New Signal Light Installed In Cumby
Friday Cumby school and county officials gathered just down from Cumby school for the official installation of a new signal light.
This is a safety feature local entities have worked together to better warn people traveling just down from the school to stop and be alert for the railroad crossing just down from the Cumby ISD football stadium and school. The crossing is one that doesn’t have the warning cross arms, so this should help warn motorists when trains are on the tracks.
The project is one that multiple local officials have collaborated for a couple of months to achieve for the safety of Cumby students, staff, residents and other motorists who pass through the area.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Oct. 1 Meeting Agendas
House Bids, Planning Session Included on Monday’s SSISD Board Of Trustees Agenda
The fate of the Fore Street home constructed by the Sulphur Springs High School is to be discussed during a special Monday night school board meeting. A planning work shop is to be held during the Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting as well.
The district had put the property up for bid, due to the appraised value, per education rules. The first go-round the district received no bids. The starting asking price for the property was lowered, and bids were accepted this month. Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams is slated to report on this last bidding period, and if acceptable bids were received, present them for board consideration.
The agenda shows only two other action items before the trustees enter into executive session for any personnel items that might be submitted for consideration since their September meeting. A beverage contract is slated to be presented by Business Manager Sherry McGraw and a Superintendent Michael Lamb is slated to present a contract renewing SSISD’s membership in Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Russo & Kyle, PC’s retainer program for 2019-2020.
After resuming from executive session, and voting on any matters pushed forward for consideration, SSISD trustees are slated to enter into a work session for strategic planning and district goals assessment.
The Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, in the Board Room of SSISD Administration Building, located at 631 Connally St.
Parks Planning; Curb and Wheeled Conveyance Ordinances Top Oct. 1 City Council Agenda
Parks planning and grant applications, and ordinances regarding curbside parking and wheeled conveyances in commercial areas are among the items to be discussed and considered by Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday night, Oct. 1.
Parks
At least three items on the agenda deal with parks. The council is to hold a public hearing regarding plans to submit a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for funding to help with improvements at Pacific Park.
City officials have called for a special election which would allow the city to receive up to $200,000 from EDC funding per year for improvements at Pacific Park and a new senior citizens activities facility. This would be used along with the parks grant, and funding from a property sale to create a new Grays Building, construct a new pavilion and improve facilities at Pacific Park.
Following a series of public meetings over the last year, city officials also are slated to present for City Council consideration a parks and open space master plan for city recreational parks and facilities.
The City Council too will be asked to consider giving the city manager authority to prepare and submit an application a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Local Grant Program.
Ordinances
To increase visibility for safer travels, the city is being asked on second reading to approve Ordinance 2759. This would prohibit parking within 30 feet of an intersection. The city attorney explained during the September meeting that this would be implemented in phases, with those most in need of the markings for safer visibility into oncoming traffic to be addressed first. The process as proposed would be gradual due to the cost of the change.
Also proposed on second reading is Ordinance 2760, which would amend Chapter 25, Article VI, changing the title of said code to “Bicycles, Scooters and other wheeled conveyances which expands the coverage to prohibit skateboards, scooters, roller blades and other similar devices on sidewalks in commercially.” Basically, this would apply to business areas but not necessarily neighborhoods, unless the residence is within a commercially zone area.
That’d simply keep bikes and skateboards off sidewalks in commercial business areas such as downtown, as a safety precaution for people walking as well as those on wheels.
Other Items
During the presentations, proclamations, and announcements part of the council meeting, Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski is slated to discuss housing and infrastructure.
The city manager will also give his monthly report on city activities and projects, including updates on capital improvements, wastewater treatment plant operations, accidents and claims for the month, and a review of expenditures, revenues, purchases and abatement orders.
The City Council will also be asked to consider transfer of solid waste hauling contract from Sanitation Solutions to Waste Connections and authorizing the city manager to execute an advanced funding agreement or other similar agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation regarding FM 1870 Overpass Bridge.
Time is designated at the end of the meeting for members of the public to formally address the City Council.
Sulphur Springs High School Hosts Special Games Day Friday
Sulphur Springs High School hosted Special Games Day Friday (September 27) for local and area special needs children. Besides participants from Sulphur Springs ISD campuses, there were children from Commerce, North Hopkins and Como-Pickton. The event was coordinated by SSHS FCCLA Sponsor Debbie Stribling and by Blue Blazes Drill Team Director Christie McCullough. Ms. McCullough said it was a blessing to be a part of the event. Her Blue Blazes were a part of the event along with the SSHS Key Club, SSHS Cheerleaders and the Wildcats Band. As he has for quite a few years, former Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey served as emcee for the special day. Each group of participants got to enter the main gym at the high school as part of a Parade of Champions/ The children can compete in about a dozen events, such as cone races, free throw shooting and football tossing. Lunch for volunteers and participants was provided by the local Kiwanis Club. The local Pilot Club gave funds for medals for the children. Key Club members assisted the children in the events as needed.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Opens District Play at Home Friday at 5 p.m.
This is a big game day for the Lady Cats Volleyball Team as they open district play at home against the Royse City Lady Bulldogs Friday (September 27). The varsity Lady Cats take on Royse City at 5 p.m. in the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School. The JV and freshmen Lady Cats play Royse City at around 6:30 p.m. The Lady Cats come in with a record of 18-11. The Lady Cats lost their last non-district match at Nevada Community, 3-0 last Tuesday evening. The Lady Cats are #15 ranked in the latest Texas Girls Coaches Association Volleyball Poll. Royse City has a record of 21-10 according to Max Preps. The two teams split two games in district play last year with both teams winning at home. KSST will bring you Lady Cats Volleyball from the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School starting at 5 p.m. Friday. The match will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Friday Night Lights at The Prim as #1 Ranked Argyle Takes on Liberty-Eylau
Friday Night Lights continue at Gerald Prim Stadium despite a bye week for the Wildcats. The Prim will have a game featuring the top ranked team in Class 4A, Division I, the Argyle Eagles. They will be taking on Liberty-Eylau in a non-district game Friday night (September 27). Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Argyle is 3-0 so far this season with a road win at Stephenville, 42-14, a road win at Waco LaVega, 49-35 and a home win over Tyler Chapel Hill, 62-7. Argyle had a bye last week. Liberty-Eylau, coached by former Wildcats football player Klint King, has opened the season 0-4. The Leopards lost at home to Arkansas High, 38-27. They lost at Carthage, 49-7 and at Texas High 62-13. Last week the Leopards lost at Atlanta, 41-38. L-E may have the toughest schedule in Texas. The Wildcats scrimmaged Liberty-Eylau in Texarkana back on August 22.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report
September 18, 2019 to September 24, 2019
September 18th
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6632 near Mineola, at approximately 12:20 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 8:24 a.m., in reference to a suspicious person on FM 852 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2540 near Mineola, at approximately 10:07 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Waterfront Row near Quitman, at approximately 1:15 p.m., in reference to fraud. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:27 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:57 p.m., in reference to a dispute on CR 4540 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 6:18 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. The individual was located and transported to the hospital by EMS.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3230 near Quitman, at approximately 6:47 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1800 near Yantis, at approximately 8:14 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4740 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:09 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies advised the individual to lower the volume of the music and cleared the incident.
September 19th
Deputies were dispatched to the Quitman ER, at approximately 1:56 a.m., in reference to public intoxication. Amber Barrington, 31, of Big Sandy, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1616 near Alba, at approximately 6:58 a.m., in reference to assault. Rickey Combs, 55, of Alba, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family/Household Member.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:52 a.m., in reference to an assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:48 p.m., in reference to a scam on CR 2445 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 1:52 p.m., in reference to damaged property. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged a head stone. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 2:37 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:03 p.m., in reference to a scam on PR 7108 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1451 near Quitman, at approximately 4:26 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 5:51 p.m. John Davis, 46, of Deberry, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2373 near Mineola, at approximately 9:25 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
September 20th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3582 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:27 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:01 a.m., in reference to harassment on PR 5813 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 12:36 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:41 p.m., in reference to abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:25 p.m., in reference to harassment on FM 514 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Holley St. in Alba, at approximately 6:51 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2275 near Mineola, at approximately 8:53 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
September 21st
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:13 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2174 near Quitman, at approximately 12:36 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious circumstances.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:35 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4470 near Winnsboro; at approximately 4:42 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 12:31 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies spoke with all parties and determined it was a civil matter.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 1:50 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to Indian Gap near Quitman, at approximately 3:15 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 6:16 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 6:58 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1406 near Quitman, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Randi Knight, 38, of Hensley, Arkansas, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
At 7:29 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1246 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 10:36 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 10:54 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
September 22nd
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 2:14 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 2:16 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1190 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3290 near Quitman, at approximately 3:37 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 10:47 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 14 near Quitman.
At 4:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:20 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 312 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:50 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies were unable to locate the actor to issue a Criminal Trespass Warning.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 9:22 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:52 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on PR 6278 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
September 23rd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3250 near Mineola, at approximately 4:12 a.m., in reference to a motorist assist. Deputies located the individual and were advised he had a warrant. Richard Rice, 41, of Weatherford, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:06 a.m., in reference to illegal dumping on CR 1476 near Como. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3270 near Mineola, at approximately 11:43 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the actor and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 3:55 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Arne Oliver, 39, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:49 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle on PR 7573 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:49 p.m., in reference to fraud on FM 1254 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1785 near Yantis, at approximately 6:16 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Quitman, at approximately 6:58 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2280 near Mineola, at approximately 6:58 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 9;16 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2560 near Mineola, at approximately 9:50 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
September 24th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 6:09 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 7:38 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1616 near Alba, at approximately 11:25 a.m., in reference to a violation of probation. Deputies spoke with all parties and determined no violation occurred.
At 3:38 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 1801 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 6:42 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 6:59 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 3875 near Hawkins.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2225 near Quitman; at approximately 7:03 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4860 near Winnsboro; at approximately 8:41 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1960 near Yantis; at approximately 9:08 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1941 near Yantis; at approximately 9:27 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Between the dates of September 18 and September 24, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Emergency Medical Services, Edgewood Police Department, Rains County Sheriff’s Office, Camp County Sheriff’s Office and Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
Total Jail Count – 137 inmates – 116 males and 21 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
United Way Campaign Now Off and Running, Look for Weekly Report Meetings
A Lead Donor Luncheon was held as part of United Way’s season kickoff in Hopkins County. Major past donors were invited for a luncheon meeting at Sulphur Springs County Club on Wednesday September 25, and about 80 persons were in attendance for a delicious meal and inspiring information.
Mike Jumper, United Way Board President, offered prayer for the meal, welcomed the group, and acknowledged the 12 Board members. Bill and Beverly Owens are Chairs for the 2019 campaign.
Beverly acknowledged the work of the 7 member Budget and Allocations Committee. Bill spoke on the 2019 theme of “Be a Hero”, and stated that instead of wearing capes or colorful costumes, local heroes, such as United Way donors, also help people in need in very unique and important ways. They help children who are handicapped and wish to participate in an organized sport, they help young adults who desire to shed the imprisonment of alcohol or drug abuse, and they help individuals struggling to feed themselves, their children and often their grandchildren. United Way assists the local organizations which provide these valuable resources. Bill said, “when you donate to United Way, you’re giving visible evidence of the Hero gene you possess. When someone else sees your donation in action, it stimulates their Hero gene, and there’s no telling how far it can go! But it starts with you”. Pastor Jason Connor of Trinity Harvest Church gave an inspiring talk on Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker, and how they gave of themselves beyond normal human powers because they had the ability to do so. His talk also explained Rebecca in the Bible, and how she expended herself for the good of a visitor, because she had the ability to do so. These inspiring ‘heroes’ had the ability, and used it, creating a perfect example for us today in Hopkins County.
The 2019 United Way Campaign runs through the first of November, with a goal of $165,000. If you would like to donate to United Way, you can mail a check to the United Way Campaign Headquarters, P.O. Box 735, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75483 or phone Secretary Susan Berning at 903-243-4066.
