TxDOT Reminds Drivers to End the Streak of Roadway Fatalities
AUSTIN – At least one person has died on Texas roadways every day since Nov. 7, 2000. In an effort to end this grim and deadly 17-year milestone, the Texas Department of Transportation, through its #EndTheStreakTX campaign, reminds drivers to stay alert, obey traffic laws and take personal responsibility behind the wheel.
“It’s heartbreaking to know somebody has lost a spouse, child, friend or neighbor every day for the past 17 years on Texas roadways,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94 percent of these deadly crashes are due to driver error — things like distracted driving, speeding and drunk driving. We can stop this deadly streak if every driver makes it a priority to be safe, focused and responsible. Let’s end the streak.”
To help raise awareness of this tragic, daily statistic, TxDOT is asking people to change their social media profile pictures to the image available for download here. Throughout November, TxDOT’s social media pages will share facts and information about the last 17 years of roadway fatalities and invite Texans to publicly show their commitment to ending the streak of deadly days by sharing these posts with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. TxDOT also will invite the public to share personal stories of loved ones lost in car crashes on its social media pages using photo and video testimonials with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
Since Nov. 7, 2000, fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes on Texas roadways have numbered 59,388. The leading causes of fatalities continue to be failure to stay in one lane, alcohol and speed. To decrease the chances of roadway crashes and fatalities, TxDOT reminds drivers to:
- Buckle seatbelts – all passengers need to be buckled
- Pay attention – put phone away and avoid distractions
- Never drink and drive – drunk driving kills; get a sober ride home
- Drive the speed limit – obey speed limits and drive slower when weather conditions warrant
Criminal Trespass Call Leads to Drug Arrest
November 7, 2017 – A call in reference to criminal trespass at 1495 Industrial Drive East led to the arrest of Marcus Dewayne Farmer, 32, of Quitman. Farmer was found hiding in the bathroom with a cigarette package that contained several baggies of a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Marcus Dewayne Farmer
When officers arrived at the Ferrari Inn, they spoke with management and went to the room where the subject was located. With permission from the occupants of the room, the Sulphur Springs Police officer searched the room and adjoining bathroom where he found Farmer.
Farmer is in Hopkins County jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. He is held on a $15,000 bond.
Wildcat Basketball Off to a Good Start
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said his team’s first scrimmage Saturday was a great opportunity to learn and grow as a team. The Wildcats scrimmaged host Sachse and Fort Worth Trimble Tech. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats went up against two very athletic teams that played up pace games and good man on man defense. He said he was pleasantly surprised that his team did not come out flat.
Coach Cipoletta said he was impressed by the Wildcats defense being in the right spots and executing Saturday. He added the Wildcats did not shoot the ball as well as he expects them to. Coach Cipoletta said overall he was pleased with the outcome Saturday. He said he threw a youngster into the fire Saturday.
Due to some injuries, Coach Cipoletta used Decameron Kahn inside along with mainstays Victor Iwuakor and Xavier Cork. Coach Cipoletta said with shots not falling, the Wildcats found different ways to score. He added the Wildcats’ defense also led to some easy offensive opportunities. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats did a good job of sharing the ball.
The Wildcats will have their second and final scrimmage at Mesquite Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Wildcats open the regular season Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against Class 6A state ranked Arlington Bowie in the Cowtown Showdown at North Crowley.
SSHS Marching Band, Jazz Band Perform at Veteran-Related Events This Week
Members of the Wildcats Marching Band will be busy at veteran-related events this week.
The Jazz Band will play at the annual Wal-Mart salute to veterans at League Street Church of Christ Monday night.
The band will also be involved in the Sulphur Springs High School reception and assembly for veterans Friday starting at noon. The assembly begins at 1 p.m. Band Director Charles McCauley said some band members would be serving as color guards bringing in the flags at the assembly.
He said percussion members would be marching in a rodeo veterans parade Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.
Then at 11 a.m. Saturday, the Jazz Band will be involved in a veterans program downtown on the plaza. McCauley said the Jazz Band would be playing during a salute to various branches of the military.
McCauley said it would be a great week providing a great lesson for students reminding them to be thankful for men and women who died for them so that they can live their lives. McCauley said we all stand on the shoulders of other people who have died for us, fought for us and were injured for us so we can have our lives.
Winnsboro Police Report October 30-November 5, 2017
Winnsboro Police arrested three, investigated one accident, responded to 181 calls for service, issued 57 citations and wrote 56 warnings during the October 30-November 5, 2017 report period.
Amber French, 35, of Winnsboro, was arrested November 1st for criminal trespass.
Kimberly Dlabaj, 19, of Winnsboro was arrested November 2nd for Assault Causing Bodily Injury.
Brandon Rodriguez, 21, was arrested November 2nd for Assault Family/House member Impede Breath/Circulation.
A minor two vehicle accident occurred October 30th in the 1000 block of East Gilmer. No injuries were reported. A vehicle made an unsafe turn at the intersection of FM 852 and FM 3530 striking a west bound auto on FM 852.
Numerous Plans Honoring Veterans, Heroes this Week in Hopkins County
English II students at Sulphur Springs High School invite the public to view their “Gallery Walk” project honoring local heroes in a display at the Civic Center on Wednesday November 8 from 8:40am until 3:30pm. Admission is free to the Gallery Walk.
On Friday November 10 at 11am, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Sulphur Springs will be hosting 3rd grade students of Travis Elementary School at an outdoor ceremony followed by a stew lunch inside the post home. Local veterans and spouses are also invited.
Also on Friday November 10, SSHS will host a reception at noon in the school library followed by a program at 1pm in the gym, to honor all who have served their country. Please park in the Teacher parking lot behind the Civic Center.
On the morning of Veteran’s Day, Saturday November 11 on Celebration Plaza and the Veterans Memorial, a special recognition program will be given starting at 11am. Everyone is invited. Features of the program will be music of the military branches, a presentation of 245 military crosses made by member of the SSHS Woodworking classes, and a student reading of the 245 names inscribed on the walls of the Veterans Memorial. Also, a “War on Terrorism” bench will be dedicated by Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsome.
Other events on Saturday November 11 will include BBQ Cook-off by the local non-profit “Operation Victor Echo Tango” on the grounds of the Civic Center. Activities will begin at 8am with 23 cooking teams already signed up. After judging, serving will begin at 11:30am. Additionally, there will be National Guard and Army displays and activities for children, a clown and magic show and animals from Hearts of Life and Shadow Ranch. Tickets for BBQ lunch are $10 adult, $5 for kids under 12 and free for kids 6 and under.
Branded Ranch Rodeo plans a Salute to Veterans, a Parade and a Rodeo on Saturday November 11. At 9am, the parade will take a route from the Civic Center across the Sulphur Springs square and back on Houston Street. Outdoor family activities will begin at 11:30am including chuck wagon cooking, live music and a horseshoe competition. Exciting Ranch Rodeo events will begin at 5pm. Tickets are $5 each.
The American Legion, Marine Corps organization and Boy Scouts will be placing flags honoring ALL veterans of all wars of the United States at City Cemetery, Shooks Chapel Cemetery, and Restlawn Memorial Park.
Members of the Kiwanis Club will be placing American flags along the major roadways and downtown areas of Sulphur Springs in honor of Veteran’s Day.
Saltillo Cross Country Runners Bring Home Silver from State Meet
Saltillo Cross Country Students participated at the State Meet and brought home recognition!
Sienna Collins (center) took Silver with a second place sprint for the Saltillo Girls.
Saltillo Boys took second place on the State Championship.
Saltillo Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams are pictured below.
Sienna Collins (center) took Silver with second place for the Saltillo Girls.
Boys Team – 1st Row L to R: Branson McGill, Dillon Beadle, Matthew Gurley & Hendrick Rios; 2nd Row L to R: Coach Bill Giles, Trevor Moore, Walker McGill & Lyle Bench.
Coach Colton Smith and the Lady Lions Cross Country team
