Dike Teen Arrested On Church Street On Controlled Substance Charge
A Dike teen, arrested on Church Street early Monday morning, is accused of cocaine possession, according to arrest reports.
Officers were dispatched at 1:11 a.m. May 18 to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 500 block of Church Street. Upon arrival in the area, officer located a blue Chrysler 300, which matched the description of the vehicle described by the caller as suspicious, according to arrest reports.
When officers contacted the occupant, they alleged a strong odor of marijuana was smelled coming from the car. Collin Stephen Moore allegedly handed officers a bag containing a powdery substance they believed base on their training to be cocaine. A search of the car revealed a small amount of suspected marijuana, Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit Sgt. Joe Scott alleged in arrest reports.
Thus, the 19-year-old Dike man was taken into custody at 1:15 a.m. Monday, May 18 for possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, which allegedly weighed less than 1 gram. A drug-free zone enhancement was added to the charge because the arrest occurred within 1,000 feet of Water Oak Preschool, Scott noted in arrest reports.
Moore remained in Hopkins County jail late Monday morning. Bond on the third-degree felony charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
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.
Daniela Santizo, Jenna Haney Top Graduates of 22 Students, Yantis Class of 2020
Twenty-two Yantis students will officially graduate as the Class of 2020 in a filmed ceremony led by Supt. Tracey Heffelrich and High School Principal Buddy Winstead. Valedictorian is Daniella Santizo and Salutatorian is Jenna Haney. Following a welcome address by Heffelrich, the Pledge of Allegiance by Dustin Santizo and the Invocation by Haley Sanchez, the graduates will be seen receiving their diplomas from Principal Winstead inside the Owls gym. The previously filmed graduation ceremony for students and family can be seen on the Yantis ISD Youtube Channel starting May 23, 2020. No Baccalaureate service was planned for the Seniors this year, and no 8th Grade or Kindergarten graduation will be held due to COVID-19 limitations.
Congratulations to the Yantis High School Class of 2020!
Victoria Leigh Beaver
Leila Jean Calvillo
Maia Alaina Calvillo
Emily Ann Davis
David Anthony Forward
Jenna Matte Haney, Salutatorian
Sierra Nicole Harper
Dakota Garrett Harlog
Daniel Adam Hunt
Mason Brent Jones
Brian Matthew Kennedy
Yesenia Jolie Macias
Jasmine Dawn Neff
Kevin Patino
Cooper McCall Peavler
Esmeraldo Rodriguez
Harley Yesenia Sanchez
Dustin Josue Santizo Samayoa
Daniela Jackelyn Santizo Samayoa, Valedictorian
Samuel Patrick Threadgill
Carlee Teagan Vavra
Haydan Kaje Walker
EMS Week Appreciation Parade Planned May 20
The week of May 17 – 23 has been designated EMS Week. It will be a time to show appreciation to the men and women who serve their community as Emergency Medical Services personnel. Local officials have an event planned for May 20, 2020. It will be an opportunity for those who would like to help recognize Hopkins County EMS.
In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized National EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in communities.
President Donald Trump issued a May 16 proclamation affirming May 17-23, 2020, as EMS Week. It recognizes of the dedicated personnel across the country for their critical role in health and safety.
“These incredible professionals respond to daily calls for urgent assistance and work tirelessly to serve their communities. Most recently, they have made significant contributions and immeasurable sacrifices during our Nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, one of the most daunting and demanding challenges the country has ever faced. This week, we recognize these heroic men and women for their efforts to deliver life‑saving care and compassion to their fellow Americans, and we acknowledge that our country is a safer and healthier place because of their work,” the presidential proclamation stated.
President Trump commended EMS for their sense of duty, selfless service, and sacrifice, expressed appreciation to all EMS services “for their tenacity and life‑saving skills.” He expressed thanks for “their incredible efforts,” which make “our communities and our Nation are stronger, safer, and more resilient.”
“I encourage all Americans to observe this occasion by showing their support for local EMS professionals through appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities,” Trump stated in the proclamation.
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians partners with the American College of Emergency Physicians to lead annual EMS Week activities to recognized the “important contributions of EMS practitioners in safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of their communities.” This year’s theme is “Ready Today, Preparing for Tomorrow.”In lieu of a service this year, a moment of silence was observed for “the fallen.” That was observed at 5 p.m. May 16, with the names of 24 honorees recognized in a live-streamed event.
Locally, an appreciation parade is planned for Wednesday, May 20, by family members of local EMS personnel. It will serve to recognize Hopkins County EMS.
“No one knows how hard frontline workers work except their families. As spouses, parents, siblings or just friends, we want them to feel extra special this year! We are having an Appreciation Parade for Hopkins County EMS. This will be a drive-thru parade with no personal contact, but you can make a poster or banner to show your support. There will also be a mailbox available to drop off cards of appreciation and encouragement. We would love to have as many supporters as possible!” said Amanda Wilburn, wife of a Hopkins County EMS shift captain.
The EMS Appreciation Parade will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday, departing from Buford Circle and continuing on Connally Street. Supporters will stay in their cars and the line begins at the railroad tracks at Buford Circle. Traffic will circle Buford Circle, turning east on Connally Street. The honorees (EMS personnel) will be lined up on the portion of Connally street that fronts Kid’s Kingdom. Sulphur Springs Police Department is slated to help direct traffic flow, Wilburn said.
Teer, Tran Named Top Seniors At Como-Pickton
Como-Pickton High School Principal Kelly Baird announced the top seniors at Como-Pickton. Makayla Marie Teer graduates at the top of her class as valedictorian and Sarah Tran as the salutatorian of the Senior Class of 2020.
2020 CPHS Valedictorian
Makayla Marie Teer is the daughter of James and Eva Teer of Sulphur Springs. Her brothers and sister-in-law are Justin Teer of Sulphur Springs and Allan and Stephanie Teer of Greenville.
She has attended CPCISD since pre-kindergarten. Her advice to other students who wish to be successful is “Make sure you do everything you can while you do not have responsibilities, but make sure you keep on top of your grades. Don’t quit because the administration changes. Know that you are going to procrastinate because we all do it. Just don’t crack under pressure and know it is okay to ask for help.”
In addition to achieving a 4.0 grade point average, Teer has been involved in athletics, band and academic activities during her time at CPCISD.
The 2020 CPHS valedictorian was a member of the the book club, Spanish Club, Student Council, and served as class reporter.
She competed in academic UIL all through high school, including in One Act Play. She was a crew member for one year and an actress for three years.
Teer was in track for four years and basketball for three, and received Academic All District honors all four years of high school.
She was involved in Sulphur Springs Work Camp for two years and helped fellow Girl Scouts complete their service projects
Teer was a member of the band for four years, serving as drum major for the last two years.
“I play the clarinet, but I do not know if that will help make me successful. I have good leadership skills, however, once I know what I am doing. This will help me excel in the workplace in the future,” she said when asked about special skills.
Teer also enrolled in dual credit English, algebra, U.S. history, government and statistics courses.
The 2020 valedictorian plans to attend Texas A&M-Commerce, where she will majoring in biology.
“I am planning on becoming a surgeon or a nurse, because I want to be able to help people when they need it most,” Teer said.
She credits and offers thanks to her grandmother, Ruby Pearl Teer, and parents, Max Teer and Eva Marie Teer, for inspiring her.
“My Grandmother, Ruby Pearl Teer, has left a huge impact on my life because I lost her when I was in elementary. After she passed, I have strived to do everything I can to make her proud and to keep her memory alive,” Teer said.
She is inspired and impacted by her dad’s hard work to support his family. “Since I can remember, he has driven to Dallas to work.”
Teer also credits her mom for making “the decision leave her job at UPS after my Granny died, so I wouldn’t have to stay with a stranger. She is also one of the strongest people I know,” Teer said.
2020 CPHS Salutatorian
Sarah Tran is the daughter of Quynh Tran and Suong Van of Como and sister of Sandra and Sonny Tran of Como.
Tran has attended CPCISD since seventh grade. She will graduate with a 4.0 GPA.
Her advice to other students is “to not procrastinate and stay on top of your game. Prioritize academics first but be sure to balance your school and social life. At the end of the day, your work will pay off.”
She has competed in academic contests and been involved in school activities.
A member of the Book Club, Tran’s group won the Book Club competition in Mount Vernon last year.
Tran was in band for 4 years, and held the leadership position of front ensemble section leader for 2 years.
She competed in academic UIL in all four years of high school. She also was involved in One Act Play competition for 3 years, as an actress for her first year and the lights manager for the last 2 years.
Tran is a three-year member of Como-Pickton’s chapter of the National Honor Society for 3 years, and was nominated as president her last year.
The 2020 CPHS salutatorian has taken dual credit U.S. history, government, English, and algebra classes while attending CPHS.
Her future plans include continuing her education at Texas A&M Commerce, where will major in psychology.
“I am going to be the first in my family to go to college!” Tran said. “I am planning on becoming a clinical therapist because I want to help people overcome their mental health issues and overall help with any problem that they have.”
When asked about special skills which have helped make her successful, Trans said her experiences at school have given her some leadership skills. She also feels being able to “easily sympathize and empathize with other people’s feelings,” will be a tremendous help in the career field she intends to pursue.
Tran offers credit to her sister for having such a positive impact on her life.
“My sister has always pushed me to become a better person. We are really close since we are only one year apart, and I wouldn’t ask for a better sister. She has helped me with any problem that I had, whether it is academically or emotionally, and has truly made my life better,” Tran said.
Congratulations to these top Como-Pickton seniors and all of this year’s seniors on reaching this milestone in life. Como-Pickton High School graduation will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. May 22 in the school stadium in accordance with social distancing guidelines set by the state. The rose ceremony will be held virtually the day of graduation on social media.
Yantis ISD Outstanding Athletes Recognized
While Yantis ISD was able to hold an athletic banquet this year due to COVID-19, several students have still earned recognition for their hard work and accomplishments. Yantis ISD outstanding athletes were announced by Athletic Director Mike McMinn, along with students earning All District Softball honors.
First Team All District honors in softball went to Yesenia Macias, Victoria Macias, Emily Worley and Macie Starrett. Worley also was named YISD softball MVP.
Receiving Second Team All District recognition in softball were Briana Swaim, Evelyn Angel and Brooke Barrett. Angel also was named YISD Offensive MVP in girls basketball.
Yesenia Macias, Macie Starrett and Brooke Barrett were recognized for Academic All District honors. Macie Starrett shared named Co-Outstanding Defensive Player honors in softball with Yesenia Macias and Co-Defensive Player MVP in girls basketball with Victoria Macias.
Yesenia Macias too earned the Fighting Heart Award while Victoria Macias was named Outstanding Offensive Players in softball.
In volleyball, Macie Rodriquez was named YISD Outstanding Hitter and Mackenzie Francisco as Outstanding Setter.
In cross country, Bryleigh Hurley was named YISD 2020 Outstanding Runner.
Carlos Lopez was named Offensive MVP, Elgin Curry Defensive MVP and Deven Lutz Outstanding Rebounder in boys basketball.
Seth Vivion was named YISD baseball MVP. Keith Kenemore was named Outstanding Offensive Player and Samuel Schlagel as Outstanding Defensive Player.
Ten Tips For Eating Healthy On A Budget
Even when you know what healthy foods to choose, being able to pay for them can be hard, especially if you are on a fixed income. Start by deciding how much you can afford to spend on food. There are websites that can help you plan a food budget. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture supports Iowa State University’s Spend Smart-Eat Smart. This website also has inexpensive recipes based on the Dietary Guidelines.
Once you have a budget, find store ads in the newspaper or grocery store websites to see what is on sale. Try to plan some meals around featured items and pick up some extra canned goods or staples that are on sale. And check the expiration or use-by date. A product might be on sale because it is almost out of date. Choose items with dates farthest in the future.
While shopping, make use of these budget-wise 10 tips.
- Ask about discounts. Ask your local grocery stores if they have a senior discount or a loyalty or discount card.
- Use coupons when you can. Remember, coupons only help if they are for things you would buy anyway. Sometimes, another brand costs less even after you use the coupon.
- Consider store brands—they usually cost less. These products are made under a special label, sometimes with the store name.
- Be aware that convenience costs more. You can often save money if you are willing to do a little work. For example, shred or grate your own cheese, and avoid instant rice or instant oatmeal. Bagged salad mixes cost more and might not stay fresh as long as a head of lettuce.
- Look at unit prices. Those small stickers on the shelves tell you the price but also the unit price — how much the item costs per ounce or per pound. Compare unit prices to see which brand is the best value.
- Try to buy in bulk, but only buy a size you can use before it goes bad. If you buy meat in bulk, decide what you need to use that day and freeze the rest in portion-sized packages right away.
- Focus on economical fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, oranges, cabbage, sweet potatoes, dark-green leafy vegetables, green peppers, and regular carrots.
- Think about the foods you throw away. For less waste, buy or cook only what you need.
- Resist temptations at the check-out. You know what I’m talking about — those snack foods and candy are put there for impulse buying. Save money and avoid empty calories!
- Sign up for meal delivery. There are a variety of groups around the country that deliver meals to people who have trouble getting out of their homes. These groups usually offer one hot meal a day. In Hopkins County, we have the Meal-A-Day program (for senior citizens
The National Institute on Aging has a wealth of information. Check out their website at https://www.nia.nih.gov.
Closing Thought
Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. – Will Rogers
Paris District Road Report for the Week of May 18, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of May 18, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.
Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on installing temporary signals and building detours. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures between US 82 and SH 56. Crews will be performing utility work as well as constructing a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis St. intersection. Watch for shoulder closures as crews work on widening the roadway to add turn lanes.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 exit ramp for FM 691. During this phase, westbound Spur 503 to southbound US 75 traffic must use the frontage road through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on ramp after FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place underdrains.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 56, Grayson County: between FM 1417 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
FM 406, Grayson County: between SH 289 and FM 84. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 121 and FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on base repairs.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the eastbound side during this period. Watch for new exit ramps and entrance ramps near the FM 100 intersection.
FM 274, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 3321. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
SH 78, Fannin County: from Oklahoma State line to CR 1125. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2998 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 5060, Fannin County: at Lee Creek. County Road 5060 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 5060 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 897, Fannin County: from US 82 to CR 2950 in Lannius. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on sealing the roadway.
SH 56, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform road rehabilitation operations.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform milling operations.
FM 1448, Franklin County: From Wood County Line to FM 115. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement and level up shoulders with hot mix.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic will be shifted to south side of existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews begin pavement widening on the north side.
US 271, Lamar County: from FM 1499 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence. An overnight lane closure will be in place at the Red River bridge.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 276, Hunt County: at Bull Creek, rip-rap repair project. The contractor has finished this project. Contractor crews are performing final removal of perimeter signs on this project. Please be careful when traveling in the area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County maintenance crews are working on repairing pot holes throughout Hunt County. Please be careful when driving in areas where our work vehicles are present. Crews are also working on sealcoat preparation.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Como Teen’s Arrest Friday Marked His 2nd Trip To Jail In 3 Months
A Como teen’s arrest Friday marked the second time in three months the 18-year-old has been jailed in Hopkins County for controlled substance possession, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Adrian Pruitt initiated a traffic stop on a Chrysler 200 just after 4 p.m. May 15 in the 1500 block of College Street. Pruitt alleged both the driver and passenger appeared extremely nervous when contacted. The driver reportedly gave the officer permission to search the white car.
After the search, Pruitt spoke with the passenger, an 18-year-old Como resident, who he noted continued to appear “extremely nervous.” The teen admitted to having illegal narcotics inside of his pants, then retrieved a bag containing a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine, Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
The teen, identified in arrest reports as Bryer Ray Parnell, was taken into custody and transported to the county jail, where he was released to jail staff. A search of the teen by jail staff allegedly revealed another bag containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine.
Parnell was arrested on two possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, May 16. Bond was set at $5,000 per charge.
The arrest marked the second time in 3 months that Parnell has been arrested locally on a controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
He was also arrested Feb. 23, 2020 by Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputies for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, after claiming a bag of Ecstasy pills found in a vehicle curing a traffic stop, according to arrest reports. He spent Feb. 23-25 in the county jail, before being released on a $10,000 bond on the Penalty Group 2 charge, according to jail reports.
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.
SSFD Begins New Role In COVID-19 Prevention Efforts
Sulphur Springs Fire Department begins a new role in COVID-19 prevention efforts today. SSFD and Hopkins County EMS officials are partnering to help ensure the health safety of nursing home patients and staff by conducting testing and infection control inspections at facilities in Sulphur Springs.
SSFD, like other fire departments across the state, was notified earlier this week through Texas Commission on Fire Protection that they would be called upon for these tasks set by the state as part of the expanded measures to ensure public safety and eventually re-open all areas of Texas still closed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
SSFD Chief David James and Hopkins County Hospital District COO/EMS Director Brent Smith have been working together to coordinate efforts to achieve these goals.
While the fire department conducts regular building inspections, SSFD doesn’t typically perform infection control inspections at facilities. Infection control and decontamination are in their wheelhouse. They may encounter infection and decontamination situations while responding to rescue situations, medical or other emergency calls, but firefighters don’t typically deal with them at this level.
SSFD’s two assistant fire marshals begin conducting inspections at four licensed nursing home facilities in Sulphur Springs starting today (Saturday, May 16, 2020), according to the SSFD chief.
“To limit access, only these two guys will be conducting inspections. We are limiting who is going in, not only for our safety but that of the residents,” James said Friday.
The inspections will be intensive. The SSFD fire marshals will be working from a document of instructions that is approximately 40 pages in length. The inspection check list and report form is 15-20 pages long.
The fire marshals based on their findings will be able to make suggestions if they see areas for potential improvement to reduce potential of cross contamination or other prevention measures in daily operations at nursing homes.
Once completed, the reports will go to Texas Commission on Fire Protection, for review by state officials.
These are part of the efforts officially announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management Friday. Abbott and TDEM reported hat local fire departments and local public health authorities are to partner tot provide testing in nursing homes throughout the state.
This partnership plan was developed and is being implemented through ongoing collaborations between TDEM, the TCFP, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Costs associated with providing these tests are eligible for federal reimbursement, according to Governor’s Office.
“This partnership builds upon our efforts to expand COVID-19 testing in the Lone Star State, especially among our most vulnerable Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I thank our local fire departments for continuing to serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response. By serving their communities in this new capacity, we will continue to contain the spread of this virus and protect the health and safety of all Texans.”
SSFD is focusing on inspection of the facilities, but will help otherwise, if needed, according to James.
Testing of all staff and residents of nursing homes in the city for COVID-19, will be coordinated locally by HCHD COO/EMS Director Brent Smith.
Local Officers Arrested Four People Wanted On Felony Charges
May 15, 2020 – During the past two days, local officers arrested four people wanted on felony charges, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Tyler Francis responded Thursday, May 14, to a reported theft at Walmart. A records check revealed an outstanding Wood County warrant for Falon Leann Honea‘s arrest, according to police reports.
Francis took the 33-year-old Yantis woman into custody at 5:20 p.m. on the possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug free zone warrant. Honea remained in Hopkins County jail until May 15. Bond was set at $50,000 on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Cpl. Todd Evans and Deputy Jason Lavender took Zack Atwood Merrill into custody at 4:25 p.m. May 14 on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for tampering with evidence.
Merrill remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, May 15, on the charge, according to jail reports.
The May 14 arrest marks the third time Merrill has been jailed in Hopkins County for violating probation on the charge, according to jail records. He spent Dec. 21, 2018 through Feb. 4, 2019 and from Oct. 17, 2019 through Jan. 30, 2020 in Hopkins County jail for violation of probation on the March 2017 tampering with evidence charge, according to jail reports. He was indicted in April 2017 on the tampering with evidence charge.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford stopped a truck for a traffic violation on Bill Bradford Road at South Broadway Street May 14. The passenger, 30-year-old Jeremy Randall Hill, was found to be wanted. Weatherford arrested the Sulphur Springs man at 1:10 a.m. for violation of probation, which he was on for burglary of a motor vehicle with two previous convictions, according to arrest reports. Hill remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, May 15, on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Hill’s criminal history includes multiple felony charge. Most recently, he was arrested April 3, 2018, on three burglary of a vehicle warrants, as well as a theft and violation of parole warrant; he remained in the county jail April 3-July 12, 2018 on the charges. He too was arrested July 11, 2019, for burglary of vehicle with two previous convictions, remaining in Hopkins County jail until Oct. 24, 2019, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Chris Baumann stopped a Toyota Camry at 9:49 p.m. May 13 on State Highway 19 south at County Road 1170 for a defective tail light. A records showed 31-year-old David Eric Townsend to be wanted by Henderson County authorities. The Brashear man was taken into custody and jailed on the outstanding criminal nonsupport-child support charge, according to arrest reports. Townsend remained in Hopkins County jail until Thursday, May 14; bond was set at $500 on the charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
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.
