Lady Cats Cross Country Team Has Their Best Regional Finish Ever in 11th Place Monday
The district champion Lady Cats Cross Country Team added to their impressive resume this year with an 11th place finish at the UIL Region II-5A Championships Monday (November 9) at the Jesse Owens Athletic Complex in Dallas. Sulphur Springs Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks called regional competition a highlight of any season and a fun experience for his runners in one of the toughest regions in Texas. Coach Hicks said the top three teams in the region, who are bound for the state meet, would be among the top five teams at state. The Monday race was later than usual, a 2 p.m. start. Coach Hicks said the afternoon race also resulted in the hottest conditions for the Lady Cats this season. The Lady Cats were led by freshman Haylee Shultz who finished in 44th place with a time of 21:09.60. Coach Hicks said her time was outstanding. He said she has a bright future and he added she wants to improve to the point of making it to state. Next for the Lady Cats was senior Kenia Herrera who was 53rd. Sophomore Mattie Bridges finished 75th. Sophomore Rebekah Stanley was 80th. Sophomore Emily Soto was 89th. Senior Maurie Flecker finished 92nd. Coach Hicks said senior Flecker, a four year runner, had her best year this season. Sophomore Laney Hurst was in 96th place. Coach Hicks said Hurst consistently finished second among the Lady Cats this year but he said she had a rare rough day Monday. He said she would bounce back next year.
Wildcat junior Evan Patrick also qualified for the regional race as an individual. Patrick finished 67th with a time of 18:30.47. Coach Hicks said he gave it his best effort. He said Patrick would be a good leader for the Wildcats next year as a senior.
Coach Hicks said after a couple of weeks off, many of the cross country runners would start running again to get ready for the spring track 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.
Lady Cats Volleyball on the Road, No Home Lady Cats Basketball on Tuesday Game Day
On this Tuesday (November 10) game day, the Lady Cats Volleyball Team, 9-1 in district play, are at Hallsville. The Lady Cats need just one more win or a Texas High loss to capture the district championship. The Lady Cats are in first place with their 9-1 record. They are a game and a half ahead of second place Texas High with their 8-3 record. Texas High has a bye tonight. The Lady Cats have won 9 straight district matches. The first time the Lady Cats played Hallsville back on October 16, the Lady Cats topped the Lady Bobcats, 3-0 by scores of 25-23, 25-17 and 25-17. JV teams begin play at 5 p.m. this evening with the varsity game at 6 p.m. in Hallsville.
As we reported Monday, tonight’s Lady Cats Basketball game at home against Mount Vernon has been canceled. Coach Brittney Tisdell said Monday the Lady Cats are quarantined for two weeks due to a positive COVID-19 test on the 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.
TxDOT Calling on Texans to Keep Roadside Workers Safe
AUSTIN – The side of a highway may be a chaotic environment, but it’s also the daily office space for law enforcement, first responders, utility workers, tow truck drivers and TxDOT workers. That’s why TxDOT is calling on Texas drivers to keep these roadside workers safe.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” safety initiative is urging motorists to follow the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law. This law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders and TxDOT vehicles stopped with activated overhead lights on the side of the road. Drivers who fail to give emergency and work crews space to safely do their jobs face fines up to $2000.
Unfortunately, police officers, tow truck drivers and other roadside workers are hit, injured or killed on the side of the road every year. TxDOT is calling on all drivers to respect these workers who are vital to keeping our roads clear and safe.
This year’s effort to remind motorists to move over and slow down coincides with National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week (November 9–15) and TxDOT’s annual “Click It or Ticket” seat belt awareness campaign. Throughout November, troopers and officers statewide will step up enforcement of the state’s seat belt laws, which means motorists may see law enforcement vehicles on the side of the road more often conducting traffic stops.
The Move Over/Slow Down law requires drivers to:
- Take safety precautions when they approach roadside law enforcement, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles and TxDOT vehicles with flashing lights on.
- When possible, move out of the lane closest to these vehicles.
- Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if safely switching lanes is not possible or the road doesn’t offer multiple lanes.
- Reduce speed to 5 mph on roadways with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less.
The state’s Move Over/Slow Down law was first passed in 2003 and applied to police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles. The Texas Legislature has since extended the law’s protections to TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks and utility service vehicles.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
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Wildcats Football Offensive Coordinator Discusses Corsicana Win and Upcoming Greenville
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, we here at KSST radio met up with Wildcats football coordinators 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.
Wildcats football offensive coordinator Matt Young said there were two big reasons for the win versus Corsicana, for one, the team took care of the ball. Matt Young’s squad only committed one turnover, which Coach Young said is huge.
It helped a lot that the defense and special teams caused turnovers, which then gave the Wildcats energy and excitement, Coach Young said.
Coach Young said the other big factor contributing to last Friday’s win was explosive plays; the team measures these plays as 15+ yards, and had three of them versus Corsicana, with two of them being huge runs. In the next tier of offensive plays, ranging from 10 to 15 yards, the Wildcats had 9, Coach Young said.
It is the second week in a row the Wildcats have been able to find offensive firepower in a big way.
Coach Young said that having so many plays go for 10-15 yards was huge. The offensive coordinator for the Wildcats said that plays like these are where teams start to really move the ball.
There are things to work on, though, as consistency remains an issue with the team, Coach Young said. The team must work on its efficiency if they hope to keep their momentum, and the win streak, going.
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 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.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — Nov. 2-8, 2020
The Winnsboro Police Department media report for the week of Nov. 2-8, 2020, included the following activity:
Arrests
- Christopher Wilson, 35 years of age, of Winnsboro was arrested on 11/03/2020 for assault causing bodily injury- family violence and interference with emergency request for assistance.
- Alejandro Velazquez, 22 years of age, was arrested on 11/06/2020 for DWI, 2nd offense.
- Rodney Ferguson, 54 years of age, of Winnsboro was arrested on 11/07/2020 for public intoxication.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 155 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 24 citations and 42 warnings during this reporting period.
Head Start CARES Act Spending Plan, 3 Personnel Changes Approved By SSISD Trustees
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees made quick work of the regular portion of the November agenda Monday, including appointment of representatives to the Civic Center and Appraisal District Boards, an agreement with the Country Club and a Head Start CARES Act spending plan. Three personnel items were also approved following an executive session.
Head Start CARES Spending Plan
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) made $750 million available for programs under the Head Start Act. The Office of Head start opted to distribute those funds by formula based on each grantee’s funded enrollment. Head Start officials for the different programs, including the SSISD Head Start program, are asked to submit a form twice, once by Nov. 13 and another in the spring, identifying the total amount of funds the program expects to spend in CARES Act funding by category as listed.
SSISD Head Start program, according to information completed by program director Angela Edwards, has spent $30,510 of the COVID-19 supplemental funds on purchasing iPads and iPad cases for the Head Start 3 classes; administrative expenses, virtual parents engagement, medical supplies, and cleaning/disinfecting for Head Start buses.
Overall, costs associated with COVID-19 total $157,307:
- $55,000 for equipment and supplies needed to support remote delivery of program services, including electronic tablets, notebook computers, phone cards, technology upgrades and Internet access;
- $17,307 for equipment and supplies associated with reopening centers for in-person services with the appropriate preventive health measures, including personal protective equipment, thermometers, and additional cleaning and sanitizing supplies;
- $12,000 for educational supplies for all service delivery, including in-person services in the classroom, home-based settings and remote delivery;
- $42,000 for minor renovations such as building a covered structure to utilize a an outdoor classroom or covered play area;
- $7,000 for training and professional development for staff related to preventing, preparing for and responding to COVID-19, such as Ruby Payne poverty training as well as other professional development;
- $12,000 for administrative expenses; and
- $12,000 for mental health services with Ginger Brooks, Elise Douglas for mental health Mondays with parents/grandparents, Grandparents raising Grandchildren, classroom observation, evaluations and counseling sessions.
The school board approved the spending plan for Head Start as proposed.
SSISD trustees also received as informational reports a copy of the Head Start Director’s report, Policy Council minutes and financial report for October, and heard a report from Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams regarding current, monthly and cumulative COVID-19 cases and quarantine reports.
Approved as part of the consent agenda, presented for approval under one motion were Head Start Policy Council Bylaws, Community Assessment Update and Annual Report for 2019-2020; and tax credits and supplements, delinquent tax credits and supplements, and financial statements and bills payable for October 2020.
Country Club Agreement
The school board also approved an annual agreement with Sulphur Springs Country Club. SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb reported the district has a good relationship with the Country Club. The agreement allows students to practice on the greens and allows the district to host four tournaments on Mondays during each golf season.
SSISD pays $5,000 a year for course usage, plus a $2,500 range balls payment.
Each student golfers’ parents or guardian must sign a form releasing SSCC from any liability while the student is on the property. Club rules and regulations are to be followed. The middle and high school, should provide a roster with students’ names, addresses and guardian/parent name and contact number each golf season.
Students have to sign in at the Pro Shop for each practice. Students can play weekdays Tuesday-Friday after 2 p.m. from August through May. Students have to be supervised by SSISD personnel at all times, and only golf coaches will be allowed to play the course as part of the agreement, according to the agreement approved by SSISD Board of Trustees Monday, Nov. 9, 2020.
Appointments
Tawlene Lampp was selected as one of two SSISD representatives on the Hopkins County Civic Center Board of Directors, for the term of Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2023. Currently, Dan Froneberger serves in that seat. Derek Driver serves as the other SSISD representative on the Civic Center Board.
Bryan White was appointed to serve as one of two SSISD representatives on the Hopkins County Appraisal District Board of Directors, for the term of Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022. James Litzler is currently serving in that spot. Mike Horne, more recently appointed, serves in the second seat on the Appraisal District board.
Personnel
SSISD board also following an executive session approved 3 personnel items: the retirement of maintenance worker Mike Mabe, the hiring of Carolyn Grafton as Travis Primary School secretary, and a swap by Jessica Arnold from special education aide to at-risk aide at Sulphur Springs Middle School.
Campus, District Improvement Plans
SSISD trustees also approved campus and district improvement plans for 2020-21 as submitted by Jason Evans.
Evans reported each campus improvement plan ranges in length from 35-60 pages, and includes campus needs, as well as goals and strategies to meet those needs, accounting of federal funding. Committees including campus and community members were involved in drafting each document, which was then used to compile the district improvement plan.
Plans include local assessments used in the daily education process, and notes instances where state testing assessments are part of the plan this year use 2019 data, since State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness tests were not administered in the spring due to COVID-19 closure of campuses to in-person learning across the state.
Each campus and district plan also includes how COVID-19 is being addressed, concerns with distance learning, and logistics in place for a rapidly changing situation related to COVID-19. All campus plans reflect district goals to encourage students to meet their full potential, provide a safe learning environment, have high quality staff working with students on campuses, and community and parent engagement.
Each goal has multiple objectives and strategies designed to meet them, Evans explained.
Board member Craig Roberts expressed appreciation to all campus administrators and staff, as well as others involved in the planning process at each campus and for the district. He noted while it may seem as if the district simply fills in an easy template, there is a ton of work that goes into each plan.
District and campus improvements plans can be viewed on the district website, www.ssisd.net under the About SSISD menu, or by clicking here.
More and More Symphony League Auction Items
The annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction will take place Saturday November 21st, 2020. During the live auction, bidders can call in their bids then listen to the results on KSST 1230AM. You can watch the event via video streaming.
Here is the growing list of items up for grabs.
Proceeds from the annual auction go toward events throughout the year. These events include the annual Independence Celebration on Celebration Plaza.
Hopkins County United Way Campaign Is A Success
The 2020-21 Hopkins County United Way campaign is a success, with the $150,000 goal not only met but exceeded, thanks to generous contributions from the community.
This year’s goal was less than in the previous year, to make allowances for the economy during COVID-19, while still helping 19 local agencies. With more than $50,000 turned in last week, the campaign needed less than $11,000 meet the goal.
Today’s contributors included fitness centers, some additional county elected officials and employees, contributions from individuals, food businesses , barbers and salons, a veterinarian, brewer, insurance, printing, electric, auto repair and lending businesses, chiropractors, financial institutions, teachers, and health providers. One person was even noted via PayPal to have made a donation from California.
A number of businesses turned in not only donations or pledges from employees, but also corporate or other matches and grants.
City National Bank employees and corporate exceeded the goals for the financial institution. The employees’ goal was $4,000; they contributed $6,930. The bank’s goal was $2,200, but contributed $4,570, John Sellers reported on Tuesday morning.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs employees and physicians made very generous contributions, CHRISTUS also is making a gift match, HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning reported.
Grocery Supply Co. made a generous corporate contribution and employees also made a pledge, Berning also noted.
Clarion Pointe hotel made a very nice gift which was matched by Helm Investments, Charlotte Henderson reported.
HCUW was approved to receive a grant from Brookshire’s to benefit the annual campaign.
HCUW Campaign Chair Mike Horne reminded everyone at the meeting that Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is hosting a Spirit Night giveback event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight, Nov. 10, at the business. Flyers are not required; those who’d like to have a percent of the proceeds from their meal contributed to HCUW need only mention United Way to the cashier when paying. Additional information is also available and can be shared on the Hopkins County United Way Facebook page, Horne noted.
When the pledges and donations were totaled Tuesday morning, another $47,084 had been collected over the last week. That put the campaign at $186,313.86 and counting, as there are still some packets out. He encouraged campaign workers to continue following up on donation packets, because every dollar collected goes to help local nonprofit agencies that benefit Hopkins County residents of all ages and segments of the community.
Horne expressed thanks to the businesses that scheduled giveback events, to the AgriLife Extension Office for allowing HCUW to use a room at the facility to host weekly campaign report meetings as well as work and contributions to the campaign, to all of the volunteers who give of their time to work the annual campaign, and most importantly to the businesses and community whose contributions allow HCUW to help 19 different agencies in the community.
“Thank you. I am so humbled by this. Thank you volunteers and contributors. We could not do this without you,” Horne concluded.
Woman Back In Jail For Third Time This Year, Man For Second
A 58-year-old Sulphur Springs woman is back in jail in Hopkins County for the third time this year, and a man for the second time, according to arrest reports.
Broadway Street Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward learned that Deanna Leigh “Mama D” Boyett was wanted. He and Deputy Justin Wilkerson went to a Sulphur Springs motel where she’d been staying, spotted her and took her into custody at 5:31 p.m. November 9, 2020.
Boyett was booked into Hopkins County jail for surety off bond on two charges.
The Monday arrest was the third time Boyett has been booked into Hopkins County jail this year.
She was first arrested this year on Jan. 16 on a warrant for violation of probations, which she was on for an Aug. 24, 2018 theft charge. Wile being booked into jail an unused syringe and a Ziploc bag with an off-white burned looking substance that field-tested positive as methamphetamine was found in her purse. That resulted in a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, officers alleged in the January arrest reports. She remained in Hopkins County jail until Feb. 14 on both charges.
Boyett was in a vehicle stopped on Interstate 30 late July 15, 2020. She was alleged to have had a suspected controlled substance in her bra and accused of tossing 16.21 grams of a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and 0.37 grams of a black substance that field-tested positive for heroin in a cigarette box under their vehicle during the stop. Consequently, she was jailed July 16, 2020 on possession of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges. She remained in jail on the three charges until Sept. 5.
The 58-year-old was jailed Monday evening for surety off bond on the Jan. 16, 2020, possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and violation of probation on the 2018 theft charge. She remained in jail on both charges Tuesday morning, Nov. 10.
Jail Transfer
Bobby Lee Wall Jr. was jailed in Hopkins County for the second time this year.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted the 35-year-old Farmersville man was being held in Hunt County jail on two Hopkins County warrants. Deputy Amanda Weatherford traveled Nov. 9 to Hunt County, took custody of Walls at 6 p.m. and transported him to Hopkins County jail, where he was held for insufficient bond on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge and an indecent exposure warrant.
Wall was jailed on the evading arrest charge on Aug. 31. He was initially reported for touching himself in an inappropriate manner in a Gilmer Street car wash. He reportedly pulled out of the parking lot as police arrived. Officers followed and attempted to stop the man, who allegedly disregarded stop signs, a traffic light and continued up Gilmer and Broadway Streets, cut a parking lot and traveled to Lee Street, then onto Interstate 30. The vehicle’s tires were spiked at the 112 mile marker, and the truck stopped in a liquor store parking lot just off the 110 exit in Cumby. He was taken into custody for evading arrest or detention in a vehicle. He remained in Hopkins County jail on the evading arrest charge until Sept. 3, when he was released on a $15,000 bond, according to jail reports.
A warrant was obtained for indecent exposure, for the behavior that resulted in police being contacted. He was booked Nov. 9 on that charge as well as for insufficient bond on the evading arrest charge, according to jail and arrest 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.
Blue Santa: Sign Up Before December 4th, 2020
Blue Santa is right around the corner and CANHELP encourages people to sign up early and not wait until the last couple days. All aspects of Blue Santa are online this year due to COVID-19. People can use their computer or smart phone to sign up. They will have to upload documents and that can be as easy as taking a picture.
If anyone trying to register has any questions, they can call CANHelp at 903-885-9797 or email us a [email protected]. Email may be the faster way to get the help you need. CANHelp currently has minimal staff working at the office. “We are all doing our best to adapt to changing circumstances regarding COVID-19 and keeping our employees, clients, and customers safe is a top priority. For that reason, we have many people working from home” Shanna Martin, Executive Director says. “If you call and can’t reach us immediately, please leave a message and we will get back with you within 24 hours or you can reach out to us through email.” CANHelp also has a lobby computer that people can use if they don’t have a computer at home. We are here to help!
CANHelp is located at 613 Gilmer St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Phone: (903) 885-9797
