Armed Robbery Reported At Main Street Business
Police Ask Anyone With Information About Case To Contact Authorities
Sulphur Springs police are investigating an armed robbery reported to have occurred Sunday evening at a Main Street convenience store. No one was reported to have been injured, but a weapon was reportedly displayed during the robbery, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson reported Monday.
The alleged robbery was reported to have occurred about 6:20 p.m. Jan. 12 in the 1600 block of Main Street. A skinny white male, estimated to be about 6 feet, 1 inch tall, wearing a dark hoodie and an orange and black camouflage type face mask, allegedly entered the gas station and contacted the clerk. The male reportedly displayed a firearm and demanded money. The clerk reportedly complied and the man ran away, according to Ricketson.
As of late Monday, police were still investigating the robbery; no arrests had been made in connection with the case, according to the police chief.
Police ask if anyone has information about the alleged robbery, including the suspect’s identity or whereabouts, to please contact Sulphur Springs Police at 903-885-7602 or Lake Country Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020.
Man Accused Of Running From Sulphur Springs Police For Second Time In 7 Months
A 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested Saturday morning after allegedly running from same police officer who was attempting to serve him with warrants for the second time in seven months, according to police reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Patrol Officer Adrian Pruitt reported spotting Todrick Zyquince Cork, a wanted man, walking on Helm Lane. He reported contacting Officer Jameison Hawkins to let him know he’d be out with the man, then contacted Cork at 9:53 a.m. Jan. 11 at E-Z Mart at East Shannon Road to serve him with warrants.
Cork was wanted in Lamar County for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and motion related to a possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana charge. He also had an outstanding Hopkins County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a June 11, 2019 evading arrest or detention, which Pruitt had arrested Cork for on June 11, 2019, according to police and jail reports.
Cork allegedly attempted to identify himself as another person, his brother. However, Pruitt alleged he knew the man wasn’t telling the truth, because he recognized him from a prior dealing with Cork. Pruitt recognized Cork because he’d arrested Cork on June 11, 2019, for evading arrest, after Cork ran from him through when he tried to place him into custody on an evading arrest with a vehicle warrant, according to police reports.
When Pruitt attempted to put the man’s hand into handcuffs Saturday, Cork allegedly shoved the officer in the chest with his other hand to put distance between them. Cork then fled with Pruitt pursuing him through a Helm Lane apartment complex, according to police reports.
As Cork attempted to cross Helm Lane, he reportedly slipped in the wet conditions, losing his shoes, phone, blanket and other items as he ran. Hawkins stopped his vehicle near the apartment office, causing Cork to change direction, running back toward Pruitt, according to police reports. Corn reportedly saw Pruitt and turned toward the west side of the apartments. The officers reported losing sight of Cork as he crossed the road toward the front yard of residences.
While searching the area for Cork, a male outside one apartment pointed toward Cadi Lane when asked if he’d seen the man running. Pruitt alleged seeing Cork, and ran toward him, prepared to take him down. The man instead saw the officer and surrendered, getting face down on the ground, according to reports. Pruitt alleged he told Cork not to move; the officer attempted to slow down and stop, but slipped and fell on the ground beside Cork, according to police reports.
Hawkins arrived and took control of Cork, who police alleged physically resisted officers. Police, after giving Cork several verbal commands, used the “least amount of force” necessary to place Cork into handcuffs, Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
Cork was jailed for failure to identify and evading arrest or detention with a previous conviction, which enhanced the charge to a felony, as well as the two Lamar County warrants and the Hopkins County warrant.
He remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning. Bond was set at $5,000 on the evading arrest charge, $2,000 on the failure to ID charge, $5,000 on the Hopkins County warrant, $100,000 on the Lamar County evading arrest with a vehicle charge and $4,000 on the other Lamar County charge, according to jail reports.
Accreditation as Primary Stroke Center Earned by Sulphur Springs CHRISTUS
Back in October 2019, following evaluation by a Joint Commission agency, the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs was accredited as a Primary Stroke Center. This is one of the highest rankings which hospital organizations may achieve in assessing and treating stroke victims. The accreditation was based on a standard of core measures and ‘best practice’ during a three-month observation process by the Joint Commission. Cassidy Cameron, ER Team Lead and Stroke Co-coordinator, appeared on the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay to share the news for persons residing in Hopkins County and surrounding counties.
“This news reflects CHRISTUS’ commitment to provide an excellent level of health care here at the Sulphur Springs hospital. In educating people about what to do when you think you, or someone you are with, may be having a Stroke, we use the slogan ‘Time Is Brain’ to impress that time is essential in getting seen and treated. Persons who go to an ER within 4 hours of the onset of Stroke symptoms may be administered TPA, a ‘clot-buster’ which can allow complete recovery. Patients who are outside that window of time but are seen within 24 hours may still benefit from intervention. The Comprehensive Stroke Center at Tyler CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital provides this type of intervention. Some persons who think they have had a Stroke may have actually had a TIA, which may be a warning sign or pre-cursor to an actual Stroke. Knowledge about Stroke is important for everyone to stay healthy, and that’s not just older people”.
“A Stroke is all brain-related. ‘Be Fast’ is our advice for people to recognize Stroke symptoms and to act quickly. The acronym we use is “Be Fast” in identifying symptoms you may be experiencing, or of someone with you. B stands for Balance, as Stroke can make you lose your balance. E is for Eyes; did your vision change in one eye or peripherally? F stands for Face; is there weakness, drooping or numbness? A stands for Arms; is one side of your body numb or impaired? S stands for Speech; is your speech slurred or slow? T stands for Time; time is essential in retaining your brain and body’s normal function. If you experience these symptoms, go to an ER as quickly as possible. If you are seen at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs, you can be seen by a doctor almost immediately, get the treatment you need as well as the follow-up care you will require”.
Cassidy Clark Cameron is a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School, took her nurses training and worked in Tyler and Plano and became an RN. She has been a nurse for 15 years and an ER nurse for ten years, and in 2018 transitioned to a different role, being named ER Team Lead and Stroke Co-ordinator at the Sulphur Springs CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. She stated, “Again, it’s great to know that we can offer this level of care in Sulphur Springs. I love my job and I love helping people get the medical care they need”.
Presley Cummins of Como-Pickton Named FFA Vice-President of Paris District
According to a report from FFA Sponsor and Ag Science teacher Chanda Neal, the Como-Pickton FFA Chapter was well represented at the Paris District FFA Convention January 9th, 2020.
Como-Pickton FFA’s very own Presley Cummins was elected to serve as the 2020-2021 Paris District FFA Vice President. Cummins was required to participate in an interview and testing process prior to the convention. She also delivered a speech on stage at the convention where she talked about how the FFA makes you One in a Billion.
The Como-Pickton FFA Chapter had 13 Students in attendance at the district convention. Four students were members of the Voting Delegate body, responsible for representing their chapter by voting for the newly elected District and Area Officer candidates, as well as the Talent team who will represent Paris District FFA at the Area 6 convention later this year.
SSISD Board Of Trustees Jan. 13 Agenda Includes Lamar Primary Improvement Plan, Special Education Program Report, Trustees Election, Open House, Solar Farms
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees has a packed agenda for the regular January meeting, which will begin 1 hour earlier than usual Monday.
The board will hear a number of reports, including a special education program report from Director Susan Johnston, a presentation by Lamar students and music department, a presentation from Assistant Superintendent Kristin Monk about the Lamar Primary Improvement Turn Around Plan draft, and an update and discussion on current board goals with Superintendent Michael Lamb.
Monk too is presenting to the board dates for SSISD 2020 Open House activities. Lamb is also scheduled to recognize the board for School Board Appreciation Month during public forum.
Information about the filing dates for the May 2 school board trustees election is also on the school board agenda under the administrative reports and information items portion of the meeting.
Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams at a previous meeting presented for board review recommended changes to at least 18 legal and local polices. The board will be asked to approve those additional and revisions to legal and local polices as recommended by Texas Association of School Boards Policy Services in Localized Policy Manual Update 114.
Trustees will be asked to consider approving an application asking Texas Education Agency for an expedited Teacher Data Portal of the Texas Assessment Management System waiver. Jason Evans who oversees PEIMS, testing and accountability is scheduled to present this to the board.
The majority of action items on Monday’s agenda have to do with Solemio LLC and Hopkins Energy LLC. The school board was scheduled during a Dec. 19 board meeting to consider an amended reinvestment zone and agreement for the proposed Solemio LLC, and a reinvestment zone and application for appraised value limitation on qualified property for school maintenance and operations taxes for Hopkins Energy LLC.
However, after hearing concerns and opposition voiced by at least seven community members regarding the proposed solar projects — especially the Solemio solar project — and an executive session discussion, the school trustees voted Dec. 19 unanimously to postpone all actions regarding the requests.
The Solemio LLC project agreement received approval from SSISD on Dec. 10, 2018, after the Comptroller’s Officer reported it met the Chapter 313 agreement requirements, provided total employment requirement is waived. Pattern Development took over the former Alpin Sun project for the Arbala solar farm.
Pattern Development officials in January 2019 said Solemio LLC is actually a $65 million project due to limited topographical issues. The Pattern representatives at that time said they were looking for more land to add to the solar farm project.
SSISD is now being asked to consider approving an amended appraised value limitation application based on changes, which required the Dec. 19 public hearing for the now proposed reinvestment zone for the Solemio project and to approve amended findings of fact and amended agreement.
The prior agreement for Solemio, however, remains in place, even without the amendment, according to Rick Lambert with Powell, Youngblood and Taylor, attorneys for SSISD on the solar projects.
The proposed Hopkins Energy LLC project is to be located in Dike. The school board will be asked to consider approving a reinvestment zone, findings of fact related to their application for and a property value limitation agreement for the proposed Dike solar farm.
During executive session, the trustees are slated Monday night to discuss any personnel or real property matters presented since their last regular meeting, as well as the superintendent’s evaluation and consider offering him a contract extension and compensation. For any items pushed forward for action, the school board would need to reconvene in open session to do so.
SSISD Board of Trustees regular meetings are typically held at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the Board Room, located at the back of SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St. However, the Jan. 13 meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
Wildcats Power Lifters Take Fourth Place At Sulphur Springs Meet Saturday
Wildcats’ power lifters took fourth place at their own Sulphur Springs Meet Saturday, January 11, held in the Multipurpose Building on the SSHS campus. Wildcats Coach Casey Jeter said the Wildcats were just four points out of third place.
Wildcats senior George Greenway took first place in the 198 pound class. Greenway lifted a total of 1450 pounds including 600 pounds in squat, 300 pounds in bench press and 550 pounds in dead lift.
Jesse Carrillo was second in the 148 pound weight class with 1170 pounds with 435 pounds in squat, 275 pounds in bench press and 460 pounds in dead lift.
Lady Cat Sable Erdmier was second in the 165 pound weight class. She lifted a total 765 pounds including 300 pounds in squat, 115 pounds in bench press and 350 pounds in dead lift.
Wildcat Ryan Carrillo was third in the in the 181 pound weight class lifting 1135 pounds including 470 pounds in squat, 300 pounds in bench press and 365 pounds in dead lift.
Chad Maynard was fifth in the 220 pound weight class with 1170 pounds including 475 pounds in squat, 250 pounds in bench press and 445 pounds in dead lift.
Raydon McCormack was seventh in the 275 pound weight class with 1225 pounds including 520 pounds in squat, 240 pounds in bench press and 465 pounds in dead lift.
Austin McCain was ninth in the 114 pound weight class with 400 pounds including 135 pounds in squat, 90 pounds in bench press and 175 pounds in dead lift.
Wyatt Smithson was 10th in the 198 pound weight class with 1015 pounds including 415 pounds in squat, 215 pounds in bench press and 385 pounds in dead lift.
Lady Cat Addy Lamb was 11th in the 123 pound weight class with 530 pounds total including 225 pounds in squat, 105 pounds in bench press and 200 pounds in dead lift.
Wildcat Matthew Mitchell was 13th in the 181 pound weight class with 990 pounds including 355 pounds in squat, 215 pounds in bench press and 420 pounds in dead lift.
Camden Fuller was 16th in the 165 pound weight class with 900 pounds including 350 pounds in squat, 215 pounds in bench press and 335 pounds in dead lift.
Lady Cat Rory Young was twentieth in the 148 pound weight class with 445 pounds including 170 pounds in squat, 100 pounds in bench press and 175 pounds in dead lift.
Wildcat Clayton Boykin was twenty-third in the 181 pound weight class with 745 pounds including 250 pounds in squat, 180 pounds in bench press and 315 pounds in dead lift.
Coach Jeter said 25 teams entered the meet and some 450 lifters participated in both boys and girls competition.
Lady Cats Basketball Team Has Trouble With State Ranked Royse City In District Opener Saturday
By Don Julian
A tough first quarter was more than the Lady Cats Basketball Team could overcome as they lost their district opener to Royse City, 65-41 in the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School Saturday afternoon, January 11.
The Lady CIats fell behind after the first quarter, 25-7 as they had trouble with the Royse City press. The #14 ranked Lady Bulldogs only outscored the Lady Cats by six points over the last three quarters. After the first quarter, the Lady Cats could get no closer than 15 points the rest of the way.
The Lady Cats were led in scoring by junior Nylah Lindley and sophomore Hannah Cordell with 11 points each. Junior Bre’Asia Ivery, junior Dalanee Myles and sophomore Addy Lamb all had 4 points. Freshman Addisyn Wall scored 3 points. Senior Kate Womack and senior Colbria Harrison had 2 points each.
The Lady Cats played without freshmen Kenzie Willis and Serenity Lewis, both out with injuries.
Royse City’s leading scorers were senior Maci Bookout with 18 points and sophomore Maggie Hutka with 17 pounts.
The Lady Cats are 0-1 in district play and 7-17 for the season. The Lady Cats play host to Lindale next Tuesday evening in a district game in the main gym at SSHS.
Commissioners Court To Consider Land Plat Request, 2 Agreements
When Hopkins County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Monday, the agenda shows a number of items the court will be asked to consider approving, including a land plat request, and agreements with the American Red Cross and volunteer fire departments.
The court is being asked to consider and approve a plat of Together Good Deeds II Addition.
Also, two contracts have been presented for approval, a space license agreement with the American National Red Cross and first protection agreement with volunteer fire departments.
In addition to routine matters such as bills, meeting minutes, and resolutions or proclamations, the Commissioners Court also is slated at the 9 a.m. meeting Jan. 13 to consider approving requests from Farmers Electric Cooperative Inc. to construct electric power distribution facilities across County Road 3310, southwest of County Road 3378, and across County Road 3530, northwest of County Road 3532.
After the regular meeting in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of Hopkins County Courthouse, the commissioners are slated to move to the third floor Meeting Room, for a standard work session.
Slated to attend or send a representative to the meeting to give updates on current operations, projects and needs of their departments Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley, Sheriff Lewis Tatum and Tom Glosup (county building maintenance and construction).
A budget work session may also be held during the work session.
Wildcats Soccer Team Wins One And Loses One Against Good Teams In Longview Tourney Saturday
By Don Julian
The Wildcats Soccer Team managed a split of two games against good competition on Saturday, January 11, in the 2020 Lobo Invitational in Longview.
In a game made up from a Friday postponement, the Wildcats got by Jacksonville, 1-0 early Saturday. The Indians were called for a penalty during the final 12 minutes of the game and Wildcat Omar Hernandez scored a goal on the penalty kick. The game was a rematch of last season’s bi-district match that Jacksonville won on penalty kicks after the two teams battled to a 0-0 tie after regulation and overtime.
Wildcats Coach Alexi Upton said Saturday’s match, against a Jacksonville team preseason ranked #3 in the region, was a great game played in a playoff atmosphere. He said the Wildcats had few turnovers.
Later Saturday, the Wildcats dropped a 2-1 match to Forney. Kevin Yanez scored the Wildcats’ goal on a penalty kick. Coach Upton said he took the opportunity to utilize players that get to play less. He said it was a great opportunity for the team to grow. He said he was more interested in developing team depth than the result.
The Wildcats season record is now 2-4-1. The Wildcats play next at West Mesquite Tuesday night.
