Shepard Appointed Texas Downtown Association Vice President; Leaves Sulphur Springs for Lancaster Economic Development Post
Shane Shepard, Community Development Director for the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, was appointed last Friday as the Vice President of the Texas Downtown Association (TDA). He was Treasurer in 2016. TDA is the statewide organization that provides resources for downtowns throughout the state. They have over 450 members from Main Street and non-Main Street cities. “Between Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, I’ve been a member since 2005,” said Shepard. He continued, “TDA provides a network of great professionals from small communities and large cities. It has a played a core role in my career and strategies – I am honored to be appointed as Vice President”.
The appointment occurred on the heels of Shepard’s announcement that he is resigning his post in Sulphur Springs effective November 28th. He accepted the position of Economic Development Director for the City of Lancaster, ten miles south of downtown Dallas. Shane explained, “I absolutely love Sulphur Springs and it’s with a heavy heart I’m leaving; but I feel Lancaster is the next step on my journey of public service and feel compelled to answer the calling”.
Shane Shepard
Shepard began service in Sulphur Springs in October of 2011. He assisted in developing a business-friendly environment, marketing, a community branding effort, and downtown. “Downtown has been a tremendous team effort,” says Shepard. He continues, “The most effective and lasting business districts are efforts are done by teams and communities. We have a great City Manager and City Council; Capital Construction is absolutely amazing; Tourism has played a key role and I am personally proud of each member of the team in Community Development.” He finished by saying, “… but the effort takes much more than City staff. Local organizations, sponsors, businesses, citizens – everyone is essential! It simply cannot work without community.”
Shepard indicated the City Manager, Marc Maxwell, was a mentor to him over the past five years. “Marc explained to me over and over again that if you love your community and you are in a public service position, you do what you can to create the magic for them. It’s abundantly apparent how much he loves the community”.
On a personal note, this year was one of the toughest for Shepard. “I won’t go into the details of my personal life – we all run into rough spots at some point. For me, it provided time to grow my faith, reflect and plan.” Shepard explained that his self-introspection lead him to meditate over Matthew 7:7-8. He said, “The reason for seeking, asking, and knocking is as important as the action – is it out of love or something lesser such as self gain, scapegoating or anger? We are in an era where we are divided on our differences; however, we have an opportunity to celebrate similarities and be united. Instead of praying for the best, some desire ill-will when there are disagreements, misunderstandings, and mistakes. Political beliefs have become as strong if not stronger than religious faith. It’s dangerous and disappointing. That being said, my parting words are this: Do good without expecting gain. Be fearless and faithful. Let your journey be an act of love.”
You’re Invited to “One”!
by Enola Gay
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell has certainly brought inspiration “to town”! During a chat with Enola Gay on the KSST Morning Show, he was congratulated on his recent recognition by the Texas Downtown Association, and was asked to share with listeners his idea for a fun and meaningful event for Sulphur Springs called “One”. On Saturday November 19 at 4pm, Maxwell is calling everyone together for a one-time choir of townspeople, neighbors and visitors on Celebration Plaza. At this event, the concert will be in the audience, not on the stage! Marc says the idea of a “reverse concert” came to him through a similar music event done at the Toronto Music Festival by concertgoers. There, a crowd of 1500 persons met inside a spacious, abandoned warehouse to learn one song “Hallelujah”, taught by a panel of directors. After a brief run-through, the song was performed by the audience of singers and a recording was made which you can view on You Tube under “Choir, Choir, Choir”. The experience was moving and memorable. Maxwell plans to re-create this spectacle in Sulphur Springs this Saturday afternoon on Celebration Plaza. Any person of any age can participate, and great numbers of voices are needed. Three local musicians will make up the panel of “One” directors onstage…Shannon Askew, director…Micah Petty, lead vocalist..and Calvin Hickerson, keyboardist. The song that will be performed is “What the World Needs Now is Love”. The song, composed by David and Bacharach, was made popular in 1965 by singer Jackie DeShannon as an anthem for displaying love, not hate. In 2016, the song is experiencing revival as an anthem for today’s world. 
I-30 and Hwy 19 Intersection Causes Confusion; Police Begin Writing Tickets Tuesday
by Allison Bledsoe
With major changes at the Hwy 19 and I-30 intersection and overpass, confusion has been created. After construction was completed, orange traffic barrels were placed along road markings as barriers. Since the change, many vehicles have used near by parking lots, such as West Oaks Funeral Home and Jon’s Mini Mart, as places to turn around. Even though signage is posted on Industrial Dr W before the stop sign, many drivers can’t get the pattern down.
TxDOT will be rewording signage, as well as posting more signage and more barrels at the intersections. According to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders, local law enforcement will also begin writing tickets on Tuesday.
Winnsboro Police Department Report November 7-13, 2016
Two arrests, two accidents, 38 citations and 32 warnings written, and responding to 124 calls for service were all in a seven days’ work for the Winnsboro Police Department November 7-13, 2016.
Bruce Berry, 39, of Gilmer was arrested on a Hopkins County Warrant November 10th.
John David Wilsford, 45, of Hooks, was arrested on a Bowie County Warrant November 11th.
A two vehicle minor accident at the intersection of South Main and West Carnegie on November 7th reported no injuries.
A two vehicle minor accident at South Mail and Cedar reported no injuries on November 8th.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Spring Registration Underway
Makayla Glossop was among the early arrivals for spring on-campus registration at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. She is being assisted by advisor/counselor Carey Gable. Early spring registration on campus began Monday and continues through January 14, 2017. For more information, call 903-885-1232 or stop by the campus located at 1137 Loop 301 East.
Saltillo Lions State Champs in 1A; Miller Grove Boys 3rd, Girls 5th
The Saltillo Lions captured the state 1A title at the State Cross Country Meet Saturday at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. The Lions were led by Walker McGill who finished 13th. Lyle Bench was 17th, Dakota Patridge was 18th, Adam Valenzuela was 23rd with Hendrick Rios 26th. Trevor Moore and Branson McGill also completed. Miller Grove finished 3rd in state. Albert Serrano led the way for Miller Grove with a 7th place finish. Luke Brignon was 11th, Jake Pelerose was 24th and Grant Earp 78th. Grant Sharp and Trey Wolfe also competed. Sulphur Bluff was 12th in state and the Bears were led by Turner South with a 21st finish. Also Brennon Seymore was 50th, Johnathan Brown was 90th, Ishmeal Wade was 99th and Trayton South was 110th. Also competing were Jacob Watts and Ricky-Taylor Hatfield. In Class 2A, Javier Rojo of North Hopkins finished 127th.
In girls competition, Miller Grove was 5th in state cross country in Class 1A. Leading them was Aleigh Bessonett in 13th. Cassidy Seaney was 20th, Rosa Schones was 70th, Alexis Green 72nd and Candace Earp 78th. Also participating were Ashley Purser and Alex Zeigler. Saltillo was 8th in state and Sienna Collins finished 3rd. Brenda Castro was 47th, Jocelyn Ochoa was 87th, Madison Simmons was 103rd and Melissa Groenewald was 120th. Melissa Tawil also competed. Maddie Hooker from Yantis was eleventh in state.
Good Shepherd Health System Joins CHRISTUS Health
Ernie Sadau, President and CEO of CHRISTUS Health
(Longview, Texas – Nov. 14, 2016) – Good Shepherd Health System announced today that it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to become part of CHRISTUS Health, an international, Catholic, not-for-profit health system headquartered in Irving, Texas. The proposed agreement will improve Good Shepherd’s ability to meet the ever-growing health care needs of Northeast Texans through increased resources and innovative services.
This agreement is the culmination of Good Shepherd Health System’s search to find an affiliation partner, which was initiated by the system’s Board of Directors and leadership team in August of 2015.
“We feel strongly that CHRISTUS Health is the best potential partner for our organization,” said Good Shepherd President and CEO Steve Altmiller. “After our experience searching for the right fit, it became clear that CHRISTUS Health, a not-for-profit partner based here in Texas, could provide Good Shepherd with both the resources to expand the care we currently provide and strengthen our hospitals for the future, helping us to navigate the rapidly-changing health care environment in the U.S.”
CHRISTUS Health has recently expanded across Northeast Texas. In May of 2016, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, headquartered in Tyler, joined the CHRISTUS Health system as CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. In July of 2016, Memorial Hospital and Clinic joined CHRISTUS Health as CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, along with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic – Sulphur Springs and Emory. In addition, CHRISTUS Health operates the award-winning CHRISTUS St. Michael facilities in Texarkana and Atlanta, Texas.
“We know how important the Longview, Marshall and surrounding communities are to the fabric of Northeast Texas,” said Ernie Sadau, president and CEO of CHRISTUS Health. “We are not only looking forward to welcoming these facilities and these communities into the CHRISTUS family, but also the opportunity to bring together two not-for-profit organizations focused on providing the highest quality, compassionate care. We believe this agreement will ensure that Good Shepherd Health System continues its mission to improve the health of the communities it serves.”
Next, Good Shepherd Health System and CHRISTUS Health will begin work to complete the final phase of due diligence, which includes negotiating the terms of a definitive agreement and beginning state and federal regulatory reviews. This process is expected to be completed by early 2017.
When a final agreement is reached, the partners will work together to continually identify new opportunities to serve, innovate and enhance the health care provided throughout the Northeast Texas area.
“Update” Raza Found Guilty of Online Solicitation
Raza at the time of his arrest in December, 2015.
Mohammad Shabeeh Raza was found guilty of online solicitation of a minor Monday afternoon following a morning trial before Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt. Northcutt remanded Raza into the custody of the Sheriff until the sentencing phase of the trial begins December 6 at 1:30 p.m. according to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris. However, a short time later those plans are on hold as the court deals with an issue that could change the direction for this case.
Harris represented the state in the trial. Raza was arrested in December 15, 2015, after a close shave with an electric razor at a local convenience store. Law enforcement arrested Raza, then 25-years of age, who was living and working in Kansas City, Missouri but had family in Plano. Law enforcement had been in contact with Raza since April, 2015, when he thought he was communicating online with a female under 17.
Hopkins County Investigator Corley Weatherford testified regarding text messages between Raza and one Raza thought to be a female minor. Video of the arrest was also shown during the trial. In the video, Raza was Mirandized and his cellphone was removed from his pocket. Weatherford reviewed the contents of the cellphone at the scene and found tweets between Raza and the supposed female. Also introduced into evidence were eight pictures of items found in Raza’s vehicle including condoms, a camera, and the razor. Defense Attorney Frank Long raised the question that the items in the vehicle had been placed there by the sheriff’s deputy that drove the vehicle to the Sheriff’s office. Weatherford stated that even though there was only one officer in the vehicle, the vehicle was followed by a patrol vehicle. Deputy Johnny Clark testified that items in the vehicle were not moved inside the auto during transport.
The 5 ft. one inch male arrived at a local convenience store on a December Sunday following a holiday stop with friends in the Dallas area. Arriving early, Raza had just finished shaving in the store restroom when he exited the restroom and was taken into custody by Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County law enforcement. He was the held in Hopkins County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Bond for Raza was increased to $200,000 the next day after more information was made available to Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings and local law enforcement. When ordering the ankle monitor, J. P. Cummings discovered that Raza held dual citizenship in the U. S. and in India. It was also disclosed that he had ties in Pakistan and had traveled to London and Europe recently. The Justice of the Peace deemed Raza a flight risk and required him to relinquish his passport and to remain in Texas should he be released. Raza has a 15-year old sister and father who live in Plano.
Raza said, at the time of his arrest, that he is a systems engineer for a company in Kansas City and claimed Plano, Texas as his hometown.
“Into the Woods” Musical opens November 17
LaShay Woodard, Director of SSHS Theater Arts Department and Junior student Jaci Reed visited the KSST Morning Show to promote their production of “Into the Woods”. The play is an adaptation of a movie and involves close to 30 students in the cast. Principal characters include Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Witch (Sydnee Hawkins) the Baker (Jace Thompson) and the Baker’s Wife (Jaci Reed) and many others. Though storybook characters, Mrs. Woodard explained that the script is quite involved and the songs quite difficult, so the audience will really get to experience the talent of the students. And, just as each character has a different reason for going into the woods and finding their path, the lesson presented is that each of us enters and experiences life in a different and vital way. The group will hold four performances…Thursday November 17, Friday November 18 and Saturday November 19 at 7 pm, and Sunday November 20 at 2pm. This is the department’s debut on the all-new stage of the SSHS Auditorium , formerly known as the Civic Center auditorium. Admission is $10 person with tickets available from any cast member, in the high school office and at the door. Coming up in December, the SSHS Theater Arts department will present the drama “The Dining Room” featuring advanced theater students.
