I-30 Traffic Stop In Hopkins County Nets 2 Arrests
An interstate traffic stop east of Sulphur Springs Thursday afternoon resulted in two Tennessee residents’ arrests on misdemeanor marijuana and weapon charges, according to arrest reports.
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper reported stopping a red Ford Focus at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at mile marker 136 on Interstate 30 for speeding. During contact with the pair in the car, the trooper reported smelling a strong marijuana odor coming from inside of it.
During a probable cause search, a plastic container filled with suspected marijuana and a loaded 9 mm handgun were allegedly found under the front passenger’s seat where the 26-year-old Cordova, Tennessee woman had been seated. A metal pipe containing a marijuana roach was also located, the highway patrol trooper alleged in arrest reports.
Both the Cordova woman and 29-year-old Memphis, Tennessee man were arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, according to arrest reports.
The Tennessee pair remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Jan. 24; bond for each was set at $2,000 on the weapon charge and $1,000 on the marijuana 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.
Construction Project, Repairs Discussed By Commissioners Court
Hopkins County Commissioner Court, during a work session this week, discussed a construction project and needed repairs at county facilities.
Tom Glossup reported construction on the new building to be located at the corner of Houston and Rosemont Streets is expected to really get under way the first part of February, weather permitting.
Putting an office in the building, location of a hot water heater and sinks were discussed. Glosup discussed the possibility of using a few feet of office space to house a hot water heater. When asked about sink needs, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum noted a deep sink would be needed. One large sink with hot and cold water on the outside wall would likely suffice.
Work in the Justices of the Peace’s offices could begin in February as well. The work was approved last year following water problem which caused damage to a wall. Waterproofing of one wall, painting and carpeting are on the list of items planned. The floor will need to be cleared and cleaned as well, according to Glosup.
Glosup said he was approached about the potential of making the JP’s offices more secure for employees, especially those more exposed to the incoming visitors at the front desk than in some other areas. Ideas discussed were protective glass over the top part of the counter, relocating or switching up the glass wall, possibly adding a different door, requiring visitors to be buzzed in by county staff and a different more protective glass.
One factor that would need to be considered, according to Glosup, is the configuration of the counters; they may need to modified so that they come together at a right angle to allow for easier implementation of additional safety measures. Expense of the changes, including any new materials needed, would be another factor to take into consideration, officials noted.
Tatum said he’d like to see the Justice of the Peace and Tax Offices added to alarm system monitored at the sheriff’s office. The new buildings are already on the system.
Glosup said the JPs’ offices indicated they would like to be closed on Friday, Feb. 14, which would allow inmates to help move things in readiness for the work. The JPs’ offices would then be closed Feb. 14-17 (President’s Day holiday), under the proposed timeline.
County Judge Robert Newsom said the law does allow a department to shut down for one day if needed for work.
Glosup inquired about hiring painters to allow the work to be completed expediently, as was done at the AgriLife Extension Office recently.
Newsom noted repairs are needed for some windows at Hopkins County Courthouse, including in the main courtroom.
James Showalter anticipated an announcement this week regarding any additional grants available that Hopkins County. These grants could go towards installation of solar panels on any county building, Newsom reported.
Glosup suggested the tax office as a potential location should it meet other requirements for any grants offered. Also suggested was expanding the number of panels on Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center. Recently panels were installed atop the county jail area. Also suggested, if grants are available and the facility qualifies, was potentially putting panels over another section of the HCLEC, the sheriff’s administrative offices on the other side of the building.
County Fire Chief Andy Endsley asked where things were in the plan to phase out old light systems and transition to LED lights. Tatum said as lights are going out in the sheriff’s office, they are being replaced with LED lighting and systems. Newsom said he liked the idea of making the change at the jail first, for additional cost savings. Newsom said he’d like to see the lighting plan move forward.
Glosup cautioned that there aren’t many rebates or programs that offer cost incentives for switching to LED lighting as there are for installing solar panels.
Newsom said just making the change should balance out in three years in cost savings. He suggested changing lights at the county fire station, which also recently had solar panels installed, and at the Civic Center, which has had solar panels for years.
The district attorney’s office staff also alerted officials of a possible issue at their new building. Staff reported floor moisture and expressed concern for potential mold issues related to the moisture. Carpeting was rolled back. Glosup was notified. County staff removed a rug at the entry and set up a fan in front of it to help dry it out, officials reported.
First Baptist Church is Hosting a Free Concert January 23rd.
First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is hosting a free concert Thursday, January 23rd, beginning at 7PM, in the FBC Worship Center. The East Texas Singing Men of East Texas, comprised of Ministers of Music, Pastors, other Church and associate staff, teachers, and laymen actively involved in the music ministry, is scheduled to perform. The concert is free to the public. A love offering will be taken to offset the expenses of their mission and recording projects. All churches and the community are invited to come and enjoy the concert.
Chavarria Files For Place 5 On Sulphur Springs City Council
Ricardo Chavarria filed candidacy Thursday afternoon, Jan. 23, for Place 5 on the May 2 Sulphur Springs City Council Election.
Chavarria, a master sergeant in the Army is the fifth candidate to sign up to run in the election.
Harold Nash Sr. Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 22, signed up for City Council Place 2 seat. He was appointed by the City Council on Dec. 13 to serve in the Place 2 seat, following the City Council’s acceptance of resignations from Erica Armstrong, Jimmy Lucas and Jeff Sanderson.
Place 2 is an unexpired term, as are Places 1, 3 and 5. Places 6 and 7 are slated to be on the May 2 ballot as well; both are for a full term on the council.
Oscar Aguilar filed just before lunch for Place 3 on the City Council late Wednesday morning. Oscar served on the City Council from 2006-2018, when Norman Sanders defeated him in his bid for reelection 685 votes to 509 votes. Sanders resigned in December from his seat on the council.
Incumbent John A. Sellers filed paper work Jan. 15 seeking reelection to Place 7 on the City Council. He filed paper work for candidacy on the May 2 ballot on Jan. 15, the first day of filing. Sellers is completing his third term on the council.
Incumbent Doug Moore also is seeking reelection to the City Council. He filed candidacy Jan. 17 for Place 6 the May 2 Sulphur Springs City Council ballot. Moore was elected in May 2019 to finish the last year of Dan Froneberger’s term on the council, which expires this spring. Moore was appointed to serve in Place 6 until the May 2019 election following Froneberger’s resignation midway through his term.
As of 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, no one had yet to file candidacy for Place 1, and no contested races had developed.
Candidate filing for the unexpired term Places 1-3 seats and Place 5 seat, and full term for Places 6-7 seats on the May 2 Sulphur Springs City Council Election ballot continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 14, at City Hall, 201 North Davis St. Residents should see City Secretary Gale Roberts for an application packet.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Basketball Postponed Friday with Make Up Dates Announced
The threat of bad weather for our area has caused a big disruption to the sports schedule on this game day Friday (January 10). All of the Wildcats and Lady Cats basketball games scheduled for Friday night have been postponed The Lady Cats Basketball Team plans to make up their district opener game with Royse City on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School. This will be a varsity only game. Meanwhile the Wildcats’ non-district basketball game against McKinney North has been rescheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. in the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School. This too will be a varsity only game.
KSST Radio will bring you both of these games with live audio streaming. Both games will also be videotaped for replay at a later date on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable. Discussions of live streaming and posting games to YouTube are still ongoing.
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.
Lady Cats Softball Team Begins Practice Friday as Coach Carrillo Starts His 14th Year Here
Friday (January 24) is the first day the UIL allows softball teams to have after school practice. The Lady Cats will more than likely end up in the Multipurpose Building Friday after all the rain this week. Veteran Coach David Carrillo begins his 14th year as Lady Cats Head Coach. He says the first practice day is exciting with a new year, new team, new people. Coach Carrillo lost 10 seniors off of last year’s team. He says he will be working hard to continue the tradition of excellence that was in place before and since he’s been here. The Lady Cats return five players: sophomore pitcher Addison Caddell, senior infielder Kate Womack, junior outfielder Nylah Lindley, senior outfielder Alli Fite and senior utility player Colbria Harrison. Womack, Lindley and Harrison are all on the Lady Cats Basketball Team. Harrison is currently out with an ankle injury. Coach Carrillo says he has quite a few good young players, many whom were on the JV team last year. He promises to put the best players on the field regardless of their classification. Coach Carrillo says he may have a smaller roster than in past years and may have less depth. He says he and his assistant coaches feel the Lady Cats have kids who can play but he says it’s just a matter of putting them into the right places. One issue will be seeking back up pitching for his starter Addison Caddell. Coach Carrillo says he’s looking at three young pitchers. He calls pitching the hardest part of putting a team together. He says he’ll be stressing that players play positions that are good for the team as opposed to being where they think they should be.
The Lady Cats first scrimmage is February 4 at Gilmer. Games begin for real in the annual Sulphur Springs Tournament February 20-22. With all the holes to fill, Coach Carrillo says evaluations may take longer than in years’ past. He sees the district race is pretty wide open. He says Royse City returns the most pitching so Coach Carrillo says they are probably #1 in the district right now, at least on paper.
Hawkins Man In Custody in Hopkins County On 2 Outstanding Charges
A 30-year-old Hawkins man was in custody at Hopkins County jail Thursday morning on a two local warrants.
Stephen Johnson was taken into custody at 11:30 a.m. January 22, 2020 at the Joe F. Gurney Unit of Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Palestine. Johnson was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was held on warrants for violation of probation on a burglary of a habitation charge and bond forfeiture on a theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750; the offenses are alleged to have occurred on April 30, 2018, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Fite noted in arrest reports.
Bond was set at $5,000 on the theft charge and denied on the probation violation charge, according to jail and arrest 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.
19 City Streets Identified For Improvements in 2020
As many as 19 city streets in Sulphur Springs have been identified for improvements through the annual paving program this year, funding permitting, according to Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski.
Overall, the city hopes to be able to pave 5.4 miles of streets, twice as much work as in recent years, thanks to the street maintenance fee charged on utility bills. This would allow for improvements on the designated streets, along with various preventative maintenance measures, according to Niewiadomski.
While the streets have been identified, the total could be fewer or more, depending on materials costs.
“This list was produced based on last year’s estimates for pricing. If bids come in higher due to factors such as oil prices going up, the list could be reduced or if the bids come in lower than expected, we may be able to add some additional streets,” Niewiadomski stated.
The city has posted the notice for bid specifications for the annual street improvement program work. Bids are due on or before 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, according to the notice. City staff anticipate submitting a recommendation of the lowest qualified bidder to Sulphur Springs City Council at the February meeting., according to Niewiadomski.
Streets identified for improvement include (by name, what that section of roadway is between and length):
Paris Junior College President’s and Dean’s Lists
Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that nearly 175 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the fall 2019 semester.
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the Dean’s List must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours and have no grade lower than a “C.” Both lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
Students on the President’s List from the area:
Brashear: Anthony Myers
Cooper: Ashlee Harvey, Joseph Manners
Dike: Valeria Duran
Klondike: Ray Chupp, Kia Lutherbeck, Jansen Roam
Ladonia: Elizabeth Chesson
Lone Oak: Levi Smith
Mount Vernon: Jennifer Hess
Sulphur Springs: LaShey Almager, Angel Cedillo, Christopher Ledezma, Donald McCallum, Caleb Wyatt
Winnsboro: Patrick Dowell, Anthony Van Dieden
Yantis: Kayla Carney
Students on the Dean’s List by their hometowns in Texas:
Brashear: Rene Aguilar
Cooper: Harley Briggs, Ashley Myers, Amani Whitaker
Dike: Amanda Cochran
Ladonia: Amber Childress
Mt. Vernon: Thomas Wisinger
Saltillo: Destiny Welch
Sulphur Springs: Adrian Banuelos, Clayton Brandenburgh, Job Escobar, Callen Hurley, John Koonce, Arlyn Negron, Janie Parker, Joselyne Sanchez Ambriz, Kenneth Wilks
Wolfe City: Payton Hammonds, Elijah Samples
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
