9-1-1 The Connection is Saturday at Celebration Plaza
Saturday, May 27th at Celebration Plaza, the 9-1-1 Connection sponsored by the City of Sulphur Springs Police Department and others will provide food, fun, Kid’s ID, face painting, bounce house, and more for all ages. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Police, EMS, Fire Department and others will interact with children during the event. The public is invited.
Judge Says Cappiello a Swindler, Liar; Gives Maximum Sentence
Chad Alan Cappiello, 48, received the maximum sentence allowed under law Wednesday afternoon at (May 24, 2017) in Eighth Judicial District Court. However, Judge Eddie Northcutt made it evident that if more time could have been assessed, two years day for day was the maximum sentence, he would have pronounced a much longer sentence because Cappiello had swindled too many people and, having been shown mercy in other court proceedings, had not changed his ways.
Chad Alan Cappiello
Northcutt called Cappiello, who also used the name Russell in his home remodeling business that swindled two Como women out of $15,000 and a number of other clients across the state for varying amounts, a liar. Northcutt noted it was a monumentally poor decision for Cappiello to have his 8-year old son in court for the sentencing. Northcutt stated he would have to temper his words to Cappiello for that reason. The judge then immediately said that he was surprised Cappiello’s pants had not erupted in an inferno because Cappiello was a liar. That word, liar, appeared several times during the judge’s statements. Other words used by the judge to refer to Cappiello were swindler, bully, intimidate, and writer of threatening letters. He also noted that in recorded conversations, Cappiello was rude and condescending toward his wife and was attempting to alienate his sons by a previous marriage from their biological mother.
The judge noted that in Cappiello’s request, he had asked for mercy and the opportunity to repay the $15,000 owed the two Como women and to repay the money owed in Bell County. Cappiello is on probation in Bell County for similar charges here. Cappiello had also compared himself to the Old Testament’s Job, a man of many sorrows who was misunderstood. Northcutt, a Bible scholar and Sunday School teacher, told Cappiello that he was no Job. Northcutt stated that Job was a righteous man and that Cappiello was not.
Following a theme of justice and mercy established by Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison, Judge Northcutt noted that he was extending mercy by not adding a fine, up to $20,000 possible, so that Cappiello’s family would not be made to suffer. Justice was evident, according to Northcutt, in giving the maximum two years day-for-day allowing Cappiello to “come to the end of yourself.” Quoting Paul in Galatians, Northcutt said, “For whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.”
Northcutt also pointed out that he hoped the prosecutors and judges in the court proceedings that Cappiello will face in charges in other counties will do what has been done in Hopkins County. The judge also told Cappiello that this will have time for his current wife to make a number of decisions regarding her future.
Cappiello does have the right to appeal the decision of the court. However, Judge Northcutt stated that he deemed Cappiello a flight risk and remanded him to jail.
In closing remarks, Assistant DA Harrison noted that Cappiello had not paid restitution in other cases where he had been found guilty even though he had been on probation. He said “People like him do not deserve anything other than the full penalty.” Harrison noted the Matthew 19 parable of the unmerciful servant who had received mercy for his own huge debt but had shown no mercy for a debtor who owned him little. The unmerciful servant was found out and placed with the torturers. Harrison stated that is what Cappiello deserved.
Noting that Cappiello had used the name Russell in business and that his wife had never been referred to by her last name, Harrison referred to his wife as Kristi Secret Last Name. She had been the telephone contact for those who responded to websites and other advertising for Cappiello’s company.
A Hopkins County Jury found Chad Alan Cappiello guilty on two counts of Theft of Property more than $1,500 but less than $20,000. The verdict was rendered around 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Cappiello, a remodel/repair contractor who also uses the alias Chad Russell was not facing his first day in court for an offense related to this type of theft. A witness from each of three other instances that have gone to court in Texas counties were called to testify in this case. There had been other arrests as well.
Cappiello spent a year in jail in Lonoke County, Arkansas and from there went to Harris County Texas and then to Bell County Texas. Cappiello still has pending felony theft charges in Jasper and Gatesville (Coryell County) and he is currently on felony probation for theft in Temple. In 2000, the defendant went to prison for felony theft and possession of cocaine. He was convicted of misdemeanor theft in Houston in August 2015. He was previously on felony probation for Securing Execution of a Document By Deception in Robertson County, Texas. He was also previously on felony probation for felony theft in Leon County, Texas.
Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison stated, “People like Mr. Cappiello have been emboldened by years of outmaneuvering law enforcement, evading justice, and receiving soft probation sentences. This week, a Hopkins County jury sent a clear message to folks like him that in this community, theft is still theft. The State will be arguing for the maximum punishment at Mr. Cappiello’s sentencing on May 24.”
Texas Ranger Jason Bobo, Company F Central Texas, was called to prove intent in the case. Ranger Bobo had investigated Cappiello regarding one of Cappiello’s thefts in Gatesville, Texas. A roof repair was promised when $5,000 in cash was paid to Cappiello and the remainder of the project was financed. The Ranger stated that no work had been performed and that in the investigation he found a number of phone numbers that changed consistently, the failure to provide a true address, and the use of lease or rental vehicles by Cappiello.
In opening remarks, Assistant District Attorney Clay Harrison noted that Cappiello changed his name from Chad Russell to Chadley Cappiello and then then Chad Cappiello over the past 23 years. However, he uses both the last name Russell and Cappiello as it suits the opportunity to defraud individuals of money in remodeling and/or repair schemes. His current wife Kristi Cappiello also uses her maiden name as a telemarketer for their business ventures. Harrison pointed out that when anyone attempted to find the location of the business, they were unable to locate the Cappiellos’ due to masking websites, email origination, and the use of cell phones. He stated that attempts to go to addresses listed for the company were fruitless. Even the managers or owners of the buildings where their listed address would take the individual seeking to get a refund for work had no knowledge of the business.
An internet search performed by KSST News shows shows Cappiello has been charged in several counties on similar charges. Cappiello has operated in various areas of the state and has been charged in several counties, some without success for the prosecution. The local case focuses on charges filed and an indictment rendered by a Hopkins County Grand Jury regarding the theft of property, to be exact, money paid for work never completed in a home remodel in Como.
Chamber Connection May 25, 2017
The deadline is approaching for the Ice Cream Freeze-off! The Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th Annual Ice Cream Freeze-off on Saturday, June 10th at 4 p.m. on the Civic Center grounds. We have many sponsorship opportunities available to partner with the Chamber during Ice Cream, so please consider joining us for this fun day! You know what else we need? People to make and enter ice cream!!!! Have you ever thought about entering your delicious homemade ice cream? The entry is free of charge, so just go for it! Call the Chamber for more information, (903) 885-6515, or visit our website at www.hopkinschamber.org. We all scream for ice cream!
American Legion Post 66 encourages National Poppy Day on Friday, May 26th
American League Post 66 encourages the community to wear red poppies on National Poppy Day, Friday, May 26th. With Memorial Day on the horizon, the American Legion encourages all patriotic Americans to wear or display a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to still fight for our country following World War I. For more information about National Poppy Day and to purchase poppy themed items, visit online at www.legion.org/PoppyDay.
Texas Heritage Bank is hosting an open House on Thursday, June 1st from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Texas Heritage Bank is hosting an Open House on Thursday, June 1st from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Make sure and stop by for good food, prizes, giveaways, and an authentic chuckwagon. Food includes Dutch Oven brisket, chips, drinks, and Dutch Oven cobbler. Yum!!! Texas Heritage Bank is located at 215 N. Hillcrest in Sulphur Springs. See you there!
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is offering Cooking with Chef Cruz on Tuesday, June 6th at 6 p.m.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is sponsoring “Dinner Tonight -Cooking with Chef Cruz” on Tuesday, June 6, at the Hidden Lakes Hunting Lodge in Yantis, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Cruz Minjarez will demonstrate recipes using red stag, buffalo, duck, and quail. Family & Consumer Sciences Extension agents will share recipes for side dishes as well as information on food safety and storage of wild game. Early registration by May 12 is $20. After May 12, registration is $25. The first 20 to register will have the opportunity to serve on the tasting panel. Registration information is found at http://hopkins.agrilife.org, or you may contact the Extension office at 903-885-3443.
Camp Brave Heart will be held June 8th and 9th at First United Methodist Church
Cypress Basin Hospice’s Camp Brave Heart will be held June 8th and 9th at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day. This is a free, children’s grief camp that is offered to our community. They are looking for children ages 6-12 that would benefit from this camp as well as community volunteers that would like to help with camp activities. Questions about the camp should be directed to Shiles Hubbell at (903) 577-1510, and questions about volunteering should be directed to Niki Haynes (903) 577-1510
Opening Ceremonies Ribbon Cutting for the Dairy Festival is scheduled for Friday, June 9th at noon
The Dairy Festival officially kicks off with a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, June 9th at noon on Celebration Plaza. Make plans to be there and celebrate the start of the Dairy Festival!
5K Milk Run is scheduled for Friday, June 9th
It is time for the 59th annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival’s Balloon Rally and 5k Milk Run! This year’s chip timed race will be held on Friday evening, June 9 at 7:00pm. Imagine running down a country road, on a beautiful summer evening in Hopkins County, beneath a sky filled with colorful balloons. This unique family event features an out and back course that begins and ends at the balloon glow and launch area! Stick around after the race and enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of brilliantly colored balloons and live entertainment from the main stage. All runners 18 years and older will have their bib numbers entered in a drawing for a ride in a hot air balloon on Saturday, June 10th. All winners will be announced on Friday night after the run. Register today at: www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com.
Sulphur Springs Public Library presents their Summer Reading Program for June and July
The Sulphur Springs Library is hosting a summer reading program called Knights and Princesses Summer Reading Program 2017. Every Tuesday at 3 p.m., they offer multiplayer Minecraft. Storytime with Medieval Times will be held Wednesday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m., and the Summer Reading Program Kickoff and Registration will be held on Thursday, June 8, at 6 p.m.
Ribbon cuttings:
The Oaks Bed & Breakfast hosted their Grand Opening on Thursday, May 18th at 5:30 p.m.
The Oaks Bed & Breakfast, located at 516 Oak Avenue in Sulphur Springs, hosted their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, May 18th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Owners Ben and Allison Thesing hosted tours and gave the history of the building and how it became a beautiful bed and breakfast.
Corner Grub House hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, May 24th at 2 p.m.
Corner Grub House, located at 113A Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs, hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, May 24th at 2 p.m. Corner Grub House prepares a variety of home cooking right on Celebration Plaza, and they offer indoor and outdoor seating. Owners are Mike and Amanda Story.
PJC Offers Two Basketball Camps in June
Paris Junior College will offer two basketball camps during early June in the PJC Hunt Athletic Center.
Links to flyers for both camps may be found at http://www.parisjc.edu/athletics, under either the Women’s Basketball or Men’s Basketball section.
The PJC Lady Dragons basketball camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon starting Monday, June 5 through Thursday, June 9 for girls of all skill levels who are entering third to eighth grade.
The camp covers fundamental basketball instruction, daily camp games, scrimmages, and contests. The cost is $85 and campers will receive a camp t-shirt, certificate, basketball, and daily awards. Campers are encouraged to bring water bottles and dress in basketball shoes, socks, shorts and t-shirt.
Check-in and registration will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. on June 5. Contact Women’s Basketball Coach Gonzalo Garza or Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Gabriella Scott at 903-782-0233 for more information.
The PJC Dragons All American basketball camp is for boys in first through eighth grade. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, June 12 to Thursday, June 15.
The camp includes skill development, stations and drills, fun contests and games. The camp fee is $120. Campers will receive a camp t-shirt and basketball, as well as lunch. Camp instruction will be provided by PJC coaching staff and PJC Dragons basketball players.
Campers should wear appropriate athletic gear. For more information contact Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Scott at 903-782-0395 or the PJC Athletic Office at 903-782-0218.
Corner Grub House Ribbon Cutting
Corner Grub House held their Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday afternoon at 2 PM. The downtown restaurant is located on the corner of Gilmer and Connally Street. Mike and Amanda Story own the new restaurant, their daughter Kaley was present to represent their family. The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM.
Buried Bone Fulfills Reds, Whites, and Brews Donation Promises
Buried Bone Foundation presented two checks Wednesday at noon as they distributed the proceeds from Reds, Whites, and Brews, an event held on Main Street and Celebration Plaza earlier this month. The Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter and Hearts of Life Animal Rescue each received $3,500 as a result of event. Another $3,000 placed in escrow with the City of Sulphur Springs as seed money for next year’s event.
Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter
Art Foster, Jr. and Matt Dunn founded the Buried Bone Foundation when the city needed an organization to manage Red, Whites, and Brews. City Manager Marc Maxwell said the city does not wish to run an event but to provide a venue and have another staff, plan, and promote the event. He believes Buried Bones was a great fit for this year. Foster and Dunn stated that any money made in the event would be presented to the canine focused groups and for seed money for next year. Wednesday was the fulfillment of that commitment.
Art Foster explained that the two really wanted to give back to the community by helping out the local dog rescues. “I really like dogs, and Matt really likes dogs so this is our way of helping out local dogs.” He continued: “The ultimate goal for The Buried Bone is to build a dog park.”
To find out more information on how to get involved check out The Buried Bone Foundation’s website.
The Rotary Club of Sulphur Springs had also sponsored a Canine Corner during the event. At Canine Corner, several dogs were adopted.
Hearts of Life Animal Rescue
Inmate Trustee Farm Produce Stand
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has began selling produce from the Trustee Farm. During a Saturday night interview, Sheriff Lewis Tatum explained that they will be selling any excess squash, zucchini, okra, and tomatoes that they grow for that week. In addition to a stand at Celebration Market, the Sheriff’s Office has constructed a produce stand across from the Hopkins County Jail. A box with prices will be left to collect payment on an honors system. Produce is being sold by the basket. All proceeds will be put back into the commissary that funds the garden.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum opened the farm in a cost saving move for county taxpayers. The farm has reduced the cost of each meal produced for inmates at Hopkins County Jail. During the month of March, six hogs, six cows, and 650 chickens were processed. All the meat was processed by trustees and correction officer, according to the sheriff. They also gathered between 40 and 70 eggs daily and planted two gardens. One garden is 130 yards by 80 yards. The second garden is 100 yards by 80 yards. In those gardens they have planted 180 tomato plants, 40 pepper plants, 17 rows of green beans, 20 rows of corn, three and one half rows of potatoes, 1,800 onion plants, and a quarter of an acre of squash.
Three Teacher Retirement Bills Passed by Texas Legislature
Healthcare Month at SS Health and Rehab
REHAB THERAPY SPECIALIST CURT MAYO AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST DEBBIE L. JONES
May is National Healthcare Month. During 2017, Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab has entered a new era of health care for their residents. With it’s 50-year history of serving the community, a new facet of care has been added in the new recovery wing. There are now 13 private Medicare suites centered around the rehabilitation and therapy department. Therapy Specialist Curt Mayo is working with outpatient and inpatient short-term residents in specialized treatment programs. Debbie L. Jones, Business Development Specialist, is planning to conduct CNA classes in the near future. She and her team are also planning a Memorial Day cookout for residents and their guests on Monday May 29 as a fun day and a wrap-up to Healthcare Month. Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab at 411 Airport Road continues their commitment to healthcare, rehabilitation and nursing care with a homelike atmosphere for the citizens of Hopkins County and those in surrounding areas.
