Wildcats Football Season Ticket Renewals Continue At A Very Steady Pace Tuesday
Lynette King, one of those working on Wildcats football season ticket week, said Tuesday morning, July 30, that current ticket holders were coming in to renew their seats at a very steady rate. She said about half of the season ticket holders renewed their seats on Monday, which she said was pretty close to normal. Current ticket holders have until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to get in and renew their seats or they will lose them.
Wednesday is the biggest day of season ticket week. That’s the day renewing season ticket holders may seek upgrades. It’s not unusual for people to begin lining up Tuesday night. Ms. King encouraged those wanting upgrades to line up before dawn Wednesday. She said typically the first 20 to 25 in line usually get tickets that they are looking for. Ms. King said Wednesday is also big for people who bought okay tickets in past years just to get their foot in the door to seek upgrades.
Tickets left after Wednesday will go on sale to the general public Thursday morning. Ms King said season ticket personnel are also asking for email addresses from season ticket purchasers this year. She said next year letters would not be sent out announcing season ticket week. That notice will be sent out by email next year. Media members will also alert the public about season ticket week next year.
This year’s season ticket activity is taking place in the SSHS Media Center or Library. Hours will be 8:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each day except 8:15 a.m. until noon on Friday.
South Broadway Street Is Open To Traffic Again
The block of South Broadway Street shut down Tuesday from Drexel Drive to McCann Street in the area of Sonic and Alliance Bank was once again open to traffic by about 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson.
“We hit the gas service while doing a small sewer project. We had called for locates and they failed to locate a gas service,” according to Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell.
Officials urged motorists traveling in the area to use an alternate route when traveling in the area to allow crews to safely work to correct the problem.
Traffic Impacted By Multiple Crashes on I-30 In Brashear
Traffic on Interstate 30 between Sulphur Springs and Cumby was hampered Monday afternoon following a series of crashes and vehicle issues in Brashear. While no life-threatening injuries were reported, traffic was impacted along that stretch for more than 5 hours as law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel and tow truck drivers worked at each site.
According to sheriff’s reports, an eastbound 18-wheeler crashed into the wall between the east and westbound lanes of traffic on I-30 around mile marker 118 near FM 3385, just before 2:30 p.m. July 29, and emergency responders didn’t clear that crash until about 5:25 p.m, according to reports. That’s after a vehicle about 1:30 p.m. Monday requested a tow truck at the 120 mile marker on I-30 west, where a vehicle became disabled, likely due to a broken belt.
Additional crashes were reported to be spin-off of the 18-wheeler crash, according to sheriff’s reports.
A two car crash was reported at the 119 mile marker of westbound I-30 about 3:40 p.m. Monday, partially blocking the right lane of traffic; emergency officials remained at that site until about 7:45 p.m., reports noted.
At 4 p.m., a crash at the 118 mile marker on I-30 east required additional firefighters to respond as an axle reportedly needed to be cut to remove a vehicle. Crews remained at that location until until about 7:30 p.m., according to sheriff’s reports.
Another two-vehicle crash was reported at about 4:50 p.m. near mile maker 119 on I-30 west. That one took only until about 5:30 p.m. to clear the roadway, according to reports.
Meet Eli Pettit, Lady Farrier
Elizabeth Bass Pettit has recently moved to Hopkins County and she brought her established career skills with her, trimming and shoeing horses. Admittedly, it’s thought of as a man’s industry, but there is the exception to every rule, and she is that exception. Eli has made her living for the past 30 years caring for possibly the most dangerous part of a horse, it’s hoofs. Eli came here from Colorado, so getting acclimated to the Texas summer heat and humidity was one of her initial challenges. However, she feels that every day is an exciting adventure offering something new. “I love the smell of horses and the gift they give humans just by being horses. Even touching and petting them is therapeutic for humans of all ages. In my work as a farrier, I get that bonus as well as ensuring the health of their feet, an all-important part of horses’ well-being and comfort”.
Being a horse lover and then becoming inspired by the calm work of a farrier she watched at a friend’s barn, Eli decided she would like to try horseshoeing herself. She attended and graduated from the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School and opened her business, Diamond E Horseshoeing. In time, she established a career in the Denver area where she gained a reputation that got her a lot of referral business. “I work on the horse, but I work for the client. That establishes a trusting and caring relationship with them and for their extended family, their horses. That relationship eventually reaches out to their friends and even to their kids as they grow up, competing and enjoying the pleasures of horse ownership. I enjoy being called back to work on their favorite mounts and new ones they acquire. And truly, the basis of my success has been that relationship of trust that exists between horse owners and their farrier. And they get over the fact that I’m a woman after they see my work!”
When she says that every day at work is an adventure, Eli means that she never knows what she will encounter when checking a horse’s hooves. It’s common to expect that the clients’ horse or horses will be caught and tied up when she arrives, and hopefully sprayed for flies so the horse can stand still comfortably. Then she goes for the hoof, one at a time, inspecting and cleaning the interior with a pick. If the horse has a limp or is favoring a foot, the reason may be found during the regular inspection. It could be a rock or even a nail causing the discomfort. And simply trimming an overgrown hoof to the proper level can correct the horses step. Eli explains “some clients keep their horses shod, and others never put a shoe on a horse. It depends on the kind of work the horse is expected to do and what kind of surface they live on. Today, there are actually over a thousand different horse shoes on the market, made of various materials from steel to lightweight metals, plastics and even rubber. With all the equine performance sports today, horseshoeing has really become a science”.
Eli is the daughter of Hillis Bass of Hopkins County and can be reached through her Diamond E Horseshoeing facebook page and at [email protected].
2 Hopkins County Residents Jailed On Felony Warrants
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies took two people into custody on warrants Tuesday.
Mackenzie Laine Fyke, 21, of Cumby was taken into custody at 9:20 a.m. July 29 at the adult probation office on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for abandoning or endangering a child-criminal negligence, according to arrest reports. She remained in the county jail Tuesday morning, July 30, according to jail reports.
Cody Ray Self, 46, of Sulphur Springs turned himself in at 11:30 p.m. July 29 at the county jail on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Deputy Aaron Chaney escorted him into the jail, where Self was released to jail staff., according to arrest reports. He remained in the county jail Tuesday, July 30. His bond was set at $15,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO: Mineola Man Arrested in Sulphur Springs On At Least 3rd DWI Offense
A 53-year-old Mineola man was alleged to have an open alcoholic beverage when deputies arrested him in Sulphur Springs Monday morning for DWI, marking at least the third time he’s been charged with DWI, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Russell reported seeing a white Ford F250 pickup traveling on Moore Street at Main Street at 9:42 a.m., just after police were dispatched to a complaint of a suspected intoxicated driver on Spring Street. The vehicle reportedly matched the description of that given for the suspected drunk driver. Russell reported stopping the vehicle for investigation of DWI as well as for a traffic violation.
On contact, Russell alleged an open container of an alcoholic beverage was visible by the right leg of the driver, identified in arrest reports as Clifford William Morris of Mineola. Morris was observed to have glassy, red bloodshot eyes and an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitted from him, Russell alleged in arrest reports. Russell reportedly administered standard field sobriety tests to Morris, who the deputy alleged failed them.
Morris was taken into custody for DWI. He agreed to a blood draw, which was taken, and was booked into jail for third or more DWI offense, according to arrest reports. Morris remained in the county jail Tuesday morning, July 30, on the third-degree felony charge; bond was set at $10,0000, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation Announces Gala Chairs
On behalf of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors, it gives me tremendous pleasure to announce that the 2019-2020 Lights of Life Campaign & Gala Chairs will be Dr. David and Pam Black. The Blacks have a longstanding commitment to this community and our hospital and they are truly the perfect choice to lead the efforts of the Lights of Life Campaign.
David graduated from SSHS, Texas Tech and received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. He then returned to Sulphur Springs and opened Broadway Veterinary Hospital in 1985. In the past, David has served on the Boards of: Young Farmers, Rural Urban Committee, Chamber of Commerce and United Way. He currently serves on the Boards of Hopkins County Hospital District, Hopkins County Dairy Festival, NETBIO and Ag Workers Insurance Advisory. He is the Co-Chair of Dairy Airs Hot Air Balloon Rally and serves on the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine Steering Committee.
Pam was raised in Corpus Christi, but moved to Sulphur Springs after college and married David. They have two daughters Kaylene Black & Kaytlin Meadows, Son-in-law Mark Meadows and two granddaughters Kelsey & Asa. Pam has served on the following boards: American Cancer Society, Child Protective Services, CASA and United Way. She was on the planning team and a leader for Kids Kingdom, Leadership Class of Sulphur Springs, Cattle Baron Inaugural Ball Committee, and Initiating Committee for establishing Relay for Life in SS. She currently serves on the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board and is the Co-Chair of Hopkins County Dairy Festival Hot Air Balloon Rally along with being a Volunteer for Legacy Hospice Pet Therapy Team. Pam’s passion is working with her team of handlers and their certified “Animal Assisted “Therapy Dogs which are part of the Pet Partners Organization.
David and Pam are both active in Shannon Oaks Church “I am so excited to be working with David & Pam. I have had the pleasure of witnessing their
dedication to multiple community projects over the years and I am so thankful they are also dedicated to our local hospital. I love their energy and determination. What more could we ask for in Campaign Chairs…hardworking, dedicated, passionate and caring. They embody each of these qualities and we are BLESSED to have them as the 2019-2020 Lights of Life Campaign chairs” stated Meredith Caddell.
This year’s campaign goal is $500,000. The impact the Foundation has had for our hospital has been tremendous with over 2.4 million dollars in contributions. The projects and equipment that have been purchased in the past have allowed our hospital to offer many additional services in order to provide better patient care.
The Foundation Board has selected to purchase several items with this year’s campaign funds. We will purchase a LUCAS CPR device to be housed in the Emergency Department for patients that present in cardiac arrest. We will also purchase a Fluoroscope Unit and a Vascular Ultrasound for the Radiology Department. Each of which will ensure the hospital state-of-the-
art tools to heal our community and expand the services provided in Sulphur Springs.
“It’s always exciting to see what will be added to our hospital through the funds raised each year. All funds raised through our Foundation STAY in Hopkins County. We will need everyone’s support to reach this lofty goal, but we know that the residents of Hopkins County will not let us down,” commented Caddell.
The sponsorship letters will go out this week to repeat sponsors because they receive the first right of refusal. As in previous years, we expect a quick response and commitment from the community. The Lights of Life gala is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2020 6:00p.m. – 12 midnight, at the Civic Center and it promises to be another fun-filled evening of fine dining, dancing to a great band and bidding on amazing live and silent auction items. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please call the Foundation office at 903-438-4799.
Annual “Walk to Remember” Has New Date and Location
Tammi Reardon, Director of Terrific Tuesdays, has announced the annual fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s caregiver respite care program. “A Walk to Remember” will be held downtown on Celebration Plaza this year on the morning of Thursday October 3, 2019 starting at 10:30 am. Everyone is invited to join the walk in remembrance of friends and loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, senility and stroke. The Walk to Remember raises awareness of Alzheimer’s and related diseases. The $20 registration fee also gets you a 2019 Walk to Remember T-shirt. Funds raised from the Walk will be used to operate the weekly Terrific Tuesdays program which provides a few hours off each week for caregivers as well as quality time for Alzheimer’s sufferers on a regular basis. Volunteers are also needed for Terrific Tuesdays. For information, contact Tammi Reardon at 760-580-2379. Registration forms are available at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and at First United Methodist Church.
Texarkana Man Accused Of Discarding Ecstasy Pill During Traffic Stop
July 30, 2019 – A 23-year-old Texarkana, Arkansas man was arrested Monday night after allegedly trying to discard a bag with an Ecstasy pill inside of it during a traffic stop. Kristopher Paul Thomas was also found to be wanted in Texarkana and Miller County as well.
Deputies first came into contact with the man after stopping the Nissan he was in for traveling 84 miles per hour in the 60 mph speed zone on State Highway 11 west at FM 3134 at 10:16 p.m. July 29, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Zack Horne and Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Horne reportedly received permission to search the sport utility vehicle, and asked the occupants, one at a time starting with Thomas, to step out of the car so the deputy could pat them down. After patting down Thomas, Horne reportedly escorted the man to stand at the front of his patrol vehicle to wait while he checked other occupants.
While walking back to the SUV, the deputy reported finding a bag containing a pill on the ground where Thomas got out of the SUV. The pill allegedly field-tested positive for methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA, which is commonly known as Ecstasy, deputies alleged in arrest reports. All occupants of the SUV reportedly denied ownership of the pill, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Thomas was found to be wanted in Miller County for failure to appear on an aggravated assault of a family or household member charge and in Texarkana on a first-degree felony terroristic threat charge. He was taken into custody on both warrants and transported to Hopkins County jail, according to arrest reports.
After Thomas was booked into jail, the dash camera footage from a deputy’s patrol vehicle was reviewed. The footage allegedly allowed the deputy to positively identify Thomas as the person who dropped the contraband on the ground. Consequently, Thomas was also charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, according to arrest reports.
Thomas remained in the county jail Tuesday morning on all four felony charges.
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.
Saltillo VFD Recognized For Outstanding Efforts, Dedication, Perseverance
Saltillo Volunteer Fire Department was recognized by Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Fire Chief Andy Endsley for 43 years of dedicated service to the community.
“One thing about Saltillo, you can always depend on them coming if you have a call in their area. They will be there,” said HCFD Chief Endsley. “They are a very valuable asset to the county, to Hopkins County Fire Department.”
The court and fire chief, as part of Hopkins County Fire Department’s year-long 20th anniversary celebration have opted to recognize a different volunteer fire department each month.
“We are coming back and celebrating all the volunteer fire departments because with out them, we wouldn’t be where we’re at today. Saltillo is a key part of this whole system at work here in Hopkins County. It’s a great system. Hats off to each and every one of you,” Endsley told the Saltillo VFD members present in Hopkins County Commissioner Court Monday morning to receive a framed proclamation honoring the department.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley thanked Saltillo VFD, which he said sets a good example for all departments in the manner in which they conduct themselves.
“You do a great job, and I appreciate you being in Precinct 3,” Bartley said.
Endsley said one of the things he’s enjoyed most about the HCFD’s year-long celebration and monthly recognition of volunteer departments is getting to “learn so much about the backstories about all the volunteer departments.”
Saltillo VFD’s story began in May of 1976. It was organized by Kerry Garmon, who served as president; Wendele Skeen who served as the department’s first fire chief; and Bob Goswick and Timmy White, who served as the volunteer firefighters. However, it was originally named East Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department and later become known as the Saltillo Volunteer Fire Department. The department’s first known fire apparatus was a 1976 Ford truck which was housed at the Saltillo School.
The property for the department’s current location on U.S. Highway 67 was donated by Howard Collins, Matt P. Gibbs and Mollie White. The community in 1990 was involved in the construction of the 1,600-square foot, two bay building, according to the proclamation and VFD members.
In January 2006, the Patricia and Al Williard family provided a bay area at the end of their mechanic shop to form a substation in Weaver, providing a quicker response time for calls in the western part of Saltillo VFD’s district.
At present, the department has three apparatus and 12 members, including President Tommy Winstead, Chief John Brian Beadle, Assistant Chief Mike Matthews, Secretary/Treasurer Dutch Vallaster, and firefighters Robert Sexton, Earl Gregory, Trey Thompson and Bruce Thompson supporting three fire apparatuses, according to the court proclamation.
“It’s just amazing the hard work and dedication of all of our citizens that put into these around our communities they love and care for,” said Endsley.
“It’s a community effort and it takes everybody, especially in these rural areas,” said Beadle. “It’s everybody — a lot of them that aren’t here today, just members of the community that help. It takes us all. We appreciate it.”
Hopkins County Commissioners Court in issuing the proclamation urged “all citizens to applaud the outstanding efforts of the Saltillo Volunteer Fire Department, to recognize the dedication in their perseverance to provide protection for each citizen and their property and, offer heartfelt appreciation for the servanthood of each one.”
