Deputies Recover Stolen Chainsaw, Arrest 2 Men
Timothy Alan Goss 
Craig David Lawler
A report regarding the possible location of a stolen chainsaw resulted in the arrest of two men Sunday morning.
Deputies responded on County Road 1100 just after 10 a.m. May 26 regarding the chain saw. They located Timothy Alan Goss, 48, of Sulphur Springs in a Ford F-150 pickup and found Craig David Lawler, 49, of Mineola cutting a tree with a saw, that was reportedly stolen, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Russell and Cpl. Todd Evans alleged in arrest reports.
Goss reportedly told deputies the chainsaw belonged to the victim. He agreed to let the deputies search a truck. They allegedly found suspected methamphetamine in it; he claimed ownership of it and was arrested for possession of 4 grams of more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The substance weighed 12.97 grams, according to arrest reports. Goss was also charged with theft of property valued at less than $250 with two or more prior convictions, according to jail reports.
A records check showed Lawler to be wanted for violation of probation, which he was on for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. Consequently, Lawler was taken into custody at 10:15 a.m. May 26 on the warrants, according to arrest reports.
Goss remained in the county jail Monday in lieu of $30,000 on the controlled substance charge and $5,000 bond on the felony theft charge, according to jail reports.
Lawler also remained in jail on both violation of probation charges, according to arrest reports.
Memorial Day 2019
A brief ceremony, lowering of the colors, and taps are corner stones of a small town Memorial Day. Sulphur Springs was privileged to have an addition to the 2019 Event. A Riderless Horse. Big Sarge, with saber, saddle, and boots facing backwards, made his way to Celebration Plaza at 8:00AM. He and his handler Melissa Harris, stopped at the various memorials around the plaza. Big Sarge, a former caisson horse, worked solo Monday morning giving a flawless performance.
Whether on the battlefields of Bunker Hill, on the beaches of Normandy, in the jungles of Vietnam, or in the mountains and deserts of the Middle East, brave Americans of every generation have given their last full measure of devotion in defense of our country, our liberty, and our founding ideals. On Memorial Day, we humbly honor these incredible patriots and firmly renew our abiding commitment to uphold the principles for which they laid down their lives…
Robert “Derb” Goodman of the Hopkins County Marine Corp League and members lowered all of the flags on Celebration Plaza. Members said a prayer, read a proclamation, and played taps.
Hopkins County Has Gone Hog Wild
By Savannah Owens
What is going on with all these wild hogs? KSST set out to find out the best ways to manage the hog problem.
We spoke with Extension Agent Mario Villarino, TAMUC’s Dr. Johanna Delado-Acevedo, and Wild Boar Outfitters Owner, Marcus Keith to get to the root of this major problem.
Don’t be confused by the names! Wild hogs, Wild pigs, Feral pigs, etc. all are the same animal. However: wild hogs are not Javelinas. “Wild pigs are a non-native species, introduced by Spaniards as domestic pigs and later escaped. Javelinas are native to the new world, and the White-Collar Javelina is the native species found in Texas.” says Dr. Delado-Acevedo.
Wild hogs travel in groups called “Sounders-made up of 2-3 sows and their young.” Villarino explained that these tribes often contain “20-30 pigs at one time.” These groups can do major damage in just one night.
Marcus Keith used an analogy to explain the massive problem. “If Texas has [about] One million hogs, and if we kill nine out of ten hogs the next year well still have Two million.” Hogs can have ten to twelve piglets in a litter and can have two to three litters a year. Keith clarified “The only way to catch them all is to trap them.”
Wild pigs have many different colors: black, white, spotted. They are “smaller than commercial pigs because they exercise.” Villarino mentioned. They are also omnivores and eat a variety of types of food from corn crops and berries to snakes, and even sometimes each other.
Dr. Delgado-Acevedo explained the main causes for destruction is that the “wild pigs compete for resources with native wildlife and predate domestic livestock and ungulate game species. In addition, wild pigs are a significant threat to agriculture (grain, peanut, soybean, cotton, and vegetable crops) and soils due to rooting and trampling.” Rooting is the process wild hogs use to break up the soil and dig under crops or grasses. “Wild pigs also transmit diseases that affect humans and livestock such as pseudorabies, brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, and foot and mouth disease.”
All three of the experts agreed that if you see any signs of hogs on your property you need to take action immediately. There are two main types of ways to get rid of wild hogs: Trapping and Hunting. Other methods like poison are risky as it could affect other wildlife or domestic animals.
Trapping-If you are going to trap hogs you want to trap the whole sounder. If you only have a small trap you won’t be catching enough of the hogs. The rest of the group will continue to destroy your land. Keith described the best type of trap which would ideally be a permanent trap about 25ft wide, with a “T-Post every 4ft” to strengthen it. He encourages trappers to put a top on it, or make it around 7ft tall, because wild hogs can “jump as high as deer”. If you decide to trap the wild hogs, make sure to provide shade or some form of protection from the heat because the hogs cannot sweat, and will overheat and die if left out in the sun.
Hunting-The cons to this method are similar to a smaller trap. It doesn’t kill a majority of the hogs. Villarino mentioned that hunting them may scare them off for awhile but within a few years they’ll be back. However, in Texas, there are no regulations for hunting wild pigs on your property. If it is on your property you don’t need a hunting license, if it is not your property you will need a small game license. “You can hunt them Twenty-Four hours a day, seven days a week.” Keith said, before offering additional advice to those with hog problems. They are usually best hunted at night around 2:00am. “If you are using a spot light let the authorities know [beforehand.” Keith has also found night vision scopes to work well.
Dr. Delgado-Acevedo noted that landowners should use “use a combination
on [hogs] and in a large area of land, possible establishing cooperatives of landowners [because] only one method is not enough.”
If you decide to try and trap the wild hogs on your property you may sell them to restaurants or production facilities. Often times restaurants will only purchase live hogs, and they will need to be taken to an “Approved Feral Swine Facility” There are three in the surrounding area: Cumby, Rains, and Winnsboro.
Villarino emphasized that there were two sides to the issues of managing the wild hog population. One side views the hogs as a pest, and wants them eradicated. The other views these hogs as a resource, and wants to keep them alive to be able to hunt and eat them. “The surprising thing is nobody should go hungry in Texas-there’s enough hogs to feed everyone.” Marcus Keith added.
All three of the experts agreed that wild hog meat was quite good and available for human consumption. Keith cautioned hunters and chefs to make sure they cook the meat fully, he also encouraged people to “be aware of the hogs in the area. They’re not as dangerous as they seem, unless you hunt them with dogs. [However, you should still remain cautious, and if you’re] driving at night have your bright lights on, and don’t speed because [if you hit a hog] it will mess up your car”.
If you see or find hogs on your property your best option is to use multiple methods to get rid of them. Trap and hunt them. Because Wild Hogs are nomadic, you want to ensure they don’t come back.
Memorial Day: The Price of Freedom
By Savannah Owens
Flags decorated downtown businesses and multi-generational families were out enjoying the nice weather this Memorial day weekend. Many Sulphur Springs residents also celebrated Memorial day with the annual Red, White and Brews festival on the square on Saturday night. But Memorial day is more than a day off or a fun event on the square.
Memorial day is for honoring the soldiers who have died serving their country, not soldiers/veterans still living. What is the price of freedom? 245. Not dollars. But Lives.
There are 245 crosses on the lawn next to the courthouse, each representing a Hopkins County military person who gave their life in service during the: Gulf War, Korean War, Vietnam War, WWI, WWII, or the Civil War. Think about the people who lost their fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, and friends. Those who died protecting the people of America, the residents of Hopkins County, and died protecting you.
The crosses were assembled and painted by Harold Smithson’s construction class at Sulphur Springs High School. There were also two silhouette cutouts of soldiers joining the crosses this year, put up by the Hopkins County Marine Corp League. Surrounded by the flags and patriotism on the square this was definitely a day of remembrance.
So while you may be enjoying a day off work, and spending time with loved ones-barbecuing, swimming, or just enjoying the beautiful weather, take time to think about and appreciate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
Dinner Bell Menu For May 29th, 2019
Community Partner: The Knights of Columbus of St. James Catholic Church
Herb Roasted Pork Loin
Rice Pilaf
Italian Cut Green Beans
Salad Extravaganza
Hot Yeast Rolls
Lemon Cake To Die For
Baked Pears (the no added sugar dessert)
Schools out. The days are getting longer. Relax and have a cold drink of tea and a wholesome meal at Dinner Bell. Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church ). Hope to see you!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Fm 2653 Traffic Stop Nets 2 Grams of Methamphetamine, 1 Arrest
A traffic stop on FM 2653 south of State Highway 11 resulted in location of approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine and Jessica Lanae Bentle’s arrest.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Burdick reported stopping a Dodge Ram 1500 at 9:34 p.m. for a defective stop lamp. He noted the driver, identified in arrest reports as 31-year-old Bentle of Commerce, exhibited signs of nervousness, could not sit still and kept looking around the truck. When asked, she reportedly refused to allow a search of the pickup.
Thus, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams was contacted to bring his canine partner, Kilo, to the location to conduct a sniff search around the vehicle. The dog gave a positive alert for contraband, resulting in a search, according to arrest reports.
Officers alleged finding a suspected methamphetamine pipe and a baggy of suspected methamphetamine, resulting in the woman’s arrest. The substance field tested positive as meth and weighed about 2 grams, Burdick noted in arrest reports. Consequently, Bentle was charged with possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Bentle remained in the county jail at noon Saturday. Bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
GPS Used to Track Stolen Truck, Driver to Mockingbird Lane Parking Lot
A 31-year-old Tennessee truck driver was arrested at 9:50 a.m. Friday on Mockingbird Lane, after he was tracked using GPS in a company truck he did not return as requested.
Texas Department of Public Safety was contacted regarding a stolen tractor and semi-trailer alleged to be heading east on Interstate 30 around 10 a.m. Friday. The owner of the vehicle reportedly provided GPS coordinates regarding the vehicle’s location; DPS Trooper Aaron Hanna reported seeing the Volvo exit I-30 east onto Shannon Road, then turn south onto Mockingbird Lane, where it pulled into a restaurant parking lot.
Hanna contacted the driver, identified in arrest reports as Malcom X Holmes of Memphis, and ordered him out of the truck. During an interview, Holmes allegedly told officials he believed the company we was working for was going to terminate his employment, and did not return the truck as directed by the owner.
The owner reportedly told Hanna he’d tried to contact Holmes several times by phone and sent messages via the electronic log system, but received no answer to his calls and received no response to the messages. The owner opted to file charges against the man, thus he was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle, Hanna alleged in arrest reports.
Holmes remained in the county jail at noon Saturday. Bond was set at $5,000 on the unauthorized use of vehicle charge, according to jail reports.
Man Jailed Following Disturbance With Woman
A 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested early Saturday at motel was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest, following a disturbance with a woman in a hotel parking lot.
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl.Chris Rosamond reported contacting Jamie Lee Lindsay and a female at 12:36 a.m. about a disturbance he observed between the two in the parking lot of a motel in the 1500 block of East Industrial Drive Rosamond alleged the man displayed indicators Lindsay was possibly under the influence of narcotics.
During a pat down Rosamond reported feeling what to him felt like a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. The man was reported to be uncooperative with him during the pat down, and was placed into handcuffs until another officer arrived to assist.
Rosamond said he then checked the area where Lindsay had reportedly walked toward and found a baggy with a crystallized substance believed to be methamphetamine. Lindsay was arrested for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, which weighed 4.8 grams in the packaging and tested positive as methamphetamine, Rosamond and Officer Nick Floyd alleged in arrest reports.
Lindsay reportedly became irritated and began resisting arrest with physical strength and resisting movements against the officers; he was taken to the ground until another unit arrived to transport Lindsay to jail, where he was also charged with resisting arrest, police alleged in arrest reports.
Lindsay remained in the county jail late Saturday morning on both charges, according to jail reports.
284 Candidates Honored At SSHS Class of 2019 Graduation
The Sulphur Springs High School Class of 2019 commencement exercises at Gerald Prim Stadium did not include a lot of fan fare; the graduation ceremony was direct and to the point, finishing in under 2 hours.
Aside from introductions by administrators and speeches from the valedictorian and salutatorian, the high school band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the seniors entered the field in pairs. Cameron Horton sang the “Star Spangled Banner,” following the posting of colors.
Superintendent Michael Lamb opened the ceremony, noting that of the 22 graduations he’s had the pleasure to be part of, including seven in Sulphur Springs, this one is different. He now knows what it’s like to be the parent of one of the graduates.
He said he’s had the opportunity to see from an administrative as well as parent standpoint the passion with which the class of 2019 has approached their endeavors and in many instances not only succeeded, but set many new records, some personal, others district and a few state records. They too have “more community service than any other group,” Lamb said.
Lamb described the SSHS class of 2019 as a “class of champs and go-getters,” and encouraged them to continue attacking life’s challenges moving forward with the same fire they’ve attacked the many challenges this school year.
As they pursue their own goals, he reminded them to always remember they have each other, as well as the family and friends, to turn to for support when they are faced with difficulties. He said the graduates can also still count on all SSISD staff, who are “here for you as well.”
Salutatorian Maddie Millsap challenged her classmates, as well as those present at graduation, to be the best at whatever they do and pursue that which truly satisfies their hearts.
“If we all strive to be the best we can be, think of how we could change the world and everyone around us,” Millsap said.
Valedictorian Carissa Carter, during her address, noted the legacy the class of 2019 is leaving at SSHS, one that does include new records set, but also the character they’ve shown through their actions.
Carter encouraged her fellow graduates to take the lessons they have learned at SSISD with them on their life journey, challenged them to be there for each other, to with servants’ hearts, provide unfailing support of each other as they face the world.
She encouraged them to push through when they make mistakes and mess up, as people do. She reminded her classmates as they cross the threshold into adulthood and the next phase of their lives, to remember the journey is as important and the destination. The graduates’ happiness, she said, will be the results of the choices they make.
She challenged her classmates and the crowd to do everything in their power to reach their potential in all they do, because that is when they’ll be truly happiest. She asked them to consider their contributions, to make the world a better place by being in it.
SSHS Principal Derek Driver certified all 284 candidates present had met all all terms for graduation, and presented them to the school board for approval.
SSISD Board of Trustees President Robbin Vaughn affirmed the graduates. She said she could not miss the opportunity to note what “caring, patient and kind” individuals the Class of 2019 are.
“I’m encouraged to think the impact you will have as you go into the world, taking these qualities with you,” Vaughn said.
The graduates then were called to the stage by name, and after all had been affirmed, the class was dismissed by Driver, celebrating with a hat toss.
Art Briles Named New Head Football Coach At Mount Vernon High School
Mount Vernon ISD Superintendent Jason McCullough announced Art Briles has been approved by the school board as the new head high school football coach. Below is a press release from the school regarding the hiring:
