Send-Off Planned For State-Bound Wildcat Band
A send-off is planned Nov. 8 for the state-bound Wildcat Band, who will be providing a Community Performance of the show which has earned recognition at several competitions last month.
First, the Sulphur Springs Wildcat Band invites the community to “Come Fly With Us” at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. This is a great opportunity for local fans to catch the Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band in the students’ final home performance at Gerald Prim Stadium before heading off to state.
Then, those who wish to show their support for the Wildcat Band are invited to meet in the SSHS student parking lot at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, to give the band a big send-off with well wishes. Encouraging posters, signs, cheering and clapping are encouraged as the band bus departs for San Antonio.
The SSHS Wildcat Band is then slated to take the Alamodome field at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, to perform in the preliminary round of competition at the UIL State Marching Competition in San Antonio. The top teams will then advance to the finals to compete for the state marching title.
These musician have been working since summer, striving to get better with each performance, on their show.
The Wildcat Band advanced to state first by earning straight first division ratings from all judges at the District UIL Marching Contest, then by finishing second at the UIL Area Marching contest.
They hope the most recent improvements will allow them to “fly” atop the state marching list.
NOTICE OF SCHEDULE CHANGES
- SSHS Administrative Assistant Johna Shipley Friday morning noted that the Wildcat Band will still be in San Antonio on Veteran’s Day so SSHS’ annual Veteran’s Day program has been moved to Monday, November 14.
- Absences for students who wish to attend the Wildcat Band’s state performance in San Antonio on Wednesday and Thursday will be excused as well.
A Pizza Party at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
PIZZA PARTY
Students were treated to a pizza party at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus recently. Enjoying their share of the pizza were June Busby, Vivyan Muniz and Maci Wright.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
City Council Agrees To 4-Way Stop At College, Jackson, Franklin Drive Intersection
Sulphur Springs City Council approved a resolution reconfiguring the College Street, Jackson Street and J.D. Drive intersection into a 4-way stop and considered on first reading a proposal to amend a traffic ordinance regarding the speed limit on Mockingbird Lane.
Intersection Resolution
The City is getting ready to open up the first phase of the reconstructed College Street, and is nearing the completion of the intersection of Jackson Street and J.D. Franklin Drive at College Street. All new sidewalks are being constructed along College Street to provide a network of sidewalks from downtown along College Street, east toward Interstate 30. Prior to the current project, sidewalks were missing from sections of College Street, and there were only stop signs on Jackson Street and J.D. Franklin Drive.
Although the contractor was scheduled to construct several driveway approaches on College Street, the decision was made for the City of Sulphur Springs Capital Construction Division to construct the intersection at College Street at Jackson Street, adding brick crosswalks and squaring it up. That, the city manager noted, is too complicated for the contractor to do, so the contractor signed a deductive change of order.
Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski asked the City Council at the Nov. 1 meeting to approve a Resolution No. 1318 authorizing four-way stop signage at the intersection of College with Jackson Street and J.D. Franklin Drive.
The red brick brick crosswalk will be red to signify a pedestrian crosswalk at that busy intersection. With the crosswalk, Niewiadomski recommended that stop signs be installed on College Street for pedestrian safety. Stop signs would required motorists to stop for safety of any pedestrians that may be walking along that street of city roadway.
Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash made a proposal, which Place 7 Councilman seconded, approving Resolution No. 1318, allowing the four-way stop signs to be put into place. The City Council unanimously agreed, allowing the City Capital Construction personnel to begin on the project.
Proposed Speed Ordinance
The City Council also was asked to consider on first reading an Ordinance amending section 25-35 in Chapter 25 in the city’s Code of Ordinances, which would set a prima facie sped limit on Mockingbird Lane from East Shannon Road to Posey Lane.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson presented data collected during a speed survey of Mockingbird Lane, conducted after a City Council member asked him to look into the speed limit on the city street between the Interstate 30 south service road and State Highway 11 east. The councilman had indicated that traffic through that area sometimes backed up, creating traffic congestion in the area at times. A speeding profile was developed by placing a machine that gauges speed of motorists as each vehicle passed it. Information was also pulled from police records regarding traffic crashes at that location.
Essentially, using Texas Department of Transportation guides, the study showed the average vehicle was traveling at 33 to 34 mile per hour. Of the more than 61,000 vehicles that passed the trailer with radar, 85% were rolling at speeds just over the current 30 mph speed limit for Mockingbird Lane, but under 35 mph. Based on the occupation along that stretch of roadway, which is heavily populated, has a primary school and restaurants and a shopping center, city official said even without a posted limit. The average person would reasonably slow down to that speed to accommodate the traffic and pedestrians in the area.
City officials have over the past 10 years responded to four major and one fatal crash, and 69 minor crashes.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins made a motion to approve on first reading Ordinance No. 2819 setting the speed limit at 35 mph on that stretch of Mockingbird Lane, which would still be safe for those in the area.
The school zone would not be impacted, as the school speed limit would still be enforced just as it is during peak school hours.
Place 2 Councilman Nash noted while 30 seemed slow, it should not be 45 mph either. He then seconded Spraggins’ motion to approve the ordinance amendment setting the speed limit at 35 mph. The motion received unanimous approval of the City Council.
The ordinance is expected to be presented again at the December City Council meeting for second reading. In order for Ordinance 2819 to become official, the City Council will be required to approve it on second and what at that time would be final reading at a future meeting.
Steak with Brandon Williams
Steak is the tuxedo of meats… pair that up with a ThermoPro Instant-Read Thermometer, Lighter Cubes, and 2 hours with Brandon Williams, and you have the making for a made-for-TV movie.
This unique culinary opportunity will be up for grabs going to the highest bidder at the Sulphur Springs Symphony League Auction November 19th, 2022. Bid early bid often.
RECALL: Issue With “Gluten Free” Labeling on Cedar Creek Popcorn Box Containing Gluten
Cedar Creek Popcorn of Sac City, Iowa is recalling its 18 oz. Old-Fashioned Caramel Holiday Popcorn Box because the side of the box features a Gluten Free claim when there are elements with gluten contained in the product. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Cedar Creek’s 18 oz. Old-Fashioned Caramel Holiday Popcorn Box was distributed nationwide at Tractor Supply Company stores. It carries a UPC code of 025606000612.
The product comes in a cardboard box – photographs follow this release. All lots and dates of manufacture are included in the recall.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.
The recall was initiated because the Gluten Free claim on the side of the packaging did not match with the product’s ingredient label and allergen information. Procedures are being put in place to assure that food safety issues are taken into consideration for the design and approval of all future packaging.
The product has been removed from sale at Tractor Supply Company stores.
Consumers who have purchased this product and would like a refund, or that have questions regarding this recall can contact the company at 319-573-7409, Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00pm CST.
Week 5: Hopkins County United Way At $107,507, Leaving $42,500 Of Goal To Raise
With just one week remaining in the 2022-2023 fundraising campaign, Hopkins County United Way remains $42,492.92 shy of the $150,000 campaign goal, which benefits 18 local nonprofit agencies serving Hopkins County residents of all ages and segments of the community.
The community generously contributed another $37,325.29 in donations to the 2022-2023 campaign over the past week, bringing the total received so far to $107,507.08 as of the campaign workers report meeting Tuesday.
HCUW has one more campaign workers meeting, at which campaign officials hope to close out the 2022-2023 campaign. All campaign workers who are able are encouraged to attend, what hopefully will be a celebration in meeting the $150,000 goal to provide funding as allocated for 18 agencies.
[Click HERE to see HCUW 2022-2023 campaign allocations and recipient agencies]
Campaign workers are reminded to follow up on an outstanding donation packets so that those donations can be counted toward the 2022-2023 campaign.
While most campaign donations and pledges are made through workplaces and civic organizations, anyone who is not contributing through one of the traditional channels may still make a contribution to help support HCUW. They can even be made in memory or honor or memory of a loved one, friend, mentor or someone of importance.
Check donations may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way campaign headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made by debit or credit card or PayPal on the Hokins County United Way website, hcuw.org, by clicking “Make a Donation”, or via the Hopkins County United Way Facebook Page by clicking “Shop on Website.”
Campaign workers who have received packets but are not able to attend the weekly meeting can contact HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning by phone or text message at 903-243-4066, or by email, to arrange to get the pledges and contributions to her, contact Glass or drop them by Landers Creek Outfitters on Main Street.
The final campaign workers report meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office. However, instead of meeting on Tuesday as usual, the last HCUW report meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.
AG: Agreement In Principle Reached In Opioid Settlement With CVS Pharmacy
Texas to Receive $276 million Under Proposed Deal
An agreement in principle has been reached with CVS Pharmacy for its role in the nationwide opioid epidemic. Under the $5.034 billion multistate settlement, more than $276 million will be designated for Texas. The agreement will largely track the terms of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement with opioid distributors that was executed in July 2021, according to Texas Attorney General’s Office.
“Millions of Americans have died or are sick due to the opioid epidemic. While significant work remains, a broad coalition of states reached certain terms with CVS, and we are hopeful that we will be able to reach a final agreement on all terms,” Texas Attorney General Paxton said. “Pharmaceutical companies that have been at the root of the problem must be involved in not only changing their business practices to keep this tragic epidemic from taking more lives in the future, but also by providing treatment for those currently still struggling with opioid addiction.”
This agreement is the latest opioid settlement negotiated for Texas. With the addition of the CVS funds, General Paxton will have secured over $2.37 billion for Texas from Allergan, Mallinckrodt, Teva, Endo, Johnson & Johnson, and McKinsey & Company distributors.
Texas’ AG worked closely on these negotiations with the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, the news release from Paxton’s office stated.
Lady Cat Volleyball Hits First-Round Road Block in 3-1 Loss to Van
Sulphur Springs never recovered from a slow start in a season-ending 3-1 loss in the Bi-District round of playoffs in Wills Point versus the Van Lady Vandals on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Lady Cat volleyball fell down 2-0 in sets, playing do-or-die from there.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s team made some mistakes, combined with a talented opponent in Van and volleyball had their work cut out for them.
The Lady Cats played hard throughout their Bi-District playoff game, but still ultimately fell short.
Set two saw a big lead for the Lady Vandals, but Coach Dorner’s team would not quit, fighting to the very last point. While they lost that set, they used their momentum to carry them to a set three victory, eliminating any chance of a sweep of the Lady Cats.
Winning set three, volleyball could only celebrate the win for so long as they still had to win set four, on top of that forcing a set five (which they also would have had to win to move on to Area).
Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs, they could not win set four; necessary to extend their season. A loss in set four eliminated the Lady Cats from the postseason.
Seven seniors saw their volleyball tenure in Sulphur Springs come to an end Tuesday.
It’s a tough end to an otherwise solid season.
The season-ending loss in the opening round of playoffs brings the Lady Cats’ record to 20-18 (6-4 district) and were the #3 seed from 15-4A. Sulphur Springs was swept in their warm-up game prior to falling in four sets in Bi-District.
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.
Chill Out With These Winter Energy Tips
By Beth Dattomo, manager of public affairs, Atmos Energy Corporation, [email protected]
Atmos Energy Reminds Natural Gas Customers to Safely Plan Ahead for Cooler Weather
GREENVILLE, Texas – Nov. 1, 2022 – As the leaves begin to change color and we enjoy the many traditions of autumn, it can be easy to overlook the fact that winter is right around the corner. Atmos Energy reminds natural gas customers that now is the time to prepare for cold weather by performing household safety checks and implementing energy-saving measures, so you can stay warm while managing your winter heating bills.
If you need natural gas service reconnected, contact us now to schedule an appointment before cold weather arrives. Atmos Energy is available at 888.286.6700 – Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time – or visit us online at www.atmosenergy.com
During the appointment, you may choose to have an Atmos Energy technician enter your home or business to relight gas appliances that are accessible and are in a safe working condition. However, this is not a substitute for routine or manufacturer-recommended safety inspections and maintenance of your appliances and gas piping. Your gas piping and appliances are your responsibility and should be inspected periodically. A responsible adult 18 or older must be present during the appointment.
Now is also a great opportunity to perform routine household safety checks like inspecting your home’s natural gas piping and appliances and ensuring smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working condition.
Maintain Your Natural Gas Lines
- Customers are responsible for the maintenance and service of natural gas appliances and natural gas lines from the meter into their homes in all states Atmos serves, except in Kansas.
- Customer-owned natural gas lines include all piping that goes from your natural gas meter to the appliances on your property. This also includes a pool or spa heater, barbeque, or other natural gas appliances.
Monitor for Carbon Monoxide
- Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas emitted when fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, natural gas ranges, or furnaces, and it can be poisonous to humans if it builds up indoors.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends replacing your CO detector every five years and installing a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home.
- The CDC also advises buying a detector with a digital readout to best detect the highest level of carbon monoxide concentration.
Financial Assistance
This winter, as energy prices are elevated across the board, financial assistance is available to help customers manage costs:
- Budget Billing is a great tool to help manage your budget because your natural gas bill will be more predictable every month. In the winter, your bill can rise unexpectedly as the weather gets colder. However, with Budget Billing your costs are spread more evenly throughout the year, so you are not surprised by high winter bills. Visit www.atmosenergy.com/budgetbilling to learn more.
- Installment plans are available that spread out payments of your balance over time – with no charges or fees to do so. Call 888.286.6700 or visit www.atmosenergy.com/AccountCenter to establish a plan that meets your needs.
- Atmos also offer an online tool that compares your current bill with a previous bill so you can better understand how the weather, billing days, and charges impact your bill. Log in to the Account Center and select “Billing and Usage” to use the bill comparison tool.
- If you need help paying your natural gas bill, financial assistance is available from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program as well as Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth funds through local assistance agencies. Visit atmosenergy.com/assistance to find an energy assistance agency near you.
Winter Energy Tips
Colder weather directly impacts the amount of natural gas that is consumed and your monthly bill. Using energy wisely and making a few household changes can make a big difference in how much you spend on natural gas and other energy bills. Plus, you will lower your home’s carbon emissions when you use less energy.
- Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home.
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
- Change or clean your heating and air conditioning unit filter regularly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Your equipment will use less energy if it ‘breathes’ more easily.
- Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use.
- Reduce your shower and bath time. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home’s hot water use.
- Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded.
- Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – warm air goes right up the chimney!
- If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
- Atmos Energy offers rebates for high-efficiency natural gas appliances, energy-saving devices, and weatherization upgrades for customers in Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas. Visit www.atmosenergy.com/rebates for details.
For home safety tips and to learn more about customer-owned natural gas piping, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/home-safety, and for more energy-saving tips visit www.atmosenergy.com/energytips.
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor. Atmos Energy safely delivers reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of Atmos Energy’s vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, Atmos is modernizing its business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas.
Find Atmos Energy online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Wildcat Football’s Senior Night Pushed Forward to Thursday Due to Fears of Inclement Weather
Wildcat football hosting Senior Night has been moved forward to Thursday, Nov. 3.
Coach Brandon Faircloth’s team now hosts Senior Night versus Anna on Thursday, Nov. 3, still at Gerald Prim Stadium.
Kickoff is still at 7:30 P.M.
It’s the second straight week Sulphur Springs has faced weather concerns.
Last Friday in Kaufman, the Wildcats could only play the first half before consecutive rain delays forced the game to be called as a loss for Wildcat football.
Sulphur Springs could only manage a touchdown in the 28-7 loss to the Lions as Kaufman claimed the second spot in 8-4A football. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 3-1, their first loss in district play.
Now they host undefeated Anna on Senior Night to wrap up the regular season. That game is again on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Prim at 7:30 P.M.
Lady Cat XC still runs Friday though at the state meet.
Coach Ross Hicks and his squad run in the 4A state championship meet Friday in Round Rock.
Sulphur Springs clinched a trip to the state championship competition for the first time in school history after finishing third at the Regional competition.
Cross country gets a practice run in Thursday prior to racing for all the marbles Friday morning at the 4A state championship.
That meet gets underway Friday in Round Rock at Old Settlers Park at 8:30 A.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.
