Officer Assisting Stranded Motorist, Female Injured By Passing Vehicle Sunday
A Cumby police officer who’d stopped on the Interstate 30 service road to assist a stranded motorist and a female at the site were reportedly injured by a passing vehicle Sunday night, Dec. 15. No apparent life-threatening injuries were reported, according to law enforcement reports.
“This was GOD all the way folks and we are thankful that Officer Geer is going to be good to go in a few days! Thank you all for your concerns, prayers and phone calls!” Cumby Police stated in a Facebook post made at 12:25 a.m. Dec. 16 regarding the crash.
No charges had been filed against the driver of the vehicle that struck the officer and female, however, the crash was still under investigation by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers Monday morning, according to DPS reports.
Cumby Police Officer Nicholas Geer and a motorist were both reported to have stopped to assist a stranded motorist on the north Interstate 30 service road near mile marker 115 Sunday night when the crash occurred. The other stopped vehicle was reportedly being used to try to jump start the stranded vehicle, according to Cumby police.
“For unknown reasons, a motorist traveling east bound struck the vehicle that was stranded and struck Officer Geer while he was standing at the vehicle. These vehicles were as far over as you could get and were partially in the grass median. Officer Geer was thrown over the stranded vehicle and landed in the median between the North Service Road and the Interstate. Before Officer Geer was struck, he was able to push one of the females out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. The other female was injured as a result of the oncoming vehicle striking the stranded vehicle,” according to the Cumby police statement.
Hopkins County emergency dispatchers were alerted at 8:41 p.m. Dec. 15 of the crash. Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies, and Hopkins County and Cumby firefighter, and emergency medical services personnel were dispatched to the crash site, according to dispatch reports. DPS also responded at the crash site and are in charge of the crash investigation, officials reported Monday.
A sheriff’s deputy patrolling nearby arrived on scene within about a minute of the dispatch and began checking on the injured pair and administering aid at the scene until other emergency responders could arrive, according to sheriff’s reports.
Cumby police also reported that one of the females “was possibly pinned between the vehicle that was stranded and the vehicle being used to jump the stranded vehicle off. As a result, it is believed her leg was broken. She was taken to the Emergency room in Greenville by ambulance.”
Geer was reportedly transported by ambulance to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. After being checked out by doctors, Geer was sent home later Dec. 15 with no broken bones, torn muscles nor head injuries. He did have “a lot of bumps and bruises,” according to Cumby police reports.
“This was GOD all the way folks and we are thankful that Officer Geer is going to be good to go in a few days! Thank you all for your concerns, prayers and phone calls!” the Cumby release stated.
Saltillo Lady Lions Fall To Union Grove
Saltillo Lady Lions Rally Comes Up Short at Union Grove Friday
The Saltillo Lady Lions Basketball Team dug themselves into a hole in the first half at Union Grove Friday (December 13) and were unable to make up the difference in the last two quarters. Union Grove took a 37-33 win. Union Grove led 15-9 after one quarter and 23-12 at the half. The Lady Lions outscored Union Grove, 8-2 in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 25-19 after three quarters. The Lady Lions outscored Union Grove, 13-12 in the fourth quarter. For the Lady Lions, Anna Reeder scored 10 points. Julianna Giles had 8 points. Chandler Bain added 7 points. Kristina Wade scored 3 points. Maddy Smith and Paisley Kastner had 2 points each. Brittney Peeples added 1 point. The Lady Lions are now 12-7 for the season. Lady Lions Coach Bill Giles said his team was not ready to play at the beginning of the game. He gave credit to Union Grove Coach Littlejohn for doing a good job. Coach Giles added the Lady Lions got back to within one point with about two minutes left but just could not get over the hump. The Lady Lions JV won over Union Grove, 25-8 to improve their season record to 8-1.
'Wreaths Across America' 2019 Attended by All Branches of Military and Citizens of Hopkins County
What began as a gift to Arlington National Cemetery during the 1992 Christmas holiday has become a nationwide drive to “Remember, Honor and Teach” now at more than 1700 cemeteries. On Saturday December 14, Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Mel Haven Cemetery and Black Oak Cemetery were included in the observance.
A ceremony involving representatives from all branches of the military began at 11am outdoors in front of the Myra Wilson Chapel. Bringing the welcome was Retired Army SSG James Clayton Bounds, who called for presentation and the posting of the colors by local Civil Air Patrol Cadets. Prayer was offered by Dr. Jeff Gravens, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jade Rowland and the National Anthem sung by Danette Lovelady. A presentation of wreaths for each branch of the military was led by Gold Star/Blue Star Mom Patti Sells. She spoke of the ultimate sacrifice made by her son Tanner Higgins, and of her two other sons currently in military service. A fly-over of two vintage WWII aircraft (a P-51 Mustang and a B-26 Bomber) from the Air Museum in Mt. Pleasant was witnessed by all. Taps was played by Garry Hall, a member of the Marine Corps League. The ceremony was concluded by SSG Bounds, who reminded those gathered of the responsibility of freedom with a quote by former President Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” After being dismissed, attendees went out into the cemeteries to place the wreaths on the marked graves of Veterans. Many families went out together, from grandchildren to grandparents. At each marked grave, the name of the veteran was to be spoken aloud to carry out the mission, “Remember, Honor and Teach”. There are 700 veterans graves within the City Cemetery and Mel Haven Cemetery, and over 70 graves of veterans at Black Oak Cemetery.
Wildcats Soccer Dominate At Prim
Wildcats Soccer Team Wins Three Games at First Scrimmage of the Season Saturday at The Prim
Wildcats second year Head Soccer Coach Alexi Upton called Saturday (December 14) an amazing day as the Wildcats had their first scrimmage of the season at Gerald Prim Stadium. Playing two 25:00 halves, the Wildcats shut out Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, 3-0, edged by Sabine, 2-1 and then topped Mineola, 5-0. Against Chapel Hill, the Wildcats got goals from Omar Hernandez assisted by Hector Hidalgo, from Straton Salverino assisted by Cristin Ramirez and from Alfredo Vargas unassisted. Against Sabine, the Wildcats got goals from Alejandro Diosdado unassisted and from Hernandez, assisted by Jorge Santacruz. Against Mineola, the Wildcats goals were scored by Ricardo Torres unassisted, Diosdado, assisted by Isaac Gutierrez, Matthew Johnson unassisted, Joel Vasquez unassisted and Hidalgo assisted by Christian Palomino. The Wildcats JV, coached by Salvador Mejia, won handily against Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill’s JV, 8-1. Coach Upton said the Wildcats’ Saturday opponents were all 3A teams but he added the Wildcats played well. He said it was a good day with two lines of players participating so that everyone got into the game. He added the JV ended the day with a massive win. The Wildcats scrimmage Paris at Prim Stadium Tuesday. The Wildcats JV will take on the Paris JV at 5:30 p.m. The Wildcats and Paris varsities then play at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Wildcats Basketball Settle For Second
Wildcats Basketball Team’s Last Shot Does Not Fall as They Have to Settle for Second Place in Tourney
After falling behind by 11 points at halftime due to a less than stellar first two quarters, the #3 ranked Wildcats Basketball Team staged a serious comeback in the second half that came up just one point short. The Colony, ranked #14 in Class 5A, hung on to win 47-46 to take the Championship Game of the 2019 Forney ISD Winter Classic at Forney High School Saturday (December 14) night. The Wildcats trailed 47-43 with 37.7 seconds left when Day Day Hall hit a high arcing three-pointer from the top of the key. Moments later while trailing by one, the Wildcats got a steal with about 10 seconds left. Boo Wilkerson, who had already made 3 three-point baskets, attempted another but this one did not go in. Cameron Kahn grabbed the rebound as the horn sounded before he could take a follow shot. The Wildcats had a tough first half as they were plagued by turnovers. The Colony led 15-9 after one quarter and 28-17 at the half. The Wildcats came out with added spark in the second half and outscored the Cougars, 16-12 in the third quarter to trim the lead to 40-33. The Cougars strategy in the fourth quarter was almost fatal. They chose to go into a delay game rather than run their offense like they had the first three quarters. It seemed to get them out of sync offensively. The Wildcats outscored The Colony, 13-7 in the last period. Cameron Kahn led the Wildcats with 16 points. Wilkerson and Hall both had 13 points. Lamodrick Johnson added 4 points. Hall was named to the All-Tournament Team. The Wildcats are now 11-4 for the season. They will take on Denton Guyer, ranked #6 in Class 6A, in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Meal A Day Menu for December 16-20, 2019
Monday – vegetable beef soup, cheese cubes and crackers.
Tuesday – Broccoli and ham quiche, sliced tomatoes and cottage cheese.
Wednesday – Beef Patties with roast gravy, macaroni and cheese, California blend vegetables and a roll.
Thursday – chicken fried chicken/gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and a roll.
Friday – Barbecued wieners, baked beans, cole slaw and a roll.
Downtown Revitalization Board To Consider Sign Application; Planning and Zoning Commission To Consider Special Use Permit, Discuss Accessory Dwellings
Two city board will meet Monday night to consider requests for special use and a sign.
An Application asking to be allowed to put a sign at 230 Main St, Suite A, will be considered by the Downtown Revitalization Board during their regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at City Hall. The only other item on the Dec. 16 agenda for consideration is to approve the minutes from the Nov. 19 meeting, and to discuss any other business presented.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will be asked at the 6 p.m. meeting Monday, Deb. 16, to consider approving a special use permit to allow construction of a 180-foot self-supporting communications tower at 402 Church St. and to discussion of accessory dwelling units.
If Planning and Zoning Commission approves of the tower, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Zoning Board of Adjustments at the regular Dec. 17 meeting.
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell and Tourism Director Tory Niewiadomski asked the Planning and Zoning Commission at the November meeting to start considering to possibility of allowing accessory dwelling units, which they said could be a potential answer to future housing and infrastructure needs.
An accessory dwelling unit could include single person or smaller housing on the same property as an existing home or structure, and could include what are referred to as granny flats, in-law’s suites, guest housing or garage apartments. The last 50 years of so, those have not been allowed. However, this could provide additional housing on a smaller scale, the city officials reported at the November meeting.
Niewiadomski referred to a presentation he gave during the regular October City Council meeting regarding housing and infrastructure needs, and noted he’d plan to present that to the Planning and Zoning Commission at an upcoming meeting as well.
Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission regularly meets the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 201 North Davis St.
Wildcats Win Another Close One
Wildcats Basketball Team Toughs Out Win Over Wylie Friday, Plays For Tourney Championship Saturday
The #3 ranked Wildcats Basketball Team just outlasted Wylie winning 46-43 in the Forney ISD Winter Classic Friday (December 13) at Forney when the last three three point shot by Wylie went in but the officials correctly waived it off as it was clearly taken after time expired. Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta called the game a dogfight, and gritty and tough. Points were very hard to come by. The Pirates led after one quarter, 10-7. The Wildcats outscored Wylie, 17-13 in the second quarter to lead 24-23 at halftime. In a good third quarter, the Wildcats outscored the Pirates 17-13 to lead 39-34 after three periods. On several occasions the Wildcats led by as many as 7 points in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats were up 46-40 when Wylie got a three point play the old way with a basket, a foul and a made free throw. The Wildcats led 46-43 with 2:34 left to play. Neither team knew that there would be no more points in this one. The Wildcats went into a delay game. Wylie had only a foul or two so they began fouling on purpose to try and put the Wildcats on the foul line with a seventh team foul. By the time they did this, just 14.6 seconds remained. Lamodrick Johnson missed the front end of a one plus one and Wylie had one last chance. First the Wildcats had two fouls to give without creating foul shots. By the time this took place, Wylie had only 5 seconds to score. By the time the Wylie point guard drew defenders and passed to a teammate for a three point shot, time expired just prior to the final shot being launched. The Wildcats had their hard fought 46-43 victory. Coach Cipoletta said executing the delay is not easy and he added it’s the most stressful thing he has to deal with. He said he also had to add some new inbound plays because of the aggressive Wylie defenders. For the Wildcats Boo Wilkerson had a game high 14 points including two three-point baskets. Wilkerson also got praise from Coach Cipoletta for his defense against the quick Wylie point guard. Cameron Kahn scored 9 points with one made three pointer. Grayson McClure had 8 points with two three-point baskets. Lamodrick Johnson also had 8 points, almost all of them floaters taken in the lane. Day Day Hall had 7 points and was vital against the Wylie press dribbling and catching passes. The Wildcats improved their season record to 11-3. The Wildcats play The Colony, ranked #14 in Class 5A, for the tournament championship Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Forney High School Jackrabbits Gym.
Emory Man Allegedly Caught With Methamphetamine In Pickton
December 14, 2019 – A 54-year-old ranch worker from Emory was jailed Friday morning after methamphetamine was allegedly found in his truck in Pickton.
Hopkins County dispatchers received a complaint of a cattle trailer with its flashers on and no one visible around it on County Road 2417 near FM 269 at 7:31 a.m. Dec. 13. Sheriff’s Deputies Aaron Chaney and Richard Brantley were dispatched to the location to check it out.
Upon arrival, Chaney parked his truck facing the vehicle with cattle trailer attached that was parked in the middle of CR 2417. Chaney reported he didn’t see a driver until he got close to the driver’s side of the vehicle. There he saw a man sleeping in the driver’s seat so he tapped on the window to wake him up.
Chaney asked the man to step out to talk to him and obtained information which identified the man as 54-year-old Howard Stuart Cody of Emory. Chaney alleged he could see a glass pipe of the type commonly used to smoke methamphetamine on the driver’s side floorboard of the Freightliner truck tractor. Cody was detained in handcuffs.
When asked if he had any other contraband on him, Cody allegedly admitted he did. A pat down of Cody revealed a small travel-size Tylenol container with two baggies of a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine in the his pants pocket.
Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Brantley soon arrived to assist Chaney on CR 2417. Cody was reportedly placed into Brantley’s patrol vehicle while the deputies searched his truck-tractor rig. Brantley transported Cody to jail at 8:30 a.m., while Chaney inventoried the truck and cattle trailer prior to their impound by a wrecker service.
The suspected methamphetamine weighed 1.2 grams and had a positive response for methamphetamine when tested using a field test kit.
Chaney reported using satellite imagery to determine the truck and trailer had been parked approximately 210 feet from a church with more than three pieces of playground equipment, making it a drug-free zone. However, the drug-free zone enhancement was not added to Cody’s charge.
Cody remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, Dec. 14, on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge; bond was set at $15,000, according to jail reports.
