City of Como Receives Community Assistance Grant
Como, Texas –The Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA) was pleased to award the City of Como a Community Assistance Program Grant on November 4, as part of SRA’s Fiscal Year 2021 Economic Development Initiative. The $20,000 check will be used to assist the City to repair and upgrade an older water well.
David Montagne, SRA’s Executive Vice-President and General Manager, in a letter to the City, wrote “The city’s project to repair and upgrade an older water well in order to put it back in service to supply increased demand in the City’s service area is an initiative that SRA supports in its efforts to improve water and wastewater systems throughout the basin” and “SRA looks forward to working with the City in the future as we continue to focus on increasing the economic vitality of the Sabine River Basin.”
Funds provided for the Community Assistance Grant Program must fall within four project categories, which include 1) Water Supply; 2) Wastewater Management. 3) Water Conservation; and 4) Water Quality and most are limited to $10,000 per project. Funds for the grant to the City of Como were approved by SRA’s Board of Directors in October 2020.
In order to be eligible for the Community Assistance Program, applicants should be a governmental entity, district, or a non-profit, member-owned water supply corporation or sewer service corporation and located within the Sabine River Basin of Texas.
Water resource projects should be consistent with the statutory mission of SRA. Other entities may be awarded grants at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Created as a conservation and reclamation district in 1949, responsibilities of the SRA are to control, store, preserve and distribute the waters of the Sabine River and its tributary system for useful purposes.
The Sabine River Basin covers a large portion of East Texas with a population of over 551,000 in all or part of 21 counties according to U.S. 2010 Census figures. A large portion of that area is rural in nature.
For more information about SRA’s Community Assistance Program, contact Jamie East at (409) 746-2192 or email: [email protected].
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Mostly Pleased as Team Gets Their Ninth Straight District Win
For second year Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner, nothing draws her ire more than when her team “relaxes.” To her, this is equated to losing focus during a match. She uses the word to explain lapses in good play by her Lady Cats.
Fortunately during a recent 9 match district winning streak, the Lady Cats have been able to get out of the relaxed mode in time to get wins. Coach Dorner used the “r” word again after Tuesday night’s 3-0 victory at Pine Tree.
Perhaps the first set just came too easily for the Lady Cats as they started off on fire and took set one, 25-8. Coach Dorner noted that sophomore Laney Hurst did a great job serving in that set. Hurst opened the set with 11 serves that led to an 11-0 start.
After that Coach Dorner said some of that relaxing took place in the next two sets and Pine Tree became much more competitive. She said the Lady Cats made a ton of errors. Thinking of two tough games next week, Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats need to bring their best to the gym each night.
However she said Tuesday, despite some relaxing during the last two sets, the Lady Cats still managed to win, 3-0 and she added that’s what matters. She said she did get to play more players and see some different lineups to help her determine her best future options. The Lady Cats won set two, 25-16 and set three, 25-22.
With her team now on a nine match winning streak in district, Coach Dorner said she would rather be playing someone Friday than have a schedule bye. She said that would gave her team another day of practice to get ready for their next match, a road game at Hallsville Tuesday night.
After that, the Lady Cats conclude district play at home on November 13 against athletic Longview. Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats are having fun and she said she hoped they can continue winning.
Pickton Man Accused of Injuring Teen
Deputies arrested a 38-year-old Pickton man accused of injuring a teen during an argument Tuesday evening.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators dispatched deputies at 6:17 p.m. Nov. 3 to a Pickton address, where the man was alleged to have engaged in a physical disturbance with a juvenile.
When HCSO Deputies Aaron Chaney and Nick Marney arrived, they contacted Johnny Lee Speed, who reported a 15-year-old with mental disabilities had started a fire on the back part of the residence using gas and plastic bottles, and tried to blow up an aerosol can. Two other children, upon returning from the area of the fire, claimed the 15-year-old started the fire on a “back property,” Speed reportedly told deputies.
Speed admitted to becoming agitated due to the danger the teen put himself and other children in. Speed claimed when he went to put the fire out, the 15-year-old ran home, enter the residence and locked the door. He attempted to talk to the teen at the door, and eventually the teen opened it, the 38-year-old recounted to deputies. During an argument, the teen allegedly punched the wall next to Speed. Speed claimed he struck the teen in the face with his hand in the doorway because he thought the teen was trying to hit him, Chaney and Marney alleged in arrest reports.
Deputies said Speed told them he then tried to leave but was confronted by the child again. The teen and Speed “were in each other’s faces,” then the teen pushed him. Speed said he pushed back and walked home, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Deputies talked to the child’s parent and witnesses, who told a similar story. They alleged that the 15-year-old had been unsupervised and started the fire. The teen allegedly became scared of getting in trouble for starting the fire and ran to the residence. Witnesses alleged Speed banged on the teen’s front door, trying to confront the youth about the fire.
The man and teen reportedly argued when the door was opened. The teen also was reported by witnesses to have punched the side of the house. Speed allegedly responded by stepping up into the front doorway inside the residence and striking the child in the face. The child allegedly became emotional and stepped outside and began yelling at the man, telling him to go home.
Speed and the youth “got into each other’s faces again.” Speed allegedly shoved the teen, causing the child to trip on the bottom of the porch steps and fall,. The 15-year-old allegedly had apparent minor injuries on the face and a small abrasion on one shoulder, consistent with an altercation and face striking the front door during a fall, deputies said they were told by witnesses.
The parent allegedly advised her 15-year-old has mental, emotional and behavioral health diagnoses, which include a “mental mind set of an elementary school age child.”
Based on the accounts of the incident and the man’s knowledge that the youth has mental disabilities when he engaged in the altercation, Speed was arrested at 8:14 p.m. on an injury to a child, elderly or disabled person charge, according to reports. An emergency protective order was requested on the victim’s behalf, according to arrest reports.
Speed remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Nov. 4. Bond on the felony charge was set at $5,000, 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.
Even 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.
Wildcats Football Head Coach Discusses N. Forney Loss and Upcoming Corsicana
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, we here at KSST radio met up with Wildcats football coordinators to discuss the upcoming game on Friday versus Corsicana.
Coach Greg Owens said that while his team’s mood was one of general frustration, his team is still playing with attitude, but said his guys will have to continue getting after it.
The coach has emphasized how important the idea of another opportunity to play football is. He said that in the year of COVID-19, the fact that his team is able to play games, with all that’s happened, is a great opportunity to improve.
While the Wildcats may still be winless through 3 games, Coach Owens said he saw some definite improvements. The Wildcats managed 9 explosive plays in the loss to North Forney (the goal being 10 in a game, according to offensive coordinator Matt Young), and also accrued almost 300-yards of total offense.
The team has struggled with consistency, so to see the team fight with tenacity with their backs against the wall must have been a sight for sore eyes for the head football coach.
Not only that, but Coach Owens said his team has been chippy through practice all week, with lots of good team stuff performed throughout practice, which Coach Owens said has allowed his team to shed some rust after playing their first game in almost a month.
Looking ahead to Corsicana, Coach Owens and his team has two gamelans; one that focuses on QB Solomon James, who Coach Owens claims is gifted, but has been in a boot for several weeks as thus has not played since Oct. 2, leading to speculation that he will not play Friday versus the Wildcats.
Coach Owens said that while he may not be as mobile as other quarterbacks the Wildcats have faced this year, but luckily for Sulphur Springs he may not play, so Coach Owens’s team has also been prepping to face a QB that will be predicated upon the run.
Coach Owens said that while Corsicana’s back-up may focus on the run, when the Tigers present a spread-formation, it will be more like regular football. But Coach Owens and his team are preparing their best against what could be a one-sided offense. Corsicana has a number of extremely talented running backs, with the Tigers offensive philosophy being drive, drive, drive, Coach Owens said. Luckily the Wildcats coach said the Tigers may not make a lot of adjustments.
Coach Owens also gave credit to the defensive line of Corsicana, who the Wildcats head coach calls a group of monsters. Coach Owens did say the defensive pressure has been dialed down in recent weeks, with defensive penetration for Tigers having decreased. But with strong corners who have the ability fly around, Coach Owens believes the defensive line for the Tigers will be key.
The Wildcats head football coach questions whether the defensive line for the Tigers will be motivated enough to face a Wildcats offense that last week found their footing and consistency.
The Wildcats will have their hands full as this Friday Sulphur Springs (0-1 zone, 0-3 overall) hosts the Corsicana Tigers (2-4 overall) at Gerald Prim stadium at 7:30 P.M.
Last Friday Corsicana fought hard but lost to the Greenville Lions, 49-28. The Wildcats will be fighting for their first win in “Zone” play.
This Friday’s match-up between the two teams will be the third home game in a row for the Wildcats, and the second straight zone game as they will be looking to avoid starting the season 0-4.
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.
Fallon, Slaton Receive Majority of Votes In Nov. 3 Election
Republicans lead in Hopkins County and went on to win state officers in districts serving Hopkins County in the Nov. 3 election.
Overall 15,989 of the registered votes in Hopkins County cast ballots in the Nov. 3 Elections, including 11,629 in-person during early voting, 1,141 mail ballots through the close of early voting and another 3,219 votes on Election Day, according to Hopkins County election night returns and the Secretary of State’s office.
Republican Pat Fallon, elected during a special session to take the place of John Ratcliffe on the ballot for District No. 4 US representative after Ratcliffe was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence, received 75.04 percent of the overall votes cast by voters in 18 counties. In Hopkins County Fallon lead with 80.12 percent of the votes cast for U.S Rep., District 4.
Democrat Russell Foster received 22.73 percent of the votes for District 4, a little more than in Hopkins County, where he received 17.99 percent of votes.
Libertarian Lou Antonelli received 1.87 percent of overall votes for US Representative, District 4, including 1.85 percent of the overall votes cast in Hopkins County.
Tracy Jones receive 0.37 percent overall, including 0.03 percent of Hopkins County ballots cast for District 4 US Representative.
Republican Bryan Slaton defeated Democrat Bill Brannon for District 2 State Representative, garnering 81.36 percent of the vote in all 3 counties. In Hopkins County, Slaton lead with 80.32 percent of the vote to Brannon’s 19.68 percent.
As of 10:45 a.m. Nov. 4, the following state results were reported by Texas Secretary of State’s Office:
- Republican Keven M. Ellis 74.04 percent, Democrat Brenda Davis 25.96 percent for District 9 State Board of Education member
- Republican Bert Richardson 54.79 percent, Elizabeth Frizell 45.21 percent for Place 3 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge
- Republican David Newell 55.4 percent, Demorcrat Brandon Birmingham 44.46 percent Place 9 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge
- Republican Patrick Yeary 55.08 percent, Democrat Tina Clinton 44.92 percent for Place 4 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge
- Republican Jeff Boyd 53.57 percent, Democrat Staci Williams 44.09 percent and Libertarian William Bryan Strange III 2.34 percent for Place 7 Supreme Court Justice
- Republican Jane Bland 55.49 percent, Democrat Kathy Cheng 44.51 percent for the unexpired term for Place 6 Supreme Court Justice
- Republican Brett Busby 55.63 percent, Democrat Gisela D. Triana 43.77 percent, Libertarian Tom Oxford 2.61 percent for Place 8 Supreme Court Justice
- Republican Nathan Hecht 53.25 percent, Democrat Amy Clark Meachum 44.24 percent, Libertarian Mark Ash 2.42 percent for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- Republican Jim Wright 53.27 percent, Democrat Chrysta Castaneda 43.31 percent, Libertarian Matt Sterett 2.25 percent, Kat Gruene 1.17 percent for Railroad Commissioner
- Republican John Cornyn 53.77 percent, Democrat MJ Hegar 43.61 percent, Libertarian Kerry Douglas McKennon 1.88 percent, Green Party David B. Collins 0.73 percent, Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla 0.01 percent for US Senator
Click here see a breakdown of Hopkins County voting in the Nov. 3 General Election.
Work Beginning On 2021 Hopkins County Chamber Of Commerce Directory
Chamber Connection – Nov. 5, 2020
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2021 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory.
We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love. I hope you will join me in the journey!
Also, just a quick reminder that the Chamber will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. We will re-open on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m.
Goodwill is hosting a Food Pantry Drive in November
Goodwill of Sulphur Springs is spending the month on November thinking of those in need. They are asking for non-perishable food items to help stock up our local food pantries. PLEASE drop the items off at the Goodwill Retail Store, and they will deliver to our local food pantries. This drive will take place the whole month of November.
VFW Post 8560 Hosting Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Our local VFW Post 8560 is hosting an anniversary ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at noon. Please make plans to attend and see the changes they have made!
Ribbon Cutting
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs held a Blessing and Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the Ruth and Jack Gillis Women’s Center on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. thanks to the financial support of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation and local supporters.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Nov. 5, Tractor Supply Co. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Spraggins Wins Place 5, Runoff For Place 1 On Sulphur Springs City Council
Lackey, Hardy Elected to Cumby City Council
Two new aldermen were elected to Cumby City Council and one new council member to Sulphur Springs City Council in the Nov. 3 elections. Another seat on the Sulphur Springs council appears to be headed to a runoff. Cumby voters also approved Proposition A Tuesday.
Cumby voters elected Sheryl Lackey to Alderman, Place 1, and Amber Hardy to Alderman, Place 2, on the City Council.
Lackey received a total of 124 votes, placing her just ahead of Wayne Mobley with 52.54 percent of the ballots cast. Mobley received 112 votes or 46.46 percent of the ballots cast in the Nov. 3 City Council Election for Place 1.
Amber Hardy received 133 votes, giving her 60.45 percent of the overall ballots cast for Place 2 on the council. Audri Mayo received 87 votes, for a total of 39.55 percent overall.
Doug Simmerman was unchallenged in his bid for Cumby mayor. He received 214 votes.
Cumby voters also approved Proposition A, which reauthorizes the city to collect a local sale and use tax of 1/4th of 1 percent to fund maintenance and repair of municipal streets.
In Sulphur Springs, Gary Spraggins received 3,206 votes and Ricardo Chavarria 1,294. That 71.24 percent ensured Spraggins the win for Place 5 on the City Council.
Jay W. Julian lead in the Place 1 Sulphur Springs City Council with 1,943 votes, or 43.67 percent of the votes. Mark Bradley finished second with 1,095 votes (24.61 percent), Vanessa Diosdado third with 1,012 votes (22.775 percent) and Justin M. Brown received 399 votes (8.97 percent).
Since none of the candidates for Place 5 received 50 percent or more of the vote, it appears the Place 1 race for Sulphur Springs City Council is heading toward a run-off election between Julian and Bradley.
Also on the Sulphur Springs City Council special election ballot were Harold Nash Sr. for Place 2 and Oscar Aguilar for Place 3. Neither drew a challenger. Nash received 4,242 votes and Aguilar 4,437 votes.
Yantis, North Hopkins, Miller Grove Voters Elect 3 Incumbents, 5 Challengers As School Board Trustees
Voters on Nov. 3 selected 3 incumbents and 5 challengers to serve as school board trustees for Yantis, North Hopkins and Miller Grove school districts. Both Yantis ISD and Miller Grove ISD Elections included election returns from voters in two counties each.
In the North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees Election, incumbent Brian Lewis received challenger Jackie F. Boles Jr. finished ahead of incumbent David P. James for the two at large places on the school board.
Lewis lead with 457 votes or 37.68 percent overall, with Lewis in second with 395 votes or 32.56 percent of ballots cast in the election and James receiving 385 votes or 29.75 percent.
In the Yantis ISD Board of Trustees Election, results from both Wood and Hopkins County show incumbent incumbent Jennifer McKeever reelected and challenger Jennifer Larkin finishing ahead of incumbent Melissa Stephens for the second seat on the school board.
Larkin lead overall with 818 votes, 815 in Wood County and 3 in Hopkins County. Jennifer McKeever received 681 votes, 677 in Wood County and 4 in Hopkins County. Melissa Stephens finished third with 605 votes, all except 3 from Wood County voters. Teresa Starrett lead in Hopkins County with 7 votes, but received only 409 in Wood County.
Miller Grove ISD’s election went the longest as Rains County’s Election returns weren’t complete for several hours after Hopkins County’s results were posted. Incumbent Clark L. May and challengers Lee Roy Stracener, Mike Hasten and Cole Middleton finished ahead of Ryan Claxton in both counties for the 4 seats on the school board, according to voting results posted by both counties as of 12 a.m. Nov. 4.
Middleton lead the race with 370 votes overall, 356 in Hopkins County and 14 in Rains County. May came in second with a total of 347 votes, 337 in Hopkins County and 10 in Rains County. Hasten finished third with 305 votes, 294 from Hopkins County voters and 11 from Rains County voters. Stracener finished fourth with 290 votes, 283 from Hopkins County and 7 Rains County. Finally, Claxton received 278 votes, 270 from Hopkins County voters and 8 from Rains County.
All election results are unofficial until canvassed by the district’s school board.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Continues Hot Streak With A 3-0 Win at Pine Tree Tuesday
The first place Lady Cats Volleyball Team won their ninth district match in a row sweeping Pine Tree on the road, 3-0 Tuesday night, Nov. 3. The Lady Cats improve to 9-1 in district play an 12-6 for the season.
The Lady Cats got off to a great start with Laney Hurst getting points off her opening 11 serves to give the Lady Cats an 11-0 lead. Hurst had some aces. Sadie Washburn contributed quite a few kills So did Brooklyn Burnside. Nylah Lindley and Addisyn Wall also had at least one kill. The result was a strong set one win, 25-8.
It was Senior Night for Pine Tree and they seemed to get stronger as the evening progressed. The Lady Pirates were much more competitive in set two but still the Lady Cats prevailed, 25-16.
In set three, again with Hurst serving, the Lady Cats opened with a 5-0 lead. Then, they did what Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner calls relaxing, not a good thing in her book. Pine Tree continued to hang around and, although they never had a lead at any time Tuesday night, they did manage to tie up the Lady Cats at 20-20 and 21-21. The Lady Cats were able to close out the set and take a 25-22 win.
Washburn ended up with a team high 15 kills for the night with Burnside having 11. Burnside also collected a team high 5 blocks. Serving machine Hurst had 5 service aces. Libero Parris Pickett had a team high 11 digs. Setter Peyton Hammack recorded a team high 24 assists while almost totally avoiding lifting and double hitting violations.
The Lady Cats get a bye on Friday. They will return to district play next Tuesday night with a match at Hallsville. The Lady Cats have a one game lead on second place Texas High with just two district matches left.
