; tract in the Mason Mosley survey
- Ray Brown to Clay Brown; tract in the M Ballanova survey
- Daniel Thompson and Laree Thompson to Amy Tiemeyer and Jeffrey Alan Tiemeyer; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Benny McElmoyl and Esmeralda O. McElmoyl to Rulo LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Casey Ross and Patsy Ross to Jared Ray Richmond and Kristen Kay Richmond; tract in the A. Caro survey
- Megan Merrill, known as Megan L. Price, and Landon Price to Laura Galvan; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Nita Kelty and Timothy Maurice Kelty to Sergio Mendez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- John J. Floyd and Misty G Floyd to Carrah Lynn Griffith and Ricky Aaron Griffith; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Carolyn Santangelo Lester and Russell J. Lester Jr. to Laura Williams and Steve Williams; tract in the John Clark survey
- Rita Wright and Roger Wright to Chelsea L. Vanicek; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Dan Michael McClure and Sandy McClure to Lee Victor Nguyen and Sunrise Hill LLC; tract in the William B. Stout survey
- Christopher Franklin Moore, Dale F. Moore and Joseph S. Moore to James Cary Moores; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Michelle Springfield to SMS CRS Family Investments LTD; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Jacob Lee Culpepper and Christy Gail Greer
- Nicholas Peder Ferguson and Klynn Grace Skidmore
- Jacob Lee Radney and Sarah Louise Pence
Lady Cats Basketball and Wildcats Soccer Are on the Schedule on Game Day Friday
On this game day Friday (December 18), the Lady Cats Basketball Team has an important district game at home against the Marshall Lady Mavericks. A JV game is schedule for 5 p.m. with a varsity game to follow at around 6 p.m. The Lady Mavericks are 1-0 in district play after a 49-33 win over Pine Tree at home Tuesday. Marshall is 2-6 for the season. The Lady Cats are 1-1 in district play with a home win over Mount Pleasant last Friday and a road loss at Texas High on Tuesday. The Lady Cats are 4-4 so far this season. KSST Radio will bring you Lady Cats’ basketball against Marshall with live streaming video and audio. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
The Wildcats Soccer Team will have their third scrimmage date of the season on game day Friday at North Forney starting at 7:15 p.m. The Wildcats won scrimmage games last Saturday over North Lamar, Sabine and Mineola and then played to a 0-0 tie with highly regarded West Mesquite on the road on Monday. The Wildcats JV 1 team plays Grand Saline on the road Friday at 6 p.m. The Wildcats JV 2 will play North Forney JV 1 in Forney at 5:30 p.m prior to the varsity game.
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.
Two Goals in Each Half Give Lady Cats Soccer Team a Scrimmage Win Over Paris Thursday
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Javier Aguayo said he was very proud of the way his team played Thursday night (December 17) in a scrimmage win against Paris, 4-1 at Gerald Prim Stadium. He added the Lady Cats went out and took care of business. Paris is preseason ranked #8 in Region II in Class 4A. The Lady Cats scored two goals in each half. In the first half, freshman Haylee Shultz scored a goal that was assisted by sophomore Rebekah Stanley. Stanley scored the second goal on a penalty kick. The Lady Cats led 2-0 at halftime. In the second half, Paris scored first. A Paris shot from about 40 yards out took a big bounce and went over the Lady Cats’ goalkeeper’s head and into the goal. The Lady Cats answered with two more goals. Stanley scored the Lady Cats’ third goal on an assist from senior Janine Yamaguchi. Schultz then scored her second goal of the night after an assist from Stanley. Coach Aguayo said the Lady Cats played well but he added there were still things that have to be worked on. The Lady Cats host a four team scrimmage Saturday at The Prim. The Lady Cats play Terrell at 9 a.m. Saturday. They also face North Lamar at 11 a.m. and then take on Nevada Community at 2 p.m. The other three teams all play each other in games in between.
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.
Hospital District Board of Directors Approved A Tax Abatement for D6 Inc., Cardiac Monitors For EMS
Construction Bids For New EMS Station/HCHD Headquarters Accepted Through Jan. 8
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors approved a tax abatement and agreed to an extension on another, approved two budgeted capital purchases, and discussed construction of new EMS station/HCHD headquarters during the Dec. 17 board meeting, and swore in one board member.
Tax Abatements
At the recommendation of Sulphur Springs – Hopkins County Economic Development Executive Director Roger Feagley, the Hospital District granted D6, Inc.’s request for a tax abatement. Headquartered in Portland, the company expanded to Sulphur Springs and is making pie pans and Danish trays from recycled materials on Industrial Drive on the property which most know as the former Coca-Cola property. D6, Inc., has a 25,000-square foot expansion planned at the facility that will create 30 additional jobs.
HCHD Board member Joe Bob Burgin asked who filling jobs, if it is staffed mostly by people with local addresses. Feagley said that is D6, Inc.’s intent.
Feagley also presented a request from Solemio, LLC, for an extension of time to complete construction on solar farm in the Arbala area. COVID-19 was blamed for the project stalling and an additional year from the originally agreed upon time span for construction. The request was to push back the start date listed in the previously approved agreement granting a tax incentive for the solar project, according to the EDC director. Construction on the project is now expected to be in the spring and take 18 months to build.
HCHD Board Secretary David Black asked if the other taxing entities had approved an extension for construction and the start date.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court in October granted an extension to Solemio in October, extending the construction period through June 30, 2022; original agreement was for construction to be complete in Dec. 31, 2020.
Returning to the Board
After an absence of a few months, Tim Kelty was able to attend the December meeting.
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors at the close of filing in the spring had only 4 candidates for 4 seats on the board – incumbents Dr. Bill Dietze, Tim Kelty, Kristi Shultz and Chris Brown. Thus, the board was able to cancel the spring election. Shultz, Brown and Dietze again took the oath of office in June to continue serving on the board for a full term.
Angie Waller administered the oath of office to Kelty during the Dec. 17 meeting.
Capital Purchases
HCHD Board approved the purchase of four LP 15 cardiac monitors and an XPS Ambulance Stretcher for $18,000.
“Essentially, all the capital [purchases] are already approved with budget. I always come back and ask for approval to issue a PO,” HCHD COO/EMS Director Brent Smith reminded the board.
The four cardiac monitors are needed to meet FDA standards which as of February require the older monitors not be removed from emergency use, Smith noted.
He extended appreciation for the board’s unanimous approval for purchase of the much-needed equipment.
Financials
HCHD CEO/CFO Ron Folwell reported financial information has been submitted to auditors. That report should be ready for board approval at the next board meeting, which is currently scheduled in February.
“I think we’ve had really good results,” Folwell said.
Folwell said the district is “rocking along really well cash-wise and financial-wise.” He said having an additional accounting employee has really helped with financial management practices, which are noted in the preliminary September financial reports. He commended Waller for her work in the business office, particularly in regard to the nursing homes HCHD owns.
“The finanical statement I thinnk really look good. We may have an audit adjustment or two related to the nursing homes, Some of that information takes a while to get in and we have to adjust,” Folwell said, noting that HCHD’s net revenue was over $3 million. “We had a pretty good year.”
HCHD President Kerry Law asked if he anticipated any large adjustments to to negative amounts, the “uncollectables.”
“I don’t anticipate an adjustment this year. We continue to provide roughly 70 percent for bad debts and uncollectable items,” Folwell said. “We’ve been doing that for a while now. That keeps us from having to have a large adjustment at the end of the year.”
The district came in ahead on tax revenues about $265,000, which is due not to a tax increase — the tax rate remained the same — but to an increase in tax appraisals of properties within the district. The district did receive a 2 percent increase in rent income, which was called for in the lease agreement.
EMS Update
Overall, the EMS service call volume was down compared to prior years. Call volumes were significantly lower in March and April to what Smith called the COVID scare,” that is people’s discomfort at the idea of calling 911 to seek assistance as the pandemic began impacting Hopkins County.
“We went almost two months kind of idle so to speak, we didn’t have a lot of volume,” Smith said.
A “little ground” expense wise was made up with deployments of EMS personnel to other areas to assist with evacuations due to natural disasters and to assist with high impacted COVID-19 areas in late spring and summer. financial iimpact on the deployment rate, which those adjustments are at the bottom of one of the financial pages,” Smith said.
“It’s pretty impressive to only lose $65,900 the total EMS operation, I was impressed by that,” Law said.
Smith said staff worked hard to get those numbers down. Folwell noted that loss includes the communications center which doesn’t generate a separate revenue, only expense.
“I think we’ve done really well. That’s a real compliment to Jeff [Sanderson] and Brent and the whole over that do the EMS,” Folwell.
Law noted that the three other counties besides Hopkins which the EMS serves allocate $1,500 a month per county to communications. Some of that gets allocate back to those counties to help absorb that piece of the cost.
Smith said the EMS service first began experiencing an increase in call volume to normal levels in September. October and November were very strong months and December so far has been even busier.
“We are steadily climbing on the call volume and destinations to the fact that we don’t even see the ambulances at central. They are gone 24-7 almost. Destinations look good. Overall volume is busier that it probably ever had been,” Smith said.
The EMS director said the service is typically busier during this time of year. COVID-19 and hospitals’ capabilities and capacities to accommodate only so many of certain types of patients also are factors.
“I will tell you, most of the hospitals in our entire region are at capacity, pretty much consistently every day. It dips every now and then, but not to the point that it’s really freeing up anything. That does affect a lot of the stuff that we’re doing and of course 911 calls have been truly busy over the last several days,” Smith said.
Smith also noted that Dr. Shawn York, who has served as medical director for the last 4 years, including working with hospital trauma programs, has been promoted by Tyler to another role. beginning Jan. 1 Dr. Jordan Smith, who is currently over the emergency room, will be the new medical director.
Construction Update
Eleven potential bidders attended a business conference hosted Wednesday to go over the drawings and bid requirements for construction of a new EMS station/HCHD headquarters with architect Adam Panter, Folwell reported. Smith noted potential bidders from the Beaumont area and Dallas area had emailed requesting the bid information.
Several attending the conferendce were local contractors. Four or five others were from out-of-town.
Bids are due in at 2 p.m. Jan. 8. Then, the next step in the process will be a public bid opening by the rule of the invitation to bid. To move forward with that, a HCHD Board meeting will be needed. Folwell anticipated considering the bids at the scheduled February meeting.
Other Items
The board also approved as presented renewal of property and casualty insurance. CEO/CFO Ron Folwell reported there weren’t’ really any changes to coverage in the proposals.
Nursing home reports and the October meeting minutes were approved under one consent agenda as proposed.
2 Men Sentenced In District Court On Felony Charges
Two people were sentenced in District Court Thursday on felony offenses, according to court reports.
On Nov. 23, 2020, Brandon Grady Teague was sentenced in District Court Thursday on two felony charges.
Teague pled open in the 8th Judicial District Court on a Jan. 22, 2020, possession less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge and a Dec. 27, 2019, credit or debit card abuse-elderly charges. The 34-year-old Lubbock man was arrested Feb. 3 on a warrant for a controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge. He was arrested June 1 on a credit or debit card abuse-elderly charge.
On Thursday, Dec. 13, Teague appeared before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt. The judge sentenced Teague to 10 years in prison on both a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and a January 2020 credit/debit card abuse – elderly case. Each sentence was probated for a period of 10 years.
Additionally, Teague was ordered to attend and complete both the substance abuse and cognitive tracks of an Intermediate Sanctioned Facility as a condition of his probation, according to the District Attorney’s office.
Makenzie Corey McGill arranged Nov. 23 to plead open to an April 22, 2020, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge.
McGill was sentenced by Northcutt on Dec. 17, 2020, to 10 years of deferred adjudication probation, with 30 days in the county jail as a condition of probation, according to the district attorney’s office.
He was booked into Hopkins County jail June 19 2020, on a warrant for the charge and released the late that day on a $10,000 bond, according to jail reports.
