Como-Pickton Will Hold Senior Graduation Within Guidelines at the Stadium
Como-Pickton will hold senior graduation as scheduled, on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the stadium. However, the high school seniors will be limited in the number of guests they are allowed to have at the live ceremony.
The commencement exercise will follow the strict guidelines outlined by the state, in keeping with protocols in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each graduating senior will only be allowed to have five guests, who will be screened prior to entering the graduation area. Guests will be seated in an area of the stands that allows for the six feet social distancing guidelines between their family and others. Guests will not be allowed to congregate on the field after the ceremony, in keeping with the state guidelines.
The CPHS senior graduation video project will continue May 9-15 as scheduled. All seniors are asked to arrive on the date and time Como-Pickton High School Principal Kelly Baird assigned to them, for filming requirements. Seniors have been 10 minutes to arrive, film, take pictures, and exit, CPCISD Superintendent Greg Bower reported when announcing the planned video project. Students, however, have been instructed to arrive about 30 minutes early, in case videoing runs ahead of schedule The video will be made available to the community the day after our graduation for all of those who won’t be able to attend our live ceremony.
Unfortunately, the tradition of seniors delivering roses during a portion of the graduation won’t be observed this year during graduation. However, Superintendent Bower encourages seniors to participate in a virtual rose ceremony on Facebook or Instagram May 22, prior graduation. Seniors can then tag the person they are dedicating their rose to and include the hashtag – #EaglePride247Rose so that all who care to can view the dedications, as they would have during the ceremony.
Pittsburg Woman Allegedly Intoxicated On Prescription Medications During Crash
A crash on Interstate 30 near the Franklin-Hopkins County line resulted in a Pittsburg woman’s arrested for driving while intoxicated on prescription medications, according to arrest reports.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers responded around 6:05 p.m. on Interstate 30 east at mile post 141, where a vehicle reported crashed into a fence. Upon arrival, the highway patrol trooper began a routine crash investigation. The 38-year-old Pittsburg woman reported to have been involved in the crash was found in ambulance, according to arrest reports.
The Pittsburg woman, when contacted about the crash, claimed to have been driving from Pittsburg in an attempt to visit the Lowe’s Distribution plant for an interview, a location several miles east of the crash site, but missed the exit, then turned around in Sulphur Springs. She was unable to recount to the highway patrol the exact details of the crash, claiming the green Mazda she’d been driving had struck a wall along the highway, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
The trooper found no evidence of any contact with the wall, but did observe evidence indicating the car went off the highway on the outside lane, where it struck at Texas Department of Transportation sign and a private fence.
After being cleared by EMS, the woman refused transport to the hospital for further examination, according to reports. While interviewing the Pittsburg woman, the trooper detected no alcohol odor on the woman nor in the vehicle, but noted the woman had difficulty explaining why she’d missed her exit by so many miles and why the car veered off the road, the highway patrol noted in arrest reports.
When asked if she was taking any medications, the Pittsburg woman allegedly admitted to being on several, including Adderall, Zoloft, thyroid medication and Welbutrin. When the trooper asked the woman if she’d taken the medications as prescribed she claimed she had. The woman allegedly had slurred speech while trying to explain the crash detail to the trooper.
The DPS officer alleged the woman exhibited signs of intoxication during horizontal gaze nystagmus and standard field sobriety tests. Alternative tests indicated the presence of a substance that would slow the woman’s reaction time, according to arrest reports.
Based on the woman’s admission of prescription drug use, the indicators of intoxication observed and nature of the crash, the trooper took the woman into custody for driving while intoxicated on prescription medication. She agreed to a blood draw for blood analysis, which was taken at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, before she was booked into the county jail on the misdemeanor DWI charge, according to arrest reports.
The 38-year-old Pittsburg woman as released from Hopkins County jail Friday morning. Bond on the Class B misdemeanor charge was set at $2,000, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Man Accused Of Firing A Shotgun During Disturbance
Police Thursday evening arrested a 20-year-old Sulphur Sulphur Springs man accused of firing a shotgun during a disturbance.
Sulphur Springs Police officers responded just after 4:30 p.m. May 7 to what was reported as a disturbance with shots fired in or near the 100 block of Goodman Street. Upon arrival, two reported witnesses alleged the 20-year-old had fired a shotgun at in the direction of multiple people who were outside of his fence in a verbal disturbance with the 20-year-old, officers noted in arrest reports.
Consequently, the 20-year-old was arrested on a deadly conduct charge, according to jail reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, May 8, on the Class A misdemeanor 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.
Pair Caught With Drug Paraphernalia, Suspected Methamphetamine, Pills
May 8, 2020 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies Thursday evening arrested a pair caught with drug paraphernalia, pills and suspected methamphetamine, according to arrest reports.
Deputies reported stopping a 28-year-old Detroit, Texas man around 5:35 p.m. May 7 on State Highway 11 west near the Hopkins-Hunt County line for driving a black Honda Civic with a registration that expired in January of 2018.
While talking with the driver, a sheriff’s officer asked him if he had anything illegal in the vehicle. The Detroit man allegedly admitted to having a marijuana joint in the car.
A probable cause search proved the man to be telling the truth; deputies allegedly found not only a marijuana joint but also more than one item of drug paraphernalia. A pill bottle containing a crystal-like residue was also allegedly located in the passenger’s side door.
The passenger, a 25-year-old Sulphur Springs woman, allegedly admitted during the stop that she was in possession of a glass pipe, some pills and a baggy containing some “clear stuff,” but claimed the contraband didn’t belong to her.
Both the 28-year-old Detroit man and 25-year-old Sulphur Springs woman were taken into custody for further investigation. Upon arrival at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy requested a jailer check the woman for contraband.
The woman, identified as Mary Elizabeth Walker, was allegedly found in possession of a green, glass pipe of the type commonly used to smoke methamphetamine, a purple container with multiple types of pills and a small clear bag containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The suspected meth and packaging weighed 0.3 grams.
The Detroit man was booked into Hopkins County jail on a misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia charge, while Walker was jailed for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. Both remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, May 8. Walker’s bond was set at $5,000 on the felony controlled substance 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.
Cooper Lake is Calling! Enjoy Sights, Sounds and Fishing
Cooper Lake State Park Complex Manager Steve Killian loves living at a Sate Park. Although having managed other Parks across the State, all have their own special beauty and Cooper Lake certainly ranks high. Killian loves capturing it’s beauty with photos of each season. The Park staff continues to invite you, your family and friends to safely utilize Cooper Lake State Park and the other Texas treasures even during the COVID-19 pandemic, by following safety guidelines during your visit.
According to Killian, Texas State Parks will re-open for camping starting May 18, 2020. If you already have a camping reservation, it should be on the books at the Park you selected. Parks are still limiting occupancy for day use and for camping at this time. If you would like to make a camping reservation, contact the tpwd.org website and follow the prompts through the reservation process. Even if you own a State Park Pass, you still must make a reservation for overnight camping or stays. Also, wearing a mask or face covering along with social distancing from other park visitors, are practices that are part of the current set of State Park rules.
Cooper Lake State Parks, both the South Sulphur Unit and the northside Doctor’s Creek Unit, have installed fish feeders in several locations near the banks. These are attracting large fish for bank fishermen. Already, some big fish are being caught, and the fish feeders should continue to boost the fun for fishing family as Summer 2020 approaches! Also, dozens of new Trail Markers are in place through the park, for the fun, exercise and adventure along the trail! At this time, Cooper Lake State Park is open for hiking, day use and fishing. Get full information at tpwd.org. Find your fun at Cooper Lake State Park!
Man Jailed For Failure To Comply With Sex Offender Registration Requirements
A 59-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Wednesday morning for allegedly failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements.
Bertrum Douglas Isabell is a registered sex offender, which requires him to re-register annually with authorities. However, he failed to register within the required time frame allotted by the state, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Michael Russell alleged in arrest reports.
Isabell reported to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office only “after contact was made with him to do so,” the investigator alleged. When Isabell arrived, he reportedly claimed he’d forgotten about registering and was taken into custody at 8:50 a.m. May 6, according to the arrest report.
Isabell remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, May 7. Bond on the third-degree felony charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
City Rolls Out Annual Street Improvement Program
The city’s annual street improvement got off to a rolling start Thursday, with contractors beginning mill work on four city streets.
“This year will be the biggest effort into our street improvement program since the mid 2000s,” said Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski.
Overall, 19 street projects are scheduled for maintenance, for a total of 5.4 miles or repairs to city streets.
The expansion of mileage of repairs is due in part to the street maintenance fee paid on city utility bills, which provides an additional $500,000 annually for street improvements.
“The street maintenance fee is making it possible to overlay 11 of the 19 streets this year which is 3.52 miles of the program,” reported Niewiadomski
Streets made possible by the monthly maintenance fee include Barbara Street, Cedar Springs Road, CMH Road, Debord Street, Harred Street, Lake Shore Drive, Longino Street, Lou Avenue and Jonas Street, Mockingbird Lane, Myndi Circle and Nicholson Street.
The annual program rolled out Thursday morning with surface preparation and milling work performed by the contractor on Lou Avenue, Jonas Street, Lakeshore Drive and Debord Street May 7. Weather permitting, the contractor will begin paving prepped streets next week.
Police Arrested 4 On Controlled Substance Charges, 2 For Drug Paraphernalia Offenses
Sulphur Springs Police arrested four people on controlled substance charges, including a woman who had three kids in the vehicle with her. Two men were arrested for drug paraphernalia offenses following disturbances, according to police reports.
Javier Arredond-Cruz 
Jose Ruben Campos-Trejo
A license plate violation reportedly resulted in a traffic stop and two Sulphur Springs men being arrested on controlled substance charges early Thursday morning, according to arrest reports. Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit Sgt. Joe Scott reported the license plate on a Chevrolet 1500 was not readable from 50 feet or less, so a traffic stop was initiated at 1:21 a.m. May 7 in the 200 block of North Hillcrest Drive.
Upon contact, methamphetamine was observed in the center console of the truck. Both Javier Arredond-Cruz, 28, and Jose Ruben Campos-Trejo, 17, were arrested for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The substance, including packaging, allegedly weighed 0.4 gram, Scott alleged in arrest reports.
Arredond-Cruz remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday afternoon. Campos-Trejo was released later Thursday. Bond for each on the felony controlled substance charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Sgt. Scott also arrested 31-year-old Jessica Lee Smith of Sulphur Springs on a controlled substance charge. Police at 10:56 p.m. May 6 reported seeing the Ford F150 pickup fail to stop at a stop sign and fail to signal 100 feet prior to a turn on College Street, just east of Helm Lane. A traffic stop resulted in
On contact with the occupants, officers alleged the driver appeared extremely nervous. Smith reportedly agreed to allow officers to search the truck. Officers alleged finding 2 grams of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana inside of Smith’s wallet.
Smith was taken into custody at 11:11 p.m. May 6. The truck and three children inside of it were released to an adult family member, according to arrest reports.
The 31-year-old woman was transported to Hopkins County jail, where she remained Thursday afternoon. Bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
A complaint of suspicious activity around 3:25 a.m. Thursday in 1200 South Broadway Street resulted in Lee Grant Gatlin’s arrest on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Gatlin also had an outstanding warrant for driving while license invalid.
Upon arrival, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley and Sgt. Josh Shufeldt contacted the person inside the suspect vehicle, a red Honda Accord.
A search of the trunk allegedly revealed a clear bag with a white crystal-like substance police believed to be methamphetamine. The bag and substance weighed more than 1 gram but less than four grams, resulting in Gatlin’s arrest, according to arrest reports.
Gatlin remained in Hopkins County jail Friday afternoon. Bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $10,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Police also arrested two men following two different disturbance reports Thursday.
A 63-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested at 8:22 a.m. May 6 on Longino Street for possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia. Police, responding to a disturbance complaint, contact the 63-year-old man and another person alleged to have been involved in the disturbance, according to arrest reports.
The Sulphur Springs man appeared to officers to be “extremely intoxicated,” police alleged in arrest reports. A records check on all people involved revealed a warrant for the 63-year-old’s arrest on a misdemeanor possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia charge, according to arrest reports.
He was released from Hopkins county jail Thursday, according to arrest reports.
Around 10:30 p.m. May 6, Sulphur Springs Police contacted a 27-year-old man about a disturbance alleged to involve two people in a blue sport utility vehicle on Gossett Lane. Police talked to both occupants of the SUV upon arrival.
A probable cause search, conducted after a police canine alerted on the Ford Explorer, resulted in discovery of several items of paraphernalia of the kind typically used to smoke methamphetamine and marijuana, police alleged in arrest reports.
The 27-year-old man, who indicated to police he had no permanent address, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia; the SUV was released to his girlfriend, according to arrest reports.
He too was released from the county jail Thursday, May 7, 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.
Crash On The Downtown Square Results In Location Of 2 Stolen Vehicles, Clearing Of Vehicle Burglaries
A vehicle pursuit that concluded with a crash on the downtown square Thursday morning has resulted in recovery of two stolen vehicles, multiple vehicle burglaries being cleared and three arrests, according to Sulphur Springs Police.
Arrested were Keaton Pierce Wilkerson, 17, and a male juvenile on evading arrest or detention in a vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charges; and Qieshon Odell Flecker, 17, on a warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle warrant, according to news release.
The incident started when the driver of a Hyundai Elantra failed to yield when Sulphur Springs Police officers attempted to a traffic stop on the car on College Street at Helm Lane at 8:39 a.m. May 7. The driver eluded officers with the car; the officer initiated a pursuit on College Street headed over the bridge toward the downtown area. Additional officers responded in the area upon hearing the pursuit approaching the downtown square.
The car crashed at the corner of Oak Avenue and College Street, where it struck a light pole and low brick wall around hedges. The driver, reportedly the juvenile, and passenger, identified in arrest reports as Keaton Pierce Wilkerson, reportedly fled on foot. Officers alleged taking Wilkerson “to the ground with the least amount of force necessary.” The driver was also reported to have been quickly apprehended by officers.
The dark colored car they abandoned after crashing, was later found to have been stolen from a residence in Sulphur Springs earlier May 7, according to Ricketson.
During the course of their investigation, an additional vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier in the week was recovered. Investigators also were able to clear vehicle burglary offenses reported earlier in the week in Sulphur Springs.
A warrant was also obtained for Flecker’s arrest on the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge. He was taken into custody at 1:39 p.m. May 7 at his residence.
Both Flecker and Wilkerson remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 9, 2020. Bond was set at at $5,000 each on the felony UUMV charge. Wilkerson’s bond on the felony evading arrest charge was set at $10,000.
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.
Briley’s Barber Shop Re-Opens with Social Distancing
Long-time barber Mike Briley, owner of Briley’s Barber Shop at 105 Jefferson Street in downtown Sulphur Springs is happy to be re-opening his doors on Friday May 8, in compliance with recommended COVID-19 restrictions. Briley’s, like other barber shops and hair salons, was ordered closed more than six weeks ago at the start of the Coronavirus outbreak.
According to Briley who has barbered in the downtown Sulphur Springs area for over 30 years, says this is a first in his career. Barbers as well as customers will be required to wear face masks or coverings as well as to maintain social distancing between customers. Capacity limitations will allow only five persons to be in Briley’s waiting room at one time, but others can wait outside while maintaining distance, or wait in their vehicles. State guidelines on restrictions will be posted at the doors to the barbershop. Briley’s will be open from 8am til 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and remain closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. According to Briley, “we are going to work longer hours because we know there are a lot of people who have been waiting for haircuts! My barbers and I are going to work them all in. We appreciate our loyal customers and the opportunity to re-open and serve our community’s needs”.
According to a CBS report, this news comes after Phase I of the governor’s plan to reopen Texas went into affect on Friday, May 1, allowing restaurants and retail stores to reopen at 25% capacity. Hopkins County is able to increase that capacity to 50% by having fewer than 5 active cases of COVID-19.
WHAT CAN OPEN ON FRIDAY, MAY 8
Beginning May 8, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade, may open, but all such salons, shops, and establishments must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations. Tanning salons may also reopen under the same limitation.
Also starting May 8, swimming pools may open subject to certain limitations, including on their occupancy or operating levels.
Per the governor’s announcement, wedding venues and services required to conduct weddings may immediately open. Weddings held indoors other than at a church, congregation, or house of worship must limit occupancy to 25%. Wedding reception services may also resume, but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25% of the total listed occupancy. These occupancy limits do not apply to the outdoor areas of a wedding reception or to outdoor wedding receptions.
WHAT CAN OPEN ON MONDAY, MAY 18
Beginning May 18, office buildings may open with the greater of five or less individuals or 25% of the total office workforce. These individuals must maintain appropriate social distancing.
Gyms, exercise facilities, and exercise classes may also open on May 18, but must operate at 25% occupancy. Locker rooms and shower facilities will remain closed, but restrooms may open. (50% in Hopkins County)
Non-essential manufacturing services may also open on May 18, but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25%.
These newly opened services are subject to recommended minimum standard health protocols outlined by DSHS. These protocols will be available on the Open Texas website.
Gov. Abbott says an opening date for bars is still being discussed.
