J.D. Franklin Honored At Street Unveiling, Ceremony
J.D. Franklin was honored Monday morning for his many civic contributions during a ceremony at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, which concluded with an unveiling of J.D. Franklin Drive.
Franklin’s family, friends, church and community members gathered to recognize Franklin and celebrate the renaming of Jackson Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to College Street as J.D. Franklin Drive Monday.
Sulphur Springs City Council at the June 4 meeting approved remaining of that section of street, noting that the community had given support for the change by signing a petition in favor of J.D. Franklin Drive.
The ceremony featured singing, a welcome and note of the occasion by Rev. Jason L. Lindley who approached the city about renaming the street in honor of the “living legacy,” and presentations by Sulphur Springs City Councilman Freddie Taylor and other community leaders.
Several donned blue t-shirts with white writing to reflect the street sign, which was unveiled with clapping and appreciation from community members Monday morning, June 17.
Hopkins County Commissioners were in court Monday morning during the ceremony, but sent a proclamation to be presented during the celebration of the community leader. Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom read the proclamation into the record, urging “all citizens of Hopkins County to acknowledge the presentation of this prestigious recognition to such a deserving individual.” Newsom said he’s had the privilege of knowing Franklin for a long time, and described him as “one of the best, finest people I know.”
Community members were invited to join the Franklin family at Morning Chapel MBC after the unveiling for refreshments.
Commissioners Court Agrees to Tax Rebate Program
Hopkins County Commissioners Monday agreed to a proposal from Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation to move away from tax abatement programs to tax rebate programs
The program still allows the county go grant tax incentives for businesses, especially new businesses investing in a Hopkins County location. However, instead of the business getting the abatement up front. The business would be required to pay their full taxes, but at the end of period would be given a rebate on taxes up to the agreed upon amount, provided all of the terms for the incentive are met. Then, the amount rebated would be reduced on a step scale annually, EDC Executive Director Roger Feagley explained to commissioners during their court session Monday morning.
This would hold businesses granted incentives to the terms of their agreement. They would be required to submit the documentation showing the required information in a timely manner, ensuring all terms are met, in order to receive a rebate. If the information is not received when requested or terms aren’t met the business would not be eligible for the rebate, under the terms of the program.
“I think this is a good idea. It prepares them to pay taxes,” Bartley said.
Bartley said the program would give the EDC more control of the situation if a business granted a tax break failed to provide the necessary information showing the terms of the incentive have been met.
The motion, made by Bartley and seconded by Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, passed unanimously to move to a tax rebate program.
In other business Monday, the court approved a service contract agreement with People’s that will save Hopkins County Regional Civic Center $440 a month on phone, WiFi and Internet services.
Civic Center Manager Lonnie Fox told the court that he contact company representatives regarding the contract. The facility had been paying about $1,200 a month to Peoples, part of a three-year contract. He was told of a new program that would provide the same service for $845 a month. Fox said had they not contacted the company they would not have been aware of the program and lower rate, and recommended the county accept the contract at the lower rate.
Commissioners gave unanimous approval to the agreement on a motion made by Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin and seconded by Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price.
2 Commissioners, Sheriff Announce Plans to Seek Reelection
June 19, 2019 – Two county commissioners and the county sheriff Monday morning announced their plans to seek reelection in 2020.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley plans to seek a third term as commissioner, while both Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker and Sheriff Lewis Tatum each seek a second term in office. All three candidates plan to file candidacy as soon as the filing period opens this fall to run in the March 2020 Republican primaries, seeking the Republican nomination for their offices.
“It has been an honor to serve the Hopkins County citizens for six years and I would like to continue in that capacity to serve Hopkins County citizens,” Bartley said Monday morning.
He said one of the more challenging parts of his job, which he willing takes on, is road maintenance.
Bartley said he’s been fortunate to be serve in office and be part of Hopkins County Commissioners Curt during 6 years which have included a “lot of progress in Hopkins County.”
He cited the county’s annual revenue balance, which has increased during that time, due to increased property values and officials striving to be conservative with finances. This has provided funding for more services, including those provided by the sheriff’s office and fire department, and more funding to put back into roads for the general public.
“It has been an honor to serve the last 2 1/2 years and I’d like the privilege to continue to serve the citizens,” Barker said.
Barker too said he’s been fortunate to serve in office during a time of growth. He said the Commissioners Court keeps citizens in mind when making decisions. The court has managed to keep the tax rate low while seeing the budget grow, with more businesses and people moving into Hopkins County.
Tatum said he is excited to be able to run again for the office of Hopkins County Sheriff. He has been with the sheriff’s office for more than 20 years and would like to continue to serve the citizens through a second term in office.
“I am honored to work with the court and the individuals at the sheriff’s office. I am humbled by the staff because of how hard they work. They go above and beyond to help me with the ideas I come up with. I want to continue the trustee program, keep the crime rate low and business moving so that Hopkins County continues to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” Tatum said.
Metro Diner Suffers Minor Damage From Car Jumping Curb
The Metro Diner in Sulphur Springs has a little remodeling to do after a Dodge pickup jumped over a parking stop and impacted the wall of the diner around 9:30 AM Monday morning. According to a witness at the scene, two people were slightly injured inside the restaurant and at least one was transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital with minor injuries. The driver backed up from the building, parking in the spot correctly and was not injured. The business remains open and conitnued serving customers.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed For Felony DWI
A 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested for driving with two children in the car Saturday night.
Sulphur Springs Police Lt. Eddie Moon and Officer Derick Williams stopped a Chevrolet 1500 at 9:48 p.m. June 15 after observing it being driven unsafely while the driver made a lane change on Davis Street at Hinnant Street. Upon contact with the driver, identified in reports as Matthew William West, the officers alleged they could smell alcohol emitting from the vehicle.
West was asked to perform standard field sobriety tests; he failed all tests given, the SSPD officers alleged in arrest reports. He was taken into custody and transported to jail. His wife and two children, ages 7 and 9, were also reported to be in the pickup, which was released to someone other than the wife, according to arrest reports.
At the jail, West agreed to a breath test. He performed 0.120 and 0.117, both well over the legal 0.08 limit for breath tests, resulting in his arrest for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under 15 years of age, according to arrest reports.
He remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, June 17. His bond was set at $5,000 on the felony DWI charge, according to jail reports.
Rachel Bramlett Crowned 2019 Dairy Festival Queen
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival culminated Saturday with the crowning of the 2019 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen during the annual pageant.
Rachel Bramlett, daughter of Mark and Brenda Pope, was named the new queen. After a few comical moments in which 2018 Dairy Festival Kaitlyn Ferrill had difficulty getting the crown to turn loose from its secure position in her hair, Ferrill placed it atop Bramlett’s head.
As the 2018 HCDF queen, Bramlett also received the queen’s scepter, was draped with a sash, will receive a $1,250 scholarship, and received flowers and a silver bowl. She also received the talent award, for which the winner also receives a $500 scholarship.
Selected as first runner-up was Maddie Nordin, daughter of Mellissa Foster and Jason Goldsmith. Nordin also was recognized for selling the most tickets to the pageant. She received flowers, a silver bowl and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Ashlyn Bimmerle, daughter of John and Katie Bimmerle, was not only the second-runner up. She also was named Miss Congeniality. She received flowers, a sliver bowl and a $750 scholarship as the second runner-up.
Third runner-up was Katey Brown, daughter of Chris and Lezley Brown. She received flowers, a silver bowl and will receive a $500 scholarship.
Annmarie Gunn, daughter of Jay and Dawn Looney and Brandon and Amanda Gunn, was recognized for being second for tickets sales.
In addition to the talent competition, the pageant included an evening gown segments and interview. Contestants too were required to construct a float to participate in the parade, milking contest, attending the opening ceremony and to sell tickets. Those who were able were encouraged to donate their time at all Dairy Festival events, including the hot air balloon rally and media flight.
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival will return June 12-20, 2020.
Methamphetamine, THC Oil Found During Traffic Stop
A faulty license plate light resulted in a traffic stop early Friday morning and location of suspected methamphetamine and THC oil.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Burdick stopped a blue Nissan just after 3 a.m. Friday on Shannon Road at E-Z Mart because the license plate was obscured due to a defective license plate light. On contact, both occupants avoided making eye contact with the deputy and insisted on the deputy letting them go, Burdick alleged in arrest reports. When asked, both allegedly denied there was anything illegal in the car. The deputy received permission to search the car, inside of which he alleged a baggy containing suspected methamphetamine.
HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis arrived to assist. Davis reported finding a dark-colored liquid he believed to be THC in the tank of a vapor cigarette. Donna Lynn Pottorff, 54, of Sulphur Springs claimed ownership of the substances and was charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Pottorff remained in the county jail Saturday afternoon. Her bond was set at $20,000 on the Penalty Group 2 charge and $5,000 on the Penalty Group 1 charge, according to jail reports.
Investigation of Suspicious Activity Results In 2 Arrests
Billy Clay Kirby 
Wesley Robert Rose
Two men stopped by Cumby police for suspicious activity after 3 a.m. Saturday were jailed after Cumby police found suspected methamphetamine and a marijuana cigarette in their vehicle.
Cumby Police Sgt. Ray Embro was conducting building security checks in the area of the north Interstate 30 service road and Odom Street, an area where burglary attempts had been made at neighboring businesses, when he noticed a Chevrolet Trailblazer drive into the I-30 Fast Stop and park in front of the building. The business was closed so he made a block and returned. The vehicle was exiting onto the north service road so he stopped it for suspicion of criminal activity.
On contact, the driver was identified as Wesley Robert Rose, 36, of Talco and the passenger as Billy Clay Kirby, 49, of Cumby. Kirby claimed to be an employee of the gas station, and said they stopped to grab some ice from the ice machine. They did have a bag of ice in the rear floorboard.
Embro, in arrest reports, during questioning, both were notably nervous and the reasons they gave for their travels did not make sense to him, so he suspected the pair engaged in criminal activity and had Rose step out of the car for further investigation. Rose reportedly became more nervous during questioning and agreed to let Embro search the vehicle. Embro had Kirby step out.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner Steward arrived on scene to serve as a cover unit with Embro. A baggy with a white crystal-like substance the officers believed to be methamphetamine and a red straw were allegedly found in a white pill bottle in a small bag in the rear floorboard. A marijuana cigarette was found in a child’s toy in rear of the vehicle.
Rose allegedly told Embro that Kirby ate illegal contraband believed to be methamphetamine as they were being pulled over and threw illegal contraband out the front passenger window. While talking to Kirby, Embro alleged in arrest reports, the officer observed a large piece of white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine on Kirby’s shirt.
Consequently, both Rose and Kirby were arrested for possession of less than gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Kirby was also charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, according to arrest reports.
Both men remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, June 17. Bond was set at $5,000 each on the controlled substance charge; Kirby’s bond on the tampering with evidence charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
Las Lecheras Meet Whipped Challenge With Creative Dishes
Las Lecheras met the challenge Saturday at the Dairy Festival’s timed, creative cooking competition. Ana Aguilar Shew, Jessie Aguilar Redding, Yadira Aguilar Caruthers and Victoria Shew took home the first place prize of a classic Dutch oven and goody bags from the Whipped Challenge.
The team went three rounds of food preparation, crafting and servings a creative dessert that put them in ahead of fellow finalists, the Butter Chaos team consisting of Myra Watson, Mary Ellen Hoybook, Maleta Reynolds and Jajan Davis.
It was a tough competition that started with six teams. Each of the teams, consisting of at least four members each, was required to prepare and submit using the ingredients provided a dish for judging. Two teams were eliminated after each round, leaving only two team competing in the final leg of competition. Each course had to include at least two dairy products. Teams were allowed to bring their own standard equipment such as knives, mixing utensils and small appliances which can be used in the preparation of the courses.
Teams were given 30 minutes to create a recipe, slice, dice, blend, mix, cook and otherwise prepare the course and get the plated entry to the judging table. Taste, appearance and plate-appeal were among the criteria used by the panel of judges.
The Rosemary Society and Gouda Group were eliminated after the first round, in which teams prepared an appetizer using ingredients such as cranberries, avocados, bread and M&Ms.
After the main dishes which included canned lunch meat were plated and judged, the Legend Dairy and Alliance Bakers teams were out, leaving only the Las Lecheras and Butter Chaos. Las Lacheras came in just ahead with their dessert to win the challenge.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused of Intoxication, Cocaine Possession
A check on a man who appeared to be sleeping in his car on the side of the road early Saturday morning resulted in location of 0.54 grams of suspected cocaine and a felony arrest, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Kevin Lester and M. Poindexter reported seeing a Chrysler 300 parked with its lights active on the side of the north Interstate 30 service road in front of Henly Homes at 4 a.m. Saturday. The man appeared to the deputies to be asleep in the driver’s seat.
The deputies contacted the man, who they noted in arrest reports had urinated on himself and smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage. He allegedly admitted to consuming 12 beers. Determining the man to be intoxicated to the point he was a danger to himself and others, the deputies took 30-year-old Santiago Saul Jimenez of Sulphur Springs into custody for public intoxication.
Jimenez was taken to jail and his vehicle was impounded. Upon arrival, the man was searched by jail staff, who reported finding a baggy containing a white powder-like substance that field tested positive for cocaine in his pocket. The substance and packaging weighed 0.54 grams, resulting in an additional charge of possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Jimenez remained in the county jail at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. His bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
