Local Resident is First to Earn High School Diploma Through Program Offered by Sulphur Springs Public Library
Raquesha Sneed is the first Sulphur Springs resident to earn her high school diploma through the Career Online High School program at Sulphur Springs Public Library. The library partnered with Gale, a leading provider of library resources anda Cengage company, in September 2017 to offer the innovative program in an effort to help the city’s 21% of adults who lack a high school diploma.
“I feel so positive about myself, my life and my future,” said Raquesha Sneed, age 31 Raquesha had dropped out of high school because she was tired of seeing the others pass classes and wondered why she had so much trouble. Over the next 10 years, she attempted to get her GED,but just could not stay motivated. When she saw this program, she knew she wanted her diploma bad enough to work harder than ever before. One year later, she has not only completed her high school but has earned an Office Management career certificate. She plans to look into continuing her education because she says nothing can stop her now.
“After looking at the dropout statistics of Hopkins County, I knew this program could change lives.Friends of the Library President, Trice Lawrence and I spoke to area businesses about the need for a program like this and raised enough money to begin with twelve Scholarships.”said Hope Cain, Director.Sulphur Springs Public Library awards scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers. Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an Academic Coach, who offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance, and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material.
Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Coursework begins in one of eight high growth, high-demand career fields (across a wide spectrum from child care and education to office management), before progressing to the core academic subjects. Students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.
“Raquesha’s achievement is a great example of the direct social and economic impact libraries have on their communities, and Gale is proud to partner with them to make it happen,” said Paul Gazzolo,senior vice president and general manager at Gale.
Residents can learn more about Career Online High School at Sulphur Springs Public Library 903-885-4926 or by visiting the library’s web site www.sslibrary.org
Game Day: Lady Cats Host Princeton; Wildcats at Jesuit at 6 p.m.
Lady Cats Game Day Friday at Home Versus Princeton
The Lady Cats’ basketball team, 12-3 for the season so far, should be challenged Friday evening (December 14) in Wildcats Gym as they play Princeton. There will be a JV contest at 5 p.m. with the varsity game to follow at around 6:15 p.m. The Lady Panthers are 8-6 for the season so far. They have played a challenging schedule including games against Dallas Lincoln and Martin’s Mill. The Lady Panthers have played three common opponents with the Lady Cats: Winnsboro, Terrell and Paris. The Lady Cats defeated Winnsboro twice at the Winnsboro Hoopfest and also downed Paris and Terrell at home. Princeton lost to Winnsboro early in the season but they have wins over Terrell and Paris.
Princeton comes in with a five game winning streak including at solid win over Greenville. Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell says Princeton is a good team. She adds the Lady Panthers have played good people. Coach Tisdell says Princeton is a very disciplined team. She expects a very different game from the contest Tuesday evening against Idabel, Oklahoma. Coach Tisdell says the Lady Cats will have to make adjustments and change some things against the Lady Panthers. She says Princeton will provide a challenge for the Lady Cats.
The Lady Cats and Lady Panthers of Princeton game will come you way live on KSST radio and via video streaming beginning at around 6:15 p.m. See the video streaming link at ksstradio.com. The game will also be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Wildcats Game Day Friday at Jesuit of Dallas
The Wildcats’ basketball team continues a challenging week Friday (December 14) as they again face a highly ranked Class 6A power on their court. The Wildcats, ranked #8 in Class 5A, visit Jesuit of Dallas, ranked #6 in Class 6A. The Rangers have a season record of 12-1. Tuesday night they lost their first game of the season to Mansfield Timberview, 68-66 on the road in overtime. Timberview is ranked #1 in Class 5A. The Wildcats have a 10-5 season record after losing at Denton Guyer, 77-60 Tuesday night in Denton. Guyer is #1 ranked in Class 6A.
For those going to the game at Jesuit in Dallas Friday, the schedule has changed. The Wildcats’ freshmen will be playing in the Jesuit Auxiliary Gym at 5:30 p.m. The Wildcats’ varsity plays beginning at 6 p.m. in the Jesuit Main Gym. The Wildcats JV plays Jesuit JV beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Jesuit Main Gym.
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta says Jesuit of Dallas is really good. He says they are really well coached and have some very talented guys. Coach Cipoletta says the Rangers have a big kid inside who has been offered by everybody and may be the best low post the Wildcats have seen all year and may be perhaps the best in the state. He says Jesuit has a point guard who has signed with Oral Roberts and who can really play and can really fill it up from outside. Coach Cipoletta says they also have several other good shooters to go with him. He says the Rangers provide some tough match ups. Coach Cipoletta says the Wildcats have a size advantage and he hopes they can hurt Jesuit on the glass, take advantage of their size mismatch and make it game. Last year Jesuit defeated the Wildcats, 87-76 in an Allen tournament in late December.
Hopkins County Commissioners Conduct Work Sessions Monday, December 17, 2018
NOTICE OF WORK SESSION(S)
DATE: Monday, December 17, 2018
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
PLACE: Meeting Room Located On The Third Floor Of The Hopkins County Courthouse Located At 118 Church St., Sulphur Springs, TX.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
- The Court To Meet With Tom Glosup To Discuss Maintenance Of County Buildings And The Construction Of The Courtroom Annex Adjacent To The Law Enforcement Center.
- The Court To Discuss The Annexation Of Property By The City Of Sulphur Springs.
- Mike McCormick To Present To The Court The Exit Interview Report For Hopkins County.
- Budget Work Session(s).
Texas Transportation Leaders Meet Booming Growth With $75 Billion 10-Year Construction Budget
AUSTIN – As the population and economy of Texas continue to boom, state transportation leaders have taken unprecedented steps to promote the great opportunities in Texas’ future while meeting and addressing the challenges of congestion, roadway safety, connectivity and the preservation of existing roads. Since 2015, the Texas Transportation Commission and Texas Department of Transportation established the Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which has led to significant strides toward improving the quality of life for millions of Texas drivers.
“Governor Greg Abbott and Texas voters made it very clear that congestion relief around the state is a key priority to meeting the demands of our rapidly growing population and booming economy,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman, J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “In our efforts to execute on that Texas voter mandate, we directed more than $24 billion toward congestion in our major metropolitan areas as part of the approved $75.4 billion Unified Transportation Program over the next 10 years; our ‘Construction Budget’ is the largest funding package in Texas history. Explosive growth presents opportunities the size of Texas but requires unprecedented action, and we look forward to meeting the needs and demands of our growing state.”
Additionally, since 2015, more than 1,300 lane miles have been added to state roads and more than 2,600 non-tolled road projects worth $11 billion have been completed. Other highlights include:
- A historic $3 billion worth of road project contracts approved during June, July and August of 2018
- Nearly $8 billion in approved road contracts for fiscal year 2018
On average, Texas is growing by about 1,100 people each day. To meet this growth, Texas Clear Lanes addresses congestion in the Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin areas, which are home to 65 percent of the state’s population and 92 of Texas’ Top 100 congested roads. Of the approximately 30 identified Texas Clear Lanes projects, two have been completed and 16 are under construction. Some of those address traffic in the top 20 chokepoints around the state. Others are included in the 10-year plan.
Also a key priority for the Commission and department is addressing safety and roadway improvements in the energy sector. Over the next decade, the Transportation Commission has directed $3.4 billion to make repairs and improve roads in the energy-rich Permian Basin. Since 2016, nearly $1.8 billion has been invested in safety and infrastructure improvements in the Permian Basin.
On the topic of safety, there is much improvement ahead of us around the state, though recent statistics are noteworthy. Safety education and awareness are vital aspects in affecting driver behavior. And that commitment is starting to show. From 2016-2017, we saw 70 fewer fatalities on Texas roads. Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities decreased by 10 percent. The Commission continues to make substantial investment in education, training and awareness as we try to make Texas a safer place to work and live. In addition, safety is a key factor in scoring and ranking projects for inclusion in TxDOT’s 10-year plan.
“While there is much work to do ahead of us, I am proud of, and always want to thank, the hardworking men and women of TxDOT for the momentum we have established and plan to execute on,” Bugg said. “Transportation touches the lives of every Texan, every day, and there’s no time to wait as we deliver on our commitment to keep Texas moving forward.”
New CMO Dr. Martin Fielder is on OB/GYN Team at Trinity Clinic
Dr. Martin Fielder brought a military medical background with him when he joined the Sulphur Springs medical community in 2013. Making the transition from serving at Bethesda Naval Hospital upon retirement from military service, he moved his family to Hopkins County, Texas. Since then, he has been part of the OB/GYN team at Trinity Clinic, and during 2018 was named to the administrative staff as Chief Medical Officer at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, Sulphur Springs.
In the five years since coming to Sulphur Springs, Dr. Fielder estimates he has delivered between 4,000 and 5,000 babies. He takes pride in the expanding ways that women and their babies are being served through the local hospital. “Our hospital Nursery Unit now has a Level 2 rating, meaning we are equipped to serve babies born as early as 32 weeks of development. We are very excited about that”. Additionally, the Labor and Delivery Unit is expected to receive the Level 2 designation during 2019, as part of a statewide initiative to standardize care across the state.
“The CHRISTUS Trinity team of Obstetricians are all board-certified. We stay at the top of our game”. The Trinity Clinic team consists of Fielder, also OB/GYN Dr. Darrell Doughty, Nurse Midwife Deb Logan, and Nurse Practitioner Lee Ann Cline. These members bring a number of years of experience to the team. Fielder’s first goal with a new patient is that she feel comfortable with her care during pregnancy, labor and delivery. His ultimate goal is to send home a happy mom and happy baby. The Trinity Clinic team also provides a full array of health services for women. “We like to say that we provide world-class care, right here at home”.
Bright Star Christian School Presents Band, Choir Christmas Concert Dec. 18
The Bright Star Christian School invites you to the annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday December 18, 2018 at 7pm in the sanctuary of Bright Star Baptist Church at Como, Texas on Hwy. 11 East. The 30-member concert band, under direction of Richard Shanks and Jeff Smith, as well as the 10-member chorus, directed by Krista Branch, have prepared a number of classic holiday compositions for the audience. An elementary program featuring Mary, Joseph, angels and shepherd, directed by Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Clevenger, will also be part of the evening. A Christmas Sing-a-long will round out the holiday entertainment. The public is invited; admission is free.
Local Man Arrested on Possession, Intent to Deliver Charge
Knowing the driver of a vehicle at the corner of Locust and Houston Streets did not have a driver’s license, the Sulphur Springs Police Officer made a traffic stop. The driver Erick Jerome Sims, 40, of Sulphur Springs had in his possession 28-grams of suspected methamphetamine in a clear plastic baggie.
Sims is back in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams with intent to deliver in a Drug Free Zone, a Felony 1, and for Driving Without a License with Previous Conviction/Suspension. Sims had been jailed in September of this year on a possession charge.
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.
Local Woman Arrested Following SCU Investigation
An investigation by the Sulphur Springs Special Crimes Unit led to obtaining a warrant and the arrest of Charla Nicole Tillery, 36, of Sulphur Springs. The arrest took place around 3:58 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2018 in the 200 block of Locust Street.
Tillery was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone, a Felony 3. She is in Hopkins County Jail held on a $15,000 bond.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report December 5-11, 2018
Wood County Sheriff’s Report December 5,2018 to December 11, 2018 December 5th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:06 a.m., in reference to disorderly conduct. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any unruly individuals.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:42 a.m., in reference to harassment on Lloyd St. in Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7161 near Quitman, at approximately 4:06 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1246 near Alba; at approximately 10:56 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3482 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:49 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:37 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3811 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:49 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:38 p.m., in reference to harassment on FM 515 near Como. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 2:21 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4560 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Club House, at approximately 3:06 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Joe Spiers,57, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:51 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint on PR 6604 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3144 near Quitman, at approximately 11:25 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
December 6th
At 1:30 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3803 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:53 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2495 near Mineola, at approximately 6:28 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 7:14 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3250 near Quitman, at approximately 8:04 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:54 p.m., in reference to harassment on FM 69 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
December 7th
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:13 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat on HWY 80 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2205 near Mineola, at approximately 10:18 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies searched the area,but were unable to locate the building.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2700 near Mineola, at approximately 1:25 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Marc Rude, 29, of Longview, was arrested for Terroristic Threat.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2941 near Alba, at approximately 5:44 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1540 near Alba; at approximately 6:13 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 7:05 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
December 8th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3419 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:05 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building, determined there were no signs of burglary and cleared the scene.
At 8:41 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Kerry Circle in Quitman; at approximately 9:03 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7548 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:59 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. Sean Garza,30, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3250 near Mineola; at approximately 12:55 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:42 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on CR 1885 near Yantis. Actors, or actors unknown, took the reporting party’s vehicle without authorization. The deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 2:55 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 5:19 p.m., in reference to an abandoned 911 call. Adolphus Brown,62, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence and Resist Arrest Search or Transport.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2880 near Mineola, at approximately 9:28 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
December 9th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1560 near Alba, at approximately 12:05 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 11 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:14 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 49 near Mineola; at approximately 3:59 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 10:21 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1900 near Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:25 a.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on Parish St. in Hawkins.Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2930 near Alba, at approximately 11:57 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 5:55 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1460 near Quitman.
At 5:56 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 1647 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 9:28 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 10:13 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 10:24 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4430 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4700, at approximately 11:16 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
December 10th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3290 near Quitman, at approximately 2:11 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 11:41 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 778 near Hawkins.
At 3:18 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1460 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3978 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:18 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 14 near Quitman; at approximately 3:39 p.m. Raymond Clark, 56, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3204 near Quitman, at approximately 4:05 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
At 6:03 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7986 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:14 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Zachary Miller, 30, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested for Criminal Mischief.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1227 near Quitman, at approximately 9:27 p.m., in reference to an incident. Stephen Harvey, 32, ofQuitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence and Prohibited Substance in Correctional Facility Alcohol/Drug/Phone/Tobacco.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 11 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:52 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 515 nearWinnsboro; at approximately 11:06 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
December 11th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1813 near Yantis, at approximately 9:16 a.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown,stole livestock from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:40 a.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on Lloyd St. in Yantis.Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 12:22 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1643 near Quitman, at approximately 2:26 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on PR 7477 nearHawkins; at approximately 9:59 p.m. Adam Galyeon, 36, of Mineola, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4845 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:23 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Between the dates of December 5 and December 11, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments and Morris County.
Between the dates of December 5 and December 11, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 5 arrest warrants and arrested the individualsand filed 7 cases with the District Attorney.
Total Jail Count –110 inmates – 88 males and 22 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.
