Meal A Day Needs In Town Driver in January, 2017
Meal A Day will be in need of a new IN TOWN driver in January 2017. I have a driver that can no longer drive. If you would like to volunteer for this FRIDAY Route please contact me at (903) 885-1661 or email me at [email protected].. Thank You so much.
Man Who Shaved Sons’ Hair Found Guilty of Tampering With Physical Evidence By Franklin County Jury
by Clay Harrison, Assistant District Attorney
Daniel Arnold, 33, of Mount Vernon, was tried by a Franklin County jury on December 12 and 13 for three counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence. In November of 2015, CPS investigators became aware of allegations that the Defendant may have exposed his children to methamphetamine. The Defendant’s sons were one year old and three years old at the time. A CPS investigator asked the Defendant for a sample of his hair to test for the presence of drugs. The Defendant refused to consent to the hair test, and CPS decided that they lacked sufficient evidence to obtain a court order. Therefore, the CPS case was closed. Within weeks, the Defendant then shaved himself bald and also shaved the one year old and the three year old.
Two weeks later, a new CPS investigation began based on additional allegations that the mother of the children may have exposed them to methamphetamine. Because the children were living with the Defendant at the time of the new investigation, CPS workers asked the Defendant for consent to test the hair of the children. When the Defendant refused, CPS succeeded in obtaining a court order from District Judge Will Biard. However, within a week of being ordered to provide the hair samples by the Judge, the Defendant shaved his entire body from head to toe. He also cut the hair of both children. It was based on these acts that the Defendant was indicted for three felony counts of Tampering With Physical Evidence. There were three charges because he tampered with the hair of three people: the one year old, the three year old, and himself.
The Defendant was found guilty by the jury in 35 minutes. He will be sentenced by Judge Eddie Northcutt on January 6 in Franklin County. The Defendant has a prior conviction for possession of methamphetamine and is currently on probation for assaulting the mother of the children. His range of punishment is 2 to 10 years in prison. He is also eligible for probation.
Our hope is that this case sets a precedent in CPS cases. While tampering with evidence is unfortunately a common practice in these cases, jury verdicts like this send a message that destroying evidence will not be tolerated in our community.
Sulphur Springs Public Library Director’s Report
DIRECTOR’S NOTEBOOK by Hope Cain
Behind every great community is a great library! The Sulphur Springs Public Library is a great place to:
Tour. We recently led the Sulphur Springs Adult Leadership Class through a tour of the library. They said of the tour: “The library is a great asset to our community. It is versatile and important to our citizens.” We have tours for the St. Clair music box collection and the Sinclair WWII collection, in addition to a general library tour. Call ahead and schedule a tour today. 903-885-4926
Interact. The library is a great place to interact and explore at a centrally located meeting space. Numerous school groups meet in the Storytime Room on a regular basis. The conference room for students and adults is used for many purposes including tutoring groups, study groups, small meetings and job interviews. We believe that continued learning is crucial to a community’s success.
Learn. We offer Computer Coach, a program where a library staff can sit with you for 10 minutes to assist you with anything you need on the computer. Job application, write a letter, set up and use an email, fill out online paperwork…just about anything you feel you would like assistance with. Call 903-885-4926 and set an appointment today.
Read. Love of reading begins at a young age. My dad read to me and my little sister every night and many times in between. Some of my favorites were: Amos and Boris, Goodnight Moon and Flat Stanley.
Oprah Winfrey said of the library, “Getting my library card was like citizenship; it was like American citizenship.”
Remember. Do you remember your first library card as a child? The majesty of book filled shelves full of characters, adventures and faraway settings? That’s because someone in your life felt the library was an important part of childhood. Share your library story with us so we can share with others.
*Watch the library calendar for Adult library events in February or call us for details. 903-885-4926.
I guess the holidays find me a little nostalgic. Do you remember visiting the library as a child?
The rows of books and the majesty of the shelves filled with characters, stories and faraway settings?
That’s because someone in your life felt the library was an important part of childhood. If you are a parent or grandparent, ask yourself, “Is it important that my child/grandchild remember their trips to the library?” Make a difference in a child’s life by taking them to the library on a regular basis A library should be a place of living, not a vacation destination. A library should be like going to a friend’s house, where you know where your favorite things are. It warms my heart when a family comes in and the children run to their favorite section of books to choose from…Bernstein Bears, Curious George, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Fancy Nancy, Amelia Bedelia, Stuart Little, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little House on the Prairie.
My dad read to me and my little sister every night and many times in between. If you are in my office, there is a great photo of him reading to us. Those are cherished memories for me. Some of my favorite childhood books were Amos and Boris, Goodnight Moon, Flat Stanley, Francis the Raccoon.
Hope Cain, Director of the Sulphur Springs Public Library.
Rescue the Perishing Food Drive December 17
Bishop Nelson Gatlin stopped by the KSST Studios on Friday morning to remind listeners about Saturday’s “Rescue the Perishing” Food Drive at Mitchell Chapel Church of God in Christ in Sulphur Springs. The drive will begin at 8am at the church, 402 South Jackson Street. Persons in need can receive a food basket with ID of a driver’s license or Sulphur Springs water bill. Formerly Pastor of only Mitchell Chapel, Gatlin became a Superintendent over 8 area churches, then in 2016 was named Bishop, overseeing 55 churches in N E Texas. He still enjoys visiting and spending time with each congregation individually. He is one of 19 Bishops in Texas and 350 nationwide. Churches of God in Christ have 8 million members in 89 countries of the world.
BISHOP NELSON GATLIN WITH KSST EMPLOYEES DOLLIE KELLY AND ENOLA GAY
FOOD DRIVE VOLUNTEERS ROBERT BONNER JR, CARNELL ALEX, MARVA ALEXANDER, BISHOP GATLIN, NEHEMIAH AND DETRA SHAMLIN, MOTHER G. SHAMLIN AND NITA BARRETT.
Game Day: Lady Cats Seek Second District Win; Wildcats Host Royse City
Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ basketball teams will be playing at home this Friday game day.
The Lady Cats will be having their second district game as they will host Hallsville Friday afternoon in Wildcats Gym. Games begin with the freshmen team playing at 2:30 p.m. The JV is scheduled to play at around 3:30 p.m. The varsity Lady Cats take on Hallsville at around 5 p.m. The Lady Cats varsity is 1-0 in district after defeating Greenville on Tuesday, 40-17. Hallsville is 0-1 after losing at home Tuesday to Texas High, 68-55. The Lady Cats are 12-3 for the season. The Lady Bobcats are 13-6 so far this year. We will bring you the Lady Cats and Hallsville game Friday at around 5 p.m. on KSST Radio. We will also videotape the game for replay on Channel 18 TV on Suddenlink Cable at a later date.
The Wildcats will be taking on Royse City Friday night in the Sulphur Springs Middle School Gym. The freshmen Wildcats play Royse City at 5 p.m. The JV game should start at around 6:15 p.m. The varsity Wildcats game should get underway at around 7:30 p.m. The Wildcats varsity has defeated the Bulldogs in two scrimmages and during the Royse City tournament, 61-43. Victor Iwuakor had 16 points and Ke’Ontae Dunn 15 during that game. The Wildcats season record is 12-2. They lost a very competitive game at Paris, 67-64 Tuesday night.
Shopping Local is more fun this Christmas!
SHOE INN ETC. OWNER EMMA OWENS WITH GRANDDAUGHTER MORGAN OWENS
Veteran businesswoman Emma Owens and other retailers in Windsor Plaza Shopping Center decided to hold an after-hours Open House with refreshments, discounts, giveaways and visits with Santa Claus on December 15. Marlene’s Sass and Class, Beauty Grace Boutique, Shoe Inn Etc., Just Country and Blingin’ Crazy are among businesses promoting “shopping local”… and for people searching for the just-right Christmas gifts, this can have a number of fun benefits. By staying open late, these merchants enjoyed a steady flow of visitors to their shops between 6 and 9pm, got to meet a number of families who brought the children to see Santa, and a chance to acquaint new customers with the goods and services they offer the community year-round.
OWNER MARLENE DEYONG AND HER CHRISTMAS STAFF AT MARLENE’S SASS N CLASS
BEAUTY GRACE OWNER ANA VELASCO WITH MIREYA VAUGHN OF RODAN AND FIELDS
MARANDA BRANTLEY, KYLIE COOPER AT BLINGIN CRAZY. OWNER, ANGIE CHURCHMAN
JUST COUNTRY OWNER DEONNA WATKINS WITH HER SISTER LANA VANVLEET
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SANTA BRYANT AND PAISLEY AND BRODY WATKINS !
Retirees Honored at County Employee Christmas Party
At the annual Christmas party for Hopkins County employees held at the Civic Center on December 15, 2016, there was good music, great food and warm fellowship. Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsome emceed the evening’s celebration, where four county retirees were honored.
Sheriff Butch Adams and Precinct One Commissioner Beth Wisenbaker have each put in 20 years of service in their office. They each plan to spend time with their respective families and enjoy being grandparents. Chief Deputy Ricky Morgan will retire on December 31 after 29 years with the department. Precinct 1 foreman Rodney Keller has worked for the county for 37 and a half years. Also in attendance was Sheriff-elect Lewis Tatum who will be sworn in as Hopkins County Sheriff on January 1, 2017. The well-attended Christmas event featured country music by Monty Tipps and Main Street Band and a BBQ meal catered by Big Smith’s BBQ and Catfish.
Texas Senator Bob Hall Hears Local Concerns During Thursday’s Town Hall
Texas State Senator Robert “Bob” Hall addressed approximately 25 people Thursday afternoon at a Town Hall in the Council Chambers of Sulphur Springs City Hall. Hall told the small gathering that he and his staff will promote conservative principles during the 85th Legislative Session of the Texas Senate. Hall addressed specific pieces of legislation and answered questions from those present. Those who spoke seemed to have come with their own agenda of legislative needs that had not been addressed by Hall.
Hall told KSST News that in the Town Hall meetings already conducted the questions regarding property taxes are gaining momentum and are now ahead of boarder security. Protecting the electrical grid is also high on the list of concerns. He said boarder security is a concern and most of the district awaits the federal government’s decisions and steps taken to secure the borders. Regarding property tax, Hall said the tax is growing in many areas and that growth must be changed. The electrical grid’s vulnerability to terrorist attack and the affect that would have on daily life in the state is also high on the list of calls to his office.
He noted no new issues have been brought up. He said many are wondering why the security of women and children in the bathroom is an issue. He stated that their safety should be secure and without question.
At the local Town Hall meeting, a retired policeman and military veteran questioned the legislation regarding educational assistance for veterans and their children in Texas. Hall responded that the legislature would seek to restore the assistance after a veteran moved to Texas from another state and was refused the funding. Hall noted that the bill was passed for Texas veterans but not for those who move to Texas to take advantage of the funding. An educator questioned certain segments of House Bill 5 that denied certain certification to students who passed the local school curriculum but did not pass the state’s standardized test. Hall referred both questions to his staff.
Hall said that he would be guided by five qualifying questions for each piece of legislation analyzed. He asks, 1) “Is it constitutional?”; 2) “Does it support a core function of government?”; 3) “Does it increase personal liberty, free enterprise, personal responsibility, or property rights?” 4) Will it decrease spending, taxes/fees governmental control, regulations, or federal overreach?”; and 5) “Is it right for a moral person?”
He addressed specific legislative pieces. Life After Roe (SCR 9) is a proposed constitutional amendment to give full constitutional protections of the right to life to the unborn under the Texas Constitution. Veteran Homestead Exemption (SB 97) would apply the homestead exemption to the disability application file date and create a remedy for the federal government’s multi-year veteran disability application wait times. Title Insurance (SB TBD) will completely regulate the title insurance industry, which includes setting a fixed price and fixed level of coverage. Intrastate Commerce (SB 92) will set regulatory certainty for businesses as they seek to expand throughout Texas. Red Light Camera Repeal (SB 88) would prohibit counties, municipalities, school districts, and state agencies from using or operating photographic traffic signal enforcement systems and prohibit the entities from issuing a civil or criminal charge based on evidence from such a system. The Civil Asset Forfeiture (SB TBD) would require that property cannot be forfeited without a criminal conviction.
He also addressed securing the Texas Electrical Grid (SB 83); Maintaining the Rule of Law on Texas Boarders (SB TBD); Self-Defense Security Zones (SB 86) providing immunity for business and property owners from civil liability if a carry license holder is injured on their property from gun-related violence; Election Integrity (SB TBD); Repeal Driver’s Responsibility Program (SB 90) which would repeal the program which prevents a person from having his or her driver’s license suspended for mere failure to pay a surcharge; and Transportation Expiring Revenue Enhancement Bill (SB 84) which would create a new financing mechanism for design-build highway projects by TxDOT providing an alternative source of financing to the construction of toll roads.
Hall’s senate committee assignments include: Vice Chair of the Border Security Sub-committee; Veterans Affairs and Military Installations; Transportation; Natural Resources and economic Development; and Agriculture Water, and Rural Affairs.
Property Hearing Tuesday Determines Fate of Seized Malnourished Cattle
A property hearing regarding approximately 45 head of malnourished cattle seized Monday by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be conducted in Hopkins County Justice of the Peace Court Tuesday, December 20th. The owner of the cattle seeks to retain custody of the animals. The owner stated that if he does not regain custody of the cattle, he will purchase 40 more cows and place them in the pasture, according to law enforcement officers with whom he spoke.
At this time no charges have been filed but, according to Coby Hume, Hopkins County Animal Cruelty Investigator, the case is being sent to the County Attorney’s Office. He stated that at this time the charges would only be a misdemeanor but a veterinarian with the SPCA was examining one or more of the approximate 10 dead animals at the scene to determine whether or not the cattle died of starvation, disease, or another cause. The findings of the veterinarian tests could result in criminal charges filed.
A call Monday morning alerted Hume to approximately 45 head of cattle that were malnourished in a pasture just south of the intersection of State Highway 19 and FM 71 in Birthright. Along with the malnourished cattle, approximately 10 head were found dead near a pool and two of the bovine bodies were in the pool on the property. According to Hume it seems the cattle had broken through a weak fence and torn down bales of hay to eat. That hay was trampled under their feet and ruined by their own waste.
On Monday, Hume contacted Art Muñoz with the SPCA who brought a team to take the cattle to a safe place with food, water, and veterinarian services. Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer had signed a warrant for the seizure of the cattle.
