Wanted Man’s Luck Breaks Down On Highway 11
A short-lived vehicle chase on Highway 11 in Como, Texas resulted in an arrest on Wednesday afternoon. Oscar Garcia, Jr., 37, of Sulphur Springs was arrested on multiple warrants as well as for Evading Arrest and Detention with a Vehicle.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a call in Como involving a subject threatening another person. While in the area, Sergeant Sheets located a maroon Ford F-150 in the parking lot of the Dollar General store. Garcia, who was known to have warrants for theft and unlawful possession of firearms, was sitting in the driver’s seat.
According to arrest reports, Sgt. Sheets attempted to block Garcia’s vehicle with his patrol unit. Garcia then fled the scene in his vehicle causing his truck to collide with the patrol unit. The fleeing vehicle headed east on Highway 11 for a short distance before executing a U-turn to avoid a school bus that was actively unloading students at a residence on the highway.
While heading west toward Sulphur Springs on the highway, Garcia’s vehicle broke down in front of the Crystal Feed Mill in Como. Garcia exited the vehicle and refused several orders for him to get on the ground. A taser was deployed missing the target. Garcia then complied with Sgt. Sheets’ orders by getting face down on the ground before being placed into custody.
During the inventory of Garcia’s vehicle, a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine was found. Sgt. Sheets then transported Garcia to the Hopkins County Jail where he now awaits a magistrate’s hearing for previous warrants of Theft of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon as well as the current charge of Evading Arrest and Detention with a Vehicle.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Open House April 28
While students at the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center have been enjoying the new facility since the beginning of the spring semester in January, the community is now invited to stop by for a tour.
An Open House will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at the center, located at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs, just north of I-30.
What used to be the former Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company is now a new and modern college learning facility. The center features 11 classrooms, testing facilities, and library. Across the new parking lot is a state-of-the art welding shop. Training equipment for CNC machining, mechatronics and 3D printing workforce programs will also be on display.
“We’re very pleased with how the renovation has turned out,” said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. “Our students have been very excited about it and now we’d like to share that excitement with the community at large.”
For more information, call 903-885-1232.
Dairy Fest Board “Udderances”; Fest Activities June 11-18
Udderances (by Hopkins County Dairy Board) April 2016 “Looking Forward to Hot Weather and Cool Moo-sic”.
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival plans are proceeding now, with much more to follow. The dates for Dairy Fest are Friday, June 11 thru Saturday, June 18. The first weekend consists of the hot air balloons, the parade, the milking contest, and the Jr. Dairy Show, plus the World Famous Ice Cream Freeze-Off! The Milk Run is on Friday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. Please go to our website for entry fees and other information. All other events are free, with the exception of the Pageant tickets which are being sold by the contestants. Each contestant is required to sell 100 tickets. The contestants received their tickets on March 18 at our Board meeting, so get your wallets and checkbooks ready to buy tickets! As June approaches, you will see many announcements and much more information as to times and places and activities of this 57th Dairy Festival: “Dance To The Moo-sic”.
This year’s candidates for 2016 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen are: Emma Boyett, daughter of Oran and Jeanine Boyett; Lauren Helm, daughter of Jonas and Melanie Helm; Sadie Evans, daughter of Jason and Angie Evans; Alexis Howard, daughter of Michael and Genny Howard; Tahtiana King, daughter of Kyshia Johnson and Marcus Johnson; La’Mier Pryor, daughter of Leanettta Pryor; Story Thompson, daughter of Jason and Holly Thompson; and Anne-Marie Winborn, daughter of Jennifer Lansou.
We had our first meeting with the candidates and their parents on Monday, March 21. A light supper was enjoyed and then the candidates learned about all aspects of their participation. One of the main requirements is that each contestant has the satisfaction of building a trailer-float for the parade. Since this year’s theme is Dance To The Moosic, each young lady found out their float design by random drawing. They will have the pleasure of decorating a float based on the name of the type of dance that they drew. You will see these floats, and the Little Kids’ mini-floats, in the June 11 Parade.
This leads into a direct request for any commercial, business, or enterprise; plus groups and clubs to interpret the theme on a float, vehicle, or other sanctioned conveyance and participate in our parade, Saturday, June 11. The Parade leaves from Buford Park at 10:00 a.m. David Watson is the Board contact for the Parade: cell phone: 903-439-5020, and email: [email protected].
Also, in this year’s Parade, we will be graced with the presence of returning anniversary Queens. These Queens are Kate Watson Davis, celebrating her 10th year of being crowned; Karol Ann Taylor, celebrating her 25th anniversary; and Kim Tucker Hufstetler, celebrating her 40th Anniversary as Queen; and the 50th Anniversary Queen is Judy Gillis. We are so pleased that these former Queens will be a part of our Parade! And, of course, you will see our reigning 2015 Queen, Miss Sidney Dietze, holding court upon her gorgeous float! Queen Sidney is the daughter of Jason and Jill Dietze.
We are also seeking “Little Kids” to participate in the parade and in the pageant. The ‘Little Kids” ride in the June 11 Parade in their own decorated golf cart or ‘gator. Then on Saturday, June 18, they will be presented onstage at the Pageant. Please contact Board member Sheilah Hale for information: cell phone -817-228-8998, and email at [email protected]. The type of dance representation for their float and costumes will be assigned by Sheilah Hale. The Little Kids really add to the parade and the pageant; and they have a great time being part of it all! The Little Kids’ eligible ages are 3 years old through having completed Kindergarten.
Our Festival is grateful to our yearly sponsors who participate in celebrating and honoring the dairy industry in Hopkins County. Their sponsorships help provide the contestants’ scholarship monies and the other activities that generate community involvement. Their support provides our citizens with a sense of history, unity, and celebration that has become a tradition here in Hopkins County. These sponsors are Southwest Dairy Museum ($2500); Saputo and Grocery Supply GSC ($1000each); (&600 each): Alliance Bank, Feeders Supply, Hopkins/Rains Co. Farm Bureau, Circle E & M & F Western Wear, Sulphur Springs Dairy Auction, Advantage Copy Systems, Famers Electric, West Oak Funeral Home, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Cody Drug, City National Bank, and Texas Heritage Bank. ($300 each): Professional Land & Title, Legacy Ag. Credit, A.K. Gillis & Sons, and Crystal Feed. The $100.00 sponsors are: Super Handy, Weaver Town & Country
Cleaners, Ralph Preuss & Associates, Winburn Milk, Discount Wheel & Tire, Dr. &
Udderances April 2016 “Looking Forward to Hot Weather and Cool Moo-sic”.
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival plans are proceeding now, with much more to follow. The dates for Dairy Fest are Friday, June 10 thru Saturday, June 18. The first weekend consists of the hot air balloons, the parade, the milking contest, and the Jr. Dairy Show, plus the World Famous Ice Cream Freeze-Off! The Milk Run is on Friday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. Please go to our website for entry fees and other information. All other events are free, with the exception of the Pageant tickets which are being sold by the contestants. Each contestant is required to sell 100 tickets. The contestants received their tickets on March 18 at our Board meeting, so get your wallets and checkbooks ready to buy tickets! As June approaches, you will see many announcements and much more information as to times and places and activities of this 57th Dairy Festival: “Dance To The Moo-sic”.
This year’s candidates for 2016 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen are: Emma Boyett, daughter of Oran and Jeanine Boyett; Lauren Helm, daughter of Jonas and Melanie Helm; Sadie Evans, daughter of Jason and Angie Evans; Alexis Howard, daughter of Michael and Genny Howard; Tahtiana King, daughter of Kyshia Johnson and Marcus Johnson; La’Mier Pryor, daughter of Leanettta Pryor; Story Thompson, daughter of Jason and Holly Thompson; and Anne-Marie Winborn, daughter of Jennifer Lansou.
We had our first meeting with the candidates and their parents on Monday, March 21. A light supper was enjoyed and then the candidates learned about all aspects of their participation. One of the main requirements is that each contestant has the satisfaction of building a trailer-float for the parade. Since this year’s theme is Dance To The Moosic, each young lady found out their float design by random drawing. They will have the pleasure of decorating a float based on the name of the type of dance that they drew. You will see these floats, and the Little Kids’ mini-floats, in the June 11 Parade.
This leads into a direct request for any commercial, business, or enterprise; plus groups and clubs to interpret the theme on a float, vehicle, or other sanctioned conveyance and participate in our parade, Saturday, June 11. The Parade leaves from Buford Park at 10:00 a.m. David Watson is the Board contact for the Parade: cell phone: 903-439-5020, and email: [email protected].
Also, in this year’s Parade, we will be graced with the presence of returning anniversary Queens. These Queens are Kate Watson Davis, celebrating her 10th year of being crowned; Karol Ann Taylor, celebrating her 25th anniversary; and Kim Tucker Hufstetler, celebrating her 40th Anniversary as Queen; and the 50th Anniversary Queen is Judy Gillis. We are so pleased that these former Queens will be a part of our Parade! And, of course, you will see our reigning 2015 Queen, Miss Sidney Dietze, holding court upon her gorgeous float! Queen Sidney is the daughter of Jason and Jill Dietze.
We are also seeking “Little Kids” to participate in the parade and in the pageant. The ‘Little Kids” ride in the June 11 Parade in their own decorated golf cart or ‘gator. Then on Saturday, June 18, they will be presented onstage at the Pageant. Please contact Board member Sheilah Hale for information: cell phone -817-228-8998, and email at [email protected]. The type of dance representation for their float and costumes will be assigned by Sheilah Hale. The Little Kids really add to the parade and the pageant; and they have a great time being part of it all! The Little Kids’ eligible ages are 3 years old through having completed Kindergarten.
Our Festival is grateful to our yearly sponsors who participate in celebrating and honoring the dairy industry in Hopkins County. Their sponsorships help provide the contestants’ scholarship monies and the other activities that generate community involvement. Their support provides our citizens with a sense of history, unity, and celebration that has become a tradition here in Hopkins County. These sponsors are Southwest Dairy Museum ($2500); Saputo and Grocery Supply GSC ($1000each); (&600 each): Alliance Bank, Feeders Supply, Hopkins/Rains Co. Farm Bureau, Circle E & M & F Western Wear, Sulphur Springs Dairy Auction, Advantage Copy Systems, Famers Electric, West Oak Funeral Home, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Cody Drug, City National Bank, and Texas Heritage Bank. ($300 each): Professional Land & Title, Legacy Ag. Credit, A.K. Gillis & Sons, and Crystal Feed. The $100.00 sponsors are: Super Handy, Weaver Town & Country Cleaners, Ralph Preuss & Associates, Winburn Milk, Discount Wheel & Tire, Dr. & Mrs. I.L. Balkcom, Bright Star Vet Clinic, and Ramey & Sheffield.
Also, the Board of Directors has acquired six new members, and we are proud to introduce them to you: Brent Barclay, John Campbell, Brooke Howard, Jessica Kultgen, Karen McCormack, and Robbin Vaughn. They are a welcome addition to our Board! Thank you all for joining us!
Please visit our website for Festival information: www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com
Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board of Directors
Chamber Connection April 21st, 2016 by Meredith Caddell
Chamber Connection by Meredith Caddell
April 21st by Meredith Caddell
Congratulations on the Ribbon Cutting & Soon-to-be Grand Opening of Snap Fitness
Guests were greeted by the Armstrong children as we entered into the beautiful, state of the art, Snap Fitness. A healthy snack of cheese, crackers and fruit was served as we toured the Snap Fitness facility! To celebrate its grand opening, the club is offering a pre-opening special with free enrollment for new members, 10% off of monthly dues for six months, ½ price club access cards, and a free “Snap Fitness” t-shirt. This promotion is valid through April 30, 2016.
Club Owner, Wes Armstrong, said, “Snap Fitness will be a game-changer for the community as a whole. “Exercise is vital to good health, and our club is designed to help members transform their lives. Being lifelong residents of Hopkins County and raising our families here, our hometown is important to us and we want to make a difference in our community,” Armstrong said, “We are ready to open our doors and get started.”
According to Co-Owner, Toby Armstrong, the 10,000 square foot club includes: 24/7 access, monthly agreements with no long term contracts, high-quality Cybex equipment, state of the art 12 minute tanning beds, personal trainers, group fitness classes in a 1200 sq foot air conditioned room….classes include Zumba, Yoga, HIIT, Cardio Kick, and Active Senior (with additional classes being added), free weights, treadmills and ellipticals with individual televisions, showers, lockers, and a children’s seating area with a big screen television. “We hope you will stop in and check out our beautiful new facility and all it has to offer,” Toby added. Snap Fitness is located at 400 Gilmer in SS. For more information about Snap Fitness–Sulphur Springs and its special offers, please call 903-848-6100.
Poster Contest for all 5th Grade Students in Hopkins County
Deputy Kelly Wiser with the D.A.R. E. program invites all 5th graders in Hopkins County to participate in the Poster Contest, April 23rd! Topics for the posters may include illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, bullying, peer pressure, and/or prescription meds. All posters must be on poster board and students may use any resources on the poster. Entries must be submitted by April 23rd at 10:00am at the Sheriff’s office, 298 Rosemont Street. Awards for the best overall posters. They will also have a free hot do lunch for students. For questions, please contact Deputy Kelly Wiser at 903-438-4040 or [email protected].
Claws for a Cause Crawfish Boil, Saturday, April 30th on Main Street
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Claws for a Cause Crawfish Boil, hosted by the Sulphur Springs Rotary Club. The event will be Saturday April 30th beginning at 5:30pm on Main Street. All you can eat crawfish & fixins until it’s gone! Live Music from the Zydeco Stingrays. Tickets are available online on FB: Claws for a Cause for $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event.
Treat your Mother to “Bright Lights of Broadway”-NETCS Spring Show-May 7th & 8th at the ROC.
The North East Texas Choral Society presents a spectacular Broadway review. This concert features a brand new venue and a show like they’ve never done before, complete with a new accessibility to our audience and dessert and coffee for all. Join the North East Texas Choral Society for this extraordinary concert, highlighting Broadway favorites, outstanding soloists, and surprises around every corner. The shows will take place at The ROC, 115 Putman Street in Sulphur Springs, Saturday, May 7th at 7:00pm
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
The next session will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Hopkins County Extension Office. The workshop is free and engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. Topics covered will be marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. Lunch and refreshments will be provided by local businesses. Please call 903-885-3443 to reserve seats.
Up, up and away… 57th Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival’s Balloon Rally and 5k Milk Run
This year’s chip timed race will be held on Friday evening, June 10 at 7:00pm. Imagine running down a country road, on a beautiful summer evening in Hopkins County, beneath a sky filled with colorful balloons. This unique family event features an out and back course that begins and ends at the balloon glow and launch area! Stick around after the race and enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of 30 brilliantly colored balloons and live entertainment from the main stage. All runners 18 years and older will have their bib numbers entered in a drawing for a ride in a hot air balloon on Saturday evening, June 11th. All winners will be announced on Friday night after the run.
Mission: To raise community awareness and to salute the hard working dairy farmer and their families who have contributed so richly to our economy and to the quality of life in Sulphur Springs. Proceeds from the Milk Run directly support the youth scholarship programs of 57th Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival.Want to WIN a ride in a Hot-Air Balloon? Just register for the 2016 Milk Run on June 10, 2016! All registered participants, 18 years and older, are automatically entered into a random drawing for a Hot-Air Balloon ride on June 11th! (Weather permitting) Register now at www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com
We would like to welcome our newest members to the Chamber of Commerce:
Pestco Services-Termite & Pest Control
Hwy 19-South, P.O. Box 246
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-733-7151
Sammy Barton
Snap Fitness
400 Gilmer Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Erica Armstrong
903-848-6100
Fitness Center
Chris & Missy McClure
703 Texas Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
806-681-7768
Real Estate
Merle Norman Cosmetics & Boutique
212 Davis Street North
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Gay Bailey
That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!
Meredith Caddell
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
Third Arrest In Child Endangerment (Methamphetamine) Investigation
A third arrest in connection with a Child Protective Services investigation was made Wednesday afternoon. Elizabeth Louise Willis, 30, of Sulphur Springs was arrested at a Cooper residence by Special Crimes Unit Sergeants Mark Estes and Tony Crouse.
According to arrest reports, the investigation has found that several children, including a 1-year-old child, have tested positive for methamphetamine. The children were residing with at least three adults at a Spanish Trails apartment located at 1531 East Industrial Drive in Sulphur Springs.
Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 Brad Cummings set bond for Willis at $40,000 for Endangerment of a Child, a felony charge.
Raelynn Danielle Arney, 20, and Taliaferro Samory Prince, 33, were both arrested Monday afternoon at the CPS office located on College Street in connection with the two-month long CPS investigation (see story here). They were both transported to the Hopkins County Jail and placed on $40,000 bond each for felony charges of Abandonment and Endangerment of a Child with Imminent Danger.
National DARE Day Proclamation
County Judge Robert Newsom and DARE Officer Kelly Wiser
April 21, 2016 is “National D. A. R. E. Day”. In Hopkins County, County Judge Robert Newsom read a proclamation recognizing the day and events that will take place for current 5th grade students in all county schools. Newsom said “This day serves as an occasion for all past and present students that have graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE).”
To commemorate the event, the County Sheriff’s office DARE program is conducting a poster contest for current students Saturday, April 23rd at the Sheriff’s Office, 298 Rosemont Street in Sulphur Springs. Past and present students are invited to attend and wear a DARE T-shirt to show support for the program.
The poster contest rules include only current 5th grad students from county schools. Posters must be submitted before 10 a.m. Saturday. The student can use any means of resource in helping to identify what to put on the poster, must use poster board, and there is no fee to enter. The top 10 students over all will receive awards. A hot dog lunch will be provided by the Sheriff’s Office DARE program for those in attendance.
P r o c l a m a t i o n
WHEREAS, This day serves as an occasion for all past and present students that have graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E); and
WHEREAS, To commemorate this event, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office D.A.R.E. program will conduct a poster contest for the current 5th grade students of Cumby, Como-Pickton, Miller Grove, North Hopkins, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff and Sulphur Springs. The event will be held on Saturday April 23, 2016 at 298 Rosemont St., Sulphur Springs, TX (Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office). If you are a past or present student, wearing a D.A.R.E. T-shirt will show your support for this program; and
WHEREAS, The following is a list of rules for the poster contest:
- The student must currently be a 5th grade student from schools listed above;
- The contest begins at 10:00 a.m.;
- Poster board is to be used for the contest;
- The student can use any means of resource in helping to identify what to put on the poster;
- No fee is required to enter;
- Posters to be entered in the contest must be submitted before 10:00 a.m.;
- Awards will be given to the top (10) students over all; and
WHEREAS, A hot dog lunch will be provided by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. program for those in attendance; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Newsom, Hopkins County Judge do hereby proclaim April 21, 2016 to be recorded and forever remembered as:
“National D.A.R.E Day”
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Texas, in SULPHUR SPRINGS, the County Seat, this the twenty-first day of April in the Year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen.
_____________________________
Robert Newsom, County Judge
Fresh Green Beans for the Clara Bridges 90+ Banquet this Saturday
I called for some help from the experts in Snapping and Cleaning Fresh Green Beans.
The Senior Ladies from Hopkins Place are Cleaning and Snapping the Fresh Green Beans
for me to cook for the Clara Bridges 90+ Banquet this Saturday, April 23rd at the ROC
at 1st Baptist Church.
230 Seniors will be honored with a Lunch consisting of :
Chicken Spaghetti, Fresh Green Beans, Garlic Sticks and Tossed Salad.
Desserts will be Chocolate Cake and Peach Cobbler.
The Diabetics will be happy to get their choice of Chocolate Fudge Pie, Butterscotch Pie,
Cheese Cake Pie, Banana Cream Pie or Fruit Salad.
I hope to see many many Seniors attend the Celebration.
Stolen Pit Returned to Animal Shelter
Lavern(left) and Shirley(right)
After she was reported stolen on April 18, Lavern has been returned to the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter today, April 20. Lavern was part of a Bonded Pair with an Aussie mix named Shirley. Both were previously featured in an Animal of the Week article on January 20. According to Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Mitchell, the Sheriff Department and a local detective tracked down and confronted the individuals who stole the 1-3 year old Pit mix. The dog-snatchers were given an ultimatum to either return the dog to the Shelter before 5 p.m. or else charges would be filed. Lavern is now back at the Shelter and the bonded pair are back together again.
Early Voting For Sulphur Springs City and Yantis ISD Begins Monday
Early voting in the Sulphur Spring City Council election and Yantis ISD board of trustee election begins Monday, April 25th and continues through May 3. Other schools and cities in the area that will conduct elections this year are planning for November voting. Sulphur Springs ISD and Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Board will not conduct elections this year. The general election day is May 7th when polls are open 7 am. Until 7 pm.
In the city of Sulphur Springs, early voting will take place at City Hall in the second floor conference room. Easy access to the board room is available to the handicapped and others with limitations. To access the boardroom, use the ramp entrance to City Hall. After entering City Hall from the ramp, the elevator is just inside the door. Take the elevator to the second floor and when you exit, the entrance to the conference room is across the hall. Hours for early voting in the city election are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day except Tuesday, April 26th and Thursday, 28th when early voting is from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Election day is May 7th when the polling place is open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. KSST will broadcast election returns and post to ksstradio.com as soon as they are available.
For Yantis ISD voters, early voting for the May 7th election begins Monday, April 25th and continues through May 3 at the Wood County Courthouse, Early Voting Room, 100 S Main Street #110 and 111 in Quitman. Voting will take place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each weekday except May 2nd and 3rd when the voting room will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. The May 7th voting place will be in the Imogene Glenn Elementary Building, 105 West Oak Street, Yantis. The city of Yantis will not vote this year.
In Cumby school board and city elections will be in November. North Hopkins, Miller Grove, Saltillo, and Sulphur Bluff school board elections take place in November. Saltillo has three (3) seats to be decided. Sulphur Bluff has four seats to be decided in the November election.
For the city of Como, their elections are held in odd-numbered years.
