Copy of the Complete Autopsy Report for Tony Chance Ross
The complete March 9, 2015 autopsy of Tony Chance Ross performed by David L. Zimmerman, M.D. at the request and written authorization of the Honorable Gary Alfred, Precinct #2, Smith County, Texas can be found below.
Chamber Connection May 7, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Thank you to everyone who attended the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Best Western Trail Dust Inn & Suites last Friday evening. It was a wonderful event with live music and food provided by Home Plate Family Restaurant. Guests were entered to win fabulous prizes along with a night’s stay in the spectacular Presidential Suite. The Best Western Trail Dust Inn & Suites is located at 1521 Shannon Road, E. in Sulphur Springs. For more information, please call 903-885-7515.
Rotary Club Spelling Bee Dinner & Auction, Thursday, May 7th at SS Middle School Cafeteria
Make plans now to attend the 10th Annual Rotary Club Spelling Bee Dinner & Auction Thursday, May 7th at the Sulphur Springs Middle School Cafeteria! The doors open and auction viewing begins at 5pm. Serving begins at 5:30 with the program and spelling bee starting at 6:30pm. Tickets are only $10 and are available from any Rotary Club Member at the Sulphur Springs News Telegram. All proceeds will be distributed to local charities and for scholarships.
Don’t miss the Hamburger Cookout benefitting Heritage Christian Counseling Center-May 8th
The Heritage Christian Counseling Center will be holding their annual hamburger cookout on Friday, May 8 from 11:00 a.m. until they sell out of burgers. $5 buys a burger, chips, drink, and dessert. It will be held at the parking lot between the First United Methodist Church and the Alliance Bank corporate office, across from the City National Bank drive through. All proceeds go the counseling center. Call 903-438-6829 for more information.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
The next session will be held on Saturday, May 9, 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
Ribbon Cutting for Silver Cactus Emporium Antique & Craft Mall AND Gospel Opry, May 13th at Noon
Please come celebrate with Buddy and Ina Gore as we host their ribbon cutting for the Silver Cactus Emporium Antique & Craft Mall as well as the Gospel Opry! Whether you need space for a family get together, birthday party, music show, anniversary party…the sky is the limit. They have facilities that include tables & chairs. concert auditorium that will seat 150-200 people comfortable, sound system and lights. Then, the Silver Cactus Emporium is 3000 Square Feet shopping area with booth space available for rent. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your items without having to have your own store front!!! The Gospel Opry hosts a show every first Saturday with different artists. All of this is located inside the VF Factory Outlet Mall on the Strip Suite #25. For more information, please call 903-951-1405 or 903-885-4262.
May 14, 2015 – 6th Music in the Gardens, 6-7p.m. – Join us as we STOP and enjoy God’s peaceful beauty while listening to music and visiting w/friends and family.
The Way Radio Concert Series Presents Building 429 along with Blanca & Rapture Ruckus, May 16th
Don’t miss Building 429 in concert at the Hopkins County Civic Center, Saturday May 16th. doors open at 6pm with the concert beginning at 7pm. Blanca and Rapture Ruckus will also be appearing! For tickets, go to itickets.com and they are just $12 for general admission!
Hopkins County Relay for Life-Friday, March 15th -16th from 7pm to 7am on Celebration Plaza.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Today, with the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 400 lives a day. And they won’t stop until they finish the fight against cancer! Please join them downtown on the square March 15th & 16th!
Rock Creek Rockin’ BINGO Bash May 21st at 6:00pm
Join Rock Creek Health & Rehabilitation for an evening of fun, fabulous food and fantastic prizes donated from businesses throughout the Sulphur Spring Community! Will Ramsey, Sulphur Springs’ District Attorney will be calling BINGO and it’s a FREE Event!!! For more information, please call Judith Beck, Activity Director, at 903-439-0107.
Are you Divorced or Separated? Divorce Care can Help!!!
Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group that will help you heal from the hurt. 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 divorce. Best of all, you will gain hope for the future. They meet every Sunday from 9:30-10:30 at First United Methodist Church. For more information, please call Shelia Lunsford at 682-557-2702
We would like to welcome the following members to the Chamber of Commerce
STINSON RV RESORT 3641 East I-30
Campbell, TX 75422
903-455-7878
Margie Stinson
RV Park
That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!
Happy Hannah Kirby Day!
May the 4th is better known as “Star Wars Day” for the saga-lovers. On May 5th we celebrate Cinco de Mayo. May 6th, 2015 now stands alone as a day of its own. Today is Hannah Kirby Day.
Over 100 citizens, friends, family and fans filled City Hall in downtown Sulphur Springs on Wednesday afternoon for a celebration in honor of our hometown superstar, Hannah Kirby. Mayor Freddie Taylor read a proclamation on behalf of the city council declaring May 6th, 2015 as “Hannah Kirby Day” for the city of Sulphur Springs. Taylor also presented the Key to the City to Hannah.
After receiving the award, Hannah spoke to the crowd of supporters saying that she was very thankful for all of the continuous support she received throughout her journey on NBC’s The Voice. “This is just an example of the many ways our town supports one another,” Hannah said.
Mayor Taylor went on to say “I encourage all citizens to join with us in recognizing Hannah Kirby for her outstanding performance on the Voice…and supporting her as she goes forward with her musical career.”
Happy Hannah Kirby Day!
Kearns Thows Complete Game in 12-2 Win for Como-Pickton
Right hander Tyler Kearns threw 64 pitches for a complete game in a 12-2 win for Como-Pickton Eagle baseball. The Eagles traveled to Fruitvale where they defeated North Hopkins in a winner take all game. The Eagles scored early and often with Tanner Childers leading the way with his first career homerun.
With the victory, the Eagles will play Simms Bowie in a first round playoff series.
Game 1 Friday @ Hughes Springs @ 730
Game 2 Saturday @ Hughes Springs @ Noon
Game 3 Saturday @ Hughes Springs 30 Minutes after Game 2 (If Necessary)
Protections for Breast-Feeding Mothers Face Opposition
by Alexa Ura, The Texas Tribune – May 7, 2015
When Anna Johnson-Smith started her fifth year as a kindergarten teacher at Marlin Elementary School in 2012, she didn’t plan to resign just a few weeks into the school year.
With a 3-month-old baby at home, Johnson-Smith wanted to continue breastfeeding, and returning to the classroom meant she needed to pump breast milk while at work. At first, she said, her supervisors were helpful, providing her with a room to pump during 15-minute breaks and someone to supervise her students.
But two weeks into the school year, her supervisors told her they would be unable to continue providing her with afternoon breaks, she said. She resigned and is now a stay-at-home mother.
“I didn’t think I needed to pick between my career and breastfeeding my babies,” Johnson-Smith said. An aide to the Marlin Independent School District superintendent said Wednesday that the then-principal and -superintendent no longer work at the district, and that there was no one else who could comment on Johnson-Smith’s situation.
Almost three years later, Democratic state Sen. Sylvia Garcia of Houston is pushing a measure she hopes would prevent other teachers from facing the same challenges, by requiring school districts to provide “reasonable” break times and facilities for female educators who need to pump breast milk while at work.
Federal law already requires employers to provide accommodations for hourly workers to pump breast milk, but it exempts salaried workers. Garcia’s Senate Bill 1479, which she calls a “common-sense bill,” would extend those protections to school district employees, like teachers, who are compensated on a salary basis.
The measure has been endorsed by several groups representing Texas teachers, but it’s been met with resistance from at least two Republican senators — state Sens. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham and Donna Campbell of New Braunfels — who say it expands the role of government.
Kolkhorst and Campbell opposed the measure when it was considered in the Senate Education Committee, casting the only votes against the bill.
“I was shocked to see my women colleagues on the committee be the only no votes,” Garcia said.
But Kolkhorst and Campbell said their opposition to the measure is rooted in their small-government principles.
“Schools have the flexibility to provide this if and when they feel it’s appropriate,” Campbell said. “The government doesn’t need to be mandating it.”
In explaining her opposition, Kolkhorst echoed that aversion to mandates, saying she didn’t want to write the requirement for accommodations for teachers into law.
“I’m a female who actually was a working mom and had the same issues and was able to be able to continue breastfeed for my children while I was working,” Kolkhorst said. “I know that there are situations that we hear about that don’t go so well, but I’m hoping that local school districts can come up with their own policies regarding this issue.”
The bill has picked up support from the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, the Association of Texas Professional Educators and the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.
Holly Eaton, director of professional development and advocacy for the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, told the Senate Education Committee last month that school districts already provide accommodations for teacher aides and other hourly workers. But she added that Garcia’s bill “fills a gap that was left in federal law” for teachers.
Garcia rebuffed her colleagues’ explanations about small government because her bill imposes “no extra burden” on schools that are already required to provide these accommodations for some employees.
“They conveniently find a way to hide behind local control,” Garcia said of Kolkhorst and Campbell.
Working women who breastfeed their children may experience diminished milk supply if they skip pumping sessions or do not pump long enough, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Across the Capitol, the Texas House already signed off on a related measure that’s farther-reaching. House Bill 786, by state Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, would require public employers — state agencies, local governments and public schools — to support the practice of expressing breast milk and make “reasonable accommodations” for female employees who are compensated on a salary basis to do so.
That measure was sent to the Senate and has since been referred to the Senate Business and Commerce Committee.
Garcia’s bill could be taken up by the Senate as soon as Thursday.
Johnson-Smith, the former teacher, says she’s hopeful it will pass and clear the way for other educators to continue breastfeeding their children while educating the children of others.
“In 2015, women should be able to breastfeed their baby and have their career,” Johnson-Smith said.
Disclosure: The Association of Texas Professional Educators is a corporate sponsor of The Texas Tribune. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association was a corporate sponsor of the Tribune in 2009 and 2010. Texas AFT was a corporate sponsor of the Tribune in 2011, 2012 and 2013. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/protections-breastfeeding-moms-face-senate-opposit/.
Reds, White, and Brews Comes to Sulphur Springs May 23
A big event is coming to downtown Sulphur Springs on Saturday, May 23 during Memorial Day weekend. The new event will be known as “Reds, White, and Brews”. It will be a beer and wine tasting event with professional wine judges from California to judge Texas wines and beers.
“This is our first time to do this, and it is a free event,” Brandy Sharp, City Community Development Coordinator said. “All purchases will be made from the consumer to the winery, and you can purchase the beer directly from the restaurant.”
Live music entertainment will also be included, namely live jazz. Beers can be tasted outside of the restaurants, and purchases will be made inside. The wine activities will take place on Celebration Plaza.
“”We are going to have free cups available, and beer mugs will be for sale,” Sharpe said. “I’m really excited about it. I think it’s a great thing to bring to Sulphur Springs.
Beers can be purchased at Muddy Jake’s, Bayou Jack’s, and Lou Viney’s. The event will last from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dallas Opera Marks Third Trip to Sulphur Springs Middle School
Dallas Opera Education Program will bring “The Billy Goats Gruff” to Sulphur Springs Middle School Friday, May 8. “It’s an incredible honor for Sulphur Springs Middle School to be chosen for a performance by The Dallas Opera’s touring company, TDO2Go for the third year in a row,” said Sulphur Springs Symphony Board Member Sarah Smith. “I believe we are the only town outside the Dallas area they visit. The students have always been drawn in by the singing and acting of this talented group. The experience of hearing an opera will stick with them all their lives.”
According to the opera’s website, “‘The Billy Goats Gruff’ is an adaptation by John Davies of the popular folk tale based on scenes from operas by well-known composers W.A. Mozart, G. Donizetti and G. Rossini. It is performed in English and reinforces messages of anti-bullying, the importance of kindness and attending school regularly. Telling the story through the magic of opera with professionally trained talented, animated performers singing and acting, delightful music, costumes, a set and piano accompaniment captivates the children and holds their attention as important messages are conveyed through exciting, live entertainment.
“The story centers on three friends, Lucy, Dandini, and Ernesto, who are bullied as they walk home from school. Lucy’s doll is stolen by the bully, Osmin, who also prevents the students from crossing a bridge to get home. The students work together to handle the situation and ultimately teach Osmin about the importance of kindness. At one point, toward the end of the opera, the three friends hold up chalk boards with the words ‘Kindness is Contagious.’
“The opera will be performed by four artists in The Dallas Opera’s Education Program: Christian Teague, baritone, (Osmin); Agostina Migoni, soprano, (Lucy); Laura Gastinel, mezzosoprano, (Ernesto); and Christopher Leach, tenor, (Dandini). Keyboard accompaniment will be by Mary Dibbern, Music Director of Education and Family Programs. The Touring Production Supervisor is Ryan Lescalleet. The Education Program Senior Manager is Kristian Roberts.”
This performance is made possible by gifts from Grocery Supply Company, Dr. James Gulde, North East Texas Choral Society, Sulphur Springs Symphony League and two anonymous
donors. The Dallas Opera’s Education Programs are part of The Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs and are generously supported by The Betty and Steve
Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund.
The Dallas Opera is committed to bringing quality arts educational programs to the students of North Texas. To maximize the learning opportunity for students, the programs include comprehensive teaching training and TEKS-aligned classroom materials covering language arts,
math, music, social studies, visual arts and more.
“UPDATED” Ross Autopsy; Ranger’s Investigation Into Death Nears Completion
KSST has been given a copy of the Autopsy Report in the death of Tony Chance Ross by his family. The autopsy was conducted March 9th at 12:35 p.m. at the Tyler Forensic Center. The autopsy was requested by Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Gary Alfred following Ross’ death on March 8, at 2:50 p.m. Dr. David L. Zimmerman was the forensic pathologist.
On an additional page faxed to KSST, the Ross family outlined their four-point stand on the case:
- “Chance was using drugs at this time.
- “Chance was mentally ill.
- “Chance was taised multiple times on the street.
- “While in handcuffs, Chance was taised multiple times in the jail cell begging them to stop.”
In his five page report, Dr. Zimmerman summarized his findings and opinion of the case as follows:
“The decedent was a 34-year-old man who was reportedly acting erratically and speaking nonsensically. He was taken into custody after a struggle and Taser deployment. He was taken to a jail facility where he continued to struggle with officers. A Taser was deployed in drive stun mode multiple times. After the struggle he was left in the cell alone. He was discovered unresponsive a short time later in the cell. He was transported to Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler, TX. While hospitalized he was diagnosed with hypotension, multi-organ failure, methamphetamine use, and rhabdomyolysis. His condition never improved and death was pronounced. A complete autopsy was performed.
“Significant finding at autopsy include numerous abrasions and bruises of the skin, and bruising of the mesentery of the small bowel. There is a pair of rectangular burns on the right palm of the hand. There are at least fourteen additional single and paired rectangular burns of the chest, back, and neck. Other findings at autopsy include an enlarged heart, and congestion and edema of the lungs.
“Postmortem toxicologic analysis is positive for methamphetamine.
“Given the autopsy and investigative finding, it is my opinion that the cause of death in this case is acute methamphetamine intoxication and physical restraint. The manner of death is homicide.
“This case has many features which indicate this may be a case of ‘excited delirium.’ Individuals experiencing ‘excited delirium’ express symptoms of bizarre and aggressive behavior, violence, unexpected physical strength, and hyperthermia. Most cases of ‘excited delirium’ involve stimulant drugs (methamphetamine, in this case). The sequence of events is nearly always the same in all accounts, delirium with agitation, sudden cessation of struggle, respiratory arrest, and death.”
Zimmerman stated, on the front page of the report, the cause of death to be “Acute Methamphetamine intoxication and physical restraint. The manner of death, the doctor reports as homicide.
Tuesday morning in a telephone conversation with Texas Ranger John Vance, the Ranger told KSST News that he will soon be submitting, to the District Attorney’s office, his report regarding the death of Chance Ross. The investigation of Ross’ death continues to be an open investigation until it is submitted to a Hopkins County Grand Jury. Ranger Vance said in a phone conversation Tuesday morning that he is awaiting additional results from evidence submitted to the crime lab immediately after he took over the investigation of Ross’ death. Vance spoke with KSST News from Florida just prior to testifying in a trial there.
Ross died Sunday March 8th in Trinity Mother Frances Hospital where he had been transferred from Hopkins County Memorial Hospital where he had been taken for emergency treatment following what seemed to be a cardiac arrest while in custody at Hopkins County Jail. A Tyler Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy immediately following his death. At this time, KSST News is awaiting a call from the Smith County Justice of the Peace who ordered the autopsy.
Ross, 34, was arrested early Friday evening March 6 by Sulphur Springs’ police officers who responded to a call on Whitworth Street of a shirtless man acting erratically. Prior to being booked into Hopkins County Jail he was placed in the padded violence cell where he remained for 11 minutes before being found face down and unresponsive. Officers were able to find a faint pulse and called EMS. CPR was stared at the jail and his pulse was stronger but he was not breathing on his own when he arrived at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital.
According to police reports, Ross was arrested when officers encountered him and he was said to have balled his fist and charged an officer. The officer tazed Ross but Ross was able to pull the wires out and fled. The officer pursued and a fight ensued. Officers said Ross was difficult to contain and they were forced to tazed him more than once. Ross continued to resist even when taken to jail according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders.
On April 9, Chief Sanders responded to a question asked during the Tuesday April 7th city council meeting. “Why are the three arresting officers still on duty while an investigation of the death of Chance Ross is being conducted?” This was the question asked by Ross’ brother, Chad Ross Tuesday night April 7th during the city council’s regular session. Ross stated that the family had viewed video of his brother being brought into jail without a shirt and having burn marks on his shoulders that seemed to have been the result of his having been tazed. Ross said his brother was handcuffed and escorted by three Sulphur Springs’ officers and that three county officers assisted those officers in stripping his brother of his pants and placing him in a cell.
Summer Sports Camps Scheduled
Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens has released a list of school sponsored sports camps for this summer.
Baseball and softball camps are on June 9-11.
Girls basketball camp is on June 22-25.
Boys and girls soccer camp is on June 29-July 2.
Boys basketball camp takes place July 13-16.
Boys football camp and freshmen football camp are on July 21-23.
Volleyball camps are July 27-29.
Tennis camp is offered July 27-31.
