Sulphur Springs Man Jailed After Allegedly Firing Weapon During Disturbance
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 44-year-old Sulphur Springs man for allegedly firing a weapon during a disturbance involving stepsisters, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 3:24 p.m. Feb. 17 to County Road 2436, where a 911 caller allegedly told dispatchers the resident’s stepsister had entered her County Road 2436 residence and a gun was shot at the ground.
Sheriff’s officials were allegedly told the female resident’s husband (later referred to as her fiance) had shot at an intruder, the woman’s stepsister, because the stepsister “broke into their residence and confronted them, causing them to be in fear for their lives.”
The resident then claimed “the stepsister grabbed a gun sitting on the couch,” Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Sgt. Shea Shaw and Deputy Aaron Chaney alleged in arrest reports. The male resident, Samuel Patrick Bryant, alleged the gun went off during a struggle when he tried to get the gun away from her. He later claimed the gun went off when he dropped it, the Shea and Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
During a review of 911 recordings, the caller was reportedly heard saying that the man had shot into the floor due to the stepsister being unwanted inside the and to scare her away, the sheriff’s deputies alleged in arrest reports.
After further investigation, reviewing evidence and statements, deputies believed Bryant shot into the floor at the woman’s feet, not as out of fear for his life but, as an intimidation method while the two stepsisters were arguing, Shaw and Chaney alleged in arrest reports. The stepsister and Bryant allegedly live at the same address, owned by a family member, in different structures, according to arrest reports.
Bryant was arrested at 4:43 p.m. Feb. 17 on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. He remained in the Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, Feb. 18, in lieu of $50,000 bond 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.
4H Member Aspen Mayhew Prepares for Hopkins County Junior Market Show
Aspen Mayhew is a well-spoken 7th-grade student at Sulphur Springs Middle School, as well as a member of Hopkins County 4H Club. During a brief interview at the KSST studios, Aspen gave an idea of what it’s like to get your livestock project ready for the large local event, the ‘Hopkins County Show’, to be held in the Civic Center arena on February 27 and 28, 2020. The NETLA, or Northeast Texas Livestock Association’s Sale of Champions will take place on Saturday February 29, 2020.
“This year I am showing chickens again. It’s about a 6-week project, start to finish. First, in January, you receive your 25 chickens ordered through our 4H chapter. You begin raising them, which is largely feeding them, keeping a close eye on them, and keeping their bedding clean. The most challenging thing is probably the cleaning, because they get all riled up and scared when you have to change the bedding! But they settle back down soon and begin to eat again. The chickens have a lot of weight and size to gain in a short period of time! Drafts and cold can be a problem when the weather turns real wintery. Inside the barn, I put up a tarp to cut down on drafts and I usually keep a heat lamp on them depending on the temperature. Chickens are very prone to cold and can die! Along the way, you begin to see which of your 25 chicks are going to grow into the best chickens. At some point, I have to cull them. Culling means I separate the show candidates from those I will not be showing. The culls we go ahead and raise anyway in separate quarters, and they ultimately will make good meals for our family. Again and again I have to cull the chickens because I am going to want only the three best specimens for the Show. And validation of my entry is another step in the process. When late February comes and show day is finally here, I transport my ‘pen’ of three chickens to town to the Civic Center arena. That morning, judges will come by and assess all the chicken projects. We have to ‘show’ them, or hold them up for the judges to examine. We may be asked to say something about our project, or answer any questions the judges may ask. When that’s done, all of us showing chickens can give a big sigh of relief because we have gotten that far! The last thing comes a bit later in the day, finding out how our project has placed in the judging, and if it “made the sale”! That is a very exciting time! For me, the most gratifying thing about raising a chicken project is winning! And I know that the getting up early, the feeding, cleaning, culling and lots of time just watching out for their health and growth has it’s benefits, too”.
Aspen’s history with showing livestock goes back to her first year as a fourth grader new to her 4H Club. She has shown cattle as well as chickens. “I earned a showmanship ribbon last year with a heifer, and another year I earned Reserve Champion in the Hopkins County show and at the Ft Worth Livestock Show with cattle. My former project, Venus, was a two-year-old Braford, and she died this week during delivery of her calf. I am very sad to lose her because I had raised her and cared for her all this time, but I must realize that is part of raising livestock”. Aspen plans to keep on raising and showing animal projects during the next few years, and to learn all she can. When asked what advice she has for youth raising livestock projects in hopes of selling them for scholarship money through the NETLA organization, Aspen answered ” Don’t get frustrated if you don’t win the first time you show. You will learn a lot from that. It’s actually a journey!”
Teen Reportedly Fatally Injured While Working On Vehicle
An 18-year-old was reported found dead on FM 1567 east in what is believed to be an accident while working under a vehicle, according to sheriff’s officers.
The teen’s girlfriend reportedly found him at the FM 1567 east residence; Authorities were contacted at 2:06 p.m. Feb. 17. Sheriff’s officers responded. The teen was reported to be deceased. Based on initial investigation, the teen is believed to have been working underneath his vehicle when the jack slipped, crushing him, according to Hopkins County sheriff‘s officers.
The teen has been identified by authorities as Darrell Puckett, 18, of Sulphur Springs. An autopsy has been ordered as is standard procedure, according to Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer.
Main Street Theater Presents “Death by Chocolate” in Six Performances Feb. 28-Mar. 8
Also check out the entire 2020 season offered by Sulphur Springs Community Players at the Main Street Theater, 225 Main Street!
Suspect In Feb. 5 Shooting Identified, Sought By Police
Sulphur Springs Police Department released the following Tuesday morning, Feb. 18, regarding the shooting at a local apartment complex:
“The Sulphur Springs Police Department has identified a suspect in the February 5, 2020, shooting incident at Spring Valley Apartments, in the 800 block of Fuller Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
“In the course of the investigation, Detective Jason Reneau determined Brandon Clayton Soles was involved in the shooting incident and a warrant has been issued for Soles’ arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Soles has an address in the Mineola, Texas area.
“Anyone with information as to Soles’ location is asked to please call Det. Reneau at 903-439-3832. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020 with your information.”
Saltillo Sending 3 To National Beta Contest
Saltillo ISD Beta Club represented the school well at the BETA State Convention at the Gaylord Texan this weekend. Overall, Saltillo ISD had 29 students attend the competition in Grapevine, Texas, February 14-15.
Saltillo has three students advancing to National Beta Competition Fort Worth in June, including one student who placed in two different events.
Garrett Tarver went home with top honors in both Black and White Photography Division II and Creative Writing Division II.
In Black and White Photography Division I, freshman Tori Collard won first place honors.
In Recyclable Art Division II, third place went to Saltillo’s Alyssa Smith.
Lady Cats Basketball Team’s Season Ends At Bi-District Against Jacksonville Monday
What seemed like a long rebuilding year for the Lady Cats Basketball Team ended Monday with a bi-district loss to Jacksonville, 55-26 at Tyler Junior College. It’s the second year in a row, the Maidens ended the Lady Cats’ season.
The Lady Cats came in as their district’s number four seed and Jacksonville was the district 16-5A champion with a perfect 14-0 district mark. The Maidens are ranked #13 in Class 5A and they improved their season record to 24-8.
The Lady Cats ended the year with a record of 11-24. They were 3-7 in district play.
The Lady Cats struggled all season after losing four starters off of last year’s team and then injuries came. Despite all of this, the Lady Cats made their way into the playoffs. They will lose only two seniors off of their playoff roster of 10 players: Colbria Harrison and the versatile Kate Womack.
On KSST and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show, Lady Cats Coach Brittney Tisdell said she was proud of her team for winning a playoff spot after their disappointment in losing their final district game to Texas High.
Monday night, junior Nylah Lindley led the Lady Cats with 11 points. Senior Kate Womack, freshman Kenzie Willis and sophomore Hannah Cordell all scored 4 points. Freshman Addisyn Wall had 3 points.
Monday evening the Lady Cats quickly fell into a hole against Jacksonville and they trailed 25-4 after one quarter. After that, the Lady Cats played the Maidens pretty close. Jacksonville only outscored the Lady Cats 7-5 in the second quarter, 15-10 in the third quarter and 8-7 in the fourth quarter.
Jacksonville had four players in double figures led by Tamia Tucker with 15 points.
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.
Early Voting Begins Feb. 18 in Party Primary Elections
Early voting begins Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the March 3 Primary Election and continues through Friday, Feb. 28. Voting will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 18-22, Feb. 24, Feb. 26 and Feb. 28. Voting will be conducted from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 23, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 and 27.
All early voting in Hopkins County will conducted in the Justice of the Peace #2 Courtroom at the Hopkins County Tax Office/Justice of the Peace Offices, 128 Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs.
The last day to accept applications for ballots by mail is Feb. 21. Election Day voting will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the 12 voting center locations throughout the county.
Hopkins County, Judicial Districts
Only one race for a county office is contested, that for Precinct 2 Constable. Charles Humphries and John Brian Beadle are both seeing the Republican nomination; Bill Allan opted not to seek election to another term as Constable, Precinct 2.
Unchallenged in the Republican Primary in their bids for reelection at the county level are incumbents:
- Precinct 1 Constable Norman Colyer,
- Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley,
- Precinct 1 County Commissioner Mickey Barker,
- County Tax Assessor-Collector Debbie Pogue Mitchell,
- County Sheriff Lewis Tatum, and
- County Attorney Dustanna Hyde Rabe.
No Democrats filed for these elections, according to Texas Secretary of State’s Ballot Certification Reports.
Eighth Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay, 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt and 62nd Judicial District Judge Will Biard are unchallenged in the Republican Primary for reelection. No Democrats filed for the party nomination for these offices, according to the SOS reports.
State, United States
Incumbent Dan Flynn is challenged in his bid for reelection as District 2 State Representative by Bryan Slaton and Dwayne “Doc” Collins. The candidate receiving the Republican nomination on March 3 will face Bill Brannon, unchallenged for the Democratic Party nomination, in November.
The District 9 seat on the State Board of Education is also on the March 3 primary ballot. Keven M. Ellis is seeking the Republican nomination and Brenda Davis is seeking the Democratic nomination.
Incumbent John Ratcliffe is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. District 4 Representative. He will face Russell Foster, the lone Democratic Party candidate for the District 4 seat later this year.
The U.S. Senator nomination is heavily contested, with four Republicans challenging incumbent John Cornyn for the party nomination and a dozen Democrats seeking their party’s nomination. Candidates for U.S. Senator include, by party:
- Republican
- Virgil Bierschwale,
- Mark Yancey,
- John Cornyn (incumbent)
- Dwayne Stovall and
- John Anthony Castro.
- Democrat
The most contested is the race for president/vice president. There are eight Republican candidates and 17 Democratic candidates, according to ballot certification reports provided by the Democratic and Republican Parties of Texas to Texas Secretary of State’s Office
Seeking the Republican nomination for Railroad Commissioner are James “Jim” Wright and Ryan Sitton. Seeking the Democratic nomination for Railroad Commissioner are Kelly Stone, Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo, Mark Watson and Chrysta Castaneda.
Voters too will be asked to consider nominations for Supreme and Appeals Courts as well. Candidates include by place and party:
Chief Justice, Supreme Court
- Democrat
- Amy Clark Meachum
- Jerry Zimmerer
- Republican
- Nathan Hetcht, Republican
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 – Unexpired Term
- Democrat
- Kathy Cheng
- Larry Praeger
- Republican
- Jane Bland
Justice, Supreme Court Place 7
- Democrat
- Staci Williams
- Brandy Voss
- Repubican
- Jeff Boyd
Justice, Supreme Court Place 8
- Democrat
- Peter Kelly
- Gisela D. Triana
- Republican
- Brett Busby
Judge, Court Of Criminal Appeals, Place 3
- Democrat
- William Pieratt Demond
- Elizabeth Davis Frizell
- Dan Wood
- Republican
- Gina Parker
- Bert Richardson
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4
- Democrat
- Steven Miears
- Tina Clinton
- Republican
- Kevin Patrick Yeary
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9
- Democrat
- Brandon Birmingham
- Republican
- David Newell
Justice, 6th Court of Appeals District, Place 3
- Republican
- Ralph K. Burgess
Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization Will Host Another NETBIO Sale
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission/NETBIO
Public Information Services
The Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization, in cooperation with the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission, will host another NETBIO sale Wednesday, Feb. 19.
This sale is the newest addition to the NETBIO annual sale schedule. It will begin on 1 p.m. but come early and look over the cattle and enjoy a meal in the Market Center restaurant before the sale.
Producers have consigned nearly 3,000 head of pre-conditioned cattle to the sale.
Like all the NETBIO sales, this sale will be broadcast on the Internet and the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction will be accepting bids at LMA Auctions.com.
Internet buyers should register in advance in order to bid. For more information, call 903-885-2455 or visit the SSLC Web Site at www.sslivestockauctions.com.
