Investigation Results In Methamphetamine Location, Pickton Man’s Arrest
An investigation into one crime resulted in location of methamphetamine and a Pickton man’s arrest on a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office staff were contacted around 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 10, regarding an alleged sexual assault reported to have occurred at a Pickton address, according to sheriff’s reports.
When officers arrived at the Pickton address following up on the case, a 48-year-old man Pickton man reportedly allowed them to search the room where the sexual assault was alleged to have occurred, Sgt. Richard Greer and Cpl. Todd Evans alleged in arrest reports.
The deputies alleged seeing in plain view numerous baggies of suspected methamphetamine on a table by the bed in the room, resulting in the Pickton man’s arrest at 3:52 p.m. April 10, on a controlled substance charge, Greer and Evans alleged in arrest reports.
Jacinto Tapia Rivera remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, April 11, on the possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a controlled substance charge. Bond was set at $20,000, 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.
Celebrating Jeanette Stone On Her 100th Birthday
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeanette Stone’s family and friends couldn’t let the day pass without celebrating her birthday. While all birthdays are special, Stone’s was especially notable. She turned 100 today.
So what do you do at a time when social gatherings are discouraged?
“She didn’t get to have a big party, but some of our Meal A Day Drivers, her daughter and some of her neighbors gave her a small porch party. I think she was happy,” said Senior Citizens Center Director Karon Weatherman.
When she opened the door today, she was greeted not just by Meal A Day drivers, but was gifted with balloons, happy birthday posters, a sash and hat, necklace, ice cream and other treats.
Looking ahead, her friends wanted to make sure the milestone was recognized, so they contacted our top elected officials for help honoring Stone. She received congratulations and birthday wishes from Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump.
“She liked her greetings from the White House and the Governor’s Office. Thank you Beverly Sokach Haygood. Ricky Haygood, Wilma Thompson, Tommy Jennifer Williams, London Williams and Adrian Williams for making her day special,” Weatherman said.
Happiest birthday wishes to Jeanette Stone on her 100th birthday.
Paris District Road Report for the week of April 13, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of April 13, 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 on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building detours. The southbound Travis Street connector ramp onto southbound US
75 was closed permanently. Traffic is being detoured onto the frontage road to Park Avenue.
Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on installing temporary signals. 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 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 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
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.
Greer Road, Grayson County: just south of FM 901 at Brushy Creek. Construction on Greer Road at Brushy Creek is complete and the roadway has been reopened to traffic.
Park Road 20, Grayson County: within Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County: between FM 902 and the Denton County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
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.
County Road 3810, Fannin County: at Loring Creek. County Road 3810 is closed at Loring Creek while crews remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 3810 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 4920, Fannin County: at Indian Creek. County Road 4920 is closed at Indian Creek while crews remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4920 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
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.
SH 78, Fannin County: from US 82 to SH 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
SH 78, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to FM 896. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
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 replace an existing drainage structure; temporary traffic signals will direct
traffic.
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.
FM 900, Hopkins County: I-30 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
US 82, Lamar County: from BU 82H to Red River County Line. Watch for daytime shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence at other locations throughout project limits.
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.
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 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. Please be aware of lane closures and workers in this area. Weather permitting, they will resume work on the last box
culvert extension, and widening County Roads 2666 and 2664.
SH 276, Hunt County: at Bull Creek, rip-rap repair project. The contractor is working on replacing concrete rip-rap that has failed along SH 276. The contractor will do partial lane closures intermittently. Please be careful when traveling in the area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently forming up and pouring sidewalks. 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.
US 69 from Stonewall to BU69 is currently undergoing a mill-and-inlay project, please be careful as lane closures are necessary and workers are present in the area.
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Hopkins County COVID-19 Update: 4 Cases; 1 Recovery; 97 Negatives, 13 Pending Tests Results
Hopkins County as of 11:25 a.m. Friday, April 10, had received no additional reports of confirmed positive cases of novel coronavirus 2019 have been reported for Hopkins County, but 32 additional test results have come back negative, according to Hopkins County Hospital District CCO/EMS Director Brent Smith in his regular Hopkins County COVID-19 update.
Hopkins County Update
Hopkins County has managed to weather the week a little better than some of the nearby counties, where positive case numbers have continued to climb. As of Friday morning, Hopkins County still had only four confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Positive cases were reported on March 27, March 29, March 30 and April 4.
The four positive cases are presumed by local emergency management officials to be community spread. All four entered isolation. One of the individuals who tested positive has recovered from COVID-19; there also had been no COVID-19 related deaths either, according to the HCHD/EMS report.
No additional details were released about the Hopkins County individuals who tested positive per state health officials, who cited HIPPA for not releasing other demographics, the Hopkins County Emergency Management Team and hospital officials report.
Overall, Smith reports an estimated 114 potential cases met testing requirements set by Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control, with tests sent off for definitive testing at either a private lab or Texas DSHS. Of those, a total 97 screened cases have been confirmed negative for COVID-19 for Hopkins County, up from 65 on April 6.
Texas Update
Across the state, 115,918 people have been tested for COVID-19, up from 85,357 tests on April 6. The total number of positive cases rose from 7,276 as of Monday’s report to 11,671 positive cases as of Friday’s report. Overall, 226 COVID-19 or related deaths have been reported, up from 140 as of the April 6 report. DSHS and Texas Health and Human Services, like Hopkins County, is beginning to receive confirmed reports of people recovering from COVID-19 as well; 1,366 patients had recovered as of the the noon report on April 10.
In Northeast Texas, Red River and Marion are the only two counties which did not have confirmed COVID-19 cases as of the April 10 noon reporting, according to DSHS and DHHS reports.
Smith and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs officials both this week reported screening turnaround times are improving from private labs and the DSHS labs.
In order to helps slow the spread of COVID-19 in Hopkins County, emergency management officials urge everyone to continue practicing social distancing and proper hand washing.
Sulphur Springs Man Allegedly Caught With Methamphetamine And Pills
A 37-year-old Sulphur Springs man was allegedly caught with methamphetamine and pills by deputies, who stopped to offer assistance to what appeared to be a motorist in need of assistance.
A Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputy reported stopping on State Highway 11 east at County Road 2321 a few minutes before 9 p.m. April 9 to offer assistance to a motorist in a Toyota Tacoma.
When contacted, the man allegedly told the deputy he was looking for a part for the vehicle’s engine. As he approached the driver’s side of the pickup, the deputy alleged he could see a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine on the floor of the pickup, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Kevin Lester alleged in arrest reports.
The man, identified in arrest reports as Joshua Paul Stillwagoner, also allegedly possessed in his a second glass pipe in his pants pocket. Stillwagoner allegedly admitted to possible presence of narcotics in the truck’s console.
A probable cause search allegedly revealed a contact case containing a crystal-like substance deputies suspected to be methamphetamine and a bag containing green rectangular pills with an imprint identified as Alprazolam, the deputies noted in arrest reports.
Deputies took Stillwagoner into custody at 9:33 p.m. Thursday, April 9, and transported him to jail. Including packaging, the Alprazolam weighed about 2.88 grams and the suspected meth weighed approximately 7.57 grams. Consequently, the 37-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Joshua Paul Stillwagoner remained in Hopkins County jail on Good Friday, April 10. Bond was set at $20,000 on the Penalty Group 1 charge and $2,000 on the Penalty Group 3 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.
Pickton Man Jailed On A Felony Assault Charge
A 45-year-old Pickton man jailed on a felony assault charge early Friday morning was accused of hold a woman down on a bed by her neck to prevent her from leaving, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff Office Deputy Drew Fisher and Sgt. Tanner Steward responded shortly after 1 a.m. April 10, to complaint of a possible disturbance at a County Road 2387 residence. Upon arrival, the deputies alleged they could hear yelling coming from inside the residence.
When deputies contacted a female at the residence, they observed red marks around her throat. Charles Ray Mays was accused of causing the marks. He allegedly grabbed the female around the throat and held her down on a bed to prevent her from leaving the residence after an argument, Fisher and Steward noted in arrest reports. The female was reportedly able to send a text message asking someone to call for help, according to arrest reports.
Consequently, deputies took Mays into custody at 1:32 a.m. Friday for family violence assault that impeded breathing or circulation. Mays remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday. Bond on the felony charge was set at $25,000, according to jail reports.
April 10, 2020 wasn’t the first time Mays has been booked into Hopkins County jail for alleged violent crimes, according to jail reports. He was arrested Oct. 25, 2002 on a sexual assault charge, and on Nov. 5, 2017 on an injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual charge, according to jail records.
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.
Bob Evans Foods Helps Feed 2,400 Families Friday
With the economic impact to many due to COVID-19 pandemic, Bob Evans Foods extended a neighborly hand Friday morning by donating boxes of egg and potato products to help some with food needs.
Bob Evans Foods officials contacted Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce officials about donating a large quantity of egg and potato products for the community. They along with Hopkins County Regional Civic Center staff worked out logistics of hosting a free food distribution. Saputo provided trailers to house the foods in overnight, according to Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lezley Brown.
Once the drive-through distribution was worked out, Brown Wednesday announced the food would be available on Good Friday and asked the community to help spread the message so those in need would know about the opportunity to receive free food.
A team from the different businesses and organizations and volunteers met Thursday to pack the products brought in from Bob Evans’ Minnesota plan into 2,400 boxes, which were stored overnight on site in three “reefer” trailers provided by Saputo so they’d be ready to go April 10 at 9 a.m.
However, people began arriving around 6 a.m. at the Civic Center to line up for their turn to receive a box, which Bob Evans Foods HR Manager Andy Mendezona said included a few dozen hard boiled eggs, 3 quarts of liquid eggs, and bags of mashed, red, diced and shredded potatoes.
The line quickly grew to the point distribution organizers began putting boxes in vehicles ahead of the planned 9 a.m. start time. Working in teams, three to four cars were loaded at a time, taken an average of 9 seconds per car.
There were no requirements nor records. People had only to drive up, remain in their vehicles, allow the volunteer team to access either their trunk, truck bed or a side door, where the free box of edibles was placed, then exit through the Arena.
By 8:30 hundreds of cars lined the roadway, and continued to grow. Most, at that time, waited courteously and appreciatively for their turn to benefit from the gift offered by Bob Evans Foods.
At 10:30 a.m. April 10, the line continued to wind from Main Street near Reservoir Street to Hillcrest Drive, then continued north to Houston Street, turning south onto League, the continuing through Park Circle to Connally Street, entering behind the Civic Center near the Arena.
The distribution was planned through 3 p.m. or until they run out of food.
Dr. McDearmont, General Surgeon Seeing Patients at CHRISTUS Comprehensive Wound Healing Center
After moving to Sulphur Springs seven years ago, Dr. Scott McDearmont found a welcome home in Hopkins County for his experience as a General Surgeon, a field in which he he continues to serve. Right now, as he and many other specialists are also lending their expertise where most needed. Dr. McDearmont is treating patients at the CHRISTUS Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, or Wound Care department.
Recently, McDearmont completed supplemental training in wound care and hyperbaric treatments and began seeing patients in the Wound Care Center, which is located at the West end parking lot of the hospital. He joins Dr. Bill Dietze and Dr. Antonio Reyes, also in Wound Care. According to McDearmont, “the patients we see have wounds which have shown a significant amount of resistance to healing during an ample amount of time using standard treatments. These non-healing wounds may be diabetic wounds, post-operative wounds or other types. Here we offer many types of therapies, including topical treatments, skin substitute options for healing, and including hyperbaric treatments. Patients may have seen their regular doctor and gotten a referral, or decided on their own to try more specialized care. These are the types of patients we like to help”.
According to McDearmont, Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was researched in the 1950’s and 60’s, and first utilized by the Air Force and Navy for treating wounds from diving injuries. Today we know that when tissue is injured, it requires an increased amount of oxygen to survive and to heal. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, which promotes healing from the inside out. Today’s wound care can utilize a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, which the patient passes through, similar to an MRI chamber. A series of these oxygen treatments can bring satisfying results for many patients.
To be seen in the Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, you can be referred by your doctor, or you can come in by appointment. Sabrina Ball is Director of the Wound Care Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs, and is part of a highly-qualified four-nurse team which brings a total of 42 years of wound care experience. Ball stated “Patients can access our Wound Care Center from the western side of the hospital nearest The Gardens and EMS. We are inside the glass sliding doors, and curbside entry is provided. It is only a few steps to the doors, and anyone in a wheelchair or on a walker finds our Wound Care Center very easily accessible. Reach us by phone at 903-438-4670 and our staff is in Monday through Friday 8am til 5pm”.
Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers proclaimed the second week of April as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week in Sulphur Springs.
This a time to recognize the important role animal control officers have in law enforcement.
Sulphur Springs Police Department Animal Control Officers Barbi Blanch and Annie Patridge often put themselves in potentially dangerous situations to protect the health and welfare of animals and the public. These ladies work indefatigably at the shelter caring for abused, mistreated and homeless animals. They provide valuable education on animal related topics for the community.
They and volunteers work hard to see that every animal has a chance at a forever home, including posting information on lost pets, and dogs and cats available for adoption on the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter Facebook page. Folks from the shelter also, when conditions allow, partner with local businesses or groups to host pet adoption events on weekends.
Not even a pandemic that requires social distancing stop officers from doing all they can to find loving homes for the four-legged critters entrusted to their care. Folks from the city’s animal shelter post pictures of animals found in the city in an effort to reunite them with their owners and try to find homes for those whose stay at the shelter is longer. They are available most weekdays and some weekends, by appointment, especially during this time of social distancing and closure of city buildings to the public.
Thanks Barbi and Annie for the valuable service you perform for our community. If you see these ladies out and about, thank them for their dedication.
Governor To Lift Certain Telehealth Restrictions, Expands Options
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived a series of regulations to lift certain telehealth restrictions and expand telehealth options as Texas responds to COVID-19.
These waivers will allow a smart phone or any audio-visual, real-time, or two-way interactive communication system to qualify as a telecommunications technology that can be used to provide certain telehealth services. These waivers apply to speech-language pathologists and audiologists, behavior analysts, hearing instrument fitters and dispensers, and dyslexia therapists and practitioners
“As the State of Texas works to limit the spread of COVID-19, we also want to make sure that Texans have access to the health services they rely on,” said Governor Abbott. “By temporarily waiving these regulations and expanding telehealth options, more Texans will be able to access the care they need while still following social distancing practices.”
