Flood Warning Issued for South Sulphur River
This graphic warns about driving around barricades during a flood, and encourages people to be safe. The text reads as follows: “Please do not drive around barricades. Be safe.”
A flood warning for the South Sulphur River between Delta and Hopkins Counties will be in effect from 3 a.m. Wednesday morning until 4 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. the river was at 14.63 feet. Flood stage is 16 feet. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage Wednesday after midnight and continue to rise to a crest near 17.5 feet by Wednesday afternoon. The river should fall below flood stage by Thursday after midnight.
The warning is being issued based on heavy rainfall expected to move across the area tonight.
Wildcats Baseball Start Time Moved to 6 p.m. Weather a Concern
The weather is a concern but right now Wildcats’ baseball is still on for Eagle Stadium for Tuesday night against Longview. The start time has been moved up to 6 p.m. It’s Senior Night. Four seniors, Tyler Follis, Cole Cooper, Garrett Jones and Logan Merrell, will be recognized. Again first pitch Tuesday has been moved up to 6 p.m. Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack is keeping a close eye on the weather. The Wildcats have to defeat Longview to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Wildcats also need a victory at Marshall later this week and Pine Tree loses to Hallsville tonight and to Greenville at home on Friday.
Weather permitting, we’ll bring you Wildcats’ baseball against Longview starting at 6 p.m. on KSST Radio. We will also videotape the game for replay on Channel 18 TV on Suddenlink Cable at a later date.
Blackmon Enters Day Two at State Golf Tourney
Wildcats’ golfer Brody Blackmon shot a 74 on the first day of the State Class 5A Golf Tournament at Wolfdancer Golf Club in Lost Pines near Bastrop on Monday. Blackmon is tied for eighth place and he’s eight strokes out of first place. However Blackmon is only three shots out of second place and he had the second best score out of our region. Round two takes place Tuesday.
Blackmon came into the tournament having won both the regional and district tournaments at Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club. He shot four under 140 for two rounds in both of those tournaments.
Hopkins County Grand Jury Hands Down April Indictments
Sixty-five indictments, 14 sealed, were handed down Monday afternoon by a Hopkins County Grand Jury. A wide range of indictments were included in the afternoon’s work. Many of the arrest reports can be found at ksstradio.com. Just enter their names in the search feature.
Jesus Avila was indicted for sexual abuse of a child continuous. Avila, 39, of Saltillo was arrested for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child under the age of 14. Hopkins County Sheriff Deputies received a call from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office informing them that Avila, who was accompanied by a child, turned himself in on previous sexual assault incidents. Both Avila and the child voluntarily came to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office to be interviewed. During the interview, Avila admitted that he had sexually abused the victim for approximately 4 years. Deputies then placed Avila in custody and booked him into the Hopkins County Jail.
Jeffery Eugene Dixon, II, was indicted for assault family/household.
DustinGarcia
Christopher Garcia
Eight were indicted for engaging in organized crime. Christopher Lee Chambers, 29, of Mabank; Christopher Brandon Garcia, 32, of Balch Springs; Dustin Kyle Garcia, 33 of Mesquite; James Lindy Minter, 37 of Kemp; David Paul Rockwell, of Terrell; Richardo Salvivar, 34 of Combine; Joshua Terry Christopher, 34 of Kemp; and Darrel Wayne Waites of Deville, Louisiana were all indicted for their activities in the theft of All Terrain Vehicles from Nor-Tex Tractor in Sulphur Springs. They were also involved with others in organized criminal activity that included stolen ATVs in at least three states-Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Timothy Randall Mayo
Indicted for theft of livestock under 10 head was Timothy Randall Mayo. Mayo, 45, of Bonham, Texas, was arrested at his residence on a warrant for Theft of Livestock. According to Special Ranger Tony Hurley, Mayo wrote a check to the Sulphur Springs Livestock and Dairy Auction sale barn for a cattle purchase in February, but it turned out to be a worthless check and therefore Mayo committed a 3rd degree felony theft. Hurley arrested Mayo at his Bonham residence and took him to the Bonham Police Department where a magistrates hearing was held by Fannin County Justice of the Peace Royce W. Smithey. Mayo was then transported to the Hopkins County Jail.
Theft of property over $2,500 but less than $30,000 indictment was handed down against Dustin Cody McCord.
Eric Lynn Johnson
An indictment for theft of property over $1500 but less than $20,000 was handed down for Eric Lynn Johnson, 26. Johnson was one of two suspects sought as scam artists have been active in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County in September of last year. Sheriff’s Department Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum warned people to be wary when anyone knocks on your door offering services. Tatum said an individual in a small, white passenger car was working both the city and the county. The driver was stating that he is checking roofs for lightning rods. This set of scam artists say they are working for an insurance company. When checking on lightning rods, they advocate roof repair. Their target was the elderly. A resident in the south part of Hopkins County on State Highway 154 and a resident in Sulphur Springs near Walmart reported visits from the scam artist. Tatum alerted Lt. Tanner Crump in the county patrol division who visited the residents in the county. Investigator Dennis Finley was called in as well. Tatum said the individual lost a rather large amount of money to the scam artist. Finley traced one of the individuals to Smith County where he arrested Johnson.
Fred R. Lindley was indicted for Theft of Property less than $2500 with two or more prior convictions.
Billy Lynn Lundy was indicted for burglary of a building.
Roger Ray Wilson
Also indicted for burglary of a building and for evading arrest with a motor vehicle was Roger Ray Wilson. Sulphur Springs Police Department Communications advised of a burglary in progress at the Super Handy convenience store on Gilmer Street. The subjects involved fled the scene in a gray 2009 Ford Escape. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Shea Shaw located the vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 30. The vehicle proceeded without yielding for approximately a mile before stopping at the 121 mile marker. Deputy Shaw made contact with Roger Ray Wilson, 49, the driver of the vehicle, and an unnamed passenger and asked them to exit the vehicle for questioning. After briefly speaking with the two subjects, the passenger fled north across IH-30 into the woods. Wilson then followed the fleeing subject. Department of Public Safety’s Air Support was contacted to assist in the search. The DPS search helicopter located Wilson hiding in the brush inside the woods just north of the initial stop location. Wilson was then taken into custody and transported to the Hopkins County Jail.
Kenneth Vaughn
Kenneth Ray Vaughn, 60, was indicted for obstruction or retaliation. A 60-year-old Como, Texas man was arrested Sunday evening for Obstruction or Retaliation. Sheriff Deputy Sergeant Wade Sheets responded to a disturbance call at a County Road 3562 residence. Upon arrival, the accused subject began to verbally threaten Sgt. Sheets. According to an arrest report, the man shouted “Don’t [expletive] with me” and that he would “Blow your [expletive] head off!” The man’s brother made an attempt to calm the suspect down. Sgt. Sheets arrested the man, Vaughn.
Nathan James Bearden
Nathan James Bearden was indicted for Unlawful Delivery/Manufacture with intent to Stimulate. Bearden was arrested when Sgt. Estes made a traffic stop on East Loop 301 at Industrial Drive and Jefferson Street. Sgt. Estes immediately noticed nervous indicators for both the driver and the passenger. After gaining consent to search the vehicle, Sgt. Estes located a large, clear bag containing a crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine. The narcotics weighed in at 11.1 grams.
Arrested at the same time with Bearden were others. They, too, were indicted by the grand jury:
- Courney Rae Carrizales, 23, for possession of a controlled substance more than 4-grams and less than 200-grams.
- Donald Brian Ellis, Jr. 25, for possession of a controlled substance more than 4-grams and less than 200-grams.
- Misti Michelle Neillon, 26, for possession of a controlled substance more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams.
Also indicted for possession of a controlled substance more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams was Amy Michelle Branch.
Crisler/Gage
The grand jury indicted two that had been arrested in December, 2015. The city and county Special Crimes Unit conducted a drug buy and bust operation in Hopkins County. Two people from Dallas were arrested. Lt Harold McClure with the Special Crimes Unit said a confidential informant passed information to members of the unit that lead to the arrest and confiscation of half pound of marijuana and one half ounce of meth and cocaine along with perscription medication. Members of the special crimes unit, SSPD Chief Investigator Rusty Stillwagoner and other members of the SSPD, along with Lewis Tatum, Chief Criminal Investigatorfor the Sheriff’s Department made the arrest. The pair made the offer to sell to undercover agents locally. The twoarrested then and indicted Monday are:
- Chelsea Chanel Crisler, 22, of Dallas was indicted for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than 4-grams and less than 200 grams.
- Dominique Donta Gage, 29, of Dallas was indicted on two counts of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance over 4-grams but less than 200-grams.
Indicted for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance over 1-gram but less than 4-grams was Pedro Amador Monrreal.
Katelin Gumpert
Indicted for possession of a controlled substance over 1-gram but less than 4-grams in a drug free zone was Katelin Leann Gumpert. Recently released from Hopkins County Jail after posting bail for multiple charges, Gumpert, 24, was arrested as a result of yet another routine traffic stop. The stop occurred around the 300 block of Church Street when officers learned of two warrants for Gumpert that were issued by the Special Crimes Unit. Gumpert was wanted for Possession of Controlled Substance greater than 1 gram and less than 4 grams in a Drug Free Zone and Possession of Controlled Substance less than 1 gram in a Drug Free Zone. Sulphur Springs Police Department Investigator Mark Estes and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Tony Crouse arrested Gumpert and transported her to the Hopkins County Jail.
Indicted for possession of a controlled substance over 1-gram but less than 4-grams:
- Leslie Irene Cates
- Shawn Edward Harvey
- Katherine Marie Johnson
Indicted for possession of a controlled substance under 1-gram:
- Brandon Lynn Campbell
- Terry Allen Carver
- Darin Lee Gibson
- Jackson Blaze Gilreath
- Melissa Ann Moore
- James Wesley Preston
- Kristin Nicole Ramsey
- Dylan Lee Reed
- Tonya Renea Doolin
- Eric Anthony Gonzalez
Indicted for bail jumping/failure to appear.
- Robert Charles Vaughn
- Cody Brandon Carter
Indicted for tampering/fabricating physical evidence:
- Jammie Sherese McDonald
- Christal Jean Carter. Carter was also indicted for evading arrest.
- Jerry Allen Farmer
- Lastarya Loretta Kidd
Eric Otto Buckholt was indicted for tampering with a witness.
Indicted for driving while intoxicated:
- Isiaah Alberty
- Ravenel Joseph Johnson
- Michael Jay Hoffman
AgriLife Entomologists Urge Protection Against Mosquito Born Diseases
Here an Anopheles stephensi female is gorged with blood and beginning to pass unwanted liquid fractions of the blood to make room in her gut for more of the solid nutrients. “Anopheles stephensi” by Jim Gathany
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists are informing Texans on how to protect themselves from the mosquito vectors that spread Zika and other diseases.
“The ongoing outbreak of the Zika virus has spread throughout most of South America, Central America and the Caribbean,” said Sonja Swiger, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Stephenville. “The effects this virus will have on the United States are not entirely known, but experts are concerned about the possibilities.”
According to health officials, more than 350 travel-associated cases of Zika have been confirmed in the U.S., with 27 to date being in Texas. All of these cases occurred when the affected individual traveled to an endemic location and was bitten by an infected mosquito.
“The primary means of contracting Zika virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito, but it can also be transmitted sexually through semen,” Swiger noted.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially confirmed Zika virus as the cause of the increased cases of microcephaly in newborns that have been occurring in Brazil and other countries since fall 2015.
“Microcephaly is a condition affecting unborn children where the baby’s head is much smaller than expected,” said Swiger, who recently coordinated the North Texas Mosquito Education Conference in Grapevine and is conducting workshops throughout Texas.
“This occurs due to the decreased development of the baby’s brain while infected with the virus. Microcephaly can occur under other conditions but a significant increase of cases has been seen in Brazil since fall of 2015 and new cases are now being reported in Colombia.”
Swiger said the CDC is instructing pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant to not travel to endemic outbreak areas at this time. The CDC’s website also has tips for men who plan to visit endemic areas at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.
“Thus far, Zika is not here in the Texas mosquito populations, but what the future holds for Zika in the U.S. is not entirely known,” Swiger said.
Previous diseases have entered the U.S. by means of travelers bringing them in, but have failed to infect the local mosquito populations long term, she said.
“The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector of the Zika virus, as well as dengue and chikungunya,” said Molly Keck, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Bexar County. Keck recently presented mosquito education programs in Bexar, Comal and Atascosa counties.
“Health professionals have established a strong connection between the Zika virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly, as well as an autoimmune disease with neurological symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis,” Keck said. “And while media reports tend to emphasize the risk to pregnant women, the virus holds potential dangers for people of all ages.”
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Brownsville have been identified by the National Center for Atmospheric Research as some of the highest-risk cities in Texas for Zika. According to public health officials, if it does enter Texas it will likely begin as small “pockets” of locally acquired human cases that are the result of infected travelers returning from countries where the disease is endemic.
“Currently the chances are slim for anyone in Texas to get a disease such as Zika or chikungunya, but there is a possibility these could become endemic through transmission by the Aedes aegypti, which is prevalent in this state,” Keck said.
She explained chikungunya was recently brought to the U.S. by travelers returning from places where the disease is endemic. Its symptoms include fever and joint pain, headache, muscle pain and swelling.
Keck also noted the hundreds of cases of another mosquito-borne disease — West Nile virus — in Texas during recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013 there were 183 human cases of West Nile in Texas. In 2014, there were 379 cases, and in 2015 there were 252 cases.
“The common denominator in each of these diseases is there is a mosquito vector that transmits them,” she said.
Both Keck and Swiger said the best means to defend against any mosquito-borne illness is to eliminate the vector or, if that is not possible, to defend against it using what they call the “four Ds.”
The Ds are to dress in long, loose-fitting, light-colored pants and shirts; drain any standing water from containers, ponds, tires, gutters, etc. around the home; reduce outdoor activity during dusk and dawn; and defend using a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or CDC-approved insect repellent.
Keck recommended homeowners “attack the mosquitoes at the larval stage” by removing standing water and using mosquito dunks in areas where they might breed.
“Homeowners should apply their efforts to draining and removing the items that might make for a good mosquito breeding ground and/or putting mosquito dunks into any pools of standing or stagnant water,” she said. “A mosquito dunk is a small, brown donut-looking object that floats on water and slowly dissolves, releasing a bacterium that kills mosquito larvae.”
Keck said generally it’s a waste of time, money and effort for the average homeowner to try and control mosquitoes at the adult stage.
“The best you can do when they’re at the adult stage is try to avoid them. If that’s not practical, be sure to wear a good repellent when outdoors.”
Additional information on Zika can be found at these websites of the Texas A&M University System: http://preventingzika.org and https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/zika360.
For more information about mosquito types, biology and control, go to http://mosquitosafari.tamu.edu/.
One Last Hurdle; Two Doctors Moving to Metroplex; Appointments to New Board: Memorial Hospital Board Met Monday Night
“Beyond patience,” is the description Memorial Hospital CEO Michael McAndrew uses for not only his feeling but that of others as each day moves Hopkins County’s lone hospital and CHRISTUS closer to partnership. Tuesday morning’s email may have presented the best news yet as only one obstacle stands in the way and an email that McAndrew had yet to study when KSST interviewed him regarding the Monday night hospital board meeting may hold the answer.
Although it seemed all had been resolved, there was one last minute glitch. According to McAndrew a medical service contract with a provider of cardiac doctors to the local hospital is the last hurdle. He said that Advanced Heart Care, Memorial Hospital, and CHRISTUS are working diligently to provide all sides “getting what they need.” The arraignment with Advanced Heart Care and Memorial is an unusual arraignment, McAndrew stated, but it should be resolved soon.
During Monday night’s board meeting, the board appointed board members Joe Bob Burgin, Tim Kelty, Suzanne Bankston, and non-board members Tom Sellers, and Dr. Darren Arnecke to a serve on a new board composed of those appointed by the local hospital and those appointed by CHRISTUS. The new board, CHRISTUS Hopkins Health Alliance (not the new name for the hospital), will be responsible for hospital budget oversight, reviewing credential of doctors locally, and strategic planning. With the coming change in structure, the current Hospital District Board will be responsible to make sure the hospital district is viable, indigent care is viable, and continue their oversight of nursing homes that are affiliated with the hospital. The current hospital district board will have no responsibility toward the running of the hospital and clinic. The board did not appoint anyone to fill the coming vacancy of Ralph Preuss. Preuss did not seek reelection and no one filed for his post. McAndrew stated that with the district board taking a new direction with the coming partnership, it could change the member-pool based on interest of any future member.
Also during Monday night’s board meeting, two physicians gave their 90-day notice. Although popular physicians who had built good practices locally both looked to the metroplex for their future. Both doctors stated they were not unhappy locally, but their lives had become more invested in the metroplex due to family and/or interests. Dr. Cristina Cueto, a general surgeon, had said that she had developed a life in the metroplex and needed to go live it. Dr. Trung Nguyen, whose wife has family in the metroplex also will be moving his practice.
The Hospital Board had put off major purchases for the first six months of the fiscal year but did make several purchases to upgrade and improve current equipment. Among those items purchased but not limited to, ultrasound for OB, cardiac monitor and upgrades for EMS units, new computers for the facility, server upgrade of energy management system, and dust cart for maintenance.
Scrapie Confirmed in a Hartley County Sheep
AUSTIN – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials have confirmed scrapie in a Hartley County ewe. The ewe was tested by TAHC after the owner reported signs of weight loss and lack of coordination to their local veterinarian. The premises was quarantined and a flock plan for monitoring is being developed by the TAHC and USDA. “The TAHC is working closely with the flock owner, sharing all of the options for disease eradication,” said Dr. David Finch, TAHC Region 1 Director. “We are thankful the producer was proactive in identifying a problem and seeking veterinary help immediately.” Texas leads the nation in sheep and goat production. Since 2008, there have been no c
confirmed cases of scrapie in Texas. The last big spike in Texas scrapie cases was in 2006 when nine infected herds were identified and the last herd was released from restrictions in 2013. According to USDA regulations, Texas must conduct adequate scrapie surveillance by collecting a minimum of 598 sheep samples annually. Since USDA slaughter surveillance started in FY 2003, the percent of cull sheep found positive for scrapie at slaughter (once adjusted for face color) has decreased 90 percent. Scrapie is the oldest known transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and under natural conditions only sheep and goats are known to be affected by scrapie. It is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is not completely understood how scrapie is 
passed from one animal to the next and apparently healthy sheep infected with scrapie can spread the disease. Sheep and goats are typically infected as young lambs or kids, though adult sheep and goats can become infected. The most effective method of scrapie prevention is to maintain a closed flock. Raising replacement ewes, purchasing genetically resistant rams and ewes, or buying from a certified-free scrapie flock are other options to reduce the risk of scrapie. At this time the resistant genetic markers in goats have not been identified, therefore it is important to maintain your sheep and goat herds separately. The incubation period for Scrapie is typically two to five years. Producers should record individual identification numbers and the seller’s premise identification number on purchase and sales records. These records must be maintained for a minimum of five years. Producers should notify the Texas Animal Health Commission (800-550-8242) or the USDA-Austin Office (512-383-2400) if they have an adult sheep or goat with neurologic signs such as in-coordination, behavioral changes, or intense itching with wool loss. Producers may order scrapie identification tags by calling 866-873-2824.
For more information, please visit the Texas Animal Health Commission website.
Three Sentenced in Hopkins County 8th Judicial District Court Monday
April 25, 2016 – In Hopkins County 8th Judicial District Court Monday afternoon, Jacob Thompson plead guilty before the court to a first degree felony theft of livestock and a second degree felony theft of property. He received 10 years’ probation for the first degree felony and 10 years deferred probation for the felony 2. In June of 2014, he was arrested by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser’s Association Special Ranger Toney Hurley in connection with an aggravated theft by check case at Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction. Ranger Hurley says in October 2013, Thompson attempted to purchase 400 head of cattle from Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction with bad checks totaling more than $300,000.
Jacob Thompson
Jason Floyd Koenig, Jr.
Also in court Monday, Jason Floyd Koenig, Jr. will continue probation and attend a 6 month Substance Abuse program for evading arrest. Koenig, from Winnsboro was arrested for the early Friday morning, July 3, 2015 for an armed robbery of a couple in Hopkins County. A couple reported that they were robbed by a man with a .22-caliber pistol just before 3 a.m. at Highway 11 West and County Road 4703 Century Lake Road. The man took a wallet and a purse. A short time later, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Koenig. In his vehicle they found a .22 pistol, brass knuckles, stolen property, drug paraphernalia and some marijuana. During booking, two Xanax pills were found on his person.
Christopher Adam Pena was sentenced to five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for possession of marijuana under 50 lbs., a third degree felony.
Hopkins County Appraisal District to Mail Appraisal Notices on May 2nd
Cathy Singleton, Chief Appraiser
The Hopkins County Appraisal District will be mailing out 2016 appraisal notices on May 2, 2016. As in the past several years, notices will only be mailed to new property owners, property owner’s whose value has increased by $1,000 or more, or those who have requested to receive an appraisal notice.
Due to prevailing market conditions, appraised values throughout Hopkins County will be increasing for the 2016 appraisal year. Increases vary for different types of property.
Appraisal Districts are required by Texas Property Tax Code, Sec. 1.04 (7) to appraise property at the price at which the property would transfer to cash or its equivalent on the open market. Appraisal Districts are audited by the State Comptroller’s office using the last two years of confirmed sales to make sure that appraised values are staying in line with fair market values of local properties. If an Appraisal District does not keep up with or follow the prevailing market values, the district fails the audit and is given a two year “grace period” to correct property values before the local school districts state funding in affected. Hopkins County Appraisal District has increased appraised values in the last two years in an attempt to keep up with local market values and satisfy the State Comptroller’s property value study. Due to our local market condition appreciating so rapidly, our office has been unable to increase property valuations enough to satisfy the state’s study in the last two years for Sulphur Springs ISD. This is the last year of “grace period” to bring values to a level to reflect the current market values so that Sulphur springs ISD does not lose any state funding.
Tax office personnel said, “The value increases throughout Hopkins County are not an attempt to increase tax revenue. Increasing the appraised values to reflect the prevailing market values is the requirement set by the law of the Texas Property Tax Code that our office must abide by. If you have recently purchased property in Hopkins County within the last two years, you have established the market value of the property. A surprising number of informal protests come from those who have purchased property during that time period.”
Those with questions concerning the appraisal increase, exemptions, sales information, or other appraisal information, are asked to contact the Hopkins County Appraisal District Office between May 2nd and May 31st. You do not have to receive an appraisal notice to inquire about appraisal information or to file a protest. The Texas Property Tax Code only provides a 30 day time period for this process. All property owners will speak informally with a district representative. Examine your notice carefully. If an agreement cannot be made, you may file a formal protest to be heard in a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review board. The deadline will be May 31st, or the date on your appraisal notice. Requests for informal or formal protests after the deadline cannot be accepted by the Appraisal District.
