Freudiger May Avoid Additional Jail Time
August 11, 2023 – Michelle Denise Freudiger, who shot her husband in the face after an argument, may be able to avoid additional jail time.
Michelle Denise Freudiger was arrested in April after Wood County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about a woman shooting a man in the face. Freudiger’s husband survived the shooting.
Freudiger, charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, entered a guilty plea in Judge Brad McCampbell’s court on Thursday in exchange for 10 years deferred adjudication. No additional details of her probation were released.
Houston Street Getting Ready for School
August 11, 2023 – Houston Street along Gerald Prim Stadium, The SW Dairy Museum, the Civic Center and the student entrance to the SSISD High School is being resurfaced this week.
Teachers and Staff are already working at all SSISD locations to get ready for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
Forms of asphalt recycling date back to 1915, becoming increasingly popular in the 1970s with the development of the modern milling machine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Highway Administration estimate that we recycle more than 80 percent of the 90 million tons of asphalt pavement reclaimed each year in the US.
The top layer of asphalt has been milled away as of Friday morning. It should not take long to bring in recycled and renewed asphalt and roll it down. Traffic should be allowed to flow in both directions ie the street should not need to be closed.
Avoiding Houston from Hillcrest (Highway 19) to League st might be a good idea for the next few weeks. Once school starts on Tuesday August 22, the school zone will go back in effect and there will be more drivers navigating the student entrance.
The Successful Robotics Camp was Recently Held at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs
Robotics Coding Camp participant Lane Abernathy of Sulphur Bluff gets instruction for camp instructor Cedric Crawford during the camp that was conducted at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Dinner Bell Menu For August 16, 2023
Alliance Bank is a very supportive entity in Sulphur Springs by being a Community Partner four times a year. This is the third event in 2023. Dinner Bell appreciates the Alliance Bank and its staff which give graciously to the area.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 on Wednesday.
MENU
Baked Spaghetti
Sauteed Yellow and Zucchini Squash
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Kentucky Butter Poke Cake
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC AND FLU ARE STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Designer Handbag Bingo Nets $60,000
The most popular event in Hopkins County, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s
Designer Handbag Bingo, was held on August 3, 2023. With 539 participants, 34 designer bags, 10
door prizes and 5 tie-breaker consolation prizes, the night was a big one!
The Foundation had hoped to make $50,000 this year to provide programs such as a Free
Mammography Clinic to be held in October. The preliminary income and expenses show the
net proceeds to be a little over $60,000 due to the generosity of bingo players and donors.
With the help of sponsors and donors, gorgeous designer handbags, including luxury bags, were
part of the winnings. Due to the participants and volunteers, the event was a fun one!
Everyone cheered on the winners!
The biggest winner from Designer Handbag Bingo is healthcare in Hopkins County…which is the
beneficiary of the proceeds. In addition to the Free Mammography Clinic, the Foundation also
provides free wigs and prosthetics to Hopkins County women undergoing breast cancer
treatment. Additionally, the Foundation sets a yearly funding priority which insures that the
best medical technology, equipment, and offerings are available to Hopkins County citizens.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is an IRS designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit, governed
by an all-volunteer board of directors, each of whom lives and works in Hopkins County. All
funds raised by the Foundation stay in Hopkins County to benefit its citizens. For more
information contact Kayla Price, Executive Director, at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
Photo 1: Dr. Martin Fielder welcomes the Designer Handbag Bingo crowd as Dr. David Black
looks on. In the background are Don Sapaugh and Tanner Crump preparing for the event start.
Photo 2: Three handbag winners, l-r, Laura Jones, Kasey Knotts, and Maci Merrell are assisted
by the event’s Manly Helpers, 2nd row, l – r, Dr. Martin Fielder, Nolan Willis, Fr. Justin Wiley, and
Will Douglas, PharmD.
Photo 3: Linda Galligher’s (middle, front) door prize win is celebrated by, l-r, Nolan Willis, Paul
Harvey, and Jeff Sanderson.
Photo 4: Jeff Sanderson (left) and Don Sapuagh (right and sideways), provide Katelyn Morgan
with a tie-breaker consolation prize at Designer Handbag Bingo.
Hopkins County – No Burn Ban, But Caution Advised
August 10, 2023 – The latest Drought Map from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows Hopkins County to have a “No Drought” rating as of August 8th, 2023. As surrounding counties, mostly to our South and West are showing to start increasing in their drought rating, some are beginning to enforce burn bans in their counties. Officials in Hopkins County have not yet announced a burn ban for local residents but do advise county residents to use extreme caution when burning trash, brush, or working with equipment outdoors. Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley also warns those performing any outdoor welding to use caution and have fire extenguishers and/or water on hand in case of an emergency.
The latest Drought Map released this week show some counties in central Texas to now be experiencing “Exceptional Drought” which is the highest or worst rating of D4 on the drought scale. Closer to home, most of Van Zandt County to our South is now in the D0 category showing to be “Abnormally Dry” prompting officials in that county to issue a burn ban for 90 days starting August 7th, 2023.
Covington Violates Parole, Back in Hopkins County Jail
August 10, 2023 – VALERIE NICHOLE COVINGTON was arrested this week for violating her parole. The 20 year-old sulphur Springs resident, who lists herself as unemployed, was taken into custody at a Milligan St address without incident.
Covington was arrested in August 2021 at a Helm Lane apartment. She had an outstanding warrant for surety off bond on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. See that story here.
Covington was arrested in 2020 and charged with third-degree felony controlled substance. Her bond at that time was set at $10,000. See that story here.
Her current bond is set at $150,000.
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.
Gunter Burns in Custody
Press Release from Delta County Sheriff Charla Singleton
On Monday, August 7, 2023, at 9:30 p.m., deputies with the Delta County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation of an aggravated assault involving a firearm. Due to the ongoing nature of the incident, Sgt. Manrique acquired an arrest warrant for the suspect for the charge of Aggravated Assault on a Family Member with a Weapon. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Cooper resident Gunter Burns and he was subsequently arrested on the warrant. At the scene, deputies were able to recover a small baggie containing crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamines and a gun.
Through the information gathered during the investigation, a search warrant was secured for a search of the premises. On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 12:20 p.m., deputies with the Delta County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the 2600 block of FM 1529. During that search, deputies were able to recover a large amount of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamines, a clear liquid believed to contain methamphetamine solution and more firearms. In addition, deputies recovered equipment used for the manufacture and delivery of drugs.
Mr. Burns has been charged with a Felony 2 Aggravated Assault of a Family / Household Member with a Weapon, Felony 1 Manufacture / Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 with more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams and a State Jail Felony charge of Abandon / Endanger A Child.
Mr. Burns has been arraigned on the initial charge of Felony 2 Aggravated Assault of a Family / Household Member with a Weapon and is being held on a $75,000 bond and is awaiting to be arraigned on the other additional charges.
The investigation into this incident is continuing and additional charges may be filed on this case.
Bond for Baldwin Deemed Insufficient
August 9, 2023 – 45 year-old Christopher Lynn Baldwin of Sulphur Springs was arrested this week on a warrant for insufficient bond. Baldwin was located at his Precinct 2 address by Hopkins County Sheriff Deputies. His bond is now set at $500,000. Baldwin was charged in 2022 with indecency with a child.
HCSO Deputy arrested Christopher Lynn Baldwin around 3 p.m. Dec. 22, 2022, at his State Highway 11 east residence on a warrant. He was transported the sheriff’s office for an interview with investigators. Baldwin was then escorted into the county jail, where he was booked in at 3:20 p.m. on an indecency with a child charge. Bond was recommended at $100,000 on the second degree felony charge; Baldwin was released from jail Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. The offence is alleged to have occurred on or about Aug. 8, 2022.
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.
Smokey Bear Turns 79
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 79th birthday today by being extremely cautious with all outdoor activities that create heat or sparks.
As a national icon and the longest-running public service campaign in the United States, Smokey Bear has been teaching millions of people how to prevent wildfires since 1944.
“With increased wildfire activity across Texas, Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention message proves to be just as important now as it was 79 years ago,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator.
Across the nation, approximately nine out of 10 wildfires are human-caused. In Texas last year, 96 percent of all reported wildfires were started by humans and their activities – completely preventable.
“The most common causes of wildfires during the summer are debris burning and equipment use,” said Stafford. “This includes parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains.”
Smokey Bear recommends some tried and true practices to help prevent wildfires this summer:
- Always check with local officials for burn bans and other outdoor burning restrictions. Pay attention to local guidelines regarding open fires, campfires and outdoor activities that may pose a fire hazard. For burn ban information, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans/.
- Park in designated spaces and avoid driving over and/or parking on dry grass. The heat from a vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure it is completely out by drowning it with water, stirring it and feeling to ensure it is out cold before leaving.
- When pulling a trailer, ensure the chains are properly connected and do not drag on the road as this can create sparks.
- If you witness suspicious behavior or signs of arson, immediately call the local authorities.
- Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property. Remember, only you can prevent wildfires.
For more information about summer wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires/.
In preparation for Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday celebration in 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service has launched a poster contest for Texas students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For information and contest rules, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SmokeyPosterContest/. All contest entries must be received or postmarked by Sept. 15, 2023, for consideration.
