Hopkins County Sheriff’s Patrol Sgt. Michael Russell Promoted To Investigator
November 7, 2019 – Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum announced the recent promotion of Michael Russell from patrol sergeant to sergeant investigator, a position previously held by Charles Humphries.
Russell has been employed with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office for 7 1/2 years. He worked his way up from jailer to patrol sergeant, and now to sergeant investigator.
The Sulphur Bluff native said he served four years as an infantry Marine. When when his time with the U.S. Marine Corps in April of 2011, he pursued a career in law enforcement with a goal of serving on a special response team (SWAT). However, the infantry combat veteran opted not to pursue a SWAT position with a large law enforcement agency, but to remain in Hopkins County, serving the community where he grew up.
Russell began his career in law enforcement in March 2012 as a jailer at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. He was hired as a street deputy about a month and a half later. He has most recently been serving as a patrol sergeant, and has served on the local SWAT team for about seven years.
“I worked hard to get where I am at. Hard work pays off in the end. I am happy to be where I’m at as an investigator. I’ve wanted it since I’ve been in law enforcement,” Russell said.
Tatum said investigator promotions are determined by a board consisting of officials from outside agencies as well as Texas Rangers. The officials consider previous cases of each officer being considered as well as information gleaned about each from additional sources as well. The board’s recommendation is then presented to HCSO Chief Deputy Tanner Crump for approval.
Russell’s promotion to investigator creates at least two additional openings in the patrol department; one for Russell’s slot as a patrol deputy and a deputy spot for the deputy who is promoted to patrol sergeant.
An in-house panel consisting of patrol sergeants and Lt. Amanda Weatherford, as well as the Texas Ranger when available, vet all deputy patrol positions. Tatum anticipates the patrol promotion for the new sergeant to officially be announce next week.
6 Arrested On Hopkins County Warrants
At least six people were jailed between Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 on Hopkins County warrants, including three men and two women booked on felony charges and one man on a misdemeanor charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Joshua Terry Ford, 26, of Cumby was arrested Wednesday afternoon on a felony warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for abandoning or endangering a child-criminal negligence and a misdemeanor warrant for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, according to arrest reports.
Cumby Police Officer Zack Steward reported seeing Ford in the 200 block of Barker Street in Cumby. Steward, in arrest reports, stated he recognized Ford as someone who had outstanding warrants for his arrest, so he contacted the man. After a records check confirmed the warrants, Steward took Ford into custody on both charges, according to arrest reports.
Ford’s vehicle was impounded and he was taken to jail, where he remained Thursday morning, Nov. 6, according to arrest and jail reports.
Andrew Imanuel Wooten, 28, of Sulphur Springs was taken into custody at the Adult Probation Office at 4:35 p.m. Nov. 6, by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Alvin Jordan on a warrant for violating probation, which he was on for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. He remained in the county jail Thursday morning, Nov. 7.
Laurie Ann Jordan, 49, was transported by deputy Elijah Fite from Terrell State Hospital at 2:30 p.m. on a warrant for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. The offense was alleged to have occurred June 19 in Hopkins County, according to arrest reports. She remained in the county jail Thursday morning, Nov. 7, according to arrest reports.
Blake Oliver Kizer, 21, of Sulphur Springs was taken into custody at 10:17 a.m. Nov. 5 at a Houston Street bail bonds business by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Baumann for surety off bond on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. He remained in the county jail Thursday morning, Nov. 7; his new bond was set at $5,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Deputy Fite also took custody of two Longview residents at Upshur County jail at 9 a.m. Nov. 6 and transported them to Hopkins County jail, where they were still being held Thursday morning, Nov. 7, according to arrest and jail reports.
Tonya Lee Ponder, 22, of Longview was held on a felony bench warrant. A Longview man, 24, was held on a warrant for bail jumping and failure to appear on a misdemeanor theft of property charge, according to arrest reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Family of Marie Chester Invites Friends, Family to Celebrate Her 95th Birthday on Sunday Nov. 10, 2 – 4 pm
Marie Cranford Chester, who has raised a family of Hopkins County cooks, will celebrate her 95th birthday on Sunday November 10, 2019, come-and-go between 2 and 4 pm inside the Fellowship Hall of Sulphur Bluff United Methodist Church. No gifts, please! Marie was born at Paducah, Texas in 1924 but got to Hopkins County “as quick as she could”, when her family settled in the South Liberty Community where she grew up. She met and married Mervin Chester and they had four children, the late John Chester, Patricia Chester Dorner, Katy Chester Patterson and Vonda Chester Nelson. During her adult life, Marie worked at the H.D. Lee Plant, also she and Mervin had a dairy and farmed on their land at Dike. Among her treasures are her many, many friends. For her eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, Marie is famous for her Hopkins County stew, black walnut pies and homemade ice cream which she often prepares on Sundays for whoever drops by! She loves fellowship and hopes to see everyone at her party.
pot during the 50th Anniversary Hopkins County Stew Contest in 2019
Mount Pleasant Man Arrested For Trespassing At Sulphur Springs Hospital
A 38-year-old Mount Pleasant man was taken into custody for trespassing at the hospital health complex.
Sulphur Springs police were dispatched Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6, to the hospital property, where they were requested to issue a criminal trespass warning to prohibit him from returning, the arresting officer noted in reports.
The man was reportedly found in the chapel and escorted outside. He signed a criminal trespass warning and was asked to leave the premises, according to arrest reports.
He did, only to return a few minutes later. He taken into custody by police on the criminal trespassing charge. The 38-year-old Mount Pleasant man was released from jail Thursday morning, Nov. 7, on a $1,000 bond, according to jail reports.
United Way Final Report Meeting Shares Great News with a $184,750.13 Total!
The final report meeting for the 2019 Hopkins County United Way Campaign was held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Executive Secretary Susan Berning stated “On behalf of Campaign Chairs Beverley and Bill Owens, I am very pleased to report our Campaign total is $184,750.13! As always, the total is official only after money is counted and pledges recorded.”
The 2019 goal was $165,000 and that goal was surpassed again this year with the help of individuals, merchants, local industry, banking institutions, school districts and service organizations who made pledges and contributions to this year’s campaign.
The final week of the campaign, campaign workers turned in more than $67,000. Several businesses and organizations’ pledges exceeded their goal, and numerous others reached the goal set for each group, campaign workers reported Tuesday.
Atmos Energy’s donation of $3,296.04 exceeded the goal. Two State Farm agents’ met goal, including a corporate match. Ocean Spray pledged $9,542; employees contributed $9,042, and the company contributed another $500.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs met the $10,000 goal; the hospital’s contributions also included a $5,000 corporate match. Hopkisn County EMS/Communications and Hospital District’s 15 employees contributed $5,207.04 to HCUW; the group’s goal for tehe last few years has been $2,000.
Flow Serve donated $12,548 to HCUW, $2,548 of which came from employees.
Jay Hodge Chevrolet hosted a giveback event, offering burgers and hot dogs for donation to benefit HCUW. The dealership contributed $6,606 following that benefit.
Sulphur Springs ISD contributed a collective $14,050 in donations and pledges.
Recognized this week, the week of Nov. 6, among the companies and businesses named to the HCUW 100% Club for meeting or exceeding the post goal for their organization were:
- Sulphur Springs ISD including:
- Barbara Bush Primary
- Bowie Primary
- Lamar Primary
- Travis Primary
- Douglass/ECLC
- Sulphur Springs Middle School
- Sulphur Springs High School
- Austin Academic Center
- Sulphur Springs Elementary
- Administrative Complex
- CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Hopkins County Hospital District EMS/Communications
- Gregg Price
- AVCO Roofing
- Bell Concrete
- Sulphur Springs EDC
- Atmos Energy
- Flowserve Corporate
- The Oaks Bed and Breakfast
- McKay’s Band House
- Jay Hodge Chevrolet
- Robinson Bennett Construction
- Marlene’s Sass and Class
- Burger Land
- Uptown Cutts
- SS Autolube
- Bright Star Vet Clinic
- Edward’s Used Cars
- Glenn Irvin Real Estate
- Bearing General Contractors, Inc.
- Slaughter’s BBQ
- Farm Country
- One Stop Sign Shop
- State Farm – Bear Littleton
- Coldwell Banker, Watson Co.
- State Farm – Julia Wilhite
- Backstory Brewery
- Broadway Vet Clinic
- Hopkins County Vet Clinic
- Magic Scoop
- Affordable Chiropractic
- Hall Oil Co.
- Smith and Smith Law Firm
- Carl D. Bryan
- Broadway Smiles, Dr. Shetty
- Martin Braddy
- Rotary
Funds raised are distributed among select local non-profits which serve the Hopkins County community.
A thank you was sent out to all the “heroes,” the volunteer workers and to everyone who generously donated to this year’s campaign. Thanks was also offered to local media who attended the weekly report meetings and helped spread the word about the campaign.
Author Visit at SS Public Library on November 12
Sulphur Springs Public Library will present author Rebecca Dwight Bruff on Tuesday November 12 at 10:30 am.
Her book, Trouble the Water is available at The Sweet Grind and for checkout at the library.
This book was inspired by the larger-than-life true story of Robert Smalls, the first African American hero of the Civil War. According to Librarian Hope Cain, Rebecca will inspire us with Robert Small’s story and will be available for book sales and signing.
Hopkins-Rains Retired School Personnel are scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 12 at the library.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report
MANAGER’S REPORT
Presented to the City Council on Nov. 5, 2019
SUNSET STREET – The Capital Construction crew has installed 500’ of new curb and gutter, 5 new driveway approaches, 240’ of the concrete street, approach for Houston Street, asphalt for the tie-in at Finney Street and Van Sickle Street. The project is now complete.
CONNALLY STREET – Approximately 2,150’ or 80% has been cement stabilized. The excavation is completed and approximately 1,600’ or 60% of the full width of concrete street has been completed with the exception of the intersections, driveways, and sidewalks. Work has begun on the sidewalks on the north side of the street.
CROSSTOWN TRAIL – There are 36 solar lights installed from Coleman Lake Dam to the north side of Peavine Pinion Lake.
CANTEX LIFT STATION – The lift station is in operation, but there is still work to be done.
BELLVIEW STREET – The Capital Construction Division began installing the sewer main on Monday.
CLAIMS – We had one liability claim in October. A front door was damaged while serving a felony warrant, the claim was submitted and denied by TML. We had two workers’ compensation claims, one for a dog bite and the other for a fall from a ladder. A property claim for the veteran’s memorial was filed when a juvenile pushed it causing it to fall and break into pieces.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will give a year- to-date report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
• Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .55 mg/L.
• Repaired 14 water main ruptures.
• Replaced 14 water meters.
• Unstopped 33 sewer mains.
• Repaired 21 sewer mains.
• Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
• Flushed 36 dead end water mains.
• Treated 146 million gallons of potable water.
• Sold 2,887 gallons of AvGas and 12,334 gallons of JetA fuel.
• Checked out 3,479 items from the library plus 761 eBooks.
• Conducted 40 building inspections, 25 electrical inspections, 19 plumbing
inspections, 5 mechanical inspections and issued 35 building permits.
• Responded to 217 animal control calls and achieved an adoption rate of 58%.
• Made 12 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
• Responded to 2,365 police calls, made 76 arrests, recorded 58 offenses, wrote 537 citations, and responded to 49 accidents in the Patrol Division.
• Responded to 208 fire/rescue calls including 1 vehicle fire and 2 grass fires.
• Conducted 35 fire inspections and reviewed 34 pre-fire plans.
• Performed preventative maintenance on 62 fire hydrants.
• Replaced ropes and flags at Veteran’s Memorial.
• Reestablished grade on 400’ of sidewalk.
• Planted rye seed grass on the Plaza.
• Prepared Buford Park for the Stew Festival.
• Winterized the fountains.
• Made 5 major street repairs following utility repairs.
• Patched 98 potholes.
• Replaced 1 “Loading” sign downtown, 2 “Stop” signs, 5 street signs, and installed 9 “No Parking within 30’ of intersection signs on Azalea Lane.
• Demolish and remove 1815 Church Street.
Scrap Tire Agreement, Park Drilling Ordinance Among Matters Address By Sulphur Springs City Council
An ordinance amendment which will increase the city’s chances of obtaining a grant was given approved, on first reading, by Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday night.
Also approve by the council Tuesday night were resolutions adopting a fund balance policy, in support of a local apartment group’s application for funding assistance for renovations and an inter-local agreement with Hopkins County for the collection and processing of scrap tires. A brief executive session for “personnel matters specifically relating to the city manager.”
Ordinance No. 2761
The City Council approved, on first reading, Ordinance No. 2761, which renames Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances “City Parks & Lakes,” and adds Article IV, entitled “City Parks” to Chapter 8, and two sections to establish regulations to protect parks and park patrons, regulating users of public parks, and prohibiting drilling and mining or the reopening of any abandoned well or mine in any public park located within the city limits.”
Basically, in order to obtain or be eligible for certain parks grant funding, the city needs an ordinance which prohibits drilling or mining in city parks. The amendment does that, city officials explained.
Resolutions
The city council also approved Tuesday night approved two resolutions
Resolution No. 1182 establishes a city Fund Balance Policy. The city has applied this policy, but per for auditing purposes is required to have one in place.
Resolution No. 1182 simply shows the city’s in support of LPM Housing’s “application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for housing tax credits and direct loan funds for the Trinity Oaks Apartments on Woodlawn Street.”
This marks the third time the business has applied for the funding to remodel the Woodlawn Street apartments. The resolution shows the city is in support of LPM making the application, which would cover costs of displacing eight people during the renovation process, but does not require any funding or other comparable commitment for the city, according to city officials.
Inter-local agreement
Approval was given for the city to enter into an inter-local agreement with the county for the collection and processing of scrap tires.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court in October approved the agreement, which has the two government entities partnering to re-use parts of scrap tires, utilizing the process called mechanical concrete to help improve some city and county roads.
Essentially, the county will collect scrap automobile and light truck tires at regular intervals, approximately twice a month. The scrap tire generator would pay the county a $1 per tire disposal fee, according to the agreement approved by the Commissioners Court.
Inmates from Hopkins County jail would remove the sidewalls from tires on Houston Street by the jail, using a $4,500 tire ring removal device purchased and jointly owned by both the city and county.
The tire rings would then be used in road rebuilding to help stabilize the road bases, a process called mechanical concrete. Ideally, it will save money in the rebuilding process, help stabilize and extend the life of some roads, while helping to get rid of scrap tires as well, according to city and county officials.
Mechanical concrete serves as a good road base, especially if there’s not much on top such as asphalt or concrete, which are designed to keep water out to keep the road base from eroding, City Manager Marc Maxwell said following the commissioners court’s approval of the agreement.
The city would not use the process for every city street that is rebuilt, but it could provide a suitable base for a street that’s not asphalt or concrete paved and has a bar ditch, according to Maxwell.
The cylinders would be stored at a city site. The sidewalls would be disposed of in roll-off trash containers provided by the city, according to the agreement.
The scrap tire generator would pay the county a $1 per tire disposal fee, which would be used to pay licensing fees for the patented mechanical concrete process, disposal of sidewalls and for jailers to supervise trusties.
The contract is for one year at a time.
Executive Session
An “very brief” executive session was held at the end of the meeting for “Personnel Matters specifically relating to the City Manager.” The council reconvened in public session following the closed session, then adjourned without further comment on the matter, according to city officials.
According to the meeting agenda, the discussion was held in closed session per Texas Government Code, Title 5, Chapter 551.074. Government bodies aren’t required to meet in open meeting ” (1) to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or (2) to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.”
The agenda did not call for action on the matter at that time.
When asked Wednesday about the executive session, Sulphur Springs City Attorney Jim McLeroy said he could not discuss executive session personnel matters. McLeroy did confirmed no action was taken following the session, and that Maxwell is still employed as the city manger and has not tendered his resignation.
Coach Owens Comments on Senior Night and North Forney at Weekly Media Gathering Wednesday
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens at his weekly media gathering Wednesday morning (November 6) called Senior Night special and emotional. The Wildcats will honor seniors Friday before their game against North Forney at Gerald Prim Stadium. Coach Owens added he finds Senior Night to be enjoyable. He said all the Wildcats’ coaches will interact with the senior players before the game Friday. Coach Owens said North Forney still has a chance at the playoffs entering play Friday but he said the Wildcats also have something to play for, a chance to win their last game of the season. Concerning the North Forney offense, Coach Owens said they are explosive. He said their use a fast tempo offense and work toward making big plays. He said they also like to use trick plays. The Falcons have a good quarterback, running back and receivers. Coach Owens said the Falcons have three very talented defensive linemen. He called them strong, fast and explosive. He said the North Forney secondary is filled with ballhawking playmakers. Coach Owens said the Wildcats’ defense would need to line up properly and make tackles. He said Falcons Coach Randy Jackson has made a lot of coaching stops. Coach Owens said perhaps his best job was a rebuilding effort at Mesquite Poteet.
Sulphur Bluff Volleyball Opens Playoffs With 3-0 Win Over Yantis
The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears played a strong match Tuesday (November 5) at Harts Bluff and defeated Yantis, 3-0 in a Class 1A Region III bi-district playoff. The score was 25-14, 25-14 and 25-12. Lady Bears Coach Zandra Peyton said the win secured the title of bi-district and area champs for Sulphur Bluff. The Lady Bears also won their 20th game of the season. For the Lady Bears, Alley Collett had 25 service points, 1 kill and 16 assists. Ann Dorner had 2 service points and 6 kills. Jada Wade had 8 service points and 4 kills. Skylar Stanley had 6 service points and 2 blocks. Dalena di Donato had 5 service points including 3 aces. Hannah Byrd had a service point and Coach Peyton credited her for having great coverage on the floor. Coach Peyton said Angel Brown made some big plays and hustled to save out of system balls. Taylor Wallis and Molly Kelley, both up from the JV, had service points. Tori Raine had 4 kills. Cierra Johnson had 2 service points, 2 kills and 1 assist. Coach Peyton said see was really proud of how her girls played as a team and stayed positive. Sulphur Bluff will now advance to the Regional Quarterfinals and will face the winner of a Miller Grove and Union Hill match. Coach Peyton said if Miller Grove wins, Sulphur Bluff will play Miller Grove next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Sulphur Springs.
