Holiday Decorating, Heating Safety Reminders
With Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday behind us, many will begin pulling out holiday decor to make their homes holiday festive, inside and out.
However, to guard against unintended holiday accidents such as house fires, Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley encourages residents to keep in mind a few safety tips.
First, is to be very careful with holiday decorations. He recommends looking at all wiring and lighting. Any time a cord seems frayed, to have cuts or to be damaged in any way, he recommends replacing it, reducing the risk of it melting and catching on fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, two of every five decoration fires were the result of decoration being placed too close to a heat source. The organization recommends using decorations that are flame resistant and retardant.
Decorators should also keep in mind the intended placement. The NFPA recommends keeping decorations away from windows and doors, and also using clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
Some Christmas lights are intended only for indoor use, while others are constructed for outdoor use; check the packaging and hang accordingly. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect, so as not to overload the circuit, which can cause the light, cord and tree to catch on fire and spread.
While the glow of a Christmas tree and holiday lights can be cozy, the NFPA recommends turning off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Not only can it help reduce risk of fires, but will save on electricity costs too.
Those who enjoy the scent and look of a live tree, Endsley recommends watering them daily to prevent them from dying out, which not only can make a mess as needles fall off, but can also make the tree more likely to catch on fire.
Those who enjoy using candles in their holiday decor are reminded to take a few precautions as well to avoid disaster.
According to the NFP, one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. Two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
The NFPA recommends blowing out lit candles when leaving the room or going to bed. Lit candles should also be kept away from decorations and other things that can burn.
Endlsey also reminds that precautions are also needed for heating structures during cooler temperatures as well. He notes that heaters are to be plugged directly into outlets. Extension cords should not be used for electric heaters, as doing so can easily overload the source and result in melted cords and fires.
Natural heating should include proper ventilation, method to extinguish a blaze in a fireplace or wood-burning store. Check to be sure there are not gas leaks for natural gas heaters. Objects should not be placed too close to any heaters or heating sources as a precaution as well.
County Personnel Policies Regarding CDLs, Travel, Longevity and Holiday Pay
County employees will want to note of at least six personnel policy changes Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved earlier in the week.
Adopted were amended, update or new policies regarding commercial driver’s license and certification pay, holiday and longevity pay, uniform budgets, health incentive programs, and mileage and traveling.
“There’s a number of changes, some are more substantial than others,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said. “Kelly Kaslon has been working on this with Shannah Aulsbrook.”
Some of the changes apply to policies revised two years ago.
“We follow county policy as best we can to make sure everything stays organized within the county,” Newsom said.
“A lot of it’s already the same that already, there’s just one sentence that was changed,” said Hopkins County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook.
License and Certification
This policy, approved previously, allows the county to pay for CDLs when a county employee is required to obtain one as part of their job, at the discretion of the various county departments.
“If the elected officials or department head chooses to pay for it, then it’s your discretion,” Aulsbrooks said.
Travel Policy
Newsom and Kaslon have been working on updating this policy.
“We’re responsible for the taxpayers money on everything we say and do. One of things we’ve discovered, if I make a trip to Austin or I make a trip to Houston, I would get paid mileage by the county: 52 cents, whatever the federal amount is, by the mile. We have discovered I can rent a car from Enterprise, pay the rental and buy the gas and save,” said Newsom. “For instance, I made a trip to San Marcos this week that saved almost $200,” Newsom said.
Thus, elected officials and county employees who do not vehicles who have to travel quite a distance out of town for county business are encouraged to rent a car rather than drive their own as a cost savings measure, Newsom said.
Rental of an intermediate sized car at a minimum and up is recommended. The difference in vehicle size will only be $2-3 a day rental fee.
Those renting a car will not be paid in mileage for overnight, as the funding will go toward the rental fee, according to Kaslon.
“You can still take your personal vehicle. Should you take your personal vehicle, you will get what the Enterprise rate would have been, instead of all mileage, to save money,” Aulsbrook said.
“We need to encourages this because we can save. We need to do that in every area,” Newsom said.
Longevity pay
In the past, when employees ceased working for the county before longevity pay was issued, it was prorated to them.
“We didn’t really realize that was what was being done. You should be here at the time longevity is being paid out. It’s a benefit. It’s not something we have to do. So that change is that it’s not going to be prorated when you leave. You need to be here at the time we’re paying them out,” Aulsbrook said.
Newsom noted longevity pay is typically paid in mid-November.
“Right, if you leave 6 months before we pay it out. We’re not going to calculate it out everything you would have got. You need to be here at the time it’s paid out,” Aulsbrook said.
“I thought it was that way already, and I think most of us did,” said Newsom.
Holiday Pay
The change to this policy puts into words how it’s factored into the county budget to pay first responders and others who fall under the 207 pay exemption.
“The problem is, first responders, the way the county’s got the holiday pay set up, work a different schedule than all the rest of the county employees. So, it’s very hard for them to figure out how to pay the first responders. They’re actually working when everybody else is off. They’re getting paid for different days. So it’d be easier for us to go ahead and pay the first responders throughout the year,” Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum noted.
“We’re all included. They’re on a 12-hour and they’re more than a 48-hour work week on their schedule, and I’m a 52-hour work week. So we’re entirely different than any other employee, the sheriff’s department and fire is. It’s much more easier on the pay roll and it’s much more fair across the line,” Endsley said.
The sheriff’s and fire department don’t close for the holidays, but continue to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Depending on shift scheduling, that means some employees in these departments work on the holidays, while others may be off.
“Before, people that are actually working the holiday, weren’t getting paid. It was a very weird deal the way it was, Kelly can tell you. This way will be so much easier for everyone,” Tatum said.
“This week, Thanksgiving is a holiday. At the fire station and sheriff’s office, it’s just another day. We’re already getting paid in each pay check,” Endsley said.
This policy pays all of those employees, with their holiday pay spread throughout the year, so all receive it. It means those who work holidays won’t be paid 1 1/2 time for holiday hours, which would have to be factored into department budgets. Kaslon explained.
“This way everybody’s getting paid for all the holidays whether they work or not,” Kaslon said.
“Just for clarity, you’re not talking any extra money?” asked Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker.
Endsley, Tatum and Aulsbrook affirm no additional funding is required in the budget to cover the fire and sheriff’s department budgets. Endsley pointed out that the county is actually saving a little bit of money as they will not have to pay overtime and/or holiday pay on top of regular pay.
Barker asked if someone not scheduled to work Thanksgiving Day has to be called in to work would have to be reimbursed extra for responding.
Endsley noted that pay would be regular over-time pay, if the hours put the first responder over their regular allotted hours.
Incentive Program
The policies regarding the health incentive programs reflect policies passed in September and put into effect in October.
The county offers a few programs in additional to the health and education programs offered by the county Extension agents.
Programs include a smoking cessation program, annual physicals and gym memberships.
Newsom said not as many county employees have taken advantage of having the county pay for their memberships if they utilize the gym a specified number of times in a given month or recording period.
The idea is that going to the gym will help county employees be more fit, which in the long run should cost less in health insurance costs and mean people having to be off work less for illness or health issue, according to Newsom.
Uniform Budgets
Added to the policy regarding uniforms furnished by the county is a requirement for individuals to be employed by the county for 90 days in order to receive a uniform allowance from the county.
Aulsbrook noted that one county commissioner had an employee who was given uniforms, then left within about a month. Another person had to be hired and new uniforms purchased for the new employee, additional cost in a uniform budget.
Newsom noted that does not apply to the fire department and sheriff’s office, as those individuals require protective clothing specific for their job.
The policy would apply to the other county department budgets such as those of commissioners and the Civic Center.
The Commissioners Court gave unanimous approval to the personnel policies as recommended at their regular meeting earlier this week.
Wildcats Basketball Suffer First Loss
Wildcats Get First Loss on Season Record, Port Allen, La. Wins, 60-50 in Duncanville Hoopfest
Someone noted a long time ago that you can’t win them all. The #5 ranked Wildcats Basketball Team took their first loss of the season Saturday morning (November 30) in the highly acclaimed Duncanville Hoopfest showcase. The Pelicans came out on top, 60-50. Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said the Wildcats just got outplayed the entire game. He said Port Allen wanted it more than the Wildcats did and by the time the Wildcats figured it out, it was too late. Port Allen was the state runner up in their class in Louisiana last year and they had won two straight state championships before that. For the Wildcats Saturday, senior Day Day Hall led the team with 16 points and he had 9 rebounds. Junior Lamodrick Johnson scored 10 points and had 4 assists. Junior Boo Wilkerson had 8 points. Senior Grayson McClure added 8 points including going 2 for 4 from behind the three point line. Senior Cameron Kahn and sophomore Justin Haire both scored 4 points. The Wildcats season record is now 3-1. The Wildcats are back home Tuesday night as they face Paris, ranked #17 in Class 4A. Paris is 3-0 this season with wins over New Boston, Van Alstyne and Mineola. Paris plays Commerce Saturday.
TASB Legislative Update: Bonnen posts interim charges
From Dax Gonzalez, TASB Governmental Relations Division
Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen this week released his list of interim charges, as well as a notice that he will be naming some select committees in the coming weeks to evaluate additional issues. House committees will consider these interim charges and publish reports upon completion of their hearings. House members will likely file legislation to address these issues next session. Some charges of particular interest to school boards include:
House Public Education Committee
- Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
- HB 3, which relates to public school finance and public education. Monitor the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) implementation of the bill, including the extensive rulemaking process and broad unintended consequence authority of the commissioner. Examine the pay raises districts have provided to staff and the various approaches adopted to differentiate these salary increases according to experience.
- HB 1842 (84R), HB 22 (85R), SB 1882 (85R), and HB 3906, which relate to public school accountability, assessment, interventions, and district-charter partnerships. Monitor the ongoing progress of the TEA’s implementation and rulemaking of the A-F rating system, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), and public school sanctions and interventions.
- SB 1873 (85R), which relates to reporting certain school district health and safety information. Review the report on physical education prepared by the TEA and determine what, if any, next steps are needed based on the data collections. Related to Behavioral Health (Joint charge with Committee on Public Health)
- HB 18, which enhances school safety and mental health resources for students and school personnel and works to reduce the stigma around mental health conditions. Monitor the process by which state agencies coordinate to implement the legislation and their compliance with various requirements, including providing required guidelines and resources to schools.
- HB 19, which places non-physician mental health professionals at education service centers to provide resources for educators and administrators in school districts and charter schools.
- HB 906, which creates the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services.
- SB 11, which creates the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium to facilitate access to mental health care services through telehealth and expands the mental health workforce through training and funding opportunities. Monitor the creation of the consortium and agencies’ rulemaking processes. Review how school districts are spending their school safety allotment.
2. Determine if any barriers exist in providing a digital learning environment for all children, including an evaluation of the competitive marketplace for blended learning products and
services. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment (TIMA) in providing districts the resources necessary to equip students with instructional
materials and technology, including in the review all programs and initiatives funded by setasides from the TIMA. Monitor the performance and accountability of the state’s full-time
virtual schools and online courses provided through the Texas Virtual School Network.
3. Monitor the progress of the TEA’s compliance with the Corrective Action Response required by the United States Department of Education, the implementation of the state’s Special Education Strategic Plan, and the state’s compliance with other federal requirements regarding special education, including maintenance of state financial support for special education. Recommend solutions to barriers the agency, school districts, students with disabilities, and parents face in accessing a free and appropriate public education and in meeting the milestones of the plan and any measures needed at the state level to ensure that students with disabilities are being located, fully evaluated, and appropriately identified for special education instruction and services.
4. Monitor the State Auditor’s review of agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration.
House State Affairs Committee
Study how governmental entities use public funds for political lobbying purposes. Examine what types of governmental entities use public funds for lobbying purposes. Make recommendations to protect taxpayers from paying for lobbyists who may not represent the taxpayers’ interests
House Ways and Means Committee
Study and consider possible methods of providing property tax relief, including potential sources of revenue that may be used to reduce or eliminate school district maintenance and operations property tax rates.
House Appropriations Committee
Review and evaluate the actuarial soundness of the Employees Retirement System and Teacher Retirement System pension funds. Examine the cost of and potential strategies for achieving and maintaining the actuarial soundness of the funds. Examine the effect the unfunded liabilities could have on the state’s credit rating. Examine the state’s investment policies and practices, including investment objectives, targets, disclosure policies, and
transparency. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services)
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III (Education)
- Monitor the agencies and programs under Article III and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation and riders passed by the 86th Legislature.
- Evaluate ongoing costs associated with implementing the provisions of HB 3.
- Review formula funding for higher education institutions in Texas. Examine the general efficiency and equity of formula funding for these higher education institutions. Monitor the implementation of mission-specific pilot formulas at the state’s health-related institutions.
- Examine the state higher education institutions’ resources and research into the causes and cures for degenerative and debilitating brain and nervous conditions and the projected costs
to the state for the treatment of those conditions.
1 Replat, 1 Preliminary Subdivision Plat Approved
Hopkins County Commissioner Court during a regular meeting earlier this week gave approval for a replat of Rynn Estates and an application for a preliminary land subdivision plat for Colbert Oaks.
Margaret Rynn asked to be allowed to replat Rynn Estates, located in Precinct 1. The property has been surveyed. The request is to combine several lots into one, according to County Clerk Tracy Smith.
“It kind of an odd shaped property. It’s just a redesigning of the existing,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said.
The replat was unanimously approved on a motion from Barker, seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin.
Ron Colbert, property owner, submitted an application for a preliminary land subdivision plat for Colbert Oaks – Unit 1.
The 41-acre property is located on FM 275 south. Colbert asked to be allowed to plat approximately 12 acres in front to the highway, less than the required 200 foot front on each of those two pieces. Colbert said the owners have had a surveyor do the platting for them and have been working with attorneys to meet all requirements.
Colbert said they have talked to a road maintenance agreement, with the owners of those three tracts agreeing to maintain the road. He said the county fire marshal has also been consulted regarding road access to ensure the road is sufficient for should emergency vehicles need to respond on it.
It’s is an open public road way, with 60 foot wide utility easements within that line, and Miller Grove Water will have access to run a water line.
The two properties on either side will be sold and own out to the center of the line, for a dedicated roadway specifically to that track in the back so that it’s not land locked in any way, Colbert told the commissioners. That would pass with the deeds moving forward.
Coblert told the court he does not anticipate extending the road out nor dividing the property any more, as an entity is buying 28 acres, with all of those being single family residences.
Cooper Man Jailed For Having 1.5 Grams Of Methamphetamine
A 38-year-old Cooper man was arrested at early Saturday morning after deputies found a bag of suspected methamphetamine in his possession during a traffic stop.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputy Drew Fisher reported conducting a traffic stop on a Ford Ranger on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 124 (near South Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs) at 12 a.m. Nov. 30. Sgt. Richard Greer assisted with the traffic stop, according to sheriff’s reports.
Fisher alleged, upon contact with Billy Joe Thomas, the 38-year-old Cooper man showed signs of nervousness and avoidance toward him. After further questioning, Fisher reported asking for and receiving permission to search the read pickup.
In the bed of the truck, the deputy alleged finding a tool box with a cigarette carton empty of everything except a bag containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine and a syringe.
Consequently, Thomas was taken into custody and transported to jail. The truck was impounded. The suspected contraband was also transported to the jail, where it tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 1.5 grams, Fisher alleged in arrest reports.
Thomas remained in the county jail late Saturday morning; his bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge was set at $30,000, according to jail reports.
He has two previous controlled substance convictions, according to jail reports.
2 Companies Issue Recalls On All-Purpose Flour Due To Possible E. Coli
Two companies have issued voluntary recalls for bags of all-purpose flour due to potential presence of E. coli.
UNFI announced Nov. 27, a voluntary national recall of five-pound bags of its Wild Harvest® Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached, with a Code of AA BEST IF USED BY 010820 CC 15:58 and UPC Code 711535509158.
During routine FDA sampling of the five-pound bag product, results were found to be positive for E.coli.
To date, UNFI has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to this product, according to the company announcement.
Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers with questions may contact UNFI at 855-423-2630 (customer support is available seven days-a-week between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST). Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
Hodgson Mill of Effingham, Illinios also announced on Nov. 27 a voluntary national recall of specific lots of its five-pound Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour.
“We are taking this voluntary precautionary step because of the potential presence of pathogenic E. coli which was discovered through sampling raw uncooked flour. Hodgson Mill has not received any confirmed reports of illnesses related to this product,” the company announcement stated.
The only product affected by Hodgson Mill’s recall is Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour (5 lb.) UPC 0-71518-05009-2Best By Date 10-01-2020 and 10-02-2020 with lot codes listed Lot# 001042 & 005517.
Use By and Lot Code information can be found on the bottom back panel of the 5 lb. Bag. Used By date and Lot Code, along with their location on the bag, must all match in order to represent flour affected by this recall.
This lot of flour was milled at an ADM Milling Facility in St Louis, Missouri and repacked at Hodgson Mill, Inc. facility in Effingham, Illinois, and was distributed by Hodgson Mill through retailers and distribution nationwide and sold through our website www.hodgsonmill.com
Consumers who have purchased 5 lb packages of Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour with specific lot codes are urged to stop using the product immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company customer service M-F 9am to 3pm at 1-888-417-9343 x 1.
Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
E. coli can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections in infants, older people, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The most common symptoms of E. coli are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, which develop within three or four days of eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts about a week and most people recover without treatment.
Guidance from FDA and the Centers for Disease Control continues to warn that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour and that all surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.
Hopkins County Records For Nov. 29, 2019
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Kaci Lynn Allen and Justin Lee Shackelford
- Dorothy Ann Kinnamon and Bobby Joe Wilson
- Azucena Pulido Lopez and Luis Herrera Pulido
- Nicole Suarez Alvarez and La Christopher Osborn
- Melanie Torres and Jesus Manuel Torres
3 Women Arrested By DPS On Marijuana Charges In Separate I-30 Traffic Stops
Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers arrested three women on a misdemeanor marijuana charge each following three different Interstate 30 traffic stops Nov. 27.
Troopers stopped a Lexus ES 300 at 9:22 a.m. Wednesday on Interstate 30 at mile marker 133 for following too closely behind a commercial vehicle hauling an over-sized load.
Upon contact with the driver, the trooper reported smelling a strong marijuana odor emitting from the car. The driver, a 50-year-old Dallas woman, hesitated when asked the last time she had smoked marijuana, then admitted to smoking a marijuana cigarette, the troopers alleged in arrest reports.
A probable cause search allegedly yielded less than 2 ounces of marijuana in her luggage bag, resulting in her arrest. The vehicle was impounded and the Dallas woman was jailed for possessing less than 2 ounces of marijuana, according to arrest reports.
The Dallas woman remained in the county jail until Friday morning, Nov. 29. Her bond was set at $1,000 on the misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
The second arrest, of a 25-year-old Dallas woman, followed a traffic stop at mile marker 134 on I-30 at 4:25 p.m. Nov. 27.
Troopers reported stopping the woman’s Toyota Camry after it passed him due to an exhaust pipe completely separated from the muffler and hanging under the passenger’s compartment of the car. The car stopped next to a guard rail, so the trooper asked the driver to pull up past it. When she did, the trooper reported hearing a loud exhaust on the car.
Upon contact with the driver through the passenger’s side of the Camry, the trooper alleged he immediately detect a marijuana odor. He advised the Dallas woman she would receive a warning for the exhaust issue, but asked her to step toward his vehicle.
When asked how much marijuana was in the vehicle, the 25-year-old allegedly claimed none, that her boyfriend had smoked marijuana in the vehicle an hour prior to the stop. The trooper, in arrest reports, alleged when the woman was told he’d be conducting a probable cause search of the car to check for marijuana, she admitted to having marijuana in her purse, which was on the passenger’s side floorboard. The trooper checked and reported the woman was true to her word; two bags of marijuana were found in her purse.
The woman was jailed for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana; the car was impounded, according to arrest reports. She was released from jail Thursday, Nov. 28, on $1,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
The third arrest was of a 23-year-old Ladonia woman about 6:15 p.m. Nov. 27, on I-30 at mile marker 127. Troopers reported stopping a Dodge Avenger for a violation involving a high mount brake light.
On contact with the woman, a trooper alleged he could smell marijuana. He reportedly asked her to step out of the car and, while talking with him, the Ladonia woman admitted she’d smoked marijuana and having more of the substance under the driver’s seat. A probable cause search showed the woman to be truthful, resulting in her arrest for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, according to arrest reports.
She also was charged later with failure to report a change of address. She spent Wednesday night in jail and was released on $1,000 bond on the marijuana charge Thanksgiving Day, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Man Allegedly Caught With Drug Paraphernalia, Suspected Methamphetamine
A 55-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed early Thanksgiving morning after deputies found suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, pills and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Marney and Sgt. Scott Davis stopped a Nissan Altima at 12:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, on SH 19 south at County Road 1106 for a traffic violation.
The driver allegedly showed signs of bruxism and the passenger exhibited signs of nervousness. Both to the deputy seemed to avoid eye contact and didn’t answer questions directly, as if they were trying to be deceptive, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
When the driver refused to let officers search the car, the deputies called for Deputy Colt Patterson to bring his canine partner to the location. The police canine gave a positive alert on the car, so the deputies conducted a probable cause search of it, according to sheriff’s reports.
The sheriff’s officers alleged finding a glass container with a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in it between the passenger’s seat and the console; a chip bag with a small clear bag containing a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana inside of it and a small cardboard box with another small bag with different colored pills and a bag with a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine inside of it , all in the passenger’s side floorboard; and a bag with a large amount of white crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine and a small pipe of the kind commonly used for smoking marijuana in a container of food in the passenger’s seat. Allegedly found in the trunk was a syringe that appeared to be loaded with methamphetamine ready for injection. One syringe each was found outside of the car in the grass next to the passenger’s door and in the passenger’s jacket pocket, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
The passenger, identified in arrest reports as 55-year-old Timmy Dean Scott of Sulphur Springs, reportedly claimed ownership of all of the contraband and was taken into custody. At the jail, the suspected methamphetamine was reportedly field-tested and weighed. The crystal-form of the substance weighed over 10 grams, including packaging, and also tested positive for meth; the suspected meth in the syringe also field-tested positive and weighed more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, including packaging, Marney and Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, Scott was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:53 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. He was also found to be wanted on two warrants for not taking care of open container charges, and one warrant each for not taking care of failure to maintain financial responsibility and no driver’s license charges; those charges were added to the list of offenses he was charged on, according to jail reports. He remained in the county jail Thursday evening, Nov. 28; his bond was set at $30,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
