SCU: Wanted Man Spotted Walking Down Street
While off-duty, Sulphur Springs Special Crimes Unit Detective Joe Scott reported seeing 23-year-old Jordan Lee Chaney of Sulphur Springs walking on Parkins Street. Scott, in arrest reports, said he recognized the man from an investigation he’d conducted and subsequently obtained a warrant for the man’s arrest on manufacture or delivery of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Scott notified on-duty Sulphur Springs Police Officer Nick Floyd, who responded. The patrol officer reported seeing the man walking on Parkins Street with a female. He contacted and took the man into custody at 5:53 p.m. Tuesday on the warrant; the charge was alleged to have occurred on April 9, according to arrest reports.
He remained in the county jail late Wednesday morning. His bond was set at $10,000 on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Woman Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Glass Container of Suspected THC
A Nevada, Texas woman was arrested after allegedly swallowing what was believed to be a small glass vial containing THC.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney stopped a Toyota Tundra at 9:27 p.m. Tuesday for an equipment violation. He contacted the driver, identified in arrest reports as 40-year-old Andrea Lynn Chapman, Chaney asked her if she had any criminal history. She reportedly admitted to being on felony probation for a possession of controlled substance charge. When the deputy asked her permission to search the truck, she initially agreed, then quickly rescinded her permission, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
When asked to exit the vehicle so Chaney could call for a police canine to conducted a sniff search around it, the woman reportedly became uncooperative by not opening the door nor exiting the vehicle as instructed. While being instructed several times to open the door and get out, she allegedly unscrewed a glass container with a dark liquid from a vaporizer pen. When instructed to put it down, she allegedly put it in her mouth. The officer reported he tried to stop her, but she swallowed it.
He then reportedly was able to unlock the door and remove the woman from the vehicle. She was taken into custody for tampering with evidence. A records check showed Andrea Lynn Chapman to be wanted for violation of probation on a possession of controlled substance charge.
An inventory of the pickup prior to impound resulted in location of a glass container the deputy reported appeared to him to be identical to the one Chapman swallowed. The container had a small amount of what the deputy believed to be THC oil. He located a small cardboard box that indicated on the label that the substance in the glass container was THC oil, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
EMS personnel were called to the scene due to the glass container of suspected THC oil the woman swallowed, but the woman refused any medical treatment according to arrest reports.
The truck was impounded and the woman taken to jail, where the substance in the remaining glass container field tested positive using a marijuana/THC field test kit. The woman’s purse was also searched at the jail and allegedly contained a substance that field tested positive as methamphetamine.
Consequently, Chapman was charged on the warrant, as well as for tampering with evidence, possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug free zone, the latter enhancement added due to the traffic stop’s proximity to a church, according to arrest reports.
Chapman remained in the county jail Wednesday morning. She was denied bond on the warrant; bond on the two controlled substance and tampering with evidence charge was set at $10,000 per charge, according to jail 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.
Police Investigating Early Morning Residential Robbery
Sulphur Springs Police are investigating a report of an early morning robbery at a Lee Street domicile. No one was hurt but a weapon was displayed and property stolen, according to Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Detective Jason Reneau.
Shortly before 3 a.m, two men allegedly kicked in the door of a storage building, located behind a house in the 600 block of Lee Street, that contained an apartment inside of it shortly before 3 a.m. Two people were reportedly sleeping inside when the door was kicked in. The two intruders allegedly entered, displayed what appeared to be a firearm, stole property and left, according to Reneau.
The investigation is in the early stages and the only suspect description available late Wednesday morning was that they were believed to be two Hispanic males, the police detective said.
Continuing the Arnold Legacy
COMMERCE, TX— Continuing the Arnold Legacy
Dr. Roger and Mrs. Jean Arnold have dedicated their lives to education, graduating from the East Texas State Teacher’s College and spending their careers pouring knowledge into their students. We’re honored to continue to share their legacy and commitment to continued education through the Dr. Roger & Mrs. Jean Arnold Agriculture Scholarship Endowment.
Both Roger and Jean made their way to ETSTC in the mid-1940s, obtaining their college degrees and each other’s attention. Following her studies, Jean committed first to nurturing her own children through early childhood before she began her teaching career. Her educational influence spanned 22 years as she prepared Sulphur Springs High School students with practical skills. She taught typing, shorthand and accounting – subjects that benefitted all young people.
“I loved business classes when I was in school, so I wanted to share my passion with students. I enjoyed the daily interactions and wanted to bring value to what they would do in the future,” Jean said.
Following his undergraduate studies at ETSTC, Roger taught agriculture at North Hopkins High School, departing to earn his master’s degree from Sam Houston State University (SHSU). During his time at SHSU, Roger encountered Dr. James Gee, a retired military colonel, larger-than-life personality and future president of ETSTC.
“Dr. Gee sent a letter offering the world if I would come to ET, which I threw in the trash,” Arnold said. “I knew Gee from Sam Houston; he wore his uniform there and made us salute him. He was tough and I wasn’t interested. But, a couple of weeks later, Gee sent another letter that scared the hell out of me, so I decided I better accept his offer.” This would begin one of the greatest tenures in agricultural education in the university’s history.
From 1966-1992, Roger Arnold influenced thousands of students at ETSU. He was a prolific recruiter, utilizing working scholarships – meaning students referred to as “farm boys” would work on the university farm to earn their scholarship – to recruit students throughout the Northeast Texas region. A fearless competitor, Roger created an agriculture network that drew hard-working students into agriculture business and education.
ETSU alumnus Ted Conover said, “He influenced a lot of kids and helped position us for success in our careers. I couldn’t repay the debt I owe to him.”
The Arnolds continued to build their Lion pride throughout the decades. Together, Roger and Jean, their sons, and their daughter-in-law have earned eleven A&M-Commerce degrees. The couple, now in their early 90’s, continue to stand firm on their belief in the power of education.
The scholarship, which was started by Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni, friends and mentees, was awarded to its first recipient in Fall 2018.
“This endowment will serve to honor and recognize Roger and Jean and their contributions to education as well as provide pecuniary awards for students who need assistance in order to attend and complete their educations,” Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Dr. Randy Harp said. “There is a great demand for agricultural science teachers. At TAMUC, we serve the number one area of Texas for FFA enrollment. Thus, we need financial assistance so students can reach their dreams and complete educations that will prepare them for lifelong careers in agricultural education.”
If you are interested in supporting this endowment to honor the lives and careers of the Arnolds, please contact the Office of Advancement.
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About Texas A&M University-Commerce: A&M-COMMERCE serves rural and metropolitan Northeast Texas with distinction, consistently delivering on a promise that our founder, Professor William Leonidas Mayo, made more than a century ago: “No industrious, ambitious youth shall be denied an education if I can prevent it.” Since our university’s humble beginnings, the mission to provide a high-quality, personal, accessible and affordable educational experience for a diverse community of learners remains unchanged.
Programs are delivered on-site at the Commerce campus as well as in Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Frisco and Mesquite. Many courses are also available online. Students may choose from more than 135 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. A vibrant student life experience includes 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a thriving Greek system and more than 120 student organizations.
About the A&M System: The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $4.69 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities and seven state agencies, the Texas A&M System educates more than 150,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $996 million in FY 2017 and helped drive the state’s economy.
Savannah Abbott | E-communications Specialist
Marketing Communications | A&M-Commerce
P.O. Box 3011 | Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Cell: 903.335.6540 | www.tamuc.edu
Brandt Forester, Alice Bondurant Recognized As Top Miller Grove 8th Graders
Brandt T. Forester and Alice Bondurant have been announced as the top eighth graders at Sulphur Bluff Junior High this year.
Brandt T. Forester, son of Toby Forester and Jena Forester, is the Sulphur Bluff Junior High’s valedictorian. He will graduate eighth grade with a 95.78571 grade point average.
He says his favorite subjects in school are science and social studies.
Forester has been involved with Boy Scouts of America, formerly serving as a patrol leader. He has earned 2nd Class Scout.
He also includes among the honor he has received being on the A Honor Roll in both seventh and eighth grade. Forester has been active in UIL, earning awards in music, number sense, science and chess competitions. In both seventh and eighth grades, he earned math, social studies, reading and English awards. He also earned a science award his seventh grade year.
Forester says his hobbies and interests include reading, playing video games, music, going camping with the Boy Scouts and spending time with family. He is also a Marvel Studios enthusiast.
Alice Bondurant earned salutatorian honors with a 94.64285 grade point average.
Bondurant’s parents include her mom, Amanda Johnson; dad, Jason Bondurant; and stepmom, Larissa Bondurant.
The salutatorian says her favorite subjects in school are athletics and science.
Bondurant has had the opportunity to serve as a class leader, serving as reporter her seventh grade year and as an officer this year.
She includes among the honors and awards she has received being on the A Honor Roll and being involved in UIL and a recipient of numerous UIL awards. In eighth grade, she was recognized for having the highest average in both science and reading.
Bondurant says hear hobbies and interests include enjoying sports and making string art.
Harrison Fite, Hanna Reyes Named Sulphur Bluff High School Valedictorian, Salutatorian
Harrison Fite was announced as the valedictorian and Hanna Reyes as the salutatorian of Sulphur Bluff High School Senior Class of 2019.
This marks the second time the SBHS seniors have earned the honors. Fite was also first in their class and Reyes second in eighth grade as well.
Fite, son of Jerry and Cara Duncan, earns top honors with a 4.96724 grade point average.He has been very involved in academic
He has been very involved in academic UIL and extracurricular activities throughout high school.
Fite was a district and regional competitor in calculator and mathematics events.
He was active in FFA all four years of high school, serving as student advisor during the 2016-17 year, vice president 2017-18 and president his senior year. He earned his Star Greenhand in 2016, Star Chapter Farmer in 2017 and was a Lone Star Degree recipient in 2018. He was also awarded a $500 FFA scholarship.
Fite also was involved in FCCLA all four years of high school, serving as chapter vice president of projects from 2016-2018 and president during the 2018-19 school year. He was named outstanding member in 2017. He won first place honors in Recycle and Redesign senior at Nationals. He also was awarded a $250 FCCLA scholarship.
He was a member of Beta Club all four years, serving as secretary during the 2016-17 school year, vice president during the 2017-18 school year and president during the 2018-19 school year.
Fite says he’s enjoyed showing cattle, and in is spare time enjoys spending time with his friends and going shopping.
He plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he’s been admitted to the Honors College, which comes with a scholarship estimated at about $72,000. At TAMU-C, Fite plans to major in kinesiology, with a goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Hanna Reyes, daughter of Kim and Jr. Reyes, earned salutatorian honors with a 4.89193 grade point average.
She has been active in UIL, extracurricular and community activities as well.
Reyes was a district and regional qualifier in math, calculator and number sense UIL competitions.
She was a member of FCCLA, serving as secretary/treasurer for two years. She placed third in fashion construction at the regional FCCLA competition.
At school, Reyes was a member of Beta. She also was selected to participate in Hopkins County Leadership and Junior Advisory Board.
She includes among her honors being named Hunt/Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference Student of the Year in 2017.
In her spare time, Reyes says she likes drawing, painting, reading and photography.
She plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she will major in social work.
Sulphur Bluff Recognizes Top Students At Awards Program
Sulphur Bluff High School and Junior High students were honored for that academic achievements during the annual wards program held in the school gym.
Seniors were awarded scholarships and the top students were recognized.
The top five 8th graders this year are valedictorian Brandt Forester; salutatorian Alice Bondurant; third Jack Phillips; fourth Taylor Wallis; and fifth Molly Kelley.
Top seniors are Harrison Fite, valedictorian; Hanna Lexi Reyes, salutatorian; Kiersten Brown, third; Hunter Carpenter, fourth; and David Rosas fifth.
The SBHS Senior Class of 2019 which numbers 26 was noted by Superintendent Dustin Carr to be the largest class graduating from the school in the school’s history, dating back to 1949.
Together the seniors received more than $111,250 in scholarships.
Harrison Fite amassed more than $77,750 in financial aid to apply toward his college education. As the top student in his class, 100 percent of his first year of tuition will be paid to a state university.
Fite was admitted to Texas A&M University-Commerce Honors College, which will cover the rest of his expenses his first year; and all of his fees, housing and tuition for the next three years; this award is estimated at $72,000.
Fite too was awarded the $500 Clay Mitchell Memorial Scholarship, a $2,000 Sulphur Bluff Education Foundation Scholarship and the $2,500 Sulphur Bluff Masonic Lodge Scholarship.
Clay Bartley also presented, on behalf of Sulphur Bluff Masonic Lodge, also presented Dewitt Brookins III with the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence for his dedication to the school system.
Typically, two $250 FFA scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors each year. However, Fite was the only applicant this year, so the total amount of $500 was awarded to him by Sam Stanley on behalf of FFA.
Janie Vandiver awarded $250 FCCLA Scholarships to Maddie Goodwin and Harrison Fite.
Receiving a $32,000 Bright Star Scholars award from the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation was Casey Bass. The scholarship is for four consecutive years, an, if he completes his master’s degree in less than four years, may be applied to graduate school.
MaKenna Morgan and Kaylon Hume both were awarded scholarships to play softball for Bryant & Stratton College; the dollar amount of this award was not announced. However, it was noted that the award will cover costs of their tuition and fees.
Morgan also was awarded a $500 Hoccheim Insurance Scholarship.
Caitlin Weatheread was the recipient of a $2,000 Bruce Fielden Memorial Scholarship, given in memory of the late educator. Fielden dedicated 48 years to education, including serving as a principal and superintendent at Sulphur Bluff ISD. He continued to be a supporter and advocate for Sulphur Bluff school after his retirement.
Receiving Rising Lone Star Awards were Brandon Newell and Caitlin Weatheread. These awards from U.S. Congressman John Ratcliffe are given to students who provide selfless service, unsung heroes who exhibit outstanding leadership or service in their schools and communities. Recipients have been nominated by their principals, administrators or counselors.
Red Cords Honors were bestowed to seniors who’ve donated blood or had an adult donate to their credit at least twice to Carter BloodCare. Seniors get to wear the cords at graduation. Students in Beta Club also were recognized, with seniors receiving the traditional yellow stole to wear at graduation. Adult Jamie Fite was honored for giving blood 21 times at the school’s blood drives.
Sulphur Bluff Junior High and High School students who participated in UIL were recognized and those who placed received medals. Students who were on the A and AB Honor Rolls and had Perfect Attendance received certificates noting the achievement. Class awards were also handed out at Friday’s awards program.
The 50th Anniversary of the Hopkins County World Champion Stew Contest
50th Anniversary Stew Contest
The 50th Anniversary of the Hopkins County World Champion Stew Contest will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at Buford Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. That Saturday will be traditional in the fact that Hopkins County Stew will be cooked in cast iron cauldrons over an open flame in the park, stew service will begin at 10:45 a.m. for the general public, and winners will be announced as soon as judging has concluded. Tickets for all-you-can-eat stew will be $6.00 each. However, the Chamber has scheduled many additions to the event to celebrate the Golden Anniversary.
To celebrate 50 years of this stew making tradition, a new category will be created for one year only. Any person who has won first place in the Super Stew Beef category, or the Super Stew Chicken category, can compete in the Grand Champion Stew contest. There will only be one Grand Champion winner named. The Chamber is requesting former Super Stew winners who have gone into retirement to come out of retirement for this special contest. The only way to compete in the Grand Champion contest is to have won the Super Stew category previously. At the conclusion of the 50th Stew Contest, the Grand Champion winner will be announced.
Friday night, October 25, 2019, will contain an array of activities. The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce will host a Concert in the Park featuring Dub and the Love Machines, a hometown band with a hometown feel. During the concert there will be an appetizer contest between stew sites. The winner will be announced during the home football game at Gerald Prim Stadium that very evening. Once the Wildcat football game concludes, Dub and the Love Machines will present an encore concert in Buford Park to round out the evening.
In addition, the Chamber will be accepting vendors beginning July 1st for the Stew Fest Market that will be located on the south side of Buford Park. Vendors may rent booth space to sell goods or distribute information about their business. Deserts may be sold, but no other food or drinks are permissible. If vendors are interested in purchasing booth space, call the Chamber of Commerce at (903) 885-6515.
Hopkins County has been home to the World Champion Stew Contest for 50 years now, and we hope you will join us for this very special anniversary on October 26, 2019, at Burford Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack Wraps Up Season on Coaches Show Saturday
Unless you win the State Championship, your season always ends too soon. That’s something Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack truly believes. Coach Hammack was on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning (May 18) Coaches Show. The Wildcats’ baseball team had their season end the Saturday before as Joshua took game three in the best two out of three Area round series in Rockwall, 3-1. Coach Hammack said the loss was a hard one to get over. He said Pacen Edwards pitched a strong game allowing only two hits and a single earned run. Two more Joshua runs came in due to three Wildcats’ errors. There were also some base running mishaps for the Wildcats. Coach Hammack said he felt the Wildcats were good enough to win the series. He said he also felt the Wildcats would have matched up well in the next round against Corsicana. Coach Hammack called his nine senior players a special group. He talked about all nine of his seniors. He said he couldn’t be prouder of the team that could have quit when they were 2-8 in district play and in the cellar. Coach Hammack said coaches remained positive and he said there was no quit in the players who he said stayed on an even-keel even during the hard times. He is optimistic about next year’s team with two quality pitchers, Will Sims and Jaxon Chaney, returning along with hustling second baseman Kolson Hale and members of a good, solid JV team.
