Explosion Inside Trailer Blocked Traffic at I-30 and Hillcrest
The sound of an explosion rocked the Woodbridge Crossing neighborhood on the west side of Sulphur Springs Friday afternoon around 2 p.m. when the trailer of a semi-truck-trailer unit sustained an explosion inside the front end of the trailer unit. City and county fire units responded to the scene and the egress from the north service road to Hillcrest was closed by Sulphur Springs Police during the investigation of the event.
Photo courtesy of Kelley Fletcher
No one was injured in the blast. Houses in the neighborhood were shaken by the explosion.
Gas Still Available in Sulphur Springs
After the gas scare from Hurricane Harvey on August 30th and 31st, many people filled up their tanks. As a result, many Gas stations around Texas are out of gas. But KSST has you covered! Here are some gas stations in Sulphur Springs that have gas*:
Exxon-1700 South Broadway:
Price:
2.49-Diesel
Exxon-College St:
Price:
2.49-Regular
Brookshire’s:
Price:
2.54-Regular
2.89-Unleaded+
3.05-Super Unleaded
Joe Bob’s-Houston Street:
Price:
2.49-Unleaded
Pilot-Hillcrest:
Price:
2.49-Unleaded
2.65-Diesel
*Gas prices and availability subject to change. All prices and open gas stations are current as of 1:30 pm, September 1st, 2017.
Game Day: Wildcats at Sherman; Lady Cats Host L-E
The Wildcats’ football team will be at Bearcat Stadium in Sherman for the season opener for both teams Friday night September 1). Sherman Football Coach J.D. Martinez calls Bearcat Stadium ancient but he adds it has a lot of tradition. Last year, the Wildcats won a thriller against the Bearcats at The Prim , 43-42. Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens is 5-4 versus Sherman as Wildcats Head Coach. That includes a victory on the field two years ago that turned into a forfeit because of an ineligible player. Two years ago, both teams basically went win less. Sherman never considered the forfeit a win for them after losing on the field. Last year the Wildcats returned to the playoffs and won four games. Sherman also won four games but had less success than the Wildcats in district play so they did not make the playoffs. In their second year under Coach Martinez this year, they believe they can make the playoffs this year.
Football Broadcast Don Julien (right), Jim Rogers (left).
We will bring you all the action of Wildcats football Friday night on KSST Radio. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. We will also videotape the game for replay at a later date on Channel 18 TV on Suddenlink Cable.
Meanwhile, the Lady Cats’ volleyball team is back on the home court Friday hosting Liberty-Eylau. The varsity match begins at around 6 p.m. The Lady Cats most recently match was a road win in Paris Tuesday evening. The Lady Cats have won 5 matches in a row and they have a non-district record of 15-9.
Texting While Driving Illegal Beginning Today
Effective Sept. 1, texting while driving will be illegal across the state of Texas as the result of a new texting-while-driving ban passed during the 85th Texas Legislative Session. The law prohibits motorists from reading, writing or sending electronic messages while driving.
“One in five crashes in Texas is caused by distracted driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We are pleased the Texas Legislature recognizes the extreme danger caused by texting and driving. The new law sends a very clear message to Texans to put down their phones and focus on the road. We are hopeful this new law will help save lives and reduce injuries.”
Last year, 109,658 traffic crashes in Texas involved distracted driving. Those crashes resulted in 455 deaths and 3,087 serious injuries.
While distracted drivers risk injuring or killing themselves and others, they also now face penalties under the new statewide law. A first offense is punishable by a fine up to $99; any subsequent offense carries a fine up to $200. Drivers should be aware that some cities have additional ordinances that are more restrictive. Exceptions to the new law include emergency communication or electronic messaging when the vehicle is stopped.
For those under 18 years of age, Texas law already bans all cell phone use while driving, including hands-free, except in the case of emergencies. Additionally, drivers are currently banned from texting and using hand-held cellular devices while driving in school zones. School bus operators also are prohibited from using cell phones while driving if children are present.
To help educate the public on the new law, TxDOT will be posting information on portable roadside message signs as well as permanent signs along interstate and U.S. highways.
Sweepstakes Scam Alert
A local resident received a letter and a check from a fake sweepstakes with offices in London, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The check from Agridient, Incorporated was for $2,870 looked legitimate. The letter and check came in an envelope sent air mail with a South African stamp. The actual prize would be $250,000. The check is to help pay a processing fee.
The local resident was named 2nd prize winner in a sweepstakes “in conjunction with USA Departmental Stores. However, the check in the letter is no the official prize. A certified check would be delivered to the winner in person by a special courier company.
Although the letter says they do not want personal information, they do call for a phone call to start the processing claim.
The local resident check with local law enforcement and local bank officials, who told him it was a scam.
CHRISTUS Nurses Assist in Relief Efforts
A group of approximately 25 nurses from across Northeast Texas will be leaving for Beaumont Saturday, September 2nd to assist in relief efforts and caring for patients. Nurses from Sulphur Springs, Jacksonville, Winnsboro, Tyler, Longview, Marshall and Texarkana will be leaving the Wisenbaker Conference Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, Tyler to contribute to these efforts.
Sulphur Springs nurses include: Byron Prince, Kayla Anders, and Cheyenne McClung.
Local Man Arrested for 11.2 Grams of Meth
A traffic stop made in the 1400 block of East Industrial resulted in 11.2-grams of methamphetamine found in the trunk of a 1995 Lincoln Town Car driven by Billy Joe Thomas, 36, of Sulphur Springs.
Thomas appeared nervous to the Sulphur Springs Police officer making the stop. Thomas gave consent to search the vehicle. The contraband was located in a white Beats Headphone case along with scale, clear plastic baggies and needles.
Thomas is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams, a Felony 2. He is being held in Hopkins County Jail on a $45,000 bond.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 1, 2017
August 23rd
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 12:41 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 1:23 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1112 near Quitman.
At 9:08 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 4165 near Quitman.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Holiday Village Drive near Quitman; at approximately 11:46 a.m. Melanie Wilson, 43, of Quitman, was arrested for Violation of Bond Conditions.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 1799 near Mineola; at approximately 2:15 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 80 near Mineola; at approximately 2:21 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3689 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:03 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Winnsboro St. near Quitman; at approximately 3:56 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2311 near Mineola; at approximately 10:32 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3542 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:05 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4700 near Winnsboro; at approximately 11:50 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
August 24th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1418 near Quitman; at approximately 12:14 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3978 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:27 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies locate a vehicle with the owner inside. Joshua Rollins, 26, of Longview, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Violation of Probation Burglary.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:08 a.m., in reference to violation of a protective order. Deputies were unable to locate the actor. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2311 near Mineola; at approximately 9:18 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Red Leaf Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 12:38 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 4:11 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole copper wire from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:57 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on HWY 80 near Mineola. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to SPUR 514 near Yantis, at approximately 6:20 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
August 25th
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5675 near Alba, at approximately 8:32 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. This case is active.
At 10:41 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:07 a.m., in reference to burglary of a building. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s property and stole several tools.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:37 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 11:58 a.m., in reference to a theft. Misty Crawford, 40, of Quitman, was arrested for Theft of Service.
At 4:26 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225/CR 1336 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1254 near Mineola, at approximately 6:20 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A known actor damaged a window at the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 7:35 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
August 26th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1681 near Alba, at approximately 12:22 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 2:05 a.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies located the individuals with firearms and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2326 near Mineola, at approximately 6:02 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 85, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 8:01 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 1:00 p.m., in reference to burglary of a building. Actors, or actors unknown, pried open the reporting party’s shop door and stole several items. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:04 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 8:48 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1800 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 9:09 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 88, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on CR 3473 near Hawkins. Deputies located the actor on FM 2869 near Hawkins. Noah Larson, 18, of Longview, was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
August 27th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 80 near Hawkins; at approximately 4:10 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 6:38 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6665 near Mineola, at approximately 6:51 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4847 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:14 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1960 near Yantis, at approximately 2:23 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2435 near Mineola, at approximately 7:13 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 8:23 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:26 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a vehicle on CR 2290 near Mineola. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
August 28th
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:26 a.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 2745 near Mineola. A known actor removed cattle from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2311 near Mineola; at approximately 11:02 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2122 near Quitman, at approximately 12:05 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to Holly Hill Circle near Hawkins, at approximately 5:44 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to Blue Water Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 6:25 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
August 29th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 2:42 a.m., in reference to an alarm. The deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2122 near Quitman, at approximately 3:54 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 7:41 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and the scene was cleared.
At 7:57 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4255 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1688 near Alba, at approximately 4:17 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:43 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1960 near Yantis, at approximately 7:15 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to FM 14 near Quitman; at approximately 9:07 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2950 near Mineola; at approximately 11:07 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2660 near Mineola, at approximately 11:46 p.m., in reference to violation of a protective order. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Between the dates of August 23rd and August 29th, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Department of Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services, Smith County and Child Protective Services.
Total Jail Count – 141 prisoners – 113 males and 28 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.
Saltillo Boys Win Avery Cross Country Meet
Tira News September 1, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council will meet for the regular quarterly meeting on Tuesday, September 5th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Tira Community Center. Prior to the meeting, at 5:45 p.m., Dr. Darin Jolly, North Hopkins School Superintendent, will do a brief presentation and answer questions on the upcoming Tax “Swap” Ratification Election (TRE). No increase in the total tax rate is proposed, but just a swap between the two rates – Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Interest and Sinking (I&S), which results in an increase in state funding for the district, without raising the rate for the taxpayers.
The public is also invited to attend an informational meeting on the TRE in the North Hopkins School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. on that same evening.
Regina Payton from Victoria left home on Thursday evening after mandatory evacuation was ordered. She traveled to Hearne for the night, and then to her mother’s home (Martha Payton) in Tira the next day. She kept up with all the happenings through friends with texts and phone calls. Martha reports, “The storm did minimal damage to her home – blew off six screens, broke one tree in half that just fell into back yard without any more damage. A friend stayed down the street, cleaned Regina’s refrigerator for her and checked on the inside of the house. Power was still off on Thursday morning as she began the return trip to her home.” Martha adds (and I agree), “Let us all pray for the people over the entire coastal area and help in any way we can. Some have lost everything.”
Our great-granddaughter, Dixie, and her family evacuated the Beaumont area and have been staying nearby in a motel in Woodville. They checked the roads on Wednesday, but were unable to get to their home. I just learned that the town of Woodville has lost power now and they are leaving to stay with relatives in Cranfills Gap.
Students at North Hopkins are being allowed to wear their hats at school on Friday, for a fee, as a fundraiser for the hurricane victims. Also, the Beta Club has been taking donations, through Friday (today), for the Salvation Army donation drive.
Mrs. Harrington’s kindergarten class is doing a school supply drive for an elementary school in Houston. They are accepting donations of supplies or money for a couple of weeks.
Robert and Yvonne Weir’s son-in-law, Mike Campbell, is in the Houston area with a crew of other firemen and paramedics working to help the flood victims. Yvonne stayed at Dacy’s house on Monday night and got the kids off to school the next morning and has been helping out this week, while Dacy is at work.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
