*Updated* POW MIA Area Added to Memorial
Pioneer Memorial contracted with Don Brewer with Brewer Lettering in Pickton to add a special area for Prisoners of War and Missing in Action soldiers on a stone at the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Thursday. The new area is just to the left of the art work on the waterfall wall. It features names of POW’s from World War I and World War II as well as MIA’s from World War II and the Korean conflict. It also includes a POW/MIA insignia. Memorial Committee Member Tommy Allison researched information for the new area, came up with the names and raised money for the project. Committee Member Pam Elliott said a Killed in Action, or KIA area, is under consideration.
Ross Arrest Video Released
On March 11, 2015, KSST General Manager Jim Rogers presented a Public Information Request to Sulphur Springs Chief of Police Jay Sanders for video from any source including but not limited to patrol car video, jail video, and other regarding the arrest and incarceration of Tony Chance Ross. The City of Sulphur Springs, represented by Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin chose not to release the information under Section 552.108 of the Texas Government Code, “Law Enforcement” exception and as a consequence, the city sought a Texas Attorney General decision concerning the applicability of exceptions to public disclosure of the information.
Following a Hopkins County Grand Jury presenting a no bill/failing to indict three Sulphur Springs Police officers and three Hopkins County Jailers, the city released a portion of the information requested. Other segments of the information are being reserved until paperwork is received from the Attorney General’s office.
The following is an unedited version of the arrest video from the police dash cam. Other videos may be made available and will need to be processed into the proper format for release and will be made available at a later time.
See previous KSST news stories:
“Updated with Video” Texas Rangers Investigate Death of Inmate
Ross’ Arresting Officers Remain on Duty
“UPDATED” Ross Autopsy; Ranger’s Investigation Into Death Nears Completion
PJC Board Approves Strategic Goals
Monday evening the Paris Junior College Board of Regents approved guidance for the next five years with five new strategic goals. Key to the future of the college, the goals were set to keep PJC on the path to student success, fiscal viability and continued support for the region’s economy.- Heard in a financial report that while enrollment is down and thus tuition revenue, state funding has come in as expected and expenditures are lower, so the college remains in a good financial condition.
- Received a report on enrollment in the Summer I semester of 1,979 students, showing an 8.8 percent drop in contact hours and 63 fewer students than last year at this time. Some 200 high school students applied for the scholarship providing tuition for one summer class, but have yet to enroll, and still may for the Summer II semester. Dr. Anglin told the Regents that a good economy and people finding jobs generally reduces enrollment.
- Received a report on fall and spring enrollment and retention by course, meaning the student did not drop. PJC is required by state law to receive a complete report on retention for the fall and spring semesters. PJC has a 94.7 percent retention rate college wide.
- Approved the employment of Leanna Roberts as Coordinator of Student Activities, effective July 13, and the resignation/retirement of Instructor of Spanish Kelli Ebel effective Aug. 31, Educational Talent Search Junior High School Advisor Ashley Shew and Student Recruiter/Academic Advisor Shane Rudy, both effective June 26.
Two Busy Days for District Court
Thursday (June 25, 2015) morning in the District Courtroom of the Hopkins County Courthouse, 8th Judicial District began making its way through a 42 case docket. Most of the docket involved pretrial actions. However, Judge Eddie Northcutt did hand down a few decisions during the day. He had also handed down six decisions on Wednesday. Cases heard and set Thursday afternoon are not included here but will be reported in an update to this story. Decisions made Thursday morning include:
Rachael Ruth Garza Anderson was sentenced to two years confinement probated with five years on probation for driving while intoxicated with a child less than 15 years of age.
Joshua Lee Alexander received a 4 years deferred probation for possession of a controlled substance less than one gram.
Ashley Rachelle Stidham received three years deferred probation for possession of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance over four grams and under 400 grams.
On Wednesday (June 24, 2015) in 8th Judicial District Court, Brandon Lee Patton pled guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled substance, less than 4 grams and was sentenced to 7 years probated sentence for each count.
Patricia Ann Clark McLeroy pled guilty to possession of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility and was sentenced to two years in a correctional facility.
Tony Dewayne Thomas received 5 years in the Texas Department of Corrections for abandon endangerment of a child in imminent danger and for possession of a controlled substance over 4 grams and under 200 grams with intent to deliver.
Raymond Bruce Aaron received five years in the Texas Department of Corrections for possession of a controlled substance over four grams and under 200 grams, a second degree felony.
Lauren Leighann Duckworth received a nine years deferred sentence for possession a controlled substance of over one gram with intent to deliver.
Ashley Elaine Horton received a three year deferred sentence for fraud use and possession of identifying information over 10 items and less than 50, a second degree felony.
Local Developers Breathe New Life into Old Building
If you have driven by the old KFC building lately, you probably have seen a LOT of activity. KSST News stopped by and talked with Michael Churchman, one of the new owners of the old Kentucky Fried Chicken building on the North side of I-30 next to Holiday Inn Express. Mr. Churchman and two other partners, Abel Austin and Chris Penny, purchased the building back in February with plans only to remodel and lease or sell the property when complete. Crews have been working diligently to remove any debris and prep the outside of the building for a new facade. “You won’t recognize the building when we get finished on the outside”, said Churchman. He told KSST that they would dress up the outside with a new stucco material as well as rock accent. They are also working to clear out the inside, to have an open floor plan for whichever tenant chooses to occupy the building. Rumors have been rampant as to who may be occupying the building. But as of today, there are no firm plans in place of a tenant. So, for now, fans of WingStop, or Waffle House, or even Olive Garden (just some of the latest rumors) will have to wait and see what chooses to locate in Sulphur Springs. KSST will keep you posted on the progress of the building. Any interested parties wanting more information on leasing the building can contact Michael Churchman at 903-348-8939.
Veterans Memorial Engraving
A Father Daughter team is adding names to the POW/MIA list on the Memorial in Sulphur Springs. Don Brewer, owner of Brewer Lettering in Pickton, TX and his daughter-in-law Shona were both busy Thursday Morning. Pioneer Memorials contracted with Don, who’s father was a Vietnam Veteran, to make the additions to the list. Don’s father passed away this previous February. 
This job was especially important to complete before the Celebrations on the 27th. Pioneer Memorials and Brewer Lettering are well suited for this type of job. Pioneer Memorials helps the Veterans Memorial by giving a price break.
Please take a look at the Memorial the next time you visit Celebration Square.
Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Obamacare
More than 1.2 million Texans are resting easier about their medical insurance premiums following Thursday’s (June 25, 2015) 6-3 ruling that the federal government may continue to subsidize health insurance in the 34 states that did not set up their own exchanges. The Supreme Court ruled today in favor of the Affordable Health Care Act in a case styled KING ET AL v. BURWELL, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ET AL. The majority decision was written by Chief Justice John Roberts. Joining Roberts in the decision were Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan. Justice Anthony Scalia filed the dissenting opinion. He was joined by Justices Thomas and Alito.
Some say over six (6) million others say eight (8) million people in the United States would have lost those subsidies if the court had ruled against the government, which experts say would lead to fast-rising premiums and the death of Omamacare. Around 17 million people have gained coverage from the law according to the Rand Corporation.
In Hopkins County, the exact number who are accessing the health care act funding is unknown but in 2010 census, over 7,000 residents were without healthcare.
See Supreme Court decision here.
Sally Seeks Home
Sally is available for adoption at Hearts of Life Animal shelter. Call 903-439-5079 to adopt. Adoption fee is $90. Sally has her shots. Over 50 dogs are available for adoption at this time.
Orwosky to Chair United Way Fund Drive
During a Hopkins County United Way Board Meeting Wednesday morning, the new Campaign Chair for 2015-2016 was introduced. 26-year old Price Orwosky is one of the youngest Campaign Chairs ever. This campaign marks the beginning of the 60th anniversary for United Way. Orwosky said he would grasp the challenge and run with it.
Orwosky said he was excited to lead the campaign and challenged to lead as he reflected on the past two years over-the-top success of past campaign chair Chris Voorheese. Orwosky has confidence in another successful year pointing out that Hopkins County is known for the generousity of the people and business sector. The goal for the new campaign year is $160,000, according to Orwosky. He calls it an achievable goal.
*Updated* Well Traveled Visitor Makes a Stop in Hopkins County
“Keith Campbell’ and story courtesy of Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314. mvlsun.com
Kevin Campbell has been traveling the United States for over 5 years. Mr. Campbell relies on the generosity of others to pay his way at each locale as he crisscrosses the continent. He is very personable. Stories from all over Sulphur Springs have a similar format. People meet Mr. Campbell, find that he is very likable, and usually end up giving him money or food. He also states he was able to obtain odd jobs from local business. For example washing windows or sweeping parking lots.
No one we interviewed felt uneasy with Mr Campbell. We simply question his story and wonder if he is being completely truthful with the people he meets. View this article from the Mount Vernon-Lisbon The Sun by Jake Krob about Kevin Campbell visiting Iowa in the Summer of 2010. If you want a cool story and a 2 hour conversation with a man who appears to be making a career of ‘Generosity Traveling’, look him up. See if the conversation includes these common points: Lots of name dropping or local business, churches, and leaders. He will praise your town, how nice the people are, how he would love to live here. There will be plenty of examples of how other have generously gave him money, with amounts included. Eventually Mr. Campbell will begin steering the conversation to how little money he has left.
KSST News continues to try to find more info on our visitor in Sulphur Springs. Click the following link to read another story when Mr. Campbell was in Georgia last year. Campbell in Kingsland, GA
