Corn In Our Home
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
In 1493, Christopher Columbus returned to Europe with a handful of revelations and a pocket full of corn seeds. He knew little about corn, but felt the product was delicious. He also recognized that if farmed, it could feed a lot of people. Unfortunately, he didn’t take back the knowledge of HOW to farm it! Basically, it was misunderstood and not used well in Europe for a few hundred more years.
Fortunately, however, corn became well learned in our country. Today, corn is in the sodas we drink, the potato chips we snack on, hamburgers, French fries, baked goods, cereals, snacks, poultry, most fish, and even ketchup. Basically, our entire diet has been taken over by this one plant.
Corn became so prevalent early on that it was used as currency. Initially, food only for the lowly, corn moved up during the Industrial Revolution to the finest dining halls and family tables.
Industry and circumstances played major roles in the rise of prominence. The plow allowed farmers to increase the size of their planted acreages, and this coincided with the expansion of our railroads which allowed greater dispersal of the product. Further, the canning industry provided a means for the product to be transported anywhere and avoid spoiling for great periods of time. Even with such a rapid spread, it still took at least another half-century before corn made its way to the center of our diet.
Hybrid species that were larger, had more ears per stalk, and stalks that could be grown closer together, combine with synthetic fertilizers and improved mechanical equipment allowed exponential growth. Bushels produced per acre grew from a little over 20 in 1865 to over 160 by 2010.
In 2019, U.S. farmers planted 91.7 million acres of corn, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). That’s about 69 million football fields of corn, far more acres than the next largest crop, soybeans, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
About a third of America’s corn crop is used for feeding cattle, hogs, and poultry in the U.S. Corn provides the “carbs” in animal feed, while soybeans provide the protein. Just over a third of the corn crop is used to make ethanol, which serves as a renewable fuel additive to gasoline. The rest of the corn crop is used for human food, beverages, and industrial uses in the U.S., or exported to other countries for food or feed use, the USDA reports.
Sulphur Springs Man Indicted On 20 Child Pornography Charges
More Than 75 Indictments Signed By Grand Jury During August 2022 Session
A 75-year-old Sulphur Springs man jailed on 20 child pornography charges was among the 50 individuals named in the more than 75 indictments signed by the Hopkins County Grand Jury during the August 2022 court session, pushing those cases forward for prosecution, according to court records.
Twenty indictments were issued accusing James Frank Neel of possession of child pornography.
The 75-year-old was arrested May 25, 2022, on one felony child porn charge. Sheriff’s officers received a complaint of suspected child porn at Neel’s address. An investigation revealed evidence of child porn linked back to Neel’s Davis Street address. A search warrant executed at the residence yielded what sheriff’s investigators called “huge amounts” of corroborating evidence. Neel was arrested on a possession of child pornography charge. Continued investigation resulted in Neel being charged on 19 additional possession of child porn charges on May 26, 2022.
Neel remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. His bonds on the 20 child pornography charges total $2,000,000 — $100,000 per charge.
Nine other individuals were indicted on two warrants each during the August Grand Jury session in Hopkins County.
Christina Nicole Anderson was indicted on two assault of a public servant charges. The 24-year-old Mount Pleasant woman was accused June 12, 2022, of resisting the Cumby policeman and sheriff’s deputy who attempted to take her into custody for drunk driving, then engaging in two separate altercations with officers upon arrival at the county jail.
She allegedly kicked two corrections officers when they tried to place her into a “V-cell” or violent cell at the jail due to her behavior. After she calmed down, she was moved to another cell, where she later slapped a jailer across the face with an open hand, sheriff’s officers and Cumby police alleged in arrest reports.
Anderson was released from the county jail June 13, 2022, on $32,000 in bonds — $10,000 each on three assault on public servant charges and $2,000 on a resisting arrest charge, according to jail records.
Jaleel Devontae Gipson was indicted in August 2022 for money laundering in the amount of $30,000-$150,000 and theft of firearm.
The 30-year-old Poplar Bluff, Missouri man allegedly had several bundles of US currency bound with rubber bands in a bag and additional cash in his shorts pocket when stopped May 22, 2022, on I-30 by a deputy. The money was reported to be in amounts ranging from $10 to $100 and totaled more than $66,000. A handgun, which Gipson allegedly admitted to having along with marijuana, was also found inside the vehicle came back as having been reported to authorities in Campbell, Missouri as stolen. He was arrested on money laundering and theft of a firearm charges, the sheriff’s deputy alleged in reports at the time of Gipson’s arrest.
Gipson was released from Hopkins County jail May 24, 2022, on $30,000 in bond — $20,000 bond on the felony money laundering charge and $10,000 bond on the felony theft of firearm charge, according to jail reports.
Indicted for tampering with evidence with intent to impair and possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone were Barry Lynn Kinard and Linda Ann Miears of Sulphur Springs.
The 65-year-old man and 57-year-old woman were accused of throwing a sock containing a meth pipe, a pouch with a small amount of marijuana in it and a container with suspected methamphetamine in it out the passenger’s side window on Middle Street at 3:15 a.m. May 19, 2022. They were arrested on both charges, with a drug-free zone enhancement added to the controlled substance charge due to the proximity of their location to a school when the offense occurred, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Kinard and Miears — who jail records show is also known by Linda Burrow Miears, Linda Ann Miears Burrows, Linda Ann Burrows Miears, Linda Ann Burrows and Lina Ann Ann Miears — were released from Hopkins County jail later May 19 on $10,000 bond each, $5,000 per charge.
Melisa Lynn Michelson was indicted during the August 2022 Grand Jury session on possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana.
The 51-year-old Round Rock woman was stopped just after 12:30 a.m. May 11, 2022, for speeding on Wildcat Way. A strong marijuana odor was detected by a deputy while talking to the woman. Deputies reported finding 19 bags of suspected marijuana, multicolored pills which tested positive for MDMA (a substance more commonly called Ecstasy), a bag with a white powdery substance which field-tested positive for crack cocaine, THC gummies and psychedelic mushrooms during a probable cause search of the pickup. Including packaging for each, the suspected marijuana weighed 11.42 ounces, MDMA 2.654 grams, the crack cocaine 1.853 grams, the gummies 0.6 gram and the psychedelic shrooms weighed about 7 grams. Michelson was arrested on four controlled substance charges and a marijuana charge.
Michelson was released from Hopkins County jail later Wednesday, May 11, 2022, after securing the $65,000 bond set on the charges, including the $35,000 bond set on the controlled substance charge and $5,000 bond on the marijuana for which she was indicted.
Indicted on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge and a possession of possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge was Randall Morse Sharp.
The 45-year-old Wylie man reportedly wouldn’t make eye contact with the deputy who stopped him May 198, 2022, on Frisco Street in Cumby for a traffic infraction. Sharp also reportedly covered his mouth while talking to the deputy and refused to let the deputy search the SUV he was driving. The deputy reported finding glass pipe with suspected meth residue was found in his front pocket during a pat down. A probable cause search of the vehicle yielded two bags containing 5.2 grams of psilocybin (hallucinogenic) mushrooms in a soup can as well as a clear bag containing 0.15 gram of a crystal-like substance that tested positive for meth. He was arrested and booked into jail after after 12 a.m. May 19, 2022, on possession charges for both substances.
Sharp remained in Hopkins County jail until May 23, 2022. His bonds totaled $75,000 — $30,000 each on the two controlled substance charges he was indicted on and $15,000 on Collin County warrants.
Oscar Gutierrez-Brione was indicted in August 2022 for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
The 30-year-old Dallas man allegedly handed a deputy a cigarette pack with a bag of meth in it when granting permission to search the vehicle he’d been driving on I-30 at 10:54 p.m. June 19, 2022. He was taken into custody. At the jail, deputies search the man’s wallet for further contraband and identification, since the man claimed he didn’t have any when arrested. A bank card with a different male name that had yet to expire was located. The man was released to jail staff. The contraband seized during the traffic stop field-tested positive as methamphetamine and weighed 0.66 grams, deputies alleged in arrest reports. He was arrested and booked into jail around 2 a.m. June 20, 2022, on a controlled substance and a credit or debit card abuse charge, according to jail reports.
Gutierrez-Brione was released from Hopkins County jail later June 20, 2022, on $5,000 bond per felony charge, according to jail reports.
Also among the individuals indicted during the August 2022 Grand Jury session were:
- Damion Deshaun Cook — 2 indictments: unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle
- Jarel Jalil Giles — 2 indictment: unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle
- Joseph Kian Anderson — evading arrest or detention with a vehicle
- Kiesa Dawn Birstein — theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with 2 or more previous convictions
- Jimmy Darnell Boling — possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Shawna Renae Bunch Bonds — possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Courtney Louise Bunch — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone
- Debracca Joane Cork — possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Abdullateef Olasun Shasore — engaging in organized criminal activity
- Isaac Clidell Woods — engaging in organized criminal activity
- Joshua Cruz — driving while intoxicate, third or more offense
- Perfecto Cumpian Jr. — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Eduardo A. Delgado-Torres — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Rachel Erin Denison — possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Valente Diaz-Pedroza — possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Darell Joe Dunavin — evading arrest or detention with previous conviction
- Tamera Michelle Fouse — possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Pedro Garcia-Alarcon — money laundering, $2,500 or more but less than $30,000
- Terez Antoine Gaines — possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana
- Brennan Dmarr Givens — possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana
- Tonya Lashawn Gilstrap — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Charles Anthony Hankins — tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair
- Conner Lee Hogan — aggravated assault against a public servant
- Cheryl Lynn Hooper — possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- John Martinez — driving while intoxicated, third or more offense
- Bridget Dowdy McGee — possession of less than1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance
- Anthony Ibarra Nolasco — possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance
- Monserrat Olguin-Rodriguez — possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance
- Kenssy Lilianna Perdomo-Vega — unauthorized use of vehicle
- Manuel Xum-Tziguin — unauthorized use of vehicle
- Trey James Roberson — driving while intoxicated, third or more offense
- Rita Roberts Rose — driving while intoxicated, third or more offense
- Laura Jean Simpson — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled
- Eric Paul Stephens — driving while intoxicated, third or more offense
- Bryan Scott Tennison — fraudulent use or possession of less than 5 items of identifying information-elderly
- Laura Bess Williams — fraudulent use or possession of less than 5 items of identifying information-elderly
- James Clyde Taylor — deadly conduct-discharge of firearm
- Cody Lynn Wells — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone
- Katy Leanne Wilburn — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone
- Jasmyn Starr Williams — possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone
- Danny Joe Woodard — possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled
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.
September 13 JP 2 Jury Duty Cancelled
Jury duty scheduled to being at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2022, in Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 2, has been cancelled. There is no need for those called for duty to appear or contact the court, according to the Precinct 2 JP, Judge Brad Cumming.
Texas 4-H Year Officially Starts Sept. 1, Enrollment Currently Open
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Texas 4-H is an educational program for youth. The program uses activities to provide education under the principle of “learning by doing.” 4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization —empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.
4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension — a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
Through life-changing 4‑H programs, nearly six million kids and teens have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.
We Believe that all young people’s have potential, and in developing young people who are empowered, confident, hard-working, determined, responsible and compassionate — seeing a world beyond themselves so that they have the life-long skills to succeed in college and career, ensuring access and equity for all, the power of America’s leading public universities, the practice of positive youth development (PYD) by creating positive learning experiences, caring and trusted adult mentors who cultivate positive relationships with youth, creating safe, diverse and inclusive environments, and meeting young people wherever they are.
So, how might the experiences look? Generally, after enrollment, youth get involve developing a project supported by their family. Depending of the project, some might be in groups (leadership, council, competitive events) or individual. The Extension office working with local 4-H Council will then plan activities to enhance or reflect the learned progress by the 4-H members.
Club membership is very important because it establishes a relationship between the 4-H member, support family and the Extension programs. Texas has more than 550,000 youth who are involved in 4-H experiences each year and we are pleased that you have decided to join 4-H!
Here is some information about our enrollment process and how we need your partnership in getting your membership entered and approved: All membership records change to an inactive status in August. The Texas 4-H year officially starts on Sept. 1 but enrollment opens on Aug. 15. Enrollment procedures and payment method options vary in each county, so check with your local county office for more information by calling 903-885-3443 or visit https://texas4-h.tamu.edu.
Cooking Well With Diabetes Focuses On Food Choices, Healthy Food Preparation
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Family and Community Health in Hopkins County, [email protected]
Diabetes continues to be a problem in Hopkins County. According to Countyhealthrankings.org, 12% of Hopkins County adults over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with diabetes. The good news is that diabetes can be managed with some diligence. And more good news is that the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County office, will be offering the 4-session “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series. A little-known fact is that I served on a revision team for the curriculum which garnered national honors at the National Health Outreach conference in Kansas City in May. (See related story by clicking here!)
This particular series is different from “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes,” which was offered in the spring. Cooking Well focuses more on food choices and healthy food preparation. Session topics are:
- Carbohydrate Foods: discussion will be on meal planning, foods that are high and low in carbohydrates, non-nutritive sweeteners (sugar substitutes), eating sweets in moderation, and prepared foods and adapting recipes to contain fewer carbohydrates.
- Making Recipes with Fat Better for You: discussion will focus on reducing fat while maintaining good flavor, using different kinds of fat, and substituting other ingredients for fats
- Double-Pleasure Side Dishes-Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber: we’ll discuss identifying sodium in foods, tips to reduce sodium, flavoring foods the healthy way, identifying fiber in foods and tips to increase fiber
- Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes: planning ahead, modifying recipes, fitting in sweets, and tips and tricks for enjoying special occasions will be discussed
Each session will include recipe demonstrations and sampling, along with visuals and written materials. Every attendee will go home with a notebook containing a copy of the power point presentation, handouts, recipes, and reinforcement items. Door prizes will be given at each session. Below are details:
- When: Mondays and Thursdays, Sept. 26, 29, Oct. 3, and 6 (“graduation” and recognition)
- Time: 1:30 p.m. (Please note that an evening session might be scheduled if at least 5 people request that time)
- Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Cost: $20, payable at the first session, covers materials, ingredients, and door prizes
- To sign up: Please contact the Extension office at 903-885-3443 and leave your name and phone number. We will provide you with the registration form.
If you use social media, be sure to follow Hopkins County Family & Community Health Facebook page for announcements on this and many other interesting events and topics!
49th Annual Christmas Joys
This is the event many of you have been waiting for registration to open! “Christmas Joys” is a highlight of the year for many individuals. The program contains recipes, gift-giving ideas, crafts, and more. This year’s theme is “Comfort and Joy,” and is sure to give you some great ideas for your holiday season!
Because of capacity regulations, we must cap attendance at 80 per session. Below are the details:
- When: Monday, Nov. 7
- Where: Southwest Dairy Museum
- Time: 1:30 p.m., repeated at 5:30 p.m. (select one)
- Cost: $5 per person, under age 10 free – payable at the door
- To sign up: You must call 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat. A name and phone number are required for each person reserving a seat. Due to capacity regulations, we must cap attendance to the first 80 for each session. We will keep a waiting list in case of cancellations.
Each attendee will receive a swag bag and booklet containing all the recipes and instructions for the projects demonstrated. The Southwest Dairy Museum will provide refreshments at the conclusion of the event and door prizes will be given throughout the presentation. We have two new presenters this year, in addition to previous presenters.
Closing Thought
We start learning the moment we are born, and we don’t stop until the Lord calls us home.
– Caroline Engalls, “Little House on the Prairie”
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office, P.O. Box 518, 200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; by phone at 903-885-3443; or email at [email protected].
Johanna Hicks And Team Honored At 2022 National Health Outreach Conference
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Johanna Hicks and a team of Extension Specialists and Extension program administrators were honored at the 2022 National Health Outreach Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The is based on programs designed to meet an identified need at the individual and/or family level. The purpose of the award is to recognize Extension programs that positively influence the health of people across the United States by providing leadership to expand Extension’s capacity to increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life.
Hicks and the Texas team of Extension Specialists and Extension program administrators received honors for the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series, focusing on planning and preparing healthy meals for persons with type 2 diabetes. Hicks has been teaching the 4-session series since 2007. Recently, she served on the team to revise the curriculum which led to recognition by the National Health Outreach Priester Awards committee.
Hicks played a significant role in revising the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” curriculum to better reflect nutritional/dietary guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture. The program has been met with great success from participants from across the state of Texas.
Hicks serves as the Family and Community Health Extension Agent in Hopkins County, headquartered in Sulphur Springs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarleton State University and a secondary teaching certification and Master of Education Degree from Texas Christian University. She has been with the Extension service for 27 years and has served as a mentor for numerous Extension educators.
Chamber Connection: Have Conversations With CASA Aug. 31, Final Day To Enter Photo Contest
By Butch Burney, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, [email protected]
If you have cooked stew in the past or want to for the first time, now is the time to register for the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank. The Stew Festival is Saturday, Oct. 22, with Friday night activities, hosted by Bob Evans Foods, will be going on the night before at Buford Park.
To register for a cook site, go online to the Chamber’s website at HopkinsChamber.org/stewcooks, email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515. The cost to enter is $100 per stew pot, with $150 coming from the sponsor to pay for ingredients.
This year, stew cooks can also pre-order a T-shirt with “Stew Cook” on the back for $15.
Register now to reserve your spot from last year.
We also are taking applications for our vendor market at the stew. Cost is $75 for Chamber members, $100 for nonmembers. Go to our website at HopkinsChamber.org or call Amanda at 903-885-6515 to register.
Softball Registration
Hopkins County Girls Softball Association’s Fall Season is about to kick off! Sign-ups are going on now and will end Sunday, Sept. 4. Sign-up forms and drop-off boxes are located at Field House Sports and Hibbett’s in Sulphur Springs.
Anyone with questions or concerns can email [email protected].
Lake Country CASA
Don’t miss the opportunity to find out what Lake Country CASA is all about with a zoom call on Aug. 31 at 12:30 p.m. Learn how they help the vulnerable children in our community who have been removed from their homes because of neglect or abuse.
RSVP at: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSemroVFR4wTii…/viewform
Photography Contest
It’s time once again for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual photography contest!
The photography contest is open to anyone who resides in Hopkins County. We have seven categories: Natural World, Travel, Family and People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children (for photographers up to 18 years of age).
Photographs must have been taken in Hopkins County no earlier than Jan. 1, 2021.
See the rules on our website, HopkinsChamber.org. You can also upload your photos to our website to enter. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31.
Ribeye Roundup
If you’re looking for a great steak, you don’t want to miss the Cattleman’s Classic and Ribeye Roundup on Saturday, Oct. 1, on the downtown plaza.
The event features a steak cook-off which will include an expected 40-plus cook teams, educational trade show, free Bobby Irwin concert and more.
Cooks have until Sept. 1 to get their entry forms in, and this year there will be a junior cook classification for youth ages 7-17. Go to the Facebook page to learn more.
You can also get a blue Ribeye Roundup T-shirt for just $14 at the Chamber of Commerce, 110 Main St. Come by to pick one up!
Quilt Show
The 21st Annual Quilt Show, presented by the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild, is set for Sept. 23-24 at First Baptist Church’s The ROC. Admission is $5 per person (under 12 are free). It will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Lisa Erlandson, AQS certified appraiser of Quilted Textiles and historian, will be the special speaker. There will be more than 100 quilts along with door prizes and vendors. For more information, go to SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.
Nurse Needed
Choice Hospice has an opening for an RN case manager and is offering a $5,000 sign on bonus. Choice is looking for a passionate and engaged nurses responsible for the overall clinical care of a caseload of seriously ill patients served in their place of residence.
To apply, go to indeed.com or visit the Choice office at 601 Airport Road, Suite 120 in Sulphur Springs.
Ribbon Cutting
Hopkins County Abstract Co. hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at their office on Oak Avenue. Please welcome the new ownership to the business community.
Business of the Week
Heritage Home Health and Hospice, located at is the Chamber’s Business of the Week for Aug. 31. Please visit our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook to find out more about this local business.
Sulphur Springs ISD Receives Overall B On 2021-2022 Report Card
Sulphur Springs ISD received an overall B on the 2021-2022 report card issued by Texas Education Agency, based on three domains: student achievement, school progress and how well the district is “closing the gaps.”
“We received an 88. I’m pretty excited about that and an 89 in progress too,” SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb said. “We are right at 90% in academic growth, which we’re real proud of. Relative compared to other similar districts we are at 90%.”
The district earned and 89 in school progress, missing an A by less than 1%, according to Lamb, and also received a “closing the gaps” score of 87. The superintendent said it appears that the district is back to the level it was at before COVID swept the world in 2020, which means they are back on track to meet goals established for the district previously and since then.
The 2021-2022 school year is the second consecutive SSISD has earned 88 out of a possible 100 points, to receive an overall B on the annual reported card. SSISD received a B for 2017-2018 with an 84 overall score and in 2018-2019 with an 88 overall score during the 2018-20219 school year. The last year districts were officially rated due to COVID-19 impacts was 2018-2019.
As is often the case when state or federal government are involved in setting standards and ratings, school report card ratings and separate pieces within are determined based on what some might consider complicated formulas.
Student Achievement
Student Achievement ratings are based on three things — STAAR performance (40% of the overall rating); college, career and military readiness (40%) and graduation rates (20%).
STAAR performance measures achievement at approaches, meets and masters grade level or above on STAAR tests. This is figured by determining the percentage of students in each of the three ratings categories, totaling the percentage points and dividing by three to get the average.
Roughly 76% of SSISD students were determined to be approaching grade level or above in all subjects on STAAR tests, 50% met or exceeded grade level and 25% mastered or exceeded grade level expectations in all STAAR tests.
A total of 64% of SSISD students received total credit for college, career and military readiness (CCMR) criteria, 1% higher than the state average. Only 21% of SSISD students taking tests such as the SAT, ACT or TSIA or who earned credit for a college prep course were determined to be college ready; that’s 20% lower than the state average. Only 7% met criterion scores on AP/IB exams; the state average is 21%. Thirty percent of SSISD students did, however, earn an industry-based certification, 11% higher than the state average. Forty percent of SSISD student earned college credit for at least one dual credit course, 14% over the state average. Four percent of SSISD students graduated with completed individualized education program and workforce readiness, twice the state average. Ten percent of SSISD students graduated in 2021-2022 under an advanced diploma plan and identified as a current special education student, more than twice the state average of 4%.
A total of 92% of students graduated in four years, 93% in five years, 93.4% in six years. The state average was a 90% graduation rate for students attending high school for four years, 92.2% five years, 92.6 percent six years. SSISD’s dropout rate was 3.6%, which is 1.2% higher than the state average.
District Progress
School progress rating consists of academic growth and relative performance scores. SSISD earned 90 for academic growth by students from one year to the next, 90 for relative performance (how SSISD performance stacks up against other schools with similar economically disadvantaged populations; 59.7% of SSISD students are considered economically disadvantaged.). Overall, SSSID only earned an 89 for school progress, however, according to the TEA formula.
Closing the Gaps
Closing the gaps scores include academic achievement, graduation rate, English language proficiency and school quality scores. SSISD earned 100% on English language proficiency and school quality, met 70% of academic achievement targets but only met 57% of targets for graduation rates.
SSISD Rated Campuses
SSISD served 4,329 students at 9 campuses in 2021-2021, up from an enrollment of 4,304 in 2020-2021, although only five district campuses received ratings last year:
- Douglass ECLC (paired with SSISD) — B (see district data above for Douglas ECLC as the campus rating, as the Head Start 3-4 and prekindergarten campus is paired with district data)
- Sulphur Springs Elementary — B
- Sulphur Springs High — B
- Sulphur Springs Middle — B
- Travis Primary — C
Sulphur Springs Elementary
Sulphur Springs Elementary, a campus serving 617 students during the 2020-2021 school year, earned a total of 89 out of a possible 100 points, garnering an overall B rating. That’s 7 points higher than during the 2018-2019 school year, when SSES earned a B rating, and 30 points higher than during the 2017-2018 school year, when the campus was rated “improvement required.”
Overall, SSES students earned 79 points for student achievement, 90 for school progress and 86 for closing gaps. SSES also earned Distinction Designations for postsecondary readiness and top 25% for comparative in closing the gaps.
SSES’ student achievement is based solely on the students STAAR performance on reading, math and science tests the campus received 79 out of a possible 100 points. Seventy-eight percent of the fourth and fifth grade students at SSES last year “approached” or above, 52% met or exceeded grade level and 27% mastered or exceeded grade level on STAAR testing. In fact, the SSES students’ scores were ahead of state averages on every test except science.
The Bell Street campus received an A in school progress — 90 points for academic growth students have made from year to year, and 84 points for relative performance on STAAR compared to other districts with similar economically disadvantaged populations; 64% of SSES students were considered economically disadvantaged during the 2021-2022 school year.
SSES met all of the targets set to close gaps during the 2021-2022 school year — 70% of academic achievement targets were met, 100% of growth targets, 100% of English language proficiency targets (measures emergent bilingual/English learners’ progress toward achieving English language proficiency), and 100% of student success targets across all student groups on STAAR tests.
Sulphur Springs Middle School
Middle School served 1,009 students in grades 6-8 during the 2020-2021 school year and earned 86 out of a possible 100 points, for a solid B report card. That’s just higher than the past 2 ratings of 83 in 2017-2018 school year, when SSMS “met standard,” and 85 in 2018-2019, which rated a B overall.
SSMS earned Bs on all thee performance measures: an 84 for student achievement, 86 for school progress and an 85 in closing gaps. The Middle School also received four Distinction Designations: Academic Achievement in mathematics, Top 25% comparative academic growth, postsecondary readiness and top 25% comparative closing the gaps.
The 84 score for student achievement component consists completely of 6th-8th graders’ 2021-2022 STAAR scores. Middle school students were tested in reading, math, science and social studies. Overall, 78% of SSMS students approached or were above grade level, 51% met grade level or above and 31% mastered or exceeded grade level on all STAAR subjects during 2021-2022 testing.
The campus matched or exceeded nearly all state averages as far as approaching, meeting and mastering all STAAR subjects, with the exception of social studies. At the state level, 78% of middle school students tested either “approached” or scored above grade level, 51% met or exceeded grade level, and 33% mastered or exceeded grade level standards on STAAR social studies tests. At SSMS, 68% approached or exceeded, 36% met or exceeded, and 19% mastered or exceeded grade level on social studies STAAR tests.
The school progress score consisted of 86 points out of 100 for academic growth and 85 points for relative performance on STAAR compared to other districts with similar economically disadvantaged populations; that is 52.2% of SSMS students were considered economically disadvantaged. They scored 53; the campus needed 58 to earn an A, 48 to earn a B, and 43 to earn a C.
Sulphur Springs High School
High School served 1,247 students in grades 9-12 during the 2020-21 school year and earned an overall 80 out of a possible 100 points, garnering an overall B report card rating for the 2021-2022 school year. That’s the same rating as in the 2018-2019 school year, when the campus earned 82 points. During the 2017-2018 school year, SSHS “met standard” with 84 points overall.
The high school earned 82s in student achievement and school progress, and 75 on closing the gaps.
For student achievement, SSHS students earned 76 points for STAAR performance; 91 for college, career and military readiness; and 75 for graduation rates.
SSHS students took reading, math, science and social studies STAAR tests. Overall, 73% rated “approaches” grave level or above, 52% met grade level or above and 18% mastered or exceeded grade level in all subjects.
The SSHS CCMR ratings and percentages are the same as those for the district as they are used to figure district totals. A total of 64% of SSHS students received total credit for college, career and military readiness (CCMR) criteria, 1% higher than the state average. Only 21% of SSISD students taking tests such as the SAT, ACT or TSIA or who earned credit for a college prep course were determined to be college ready; that’s 20% lower than the state average. Only 7% met criterion scores on AP/IB exams; the state average is 21%. Thirty percent of SSHS students did, however, earn an industry-based certification, 11% higher than the state average. Forty percent of SSHS students earned college credit for at least one dual credit course, 14% over the state average. Four percent of SSHS students graduated with completed individualized education program and workforce readiness, twice the state average. Ten percent of SSHS students graduated in 2021-2022 under an advanced diploma plan and identified as a current special education student, more than twice the state average of 4%.
A total of 92.6% of Sulphur Springs students graduated high school in four years, 93.3% in five years, 93.4% in six years. SSISD’s dropout rate was 3.6%, which is 1.2% higher than the state average.
In the school progress category, SSHS received 68 points earning a “not rated” label for academic growth, but received 82 points for school performance relative to others school’s with similar economically disadvantaged populations, and a 56 STAAR and CCMR average score relative to schools with an economically disadvantaged population (which is considered a B). SSHS’ had a 47.5% economically disadvantaged population during the 2021-2022 school year.
In “closing gaps,” SSHS received scored 12.5 points (25%) out of the possible 50% in academic achievement targets; 5.7 points (57%) out of the possible 10% of graduation rate targets; received no score for progress in English language proficiency by emergent bilingual/English learners; and 100% (30 points) of targets for school quality which measures readiness for college, workforce or military across student groups.
Travis Primary
Travis Primary, a campus which served 292 students from kindergarten through third grade during the 2020-21 school year, earned 71 points, garnering a C report card rating last year. That’s an improvement over 59 points Travis received in the 2017-2018 school year, when the campus earned an “improvement required” ranking, and the 66 points received in the 2018-2019 school year, when the school earned a D rating.
The campus received 72 points for school progress, but only 69 for student achievement on STAAR tests and 67 for closing the gaps, and thus, were not rated on the last two domains. Travis did, however, earn a Distinction Designation for Academic Achievement in English/language arts and reading.
Travis third graders were STAAR tested in reading and math. Overall, 66% “approached” grade level or above, 33% met or exceeded grade level and 19% mastered or exceeded grade level on all STAAR tests.
In the school progress domain, Travis Primary didn’t receive points for academic growth but did receive 72 points for relative performance compared to other schools with economically disadvantaged populations similar to the campus’ 75.7%. The campus needed 39 relative STAAR performance points and earned 40.
In the closing gaps domain, Travis met 30% of targets on academic achievement on STAAR grade level performance at or above standard in reading in math in all student groups, met 100% of targets for English language proficiency among emergent bilingual/English learners, and 17% of student success targets for student performance on STAAR across all student groups.
SSISD Campuses “Not Rated”
To align with Senate Bill 1365, a school receives a “Not Rated” label when the domain or overall scaled score is less than 70.
A school district or campus does not receive a rating for one or more of the
following reasons:
- The district or campus has no data in the accountability subset.
- The district or campus has insufficient data to assign a rating.
- The district operates only residential facilities.
- The campus is a juvenile justice alternative education program (JJAEP).
- The campus is a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP).
- The campus is a residential facility.
- The commissioner otherwise determines that the district or campus will not be rated.
The four SSISD campuses designated as “not rated” include:
- Barbara Bush Primary — 69 out of 100
- Bowie Primary — 66 out of 100
- Rowena Johnson Primary — 63 out of 100
- Austin Academic Center — 65 out of 100
Barbara Bush Primary
Barbara Bush Primary, a campus serving 332 students from kindergarten up to third grade during the 2020-2021 school year, earned 69 points overall during the 2021-2022 school year and, thus, was not rated. That’s better Bush’s 2017-2018 score of 59, which garnered an improvement needed rating, but still nearly 20 points shy of the campus’ 2018-2019 score of 88, which garnered a B rating.
Bush Primary earned a 70 on student achievement (overall STAAR performance on math tests), a 72 on school progress, and a 61 on closing the gaps, putting the campus just 1 point out of a C rating.
On STAAR tests, 68% of Bush Primary students were rated as “approaching” grade level or above, 39% met or exceeded grade level and 16% mastered or exceeded grade level, in reading and math tests.
Bush, which consisted of 73.5% economically disadvantaged students, scored 72 out of 100 points for relative performance compared to other schools with similar economically disadvantaged populations.
Bowie Primary
Bowie Primary, a campus serving 304 students from kindergarten through third grade during the 2020-2021 school year, earned 66 out of a possible 100 points during the 2021-2022 school year and, thus, was not rated. While better than the “Improvement Required” rating of 2017-2018 when Bowie’s overall score was, 59, the 2021-2022 score was still shy of the C rating the campus received during the 2018-2019 school year with an overall 70 score.
Bowie earned a 72 student achievement score based on the campus’ overall STAAR performance rating, 66 for school progress and 52 for closing the gaps.
On STAAR tests, 68% of Bowie students’ scores in all subjects (reading and math) were “approaching” grave level or above, 40% met or exceeded grade level, and 22% mastered or exceeded grade level.
Overall, Bush Primary only received an overall 66 out of a possible 100 points based on students’ STAAR performance relative to other similarly economically disadvantaged populations. Bowie’s student population consisted of 54.6% economically disadvantaged students.
Rowena Johnson Primary
Rowena Johnson Primary, a campus serving 295 students from kindergarten through third grade, earned an overall 63 out of 100 points during the 2021-2022 school year, and wasn’t rated. However, the 2021-2022 score is still better than the two previous ratings. Johnson received a score of 59 in 2017-2018, garnering an improvement needed ratings, and a 58 in 2018-2019, giving the campus an F rating that year. D
The campus received a 69 in student achievement (STAAR rating), a 70 in school progress and a 48 in closing the gaps, giving the campus an overall 63 score this year.
During the 2021-2022 school year, 70% of all Johnson Primary students tested were “approaching” grade level or above, 35% were meeting or above grade level and 16% mastered or exceeded grade level on STAAR tests in reading and math STAAR tests.
Johnson Primary earned a 70 or C rating for relative performance compared to other schools with similar economically disadvantaged populations; 72.4% of students at Rowena Johnson Primary were economically disadvantaged during the 2021-2022 school year.
Austin Academic Center
Austin Academic Center scored 65 out of a possible 100 points, and thus was “not rate.” According to TEA, alternative standards were used to rate AAC. In fact, 2021-2022 school year is the first time AAC has been rated, thus, there was no prior data to assess school progress and closing the gaps, so the total score comes from students’ STAAR performance.
Overall, 33% of AAC students were “approaching” or above grade level, 13% met or exceeded grave level and 4% mastered or exceeded grade level criteria on reading, math, science and social studies tests during the 2021-2022 school year.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed For Third Time For Violating Probation
A 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed for the third time on a warrant for violating probation on a 2015 criminal activity charge, according to jail and arrest records.
Zachary Van Nguyen was notified by his probation officer that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Nguyen arrived at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and turned himself in on the charge. Deputy Isaac Foley took Nguyen into custody Aug. 29, 2022, and escorted him into the county jail, according to arrest reports.
The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail at 5:44 p.m. on the outstanding warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for an engaging in organized criminal activity charge. The violation, Foley noted in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on Aug. 2, 2022.
Nguyen, who jail records show is also known by Zachary Medez, remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, on the probation warrant; bond on the charge was set at $150,000.
The original engaging in organized criminal activity charge occurred in the spring of 2015. Nguyen, another adult and a juvenile were arrested on May 17, 2015, each accused of involvement in at least four burglaries reported in Hopkins County; three additional individuals were arrested later in May 2015 in connection with the burglaries, according to sheriff’s reports. Nguyen remained in Hopkins County jail from May 17, 2015 to Sept. 14, 2015. The Sulphur Springs man was sentenced to serve a weekend commitment for the criminal activity, which he did from Aug. 26-28, 2016, according to jail reports.
Monday was the third time Nguyen has been in the county jail for violating his probation on the criminal activity charge: Nov. 1, 2018-Jan. 2, 2019 and March 13-April 30, 2019, according to jail reports.
Jail records show Nguyen was last in Hopkins County jail July 2-6, 2022 on a Delta County assault causing bodily injury charge
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.
Cross Country Continues Chugging Along, Looking Ahead to Thursday’s Invitational
Both Lady Cats and Wildcats cross country headed to Kaufman Saturday for the Run With the Lions XC competition.
Both teams under Ross Hicks had very solid outings Saturday. The Lady Cats cracked the top-5 at fourth and the Wildcats, at eighth, had six runners place personal records.
Haylee Schultz narrowly missed out on the top-15, crossing the line at 14:07.49 for 16th place. 15 seconds later Edith Martinez came in at 21st with a time of 14:22.21.
Jolea Moore crossed the line at 14:35.05, finishing 27th.
Three more Lady Cats cracked the top-45:
- Laney Hurst, at 39th, finished at 15:02.53
- McKenzie Buckland, at 15:04.99 placed 41st
- And Abbey Williams, eight seconds after Hurst, crossed the line at 15:10.08. She finished after Buckland at 42nd
Rounding out runners for Lady Cats XC, Dylan McKinney came in at 16:08.47.
Of the 18 schools competing in Kaufman, Lady Cats XC ended with just 127 points, more than enough for a fourth place finish.
The men’s side had a solid outing as well Saturday in Kaufman. Of the eight runners for Sulphur Springs, six of them set personal records.
Leading the way for the Wildcats, Ivan Gonzalez finished 34th at 19:05.03, the first of more than a handful of runners to do so Saturday. Not far behind Gonzalez, Gabe Mayo also recorded a personal best with a time of 19:18.02. The Wildcat placed 42nd.
Two runners from Sulphur Springs cracked the top 50:
- Candelario Monsivias at 47th — 19:26.27
- and Juan Sanatacruz, 49th — 19:29:94 (PR)
Mateo Perez finished at a time of 20:08.02, and two ticks behind him Jaydon Connor recorded a personal best, coming in at 20:10.82.
The last two Wildcats to cross the finish line, Rafael Florez and Andrew Resendiz, at times of 20:26.62 and 20:31.13, were the sixth and seventh Sulphur Springs runners to set personal records Saturday.
In the 20 schools running in Kaufman, all 4A and under, Wildcats XC cumulated 233 points, good enough for 8th place.
Next up, Ross Hicks and his cross country teams compete Thursday at the Troy Segura classic. Another early start for Sulphur Springs XC has both squads start running at 8 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.
