Presentation of New CHRISTUS Health Care Professionals
On Tuesday night healthcare professionals (from left to right) Tiffany Gebel, M.D., Rose Campbell, CP NP-PC, Leah Irving, FNP-C, and Jordan Potts, FNP-C were all celebrated as new employees at CHRISTUS Mother Frances- Sulphur Springs. President Paul Harvey introduced the women and let them tell a little about themselves and their families. Refreshments were provided.
Animal of the Week: Mrs. Howell
This week’s animal is a female, blue heeler mix named Mrs. Howell. After our initial introduction, Mrs. Howell showed signs of a very sweet nature and lots of curiosity! Mrs. Howell was an owner surrender along with her brother in September. She is believed to be a little over two years old. She has been spayed, had all her shots, and is ready for a new family! Mrs. Howell’s adoption fee is $100. On October 15th, from 11 am-4 pm, an off-site adoption event will take place at Tractor Supply in Sulphur Springs where Mrs. Howell will be present!
“In My Closet” A Partnership of Health Care Foundation and Cross Country Cowboy Church
by Meredith Caddell, Director of the Hopkins County Heath Care Foundation
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation in partnership with Cross Country Cowboy Church announces the Grand Opening of “In My Closet”.
Cancer…that dreaded word has plagued so many families in Hopkins County. The end result is the Health Care Foundation and Cross Country Cowboy Church want to find a way to help.
The Cross Country Cowboy Church has hosted the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Ranch Rodeo for the past couple of years with all of the proceeds benefiting the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation–specifically for cancer patients. After several meetings the two organizations realized the need for necessities for patients undergoing cancer treatments, which is where the vision for “In My Closet” was born.
“In My Closet” is now offering a helping hand for men and women undergoing cancer treatments. The closet is filled with an assortment of wigs, scarves, hats, specialty lotions/creams, books, puzzles, etc. The desire is to help patients feel better. Recognizing the difficulties of finding certain items in our community, the church and health care foundation are hoping to help patients who cannot drive to Dallas or those who might not have the funds to purchase items online.
This is a free service and is for anyone struggling through cancer. A picture ID & doctor appointment card are the only requirements. The closet will be open on Tuesdays from 9am-2pm, or by appointment.
Donations of new or gently used items are welcomed as well as monetary love donations.
For more information contact the Health Care Foundation office @ 903-438-4799.
Pritchard’s Bonds Increased Following Thursday Hearing
Thursday morning in Eighth Judicial District Court, Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris filed a motion on behalf of the state to hold bonds for Nicole Pritchard as insufficient for the two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance greater than 4-grams and less than 200-grams. She was accused of committing a new offense while out on bond for those two charges.
In the hearing, Harris called Officer Joe Scott and Sgt. Mark Estes with the Special Crimes Unit who testified for the state regarding the new charge. Judge Eddie Northcutt found that the defendant had committed the new offense and held her bond insufficient. Her bonds have now been set at $50,000 for each of the two counts for which she was out on bond. The bond of $10,000 had been set for her August 31st offense. She is now in custody on bonds totaling $110,000.
In the original offense, a traffic stop on East Loop 301 found a vehicle carrying three individuals that pulled up to make contact with Ellis, Jr. and Carrizales. Brandon Jon Stowater, 18, was riding in the front passenger seat. Investigators clearly noticed Stowater attempting to hide something in the area of the seat. Stowater was then taken out of the vehicle and detained for the officers’ safety. The investigator could see in plain sight a Marlboro cigarette package with the top slightly opened in the passenger door. A clear plastic Ziploc bag could be seen sticking out of the cigarette pack. The bag was retrieved by the investigator and was found to contain approximately 7.7 grams of methamphetamine and a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana. At that time, the driver and remaining passengers were asked to exit the vehicle. Pritchard, 25, was one of the passengers for Possession of a Controlled Substance greater than 4 grams and less than 200 grams
Doddy Pleads Guilty During District Court Docket Call Thursday
In Eighth Judicial District Court Thursday morning, Antonio Eugene Doddy, 36 pled guilty and was sentenced to 12 months in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Evading Arrest Detention with a previous conviction. Doddy was arrested June 6 of this year. He had prior arrests in Upshur and Camp Counties.
A full docket including pretrial, administrative hearings, and various stages of actions before the court regarding those charged with offenses were scheduled to be heard both morning and afternoon keeping the court busy Thursday.
Chamber Connection October 13, 2016
by Lezley Brown
The Stew Contest is almost here!! The Chamber had a successful meeting Tuesday night with our soon to be stew cooks who were able to pick up their goody bags and grocery reimbursement checks. If you are already signed up to cook stew but missed the meeting, please come by the Chamber to pick up your awesome goody bag.
The 47th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest will be held at Buford Park on Saturday, October 22nd. Stew service will begin at 10:45 a.m. Quart sales begin at 11:30 a.m., and the “Drive-Thru Stew” line will open at 12:30 p.m. Stew tickets are already on sale at all local banks and at the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are All-You-Can-Eat Stew for $5.00 each. T-shirts will also be available for $10 each.
More exciting Chamber news:
The winners of the Inaugural Photography Contest were announced this week. First place winners were: Sara Voss, Children’s category; Amy Voss, People category; Craig McBrayer, Natural World category, and Kelly Patterson, Hopkins County Experience category. Kim Beck was named the winner of the Enhanced Image category as well as Overall Winner. Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to all who submitted photographs into the competition. The entries were fantastic!
Fall Festival is selling tickets for the October 22nd Hometown Sounds Concert featuring Hannah Kirby
Tickets went on sale Thursday, September 1st for the Hannah Kirby and Mansion Family Hometown Sounds Concert on October 22nd. Tickets are on sale online at www.outhousetickets.com and cost $17.50 each. The concert will be held that evening in the SSISD Auditorium.
The HC Fall Festival hosted their Business After Hours on Thursday, October 6th from 5-6:30 p.m.
The Hopkins County Fall Festival held their Business After Hours Mixer and Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, October 6th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in Sulphur Springs. There were finger foods, desserts, beer, wine and great door prizes. This officially launched the 2016 Fall Festival. For all Fall Festival information, please visit www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com.
P-31 Fitness hosted a free class and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, October 8th at 8 a.m.
P-31 Fitness hosted their ribbon cutting celebration followed by a free class to all who wanted to participate. Krista Morrill, current owner of P-31 Fitness, invited Rachel Curtis, the founder of P-31 Fitness, to lead the class! This was a great opportunity for anyone who was curious to try P-31 to come give it a whirl. The ribbon cutting began at 8 a.m., and the hour long class immediately followed. P-31 meets at The ROC gym in Sulphur Springs, 116 Oak Avenue. For more information, visit www.p31fitness.com.
Summit Dental will host their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, October 13th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Summit Dental will hold a ribbon cutting and Open House celebration to welcome their new dentist, Elizabeth Jaynes, on Thursday, October 13th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. They are located at 422 Oak Avenue in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to come by and network with our Chamber family at Summit Dental.
CBJ will host a Business After Hours on Thursday, October 13th at 5:30 p.m.
CBJ Embroidery & Screen Printing is hosting a Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the opening of their new location at 321 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs. They are inviting everyone to come by to see their newly remodeled building and to enjoy food and drinks. Please place this event on your calendar!
Brian Toliver Ford will host a Ground Breaking Ceremony on Friday, October 14th at noon
Brian Toliver Ford will host a Ground Breaking Ceremony for their new dealership on Friday, October 14th at noon. Come and enjoy snacks and refreshments and catch a peek at the plans for the new dealership.
Pumpkins-on-the-Square has been cancelled but…
Pumpkins on the Square that was scheduled for Saturday, October 15th has been cancelled. However, the judging for the fall decorating contest will still be held on Friday, October 14th.
The Fall Festival Parade is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th at 10 a.m.
The Fall Festival Parade will be held Saturday, October 15th beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will take its usual route leaving from Buford Park, continuing on Connally street, then heading down Gilmer Street. You must register to ride in the parade. For more information, see www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com.
Reilly Springs Jamboree 60th Anniversary Show on Saturday, October 15th at 6 p.m.
Wow! 60 years! The Reilly Springs Jamboree is having their 60th Anniversary Show on Saturday, October 15th at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and there will also be cake walks and door prizes. Many performers will be there including Roger Reed & Sunshine Band, Shelby Glen & Texas Thunder. For more information, call Enola Gay at (903) 438-3568 or Roger Reed at (903) 348-7114. The Reilly Springs Community Center is located at 109 CR 1439 in Sulphur Springs.
Cross Country Cowboy Church to host 7th Annual Fall Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, October 29th at 7 p.m.
Cross Country Cowboy Church is hosting their 7th Annual Fall Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, October 29th at 7 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Tickets are $5, and the first 500 ticket holders receive a free meal of hamburger or hot dog, fries, and a drink. Kids four and under may enter for free. There is fun for the whole family including free kid scrambles, wild cow milkin’s, and a team bucket race. There is a $600 entry fee to be a contestant in the rodeo. Proceeds benefit local residents fighting cancer through the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. Contact Rowdy France for more information, (903) 243-2524.
Divorce Care held weekly at First United Methodist Church at 6:00 p.m.
Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group that will help you heal from the hurt of divorce or separation. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. You will learn practical information that will help you deal with the challenges of being divorced. Best of all, you will gain hope, healing, and help for your future. Divorce Care Meets every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 beginning on October 5th at the First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs in the Open Door Sunday School Classroom. This is found in the basement of the main building. There is childcare if needed. They will meet for 14 weeks with one week of a special session entitled “Surviving the Holidays”. This is scheduled for November 16th. Contact information is Tom Young at [email protected], (903) 413-1673 or Debbie Young at [email protected]; (903) 243-1235.
The Senior Citizens Center is honoring local Veterans during the month of November
Karon Weatherman from the Senior Citizens Center is planning to honor local veterans during the month of November. If you are a veteran and would like to have your photo on the wall at the Senior Citizens Center, please bring in or mail a photo of yourself in your military uniform. These photos will be returned in excellent condition. You may submit 5×7 photos, but nothing larger. The address to mail the photos is: Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Blvd, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482. Photos need to be submitted by Friday, October 21st. The Senior Citizens Center is eager to say thank you to veterans for their service.
New members to the Chamber:
Welcome to our two new members of the Chamber of Commerce! We are happy to welcome The Alcove at 101 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs, and H&R Block at 1402 Mockingbird Lane in Sulphur Springs.
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
Failure to Flee Probation Officer
When the SSPD officer arrived at the adult probation office to arrest a man on violation of probation warrants, the officer observed a probation officer giving chase to the individual he would arrest.
The probation officer chased Sean Eric Whittle, 28, into the parking lot where Whittle was entering an auto on the passenger side. The police officer blocked the auto’s exit and confronted Whittle.
Whittle is in Hopkins County Jail being held for violation of probation on two counts of delivery of marijuana under 5 lbs. His charges add up to a state jail felony.
Roach Found Guilty, Sentenced to 25 Years Without Parole
Wednesday afternoon in Eighth Judicial District Court, Donald Michael Roach was found guilty of Sex Abuse of a Child Continuous: Victim Under 14-Female and was sentenced to 25 years without parole in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Roach will be 69 years old when released from prison.
Donald Michael Roach
Regarding the case, Assistant District Attorney Harrison said, “On October 11th and 12th, Donald Michael Roach of Yantis was tried for the offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14 Years of Age. Judge Eddie Northcutt heard the case as the fact-finder and a jury was waived by both sides. During the trial, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Dennis Findley testified about his work on the case and he offered photographs he had taken of the house where the sexual abuse took place for several months. The victim in the case, an 8-year old female, testified about a pattern of sexual acts that Roach performed on her in her mother’s house, in Roach’s truck, and at a deer stand Roach had access to.
The child was interviewed in Winnsboro by forensic interviewer Mary Spurlin who specializes in working with children who have been sexually abused. She was also examined by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Roselyn Anglin, for physical and medical indicators of abuse. Kenneth Dean, the Hopkins County Jail Administrator, offered three recorded telephone calls made by Roach in which he made incriminating statements about the case and admitted to lying to his attorneys. Judge Northcutt found Roach guilty on October 12th and sentenced him later that afternoon.
During sentencing, Roach’s ex-wife testified that he held a shotgun to her head for hours while he was intoxicated and verbally, physically, and sexually abused her for years. Roach was sentenced to 25 years of confinement with no possibility of parole, which means he will serve 25 calendar years day-for-day. He will be 69 when he is released from prison and the victim will be 33.”
Harrison pointed out the unique sentence. He said, “I think’s important to know that this 25 year sentence is unlike a standard child sexual abuse sentence. Normally, a defendant has to serve ½ of the offense before they are eligible for parole. With this crime, specifically, the Texas Legislature made it so that the defendant has to serve every day of the sentence, without exception.”
The professionalism of Lewis Tatum and Dennis Findley of the Sheriff’s Department made this a solid case from day one, according to Harrison. He said, “Getting the child interviewed and examined immediately by professionals was the right call.”
Roach was represented by Rachel Flatt and Frank Hughes. The State was represented by Clay Harrison and Matt Harris.
