NETEX Receives “Unmodified Opinion” on Audit
The Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (known as NETEX) Board of Directors this month received audits for past few years, heard updates from the rail operator and a took public comments.
Audit Report
Auditor indicated his reports would get NETEX caught up through Sept. 30, 2021, but that his discussion focus would be the audit for the most recent fiscal year, 2021, but noted it’s almost time for the 2022 audit. He said the other reports were very similar to the 2021 audit.
Following a change in operators as well as board members, NETEX’s finances were complied and submitted in 2022 for audit. Because he was given more than one year’s worth of finances to consider, it took longer to complete the work. Auditor Mike Ward said he also will add a budget to budget comparison to final report, but encouraged the NETEX Board to contact him with any questions they may have regarding the audit. The document was drafted the same way it would be for a city our county. Ward encouraged the NETEX Board to review the audit reports and contact him with any questions they might have. The process should be easier for the 2022 audit, even though the report will look different due to required reporting changes.
The main thing, Ward said the auditor’s independent audit report found NETEX 2021 finances to be presented fairly.
“It’s a clean, unmodified opinion, which is what you are going for and which you accomplished,” Ward said. “Everything was made available to me. I didn’t have any difficulty getting information.”
NETEX ended 2021 with about $300,000 in cash and $2.8 million in appreciated capital assets, which was factored using the only number he was able to find for assets (an actuarial report from about 2015 which contained a professional opinion), then factored in deprecation for the given number of years. The rail district ended the FY with a net position that’s unrestricted.
“At the end of the day, you ended with a net position that’s unrestricted, which is equal up to your cash which is almost $200,000. Again, that net investment of your fund balance is related to the capital asset.
As far as changes in net position from 2020 to 2021, NETEX had about $115,000-$116,000 in total operating revenue, $24,000 consultant fee in the miscellaneous category, $162,000 of operating expenses including $117,000 depreciation asset expense.
Total $4,696,000 worth asset on the books, with $1.9 million of that depreciated, which brings it the net valued down to $2,817,000. Financial statements included about $7,000 spent on travel, $9,000 on insurance, about $26,000 in legal fees and the rest was depreciation, Ward said.
The value of assets will change as improvements are made. There have been several, especially over the last 1.5 years, and others are planned. That should be reflected in future reports. NETEX Chair Cheryl Williams said the board, in cooperation with NETC, should be able to compile and provide a report for the auditor to use to more accurately reflect assets over the past couple of years. Selak said his group has tracked those improvements and depreciations and can provide them as needed for the audit and NETEX records/reports.
Williams said the budget comparisons, a budget change made in past months, and asset/depreciation information should be included in the final budget report presented for NETEX Board approval. The NETEX Board officers, along with NETC and Mitzi Y’Barbo (Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County EDC Research Analyst/NETEX Administrator), will work to get the information Ward needs to complete the audit reports, and will also attempt to compile a NETEX budget for approval. NETEX Board member Brad Johnson said he’s retired and would be willing to help Williams, Hutchins and Y’Barbo, if needed.
Right of Way
Williams reported there were not contracts RAMS has forwarded for consideration this month. She said there are a few requests that aren’t quite ready yet. Williams, who also serves as Collin County Precinct 2 Commissioner, said she has been working with the City of Lavon, RAMS and attorneys on some right-of-way agreements for road work. She also as of the Jan. 5 meetings had not received any recent updates on a Northeast Texas Farmers Coop track lease either.
Treasurer’s Report
The monthly NETEX treasurer’s report was fairly simple as there’s only been one transactions so far during the new calendar year.
Treasurer Mark Hutchins did report that NETEX in November had invoices for a total of just under $210,490 paid to Northeast Texas Connector (NETC) for bridge repairs and floating rail repair NETEX contracted with NETC to perform. Thanks was offered to NETC owner Mike Selak and crew for getting the much-needed improvements none.
That, however, brought the past month’s general account bank balance down to $518,859.23, and the amount in NETEX’s money market account was a little over $50,000 in the money market account, Hutchins reported during the Jan. 5, 2023 meeting.
NETC 2022 Update
Amanda Fernandez, Northeast Texas Connector Railroad customer service representative, presented the monthly NETC update to the NETEX Board of Directors. The monthly carload count increased by 16 cars in December of 2021 to 132 cars in December of 2022 (which was the same carload count as in November 2022 as well).The annual carload count has increased by 261, growing from 1,218 carloads traveling on the NETEX tracks January-December of 2021 to 1,479 carloads from January to December of 2022. That’s a 21% increase; the rail moved 3 million gross tons on the rail during that time as well, Fernandez reported.
“Our inbound cycle time did increase to 6 days. That’s up 4.5 days. That’s quite a jump. We did have two derailments. It didn’t really affect servicing of customers, but it did affect our interchange as far as service to customers. The derailments happened in Greenville and Sulphur Springs, and it was just a gauge issue. We had to call in a crane for the one in Sulphur Springs but the one in Greenville we were able to pick that up ourselves,” Fernandez said.
NETC replaced 40 ties from the derailments. Improvements at NETEX bridge 508.4, which was reported in November, was complete as of the Jan. 5 NETEX board meeting, as well as bridge 507.19. Both are in the Weaver area. No brush cutting was performed by NETC in December, because the brush cutting machine was engaged in the bridge repair work. A third bridge, 509.67 has also been completed, Miguel Fernandez with NETC also reported.
Selak said discussion has continued to determine what information and documentation would be needed to possibly apply through Texas Department of Transportation for what is anticipated would be around $30 million in grant funding to make needed repairs on the rail to get it up to Class 2 standards along the entire line. A sizeable grant match would be required for any entity receiving a portion of the transportation funds that have been designated by the federal government for road, rail and other transportation improvements.
The NETC operator also said he anticipated being in Kansas this week to speak with Kansas City Southern representatives about possible future opportunities and concerns for NETEX and NETC as operators.
Public Comments
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director reported the EDC will open bids on the building for a weigh house today and award the successful bid for the transload facility being built on EDC property in Sulphur Springs at the EDC meeting Jan. 23, 2023. NETEX operator Northeast Texas Connector (Freedom Rail Group) will use the facility to load and unload, and weigh cars shipped through Sulphur Springs along the NETEX line.
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski attended the meeting, at the invitation of Board member Brad Johnson, to address the board during the citizens comments portion of the meeting.
Niewiadomski sought guidance regarding the NETEX Board of Director’s permitting or other process for a developer to attain permission to run a sewer line under the track. Niewiadomski noted the developer for Ladera RV Resort which, as planned, will wrap around behind the Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center from Loop 301 to Jefferson Street. The property abuts the railroad on one side. In order to tap into the existing sewer main, the developer will need to bore under the NETEX tracks which runs along one side of the property. Niewiadomski said he realizes the board cannot consider the request at that time because it’s not on the agenda as an action item, he sought information about the steps the the developer and potentially the city will need to take for such a request. RAMS is hired to handle NETEX’s right-of-way matters, so the request would need to go through RAMS. Then, if RAMS is satisfied Ladera’s request meets all requirements, RAMS would then submit it to NETEX Board for approval. NETEX Board indicated they would give the city official the appropriate contact information so the developer can submit the bore request.
FM 71 Motorcycle Crash In Hopkins County Results 1 Death
A FM 71 motorcycle crash on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, resulted in one death, according to Texas Department of Public Safety reports.
Preliminary investigation indicates a man was riding a 2007 Honda VTX 1300 motorcycle on FM 71, just east of the Sulphur Bluff community in Hopkins County at 1:57 p.m. Jan. 11, 2023. The eastbound bike ran off the road going around a corner and struck a concrete culvert. The operator died at the hospital after being transported, Texas DPS Highway Patrol Trooper Cody Sagnibene noted in the preliminary crash report.
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer responded at Christus Mother Francis Hospital in Sulphur Springs, where he pronounced 73-year-old Bobby Wilson of Lone Oak dead.
The fatal FM 71 motorcycle crash remains under investigation by DPS.
Meal-A-Day’s New Director
January 12, 2023 – Meal-A-Day, a non-profit organization, welcomes its newest director Amanda Dietlin. She hit the ground running and is being welcomed with open arms. Dietlin has taken up the mantle of her predecessors Cecil Toenniges and Tina Philips, with determination and commitment to helping all those in need.
Dietlin was originally from Phoenix, AZ before moving to Texas in March 2022. Amanda started working as the director of the Program on January 6th, 2023 and has since expressed her excitement to help those who need help. Dietlin has also expressed her need to spread the word to the community to attempt to find those willing to help with volunteer work. She plans to run the program to the full extent of her abilities and insure the continued success of Meal-A-Day.
Dietlin has shared her feelings of enjoyment to work with her team members. They all work together to make meals and deliver food into the hands of those who need it.
The Meal-A-Day program delivers meals to seniors in the Sulphur Springs area. If you want to apply for this service call the Sulphur Springs Senior Center at (903) 885-1661 and ask to be connected with the Meal-A-Day Director.
Thursday Gameday Brings Both Soccer Squads Beginning Tournaments
Thursday, Jan. 12 sees both soccer teams from Sulphur Springs beginning three-day tournaments.
Coach Alexi Upton and his Wildcats kickoff first on Thursday, Jan. 12 in Palestine at the 13th Annual Wildcat Classic Soccer Tournament.
No. 15 in 4A Sulphur Springs soccer gets an action-packed three days started when they play group A foe Mexia, #19 in 4A, at 1 P.M. at Wildcat Stadium.
Game two does not come until Friday, Jan. 13 but the Wildcats take on host #16 in 4A Palestine (according to Lethal Enforcer) at 2 P.M. on their home turf. Game three, also on Friday, has men’s soccer playing Lindale at 5:30 P.M.
Saturday definitively brings one game, but if Sulphur Springs has a solid outing throughout their time in Palestine they could play for second third place overall, or even for the championship.
Wildcats soccer takes on Mabank at 1 P.M. on Saturday, Jan. 14 with potentially another game to be played that day.
Coach Upton’s squad is 2-1-1 after a solid outing last weekend hosting the 4A Elite Invitational. Sulphur Springs fell in the semifinals in their lone loss in the tournament.
Lady Cats soccer also plays in a three-day tournament, heading to Longview for the 2023 Pine Tree Lady Pirate Showcase.
Their first game in the tourney has the Lady Cats playing Spring Hill at 2 P.M. at Field 2 of Lear Park.
Game two on Friday, Jan. 13 has Sulphur Springs taking on Tyler Legacy’s JVA.
That game takes place at Field No. 3 (or Lear Park 2) with a 2 P.M. kickoff like their Thursday match.
Make no mistake though, with the Lady Raiders at #8 in 6A according to Lethal Enforcer, even their JV team could give a solid showing.
The final game for Lady Cats soccer comes Saturday, Jan. 14 as Sulphur Springs takes on Lancaster at Field 3 again, but with a later kickoff of 5 P.M.
Coach Adriana Brena and her squad come into the tournament ranked #3 in the state in 4A. Last weekend saw the Lady Cats go 1-2 against three strong challengers in Carthage, Hallsville and Jacksonville.
Sulphur Springs is 1-3 overall.
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.
Government Considering Regulating Your Gas Kitchen Stove
In December 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an agency charged with protecting the public from dangerous household products, determined that natural gas stoves are bad for the environment. The report points to indoor air quality concerns.
Inside the home, stoves are prone to leaking methane into you house. Poorly maintained valves, pipes and hoses and pilot lights that don’t remain lit are atop the list. Besides the fact that burning natural gas produces carbon dioxide.
I’ll NEVER give up my gas stove. If the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands. COME AND TAKE IT!!
Ronny Jackson Congressman for #TX13 | Former White House Physician & Retired Navy Rear Admiral | Texan, Veteran, Physician, Leader
Ask any chef or would be chef about their choice between gas or electric for stop tops, and the majority will always say gas. Gas gets hotter faster, and with experience provides better cooking results.
This latest environmental focused report comes just as power grids across the nation are being tested. Mandates for all electric cars and now a vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to ban the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters beginning in 2030 are leading the charge. California homes will be required to install zero-emissions alternatives, like electric heaters.
Alexander Hoehn-Saric is Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hoehn-Saric said. “But to be clear, I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”
When And What Approaches To Consider When Pruning Shade Trees
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, m-[email protected]
All landscape and shade trees require pruning at some time during their life. Trees may be pruned to:
- Promote plant health by removing dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage such as crossing and rubbing branches; maintain the intended purposes in a landscape, by encouraging flower and fruit development, maintaining a dense hedge, or maintaining a desired tree form or special garden forms;
- Improve aesthetics by controlling plant size or removing unwanted branches, waterspouts, suckers, and undesirable fruiting structures;
- Protect people and property by removing dead or hazardous branches such as weak or narrow-angled tree branches that overhang homes, parking areas, and sidewalks;
- Increase visibility by eliminating branches that interfere with street lights, traffic signals, overhead wires, or obscure vision at intersections; and
- Improve security around the home by removing branches that obscure the entry to your home.
Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Pruning for form can be especially important on open-grown trees that do very little self-pruning. All woody plants shed branches in response to shading and competition. Branches that are poorly attached may be broken off by wind and accumulation of snow and ice. Branches removed by such natural forces often result in large, ragged wounds that rarely seal. Pruning as a cultural practice can be used to supplement or replace these natural processes and increase the strength and longevity of plants.
Pruning Approaches
Proper pruning cuts are made at a node, the point at which one branch or twig attaches to another. In the spring of the year growth begins at buds, and twigs grow until a new node is formed. The length of a branch between nodes is called an internode. The most common types of pruning are:
- Crownthinning primarily for hardwoods, is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement throughout the crown of a tree.
- Crown raising is the practice of removing branches from the bottom of the crown of a tree to provide clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, buildings, lines of site, or to develop a clear stem for timber production.
- Crown reduction pruning is most often used when a tree has grown too large for its permitted space. This method, sometimes called drop crotch pruning, is preferred to topping because it results in a more natural appearance, increases the time before pruning is needed again, and minimizes stress.
Pruning Cuts
Pruning cuts should be made so that only branch tissue is removed and stem tissue is not damaged. At the point where the branch attaches to the stem, branch and stem tissues remain separate, but are contiguous. If only branch tissues are cut when pruning, the stem tissues of the tree will probably not become decayed, and the wound will seal more effectively.
Pruning Live Branches
To find the proper place to cut a branch, look for the branch collar that grows from the stem tissue at the underside of the base of the branch. On the upper surface, there is usually a branch bark ridge that runs (more or less) parallel to the branch angle, along the stem of the tree. A proper pruning cut does not damage either the branch bark ridge or the branch collar.
A proper cut begins just outside the branch bark ridge and angles down away from the stem of the tree, avoiding injury to the branch collar. Make the cut as close as possible to the stem in the branchaxil, but outside the branch bark ridge, so that stem tissue is not injured and the wound can seal in the shortest time possible. The second cut should be outside the first cut, all the way through the branch, leaving a short stub. The stub is then cut just outside the branch bark ridge/branch collar, completing the operation.
Pruning Dead Branches
Prune dead branches in much the same way as live branches. Making the correct cut is usually easy because the branch collar and the branch bark ridge can be distinguished from the dead branch, because they continue to grow. Make the pruning cut just outside of the ring of woundwood tissue that has formed, being careful not to cause unnecessary injury.
Drop Crotch Cuts
A proper cut begins just above the branch bark ridge and extends through the stem parallel to the branch bark ridge. Usually, the stem being removed is too large to be supported with one hand, so the three cut method should be used. With the first cut, make a notch on the side of the stem away from the branch to be retained, well above the branch crotch. Begin the second cut inside the branch crotch, staying well above the branch bark ridge, and cut through the stem above the notch. Cut the remaining stub just inside the branch bark ridge through the stem parallel to the branch bark ridge.
To prevent the abundant growth of sprouts on the stem below the cut, or dieback of the stem to a lower lateral branch, make the cut at a lateral branch that is at least one-third of the diameter of the stem at their union.
For more information please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign Funds New Critical Care Bed
By Kayla Price, Executive Director, Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is offering a huge thank you to the local community for its support of this year’s Snowflake Campaign! The campaign raised over $7,500 and recognized over 75 individuals with snowflakes.
As a means of saying “thank you,” the Foundation is using funds raised through the Snowflake Campaign as well as a matching gift of $10,000 from the CHRISTUS Foundation and a $7,700 gift from the health care providers to purchase one new state-of-the-art critical care bed to be used by CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs’ ICU department.
“We are so excited to have this new bed in ICU! This bed really helps patients to heal and improves outcomes. Thank you to the Foundation and all the donors who have made this possible,” shared Alyssa Flatt, ICU director of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
This new bed will provide the latest technology for patient care and safety. Not only does it protect the patient by reducing bedsores and fall risks, but it also keeps both patient and hospital associate safe by aiding with turning and repositioning of the patient. In addition, it helps to calm the patient by playing music, and it can speak to the patient in 26 languages.
The Foundation will continue to raise funds for four additional critical care beds. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs is also purchasing five new beds so that all ten ICU rooms will feature a new critical care bed.
Foundation Board Chair Maleta Reynolds offered her appreciation to the community for its support. “No matter how great our needs have been the past twenty-five years, the citizens of Hopkins County have provided funds and encouragement. Thank you to those who donated to the Snowflake Campaign this year. Each of those gifts has made this new ICU bed possible.”
The Stryker Critical Care Bed normally costs $34,900 each, however CMFH-SS was able to negotiate a discount bringing the cost to $21,900 each. With the funds raised through the Snowflake Campaign, the matching gift and the health care providers donation, Hopkins County citizens will benefit from a new ICU bed.
If you are interested in donating toward the purchase of the remaining four critical care beds, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, at 903-438-4799.
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Wildcats Basketball Falls in Dallas, Begins District Season at Paris Friday
Sulphur Springs did not finish their pre-district season as they may have hoped, going 0-2 over their final two games prior to start of district play.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team fell in Anna last Friday, before losing in Dallas on Tuesday to Pinkston 80-71.
Wildcats basketball traveled to Dallas on Tuesday, Jan. 10 for a big match-up with Dallas Pinkston. The Vikings came into the matchup ranked #8 in 4A, with Sulphur Springs three spots behind at 11.
Men’s basketball fell behind early and kept it tight, staying within a 10-point game for the majority of Tuesday’s contest in Dallas.
A late run though by the Vikings cushioned their lead though as they went on to win versus Sulphur Springs, 80-71.
Shooting was vastly better in their Tuesday loss in Dallas. The Tuesday before, in Anna against a similarly highly ranked 4A squad, the Wildcats could only put 54 points on the scoreboard. In their loss to Dallas Pinkston, Coach Shaver’s team put up almost 20 more points.
But after two straight losses, Sulphur Springs goes back to the drawing board to try and recapture the magic that saw them win 18 of their first 23 games.
The loss on Tuesday in Dallas brings men’s basketball’s season record to 18-7, a second straight loss prior to the start of district play.
Going 0-2 to wrap up their non-district season is less than ideal. Considering the Wildcats did so against the #8 team in 4A in Pinkston, and their 60-54 loss to #10 Anna, Coach Shaver’s team should not hang their head.
They look to get back to their winning ways on Friday, Jan. 13 when they travel to Paris for their first district game.
The district opener for men’s basketball tips off in Paris on Friday at 7:30 P.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.
First Phase Of Construction Begins On New Jail Trusty Housing Facility
The first phase of construction has begun on the new jail trusty housing facility on Houston Street, across from Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center which houses the current jail and sheriff’s office.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court, the sheriff, chief deputy and jail administrator met with SEDALCO Construction Services Superintendent Brad Huber, Project Manager Will Burgess, Wayne Gondeck with DRG Architects, and other members of the project team, most of whom joined in via Zoom, to discuss progress, get some clarification for some items for construction of the facility.
Huber reported so far the focus has been on earthwork and public safety. County officials who visit the site are asked to check in at the construction trailer with the supervisor so he can provide them with a hard hat, then walk with them safely through the site, and discuss or answer any questions they may have.
A few changes were made to the plan, and a different contractor was brought in after it was learned the original contractor would not be able to start work until this week because their workers are already committed to other projects; that would push the start back three to four weeks on what is projected to be an 11 month job. With the rainy season coming in the next couple of months and potential for extreme cold through at least February, getting earth work started as soon as possible was determined to be an important part of getting the project finished on time and within budget.
A few small changes discovered included addition of a bullet resistant panel from the lead in door, an accessible bench, and a plumbing fixture had to be relocated.
Equipment and utilities equipment are being moved in. Sand bags have been ordered to hold down appropriate signage, which will be placed in the area. A dumpster is scheduled for order from the city. While the construction trailer is in place, SEDALCO officials said they are still waiting for the Internet and have yet to get a copier set up. A fence is planned to go up around three-fourths of the project, designating the work area for approved personnel as a means to help keep the public safe from walking onto the site.
Crews have begun site work, and have completed about 75% of the sanitary and sewer work, including putting in two concrete manholes.
Sewer and sanitation lines on the west side of the facility has been put on hold temporarily because of how close it is to the are where workers are back filling the foundation.
Currently, workers are building the pad on which the foundation for the new trustee housing facility will be placed. The work involves select fill — digging out where the foundation will go and filling the area back up with a layer of select preferred dirt. The subgrade is being compacted, passing the test Monday to bring in the select fill in order to provide a better base upon which to pour the foundation.
County Commissioners plan to bring in equipment to remove the dirt pile themselves, and potentially use the soil elsewhere. This will save on trucking cost for a contractor to remove the dirt a truck load at a time and haul it elsewhere.
Additional discussion focused on fencing, particularly around a retention wall and detention pond, and signage. Sheriff Lewis Tatum said metal lockers were not needed in the bunk area for inmates to use. Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean explained ail trusties receive two containers to put their personal property in. Shelving to put boots and other gear the inmates would normally acquire in the sally port can be added later, potentially using the wood shop to have the inmates build their own shelving, Chief Deputy Tanner Crump added. The sheriff’s office officials noted plastic tables would suffice instead of metal tables, as the facility is designed as a low risk jail housing unit. The vendor selected to install the jail phone system and video visitation will put in that cable.
The county officials and construction team plan to meet every 2 weeks.
In November, the Commissioners Court approved a guaranteed maximum price contract for $4,799,477 for a 48-bed trusty facility, which is still within the $4.9 million budget for the project. Funding for the building comes from the $7 million allocated to Hopkins County in American Rescue Plan funding to construct a building to house male inmates who have been designated as trusties, and as such go out into the community to work daily, including on precinct crews, at schools, the Civic Center and other locations.
The trusty facility would better segregate the inmate trusties from the general inmate population at Hopkins County jail when they return from their work details. The county officials contend the measure should help reduce potential spread of COVID or other infectious illnesses from trusties who are out in the public or working alongside those who are around others in public, where they could be potentially exposed to illnesses.
By doing so, the county would be meeting the “response to COVID pandemic for public health and the health of the general inmate population of the Hopkins County jail,” an allowable use under the ARP guidelines, county officials said.
Lady Cats Basketball Starts District Season 2-0, Hosts Two Straight Games Starting Friday
Lady Cats basketball picked up their second straight district win on the road on Tuesday, Jan. 10
Sulphur Springs beat Pittsburg 58-38 to start off district play a stellar 2-0.
Coach Bryan Jones and his squad kept the Lady Pirates at arms’ length throughout the majority of Tuesday’s contest.
The closest Pittsburg came to the Lady Cats came right before the end of the third quarter, when Sulphur Springs led 41-33 heading into the final quarter of Tuesday’s game.
The hopes of a rallying, come-from-behind victory for Pittsburg ended shortly thereafter as the Lady Pirates managed a paltry five points in the fourth quarter, as the Lady Cats went on the win big Tuesday, 58-38.
Sulphur Springs is rolling through the first two games of district play, starting 2-0.
Women’s basketball is 19-4 overall with just eight games left in the regular season.
Starting off 2-0 to start district play has the Lady Cats in second in 15-4A, behind only North Lamar.
Next up, Coach Jones and his squad return home to the friendly confines of the SSHS Main Gym for two straight district contests at home.
The first of two straight home matches has the Lady Cats taking on third-place Paris on Friday, Jan. 13.
That game tips off in Sulphur Springs on Friday at 6:15 P.M.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 wraps up the two game home-stand for women’s basketball as they have a date with Liberty Eylau.
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.
