Man Reportedly Injured In Tractor-Vehicle Crash
A man was reportedly hospitalized following a crash involving a vehicle and tractor on Hillcrest Drive New Year’s Eve.
The crash was reported to emergency dispatchers shortly before 5 p.m. Dec. 31, 2019. A vehicle and tractor reportedly collided in the 1200 block of South Hillcrest Drive; a man was reported to have been ejected from the tractor.
The man was reportedly treated at a Tyler trauma center for injuries sustained in the crash; he was last reported to be in stable condition at the hospital, according to police reports.
No additional information regarding the crash was available New Year’s Day.
Car Found Submerged In Lake Sulphur Springs
A car suspected to be a stolen vehicle was recovered from Lake Sulphur Springs New Year’s Day, according to police.
Fishermen on Lake Sulphur Springs earlier in the week were reportedly using sonar to look at the bottom of the lake. Utilizing the tool, they found what they believed to be a vehicle in the lake. The anglers contacted authorities, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson reported at lunch time Wednesday.
Officials checked out the report and began searching for trained drivers to assist them in the endeavor of checking the item and retrieval. Paris Fire Department’s dive team responded to assist with location. A towing service extracted a small car, according to the police chief.
“Paris Fire Department’s dive team came out this morning in the cold and on a holiday to help us ID this. We want offer a big thanks to them and also to Benson Brothers for helping us out. It took two wreckers and a lot of work to get it out. We appreciate their help,” Ricketson said.
The recovered car appeared to officers to have been submerged in the water for some time, which leads police to suspect the car is likely a stolen vehicle discarded in the lake. However, authorities were still working at lunch time Wednesday to determine if it was indeed a stolen vehicle and how it came to be submerged in the lake, according to the police chief.
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.
Missouri Man Jailed In Hopkins County On Controlled Substance Charge
A 38-year-old St. Joseph, Missouri man was jailed in Hopkins County after troopers located suspected methamphetamine in the truck he was driving on New Year’s Eve.
Sorley reported seeing an open alcohol container in plain view in the floorboard, so he had Knighten step out of the so the highway patrol trooper could check for more open containers. Knighten allegedly gave his permission for the DPS officer to search the entire contents of the pickup, Sorley noted in arrest reports.
Approximately one-third of a bottle of alcohol remained in the container in the floorboard, Sorley reported. A bag containing smaller baggies with a crystal-like substance in them was allegedly found under the front console.
When asked if he had any illegal drugs or objects relating to drugs in the truck, Knighten allegedly admitted there was a pipe that would contain methamphetamine residue; an item fitting that description was located in the back floorboard, Sorley alleged in arrest reports. Suspected methamphetamine was also alleged found on piece of glass inside a clipboard, and objects used to inject and smoke methamphetamine were also allegedly located, Sorely stated in arrest reports.
Consequently, Knighten was arrested for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to jail reports.
A New Year, a New Decade, a New Ride!
Local Doctor Chuck Jones emailed KSST a photo of his “new” ride with his bride Judy at the wheel. Knowing KSST’s former owner Bill Bradford’s love of sports cars, and current owner Chad Young’s passion for Corvette’s, he just had to share his latest acquisition. Chuck and Judy are long-time KSST listeners and sent the photo with Happy New Year’s wishes to the KSST family and the extended family of listeners.
According to Chuck’s email, “Judy told me that if I promised not to buy an airplane, I could buy one more old car — so I found this 1957 Nash Metropolitan convertible– and told her I got it for her! People give thumbs up, wave, and even stop us for photos: I makes people smile. Right off the bat I hid a speaker with a digital recorder in the glove box so I could play 50’s and 60’s music. I mean, you can’t get in the spirit with today’s offerings! And, well, this Metropolitan has an original, factory installed tube-type radio — and it works! It isn’t very strong, so the only station I can get is KSST. Guess what? Oldies! It can hardly get better. Brad would have been proud! All the best wishes, and Happy New Year!”
DPS: Sulphur Springs Traffic Stop Nets Stolen Car, Crack Cocaine, 2 Felony Arrests
A routine traffic stop on Interstate 30 in Sulphur Springs New Year’s Eve lead to recovery of a vehicle allegedly stolen from Dallas Dec. 30, discovery of suspected crack cocaine and two felony arrests, according to arrest reports.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde reported stopping a Toyota Rav4 at mile marker 120 on Interstate 30 at 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, for a defective high mounted stop light.
The driver was identified as Brenda Arzola Eupracio of Dallas and the passenger as 35-year-old Jose Madeo Ramirez of Irving.
The trooper observed indicators of what he believed to be possible criminal activity during a roadside interview, according to arrest reports. Driver Arzola Eupracio did not have a driver’s license, Ugalde noted in arrest reports.
“A check of Ramirez’s identifying information showed Ramirez to be a registered sex offenders and known criminal gang member. The driver, identified as Brenda Arzola Eupracio, stated Ramirez had been living with her in the Dallas area for the last four weeks,” Ugalde wrote in arrest reports.
Ugalde reported contacting Irving police, with whom Ramirez was registered as a sex offender. Irving police advised Ramirez had last checked in during June of 2019, and no updates regarding his address had been made since, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
When asked, neither Arizola Eupracio nor Ramirez could provide the name of the vehicle’s owner; both also allegedly gave different versions of how they came into possession of the gray 2003 model sport utility vehicle, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
With further investigation, the owner of the SUV was determined to be a McKinney resident, according to arrest reports. The trooper contacted McKinney police, who reportedly contacted the father of the vehicle owner. The identified owner’s father allegedly told authorities the car of his son, who is currently in the hospital, was stolen in Dallas the previous afternoon. He told authorities they’d tried to report the vehicle to Dallas police as stolen, but a report had not yet been completed, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, Arzola Eupracio was taken into custody for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and no driver’s license, and Ramirez was jailed for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements, according to arrest reports. The vehicle was impounded for storage by a local towing service, according to arrest reports.
Ugalde reported asking Arzola Eupracio is she had any illegal substances on her upon arrival at the jail. Arzola Eupracio allegedly admitted to having a pipe and possibly crack cocaine. Jail staff during a search did indeed locate a pipe and a baggy containing suspected crack cocaine on her, resulting in additional charges of possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
Don Julian's Top 16 SSHS Sports Stories For 2019 Continues With #3-5
By Don Julian
A review of the sports files recently produced a list of 16 top stories involving Wildcats and Lady Cats teams during 2019. The list began running Monday, Dec. 23, and will continue through the first day of the New Year, with additional numbers on the list added throughout the week. On Jan. 2, a story will provide the entire list of 16.
#5 SSHS Sports Story for 2019: Lady Cats Volleyball Matches Best Finish Ever
My #5 SSHS Sports Story for 2019 is the Lady Cats Volleyball Team going as far as any Lady Cats Volleyball Team ever. This year, the Lady Cats made it to the Area round. That matches the 2015 Lady Cats under Head Coach Allison Irvin, who won a bi-district match against Corsicana at Forney in incredible fashion, before losing an area match to a strong Mansfield Legacy team.
This year’s team was an up and down group for most of the season, including in district play, where they made the playoffs as a fourth seed. However, first year head coach Bailey Dorner had the Lady Cats playing their best at the end of season.
Most impressive was the Lady Cats bi-district win over old foe Hallsville before a large crowd at Tyler Junior College. Then, came an epic struggle against Forney in the Area game at Canton. The Lady Cats gave the Lady Rabbits all they wanted and came up just short.
My #5 top moment in SSHS sports in 2019: the Lady Cats Volleyball Team makes it into Area competition, tying the best finish ever for Lady Cats’ volleyball team.
#4 SSHS Sports Story for 2019: Wildcats Baseball Team Turns Disaster Into Success, Making It to Area
My #4 top sports moment for SSHS in 2019 is Wildcats Baseball making it to Area, after a solid two game bi-district sweep of always tough Hallsville.
Two- thirds of the way through the district baseball campaign, this year’s Wildcats looked to be finished. On April 9, in Greenville, the Wildcats gave up a last inning lead and lost to the Lions. It was the Wildcats sixth loss in a row and their district mark was an unremarkable 2-8.
Then, something happened. At home against Greenville, the Wildcats got solid pitching and broke their losing streak. More importantly, they began a winning streak. Then, they swept two must-win games each from Mount Pleasant and Texas High. The five-game win streak was enough to secure the fourth seed in the playoffs.
That set up a bi-district series with old foe and district champion Hallsville. The Wildcats continued to win taking care of Hallsville in a pair of games at Wildcats Head Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack’s favorite field, Mike Carter Field in Tyler. A tough three game loss in Area against Joshua ended the season, but no one can take away what the 2019 Wildcats accomplished by getting off the mat after being knocked down and rallying to make a special season out of it. The sweet win over Hallsville is one Coach Hammack will always savor.
My #4 top moment in SSHS sports in 2019: the never give up Wildcats Baseball Team making it all the way to the Area round in the playoffs.
#3 SSHS Sports Story for 2019: Lady Cats Softball Gets to Third Round of the Playoffs, Where Unfortunate Call Helps End Season
My #3 SSHS sports story features another good playoff run that continued into the third round, before a tough call at home plate left all Lady Cats softball fans with a very bad taste in their mouths.
Despite a team that featured 10 seniors, many of whom had played together for four years, the Lady Cats found themselves as improbable district champions. It took an upset of Mount Pleasant in their final district game and the Lady Cats hanging on to survive their last district game at Texas High.
With the #1 seed in the district, the Lady Cats easily got by Whitehouse in bi-district and Midlothian in Area. Then, came a match-up with old foe and former district nemesis Hallsville. The Lady Bobcats won the first game in a best two out of three series, but the Lady Cats were poised to take game two to send it to a third game.
The Lady Cats trailed 1-0 going into a fateful top of the sixth inning. Brinklee Driver opened the inning with a home run that tied the game. With two out, Maddie Millsap got a single that scored Sadie Stroud and apparently Sierra Smith with two go ahead runs. However the home plate umpire ruled that Smith had failed to touch home plate and was out. Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo, who viewed the play from a short distance away, argued the call to no avail. KSST video of the play appeared to show Smith touching home plate. The Lady Cats lead was now not 3-1 but 2-1. Hallsville scored one in the bottom of the sixth and won the game with a run in the bottom of the ninth. The Lady Cats season ended with a controversial third round defeat.
My #3 SSHS sports moment for 2019: Lady Cats softball makes it into the third round, before a questionable call goes against them in a season-ending loss.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report For Dec. 18-24, 2019
Wednesday, Dec. 18
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 7:27 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 10:19 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 10:34 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:39 p.m., in reference to damage to property on CR 4505 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:33 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the dog and everything was OK.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:11 p.m., in reference to harassment on Indian Gap near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 2:35 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 1960 near Yantis.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:19 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief on CR 4870 near Winnsboro. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3877 near Hawkins; at approximately 4:02 p.m. Thomas Walls, 28, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- At 5:25 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5551 near Yantis, at approximately 5:28 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 1254 near Mineola; at approximately 8:36 p.m. Sabrina George, 34, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4506 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:06 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Holbrook; at approximately 10:07 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 11:06 p.m. Kimberly Skinner, 32, of Wills Point, was arrested for Evading Arrest Detention and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Thursday, Dec. 19
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 2:02 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 5:20 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1885 near Yantis, at approximately 8:21 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Chase Boyde, 23, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 9:31 a.m., in reference to damage to property. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At12:19 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3193 near Quitman; at approximately 1:35 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Yantis, at approximately 5:06 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2482 near Mineola, at approximately 7:06 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1700 near Yantis, at approximately 7:37 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle in the roadway. The owner of the vehicle arrived and made contact with a wrecker service.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3400 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2260 near Mineola; at approximately 11:08 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
Friday, Dec. 20
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2220 near Mineola; at approximately 12:49 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 12:54 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:10 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 Yantis, at approximately 5:46 a.m., in reference to credit card skimmers. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 8:31 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Quitman.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3234 near Quitman; at approximately 9:06 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:24 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:18 p.m., in reference to theft on FM 182 near Alba. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 3:01 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 5:41 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Mesa Verde Path near Hawkins, at approximately 6:02 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 57, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:46 p.m., in reference to harassment on CR 3802 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Saturday, Dec. 21
- At 10:50 a.m., cows were reported out on PR 6665 near Mineola.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:05 p.m., in reference to harassment on CR 2150 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Sioux near Quitman, at approximately 1:28 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Katelin Cheshire, 31, of Amarillo, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance and an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:00 p.m., in reference to scam on CR 1540 near Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6673 near Mineola, at approximately 3:32 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6308 near Mineola, at approximately 4:10 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and determined it was an accident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3987 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:01 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- At 8:24 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 9:58 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:58 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 11:27 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Sunday, Dec. 22
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4430 near Scroggins, at approximately 7:57 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4532 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:31 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 6314 near Mineola, at approximately 1:28 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 69 near Alba; at approximately 1:41 p.m. Russell Melton, 49, of Alba, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- At 4:22 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1580 near Alba, at approximately 4:26 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2445 near Mineola, at approximately 4:40 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. A known actor took the reporting party’s vehicle without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 6:16 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3810 near Hawkins; at approximately 8:23 p.m. Deputies located the individual and cleared the incident.
- At 9:14 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 near Winnsboro.
Monday, Dec. 23
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2176 near Quitman, at approximately 12:25 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2205 near Mineola; at approximately 7:06 a.m. Damon Watson, 25, of Grand Saline, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving While License Invalid.
- At 7:35 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3689 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:34 a.m., in reference to an animal complaint. Deputies located the malnourished horse and made contact with the owner. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1260 near Quitman, at approximately 11:59 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the property owner and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3459 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:05 p.m., in reference to a burglary. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:49 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole money from the reporting party’s business. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 8:03 p.m. Todd Ladd, 25, of Yantis, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3947 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:07 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 2482 near Mineola; at approximately 8:32 p.m. Travis Prince, 31, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 9:23 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Yantis; at approximately 11:08 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2176 near Quitman, at approximately 2:34 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any signs of theft or damage to the property.
- At 7:36 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to Holley Trail near Hawkins, at approximately 11:56 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Loop 564 near Mineola, at approximately 4:06 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to a dispute on CR 1992 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:43 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2174 near Quitman; at approximately 9:30 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Agency Assists
Between the dates of December 18 and December 24, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following:
- Mineola Police Department
- Emergency Medical Services.
Jail Count
Total Jail Count –123 inmates, 105 males and 18 females.
Reminders from Sheriff Castloo
- If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
- Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Have A Bright, Happy New Year
Observe Safety Precautions If Incorporating Fireworks Into Annual Celebration
Fireworks are for many as much a traditional part of New Year’s celebrations as a toast and kiss at midnight and eating cabbage and black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
However, without a few precautions, a fun celebration can quickly become a hazardous situation.
Eight people died and over 12,000 in the United States were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of those, 50 percent of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. While the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers, according to the National Safety Council.
Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires, the NSC reports.
Thus, those planning to spark a firework to light up the New Year are reminded to be aware of state and local laws and ordinances regarding fireworks.
For instance, fireworks are prohibited in the city limits of Sulphur Springs and most municipalities without a permit. Fireworks are also restricted from public waterways such as city and state parks and lakes, unless otherwise denoted. However, there are no restrictions on use of fireworks in other unincorporated areas of the county.
When in doubt, be sure to check with the local city or other government regarding fireworks regulations. Failure to do so could result in a citation.
When setting off fireworks or hosting a fireworks display, a few safety precautions are recommended for legal fireworks.
The NSC recommends the following for individuals using fireworks:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
- Never light them indoors.
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
- Never use illegal fireworks.
Celebrate New Year's Safely, By Observing Traffic And Other Laws
As you prepare to celebrate the New Year with friends and family, those planning to be out on the road are reminded to drive carefully, courteously and lawfully.
Those who plan to consume alcoholic beverages are reminded to either stay at their celebratory location or designate a drive who has not consumed beverages to get you home or call for Uber or other driving service.
Many AAA clubs offer safe ride services for members and non-members as well. The Holiday Tow-to-Go Program is statewide and ends Thursday, 1/2 at 6 a.m. Texas motorists must call (800) 222-4357 or (800-AAA-HELP) for a tow up to 10 miles for free, where applicable, if provided by your road service.
Choosing to drink and drive can be costly both financially through fines, jail time, bonds and legal fees, medical expenses, insurance and car repairs as well as potentially loss of life from vehicle or accident related crashes.
“December 31. New Year’s Eve. A day to reminisce, celebrate, and to look forward to what the New Year holds. New Year’s Eve is also a day that holds many opportunities for tragedy. If you decide to engage in alcohol use, please remember to reserve a designated driver. Keep an eye on the people you are celebrating with. If someone appears to be intoxicated, do not be afraid to speak up and offer a solution to an ultimate catastrophe,” Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings stated.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers and other law enforcement will continue to have increased enforcement New Year’s Eve in an effort to increase safety on Texas roads. Troopers will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers, speeders, seat belt violators and other dangerous drivers.
“The holiday season gives us many reasons to celebrate with friends and family, and it’s up to every one of us to make sure that we do so responsibly, including driving without distractions and obeying traffic laws as we travel,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Troopers will be on the lookout for anyone violating the law and will remove dangerous drivers from our roadways — all in an effort to protect the public during the holidays.”
Cummings also reminds drivers the dangers of distracted driving. This can take many forms, including eating while driving, changing the radio, paying more attention to passengers than the road, or taking focus from the road to attend to phones and other electronic devices while at the wheel.
“Distracted and impaired driving are two things that are avoidable while operating a motor vehicle. That text, phone call, etc. can wait until you come to a complete stop. Having to call for help in the event you’ve become intoxicated does not diminish your dignity. In fact, it enhances it,” Cummings said.
1 Injured In Highway 19 North Crash Monday Evening
Traffic on State Highway 19 north of Sulphur Springs was interrupted for an hour Monday evening due to a two-vehicle crash. Northbound traffic backed for about a mile at one point while emergency responders worked at the crash site.
Emergency dispatchers were first alerted at 4:43 p.m. Dec. 30 that two vehicles had crashed on State Highway 19 north near County Road 4764, with one car resting in the ditch and one in the roadway. The road was reportedly blocked with one possible entrapment, according to dispatch reports.
Hopkins County and North Hopkins firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and EMS were dispatched. Officials found two vehicles, one overturned, near the roadside park. Officials reported no one had to be cut out of the car, but one occupant was assisted out of wrecked vehicle. That motorist was transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment of what were thought to be serious but non life-threatening injuries. Another motorist was reportedly check at the crash site but not transported, according to emergency officials.
As emergency crews worked at the crash site, traffic through the area was limited. Northbound traffic on SH 19 north had a line backed up past the bridges south of the roadside park at about 5:30 p.m., while southbound traffic was slow going for a mile on either side of the crash site.
Firefighters cleared the crash site at 5:34 p.m. and law enforcement remained on scene until 6 p.m., according to sheriff’s reports.
