Wildcats Football Offensive Coordinator Discusses Greenville Loss and Upcoming Crandall
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, we here at KSST radio met up with Wildcats football coordinators to discuss the upcoming game on Friday versus Crandall.
The Wildcats lost to the Greenville Lions on Friday, 47-27. The loss versus the Lions eliminated the Wildcats from playoff contention.
Wildcats football offensive coordinator Matt Young said that his team did not do enough to get the victory last Friday, but noted that defense got after them.
Overall, Coach Young believes that Friday’s loss to Greenville was the best offensive output he had seen from the team in two years. The coach said that the team’s efficiency was just south of 50 percent, something the team aspires for each and every week in a game.
Coach Young also said that the team had 7 explosive plays, with 2 plays falling just short of the “explosive” moniker.
The Wildcats offensive coordinator said his team ran the ball well, thanks in large part due to QB Kaden Wallace, who had in excess of 100 yards on the ground. Coach Young also noted the Wildcats’ ability last Friday to make key completions that allowed the team to continue driving the ball down the field.
While the offensive output is all well and good, Coach Young said, it still was not enough to emerge last Friday victorious against a good opponent in a playoff-type setting.
Coach Young said he loves how his kids and squad are improving, claiming the team is stacking good days upon good days, and loves the fight his team has shown in recent weeks.
The team will have to keep fighting if they hope to get back in the win column this week against the Crandall Pirates, who both OC and DC for the Wildcats claim are composed of really talented kids. Coach Young said that Crandall reminds him of Lovejoy — undersized, relative to the other monster offensive lines the Wildcats have faced thus far, but relentless, all the same.
The Wildcats will have their hands full as this Friday Sulphur Springs (1-2 zone, 1-4 overall) travels to Crandall (1-2 zone, 3-3 overall) to take on the Pirates at 7:30 P.M.
Last Friday Crandall played hard but lost to Royse City, 45-22. Both teams come Friday will be fighting for their second win in “Zone” play.
This Friday’s match-up between the two teams will be the third straight zone game as the Wildcats will be looking to get back in the win column.
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.
Be Part of Something Big – Master Wellness Volunteer Program
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
In the United States, 86% of all health spending is related to chronic conditions – things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and many others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these costs can be managed and potentially reduced through education and lifestyle modification.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County is seeking participants for its 2021 Master Wellness Volunteer Program. Master Wellness Volunteers (MWV) undergo 40 hours of training on health, nutrition and food safety and are then empowered to provide outreach and education, helping reduce the burden of chronic conditions in Texans and Texas’ communities. Not a health professional? Not a problem! We welcome participation from anyone interested in promoting health and wellness: college students, employees, retirees – anyone!
Opportunities to serve are wide-ranging: assisting with healthy cooking demonstrations, participating in health fairs, assisting with 4-H foods projects, giving presentations for local community groups and much more. Because each community is different, MWVs work with the County Extension Agent and other stakeholders to identify needs and opportunities to help make a local difference. Because MWVs come from diverse backgrounds, they’re often able to identify novel topics, audiences and resources in the area.
In January, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will convene a statewide training for Master Wellness Volunteers … and you don’t even have to leave your county. Two in-person sessions will be held at our Hopkins County Extension office and the rest of the training will be conducted online. (If you want don’t live in Hopkins County, but want to volunteer here, you are welcome. You may also contact the Extension Office in your county to see if they will be hosting the training.) It’s never been easier to give back to your community! Online study at your own pace will be available the entire month of February, and the final face-to-face session will be Wednesday, March 3.
For more information about the Master Wellness Volunteer Program, visit http://agrilife.org/mwv. Contact my office at 903-885-3443 for registration information.
You’re Invited!
Hopefully, everyone has read or heard about the Extension Leadership Reception, slated for Thursday, Nov. 19. The staff at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Hopkins County, is hosting a come-and-go event and the public is invited to attend to learn more about our programs, impacts on the community (and beyond), and opportunities for volunteering. Here are the details:
- What: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Come-and-go Reception
- When: Thursday, November 19
- Time: 10 a.m. to noon (we’ll be here later if you can’t make those times)
- Where: 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs
- Who: Everyone is welcome to attend. We’ll recognize our Master Volunteers and announce our Extension Support of the Year
- Focus: We’ll have exhibits, program impact summaries, refreshments
No reservations necessary! Feel free to pop in anytime! We’ll follow safety protocol.
Closing Thought
When hanging on by a thread, make sure it is the hem of His garment.
– Toby Mac
Save the Date! Sat. Nov. 21 for SS Symphony League Radio/TV/Facebook Auction!
Get ready for some fun while staying safe and social distancing! The annual Symphony League Auction is the best way to shop-from-home and help a good local cause. It’s also a traditional way to kick off the holiday season!
For 29 years, the Sulphur Springs Symphony League has offered unique, quality items in a fun bid-to-own style while raising funds for symphony concerts through the year. For each concert project, professional musicians are hired to perform classical symphony music. The annual Children’s Concerts offer grade-school-age youngsters exposure to this form of the arts with performances tailored to their grade and appreciation level. And each summer for nearly 30 years, the Independence Concert has elevated patriotism for all ages who attend the red, white and blue flag-waving event in the heart of our town, on Celebration Plaza downtown Sulphur Springs. It is for continuation of these gifts to the community that money is raised through the Auction. Be sure and participate! Get ready to place your bids by phone to 903-885-0700 on Saturday November 21, 2020 from 6-8pm. And watch the Auction on Suddenlink Cable Channel 18, streaming on ksstradio.com and on the KSST YouTube page. Or listen to the Auction live on KSST Radio 1230AM, 6-8pm! As a preview, Auction items are pictured in a slideshow on ksstradio.com.
Nov. 16 COVID-19 Update: 7 New Molecular Cases, 112 Positive Antigen Results
Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials received notification that 7 additional county residents have received positive molecular COVID-19 results since their last report on Friday, according to the Nov. 16 COVID-19 update.
Since there have been no new recoveries in a week, the active case count has continued to rise over the last week to 136 on Monday, the highest active case count in the last 11 days.
Cumulatively, 758 Hopkins County residents have received positive molecular COVID-19 results since March, including 622 residents who have recovered from the virus, HC/SSEM reported in the Nov. 16 COVID-19 update.
In the last 2 weeks, there’s been very little change in the breakdown among age percentages of county residents who have had COVID-19. In fact, the only change was that 13 percent of the COVID-19 patients in Hopkins County through Nov. 14 have been age 41-50 years, 1 percent more than on Nov. 1, and a 1 percent dip for ages 61 and older. But, the category for adults ages 61 and older was still the highest at 32 percent.
All the rest were unchanged: children ages 1-10 account for 3 percent of overall COVID-19 payments, adults ages 21-30 for 13 percent, ages 31-40 for 10 percent and ages 51-60 for 14 percent.
Another 159 molecular tests were conducted at the free testing site at 128-A Jefferson Street on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14. That makes 3,452 tests performed at the testing site since it first opened on Sept. 25, HC/SSEM reported in the Nov. 16 COVID-19 update. Free testing will continue to be offered from 9 to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays in November. Register online at www.GoGetTested.com for the oral swab test.
Also, Texas Department of State Health Services reported another 112 Hopkins County residents received positive antigen COVID-19 test results over the last week, identifying those as 112 probable cases, with 76 additional “probable” recoveries. Since June 23, DSHS has been notified of 668 positive antigen results for Hopkins County residents, with 516 reported as probable recoveries, leaving 152 probable active cases. That’s 26 more “probable” active COVID-19 cases among Hopkins County residents this week than were reported on Nov. 9.
The patient count in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs had increased by two to 17 patients again on Monday, for the second time this month. There were also 17 patients on Nov. 10.
Texas Health and Human Services on Nov. 16 reported 1 additional resident COVID-19 death at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehabilitation on Nov 2, the most recent nursing facility data available from the state. Five additional employees at SSHR were reported to have tested positive for COVID-19 from Oct. 30-Nov. 2.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner Says Her Team Worked Hard And Deserved District Championship
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner said it was exciting Friday, November 13, as the Lady Cats captured the district championship with a 3-1 home win over Longview.
Before the game, she reminded her team that they had set a goal of winning the district championship during the summer and he added here’s your chance to do it. Coach Dorner said the team played well, and with energy and heart.
She said she was not worried after Longview took the first set. Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats never played like they were behind and just continued to fight and battle. She said she also made a few tweaks after the first set, adding the Lady Cats were good to go after that.
Coach Dorner said Friday’s result was quite different than Tuesday’s road loss at Hallsville, where the Lady Cats lost a set, got down and could not recover.
Lady Cats senior outside hitter Sadie Washburn also surpassed 1,000 kills in her three year varsity career Friday. Coach Dorner said she chose not to let Sadie know she was nearing that mark so she would not worry about it during the game. She said it was a special moment when she got to break the news to her after the game. Coach Dorner said Washburn is a great kid who worked hard for it, adding no one is more deserving.
Coach Dorner was pleased with many others on the team Friday. She noted the blocks of Brooklyn Burnside, the great digs from the back row, the really good serving and the even better serve-receive game. Coach Dorner said everyone is playing well and she wants to keep it up.
The Lady Cats bi-district contest was firmed up over the weekend. The Lady Cats play Tyler (the former John Tyler) Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Grand Saline.
Coach Dorner has also planned a warm game. The Lady Cats will play Greenville Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Middle School Competition Gym.
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.
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta Is Proud Of His Team’s No Quit Attitude
The Wildcats Basketball Team entered the fourth quarter of their season and home opener Saturday, November 14, down by 12 points to a senior-laden Tyler Legacy team. The Wildcats’ comeback came up just short in a 65-61 loss. The Wildcats got to within 2 points with about 17 seconds left to play.
The final quarter effort was led by a pair of veteran seniors, Lamodrick Johnson and Boo Wilkerson. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said those two guys are used to winning and he added they are hard to put away. He told the team after the game he would roll with them anytime they played like that.
The Wildcats outscore the Red Raiders, 26-18 in the fourth quarter. Coach Cipoletta was also pleased with the play of his young post player, sophomore Kordrick Turner, who scored 14 points. He said Turner played with poise in his tough match up with a couple of talented Legacy senior postmen.
Coach Cipoletta used the Wildcats short handed situation to give several sophomores some playing time. Parker Whisenhunt hit his first shot, a three, and ended up with 5 points. Coach Cip said Whisenhunt is one of the fastest players on the team and he added his potential is through the roof.
Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats played good defense five on five but had trouble in transition after they committed an offensive turnover.
The Wildcats, 0-1 for the season, host North Lamar Tuesday at 7 p.m. Coach Cipoletta said the Panthers have a new coach and they have not played a game or a scrimmage so he said he doesn’t know a thing about them. That was his opinion as of Saturday but, he might know more now, after a weekend of looking at tapes of last year’s North Lamar team.
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.
Price Receives 12-Year Prison Sentence For Burglary
Cash Allen Price received a 12-year prison sentence for burglary of a building.
The guilt/innocence phase of the trial was conducted Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 12-13. Price was accused of two counts of burglary of a building, a shop/barn and a storage container, on April 5, 2020. He opted not to testify and the defense opted not to put on a case.
The Hopkins County jury Oct. 13 found the 33-year-old guilty of burglary of a building after less than 2 hours of deliberations. Price opted to have the district judge sentence him.
Officials were ordered to put together a packet with any prior criminal history to be included in the information. A sentencing hearing was conducted Monday, Nov. 16 concluded with Price receiving a 12-year prison sentence.
Burglary of a building is typically a state jail felony offense with a punishment range of 6 months to 2 years in a state jail upon conviction. However, Price has had two previous penitentiary trips, so the range of punishment was enhanced to that of a second-degree felony which is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison, according to officials.
Price has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest, following a manhunt April 4, on two burglary of a building, one theft of metals, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information and unlawful use of criminal instrument; he was also served with a warrant for violation of parole following his April 5 arrest.
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens Says Wildcats Still Have Things To Play For In Virus Era
Despite losing a zone game to Greenville Friday, Nov. 13, on the road that looked like the end of Wildcats’ football playoff chance this season, Coach Greg Owens, on KSST and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coach’s Show, provided a scenario that keeps some hopes alive.
With the unpredictability of coronavirus, Coach Owens said the Wildcats need to pick up wins in weeks ahead to make themselves the next best option if coronavirus visits one of the four district playoff teams — not that he’s wishing that on anyone.
In a battle of number three teams in the two district zones, the Wildcats travel to Crandall this Friday night. Then, after a bye the next Friday, the Wildcats close out the season at Forney on Dec. 4.
Discussing Friday night’s 47-27 loss at Greenville, Coach Owens said an old coach he knew once said you can’t coach speed. The old coach added you either have it or you don’t. Coach Owens said Greenville definitely has it and lots of it. He said the Wildcats got off to a fast start driving for touchdowns their first two series of the game. Coach Owens said again this week that the Wildcats are getting better.
He said he watched the game video and then got feedback from the offensive and defensive offices. The defensive coaches said the Wildcats defense did not play that bad. They said Greenville just outran them. Offensive coaches said many of their players had their best game of the season Friday night.
Coach Owens said speed was a key factor in the game but, he added, the Wildcats were unable to keep some drives alive by lack of success on some fourth down plays and due to some mental mistakes on offense. His bottom line was that Greenville made enough plays and the Wildcats did not make as many.
Among positives from Coach Owens was the play of senior Robbie Hanks. He is credited with blocking two extra point attempts and making an interception as a cornerback. On an onside kick attempt by Greenville, Wildcat lineman Bryton Ruhter did a good job of catching the kick and getting down on the ground quickly. Coach Owens said some people are beginning to notice the strong leg of Wildcats junior placekicker Josh Tavera.
Coach Owens said he liked the play of the Wildcats offensive line. He said sophomore right tackle Sean Dial had his best game.
Concerning Crandall, Owens said he played them some when he coached at Lindale. Their coach, Kyle Harden, is in his first year as Pirates’ head coach and athletic director. He comes from McKinney North where he was Offensive Coordinator. Coach Owens said the Pirates are young but athletic and, he noted, they can put points on the board.
He said the Wildcats need to enjoy every game they get to 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.
With Weather Quickly Reaching Winter Temperatures, Take Advantage of the Few Warm Days Left by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
You probably have lived it also: by the time you get ready for the winter the winter is already here! With our weather already reaching winter-like temperatures, might as well take advantage of the few warm days left during our short-lived autumn to get ready for the winter.
Here the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension recommendations for the garden in November-December: Place orders for seeds this month so you will have them available when you are ready to plant. By ordering early, you will be more certain of getting the varieties you want. In addition to ordering seeds that you are already familiar with, try a few new kinds each year to broaden your garden contents.
Do not get in a hurry to prune woody plants. Late December through February is usually the best time to prune them.
Reduce the fertilization of indoor plants from late October to mid-March. An exception would be plants in an atrium or a well-lighted window.
Drain gasoline from power tools and run the engine until fuel in the carburetor is used up. Drain and store garden hoses and watering equipment in a readily accessible location. The lawn and plants may need water during a prolonged dry spell.
November through February is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. In the Panhandle, planting is often delayed until February or early March. Continue to set out cool-season bedding plants, such as pansies, violas, stock, snapdragons, and dianthus.
Prepare beds and individual holes for rose planting in January and February. Use composted manure, pine bark, and similar materials mixed with existing soil.
Use good pruning practices when selecting Christmas greenery from landscape plants. Do not destroy the natural form and beauty of the plant.
Protect your lawn from excessive winter damage by providing irrigation during dry periods. Plant spring-flowering bulbs if you have not already done so. Be sure to refrigerate tulips and hyacinths for 6-8 weeks prior to planting.
Prolong the life of holiday-season gift plants by providing proper care. Check to see if the pot wrap has plugged up the bottom drainage. Do not overwater. Keep out of drafts from heating vents and opening doorways. Fertilizer is seldom needed the first few months.
Take advantage of good weather to prepare garden beds for spring planting. Work in any needed organic matter, and have beds ready to plant when needed. Do not forget tulip and hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator. They can be planted any time in December if they have received 60 or more days of chilling.
Want to start cuttings of your favorite Christmas cactus? As soon as it has finished blooming, select a cutting with 4 or 5 joints, break or cut it off, and insert the basal end into a pot of moderately moist soil. Place it on a windowsill or other brightly lit area. The cuttings should be rooted within 3 to 4 weeks.
Do not spare the pruning shears when transplanting bare-rooted woody plants. Cut the tops back at least one-third to one-half, to compensate for the roots lost when digging the plant.
Take advantage of bad weather and holiday time to study seed and nursery catalogues as well as good gardening books.
Berrying plants, such as holly and yaupon, may be pruned now while they can be enjoyed as cut material inside the house.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please call the Hopkins County Extension Office in Hopkins County by calling 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Hopkins County Extension
Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas
75482 903-885-3443
Cumby Pair Jailed On Child Neglect Charges
2 Other Arrested On Felony Warrants
November 16, 2020 – A Cumby pair was jailed on child neglect, abandoning or endangering a children charges Saturday. Two others were arrested on felony warrants as well over the weekend.
Criminal Negligence Warrants
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Todd Evans and Deputy Richard Brantley, aware of outstanding warrants, went to the pair’s County Road 4131 residence. Crystal Ann Sievers, 31, came to the door and was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Nov. 14 on one tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair warrant and three warrants for abandoning or endangering a child-criminal negligence.
John Robert Sievers Jr., 42, was also reportedly located at the address and taken into custody on the same charges. The offenses, according to arrest reports, occurred on Oct. 30.
Both Crystal Ann and John Robert Sievers remained in Hopkins County jail Nov. 14. Bond for each was set at $25,000 on the four child neglect charges and $10,000 on the tampering with evidence charge, according to jail reports.
Interference With Child Custody
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes went to a Calvert Street residence, where Megan Isabella Wheeler-Bartholomew was reported to live and took the woman into custody at 10:14 a.m. Nov. 14 on a felony interference with child custody charge.
The 21-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was released from jail Sunday, Nov. 15. Bond was set at $5,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Parole Violation
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes, aware of a warrant for 25-year-old Jesus Castro’s arrest, located him on McGrede Street and took him into custody Nov. 15.
The 25-year-old was booked into jail at 10:25 a.m. Nov. 15 and remained in jail Monday, Nov. 16, on the warrant for violation of parole, which he was on for burglary of a habitation, according to a arrest reports.
The arrest was the second for Castro this year. He was also jailed Aug. 21 for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of marijuana, according to arrest reports. He was released from jail Aug. 22, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and $1,000 bond on the marijuana charge, according to jail 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.
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.
