Timber Thief Back in Hopkins County
April 18, 2023 – Frances Charline Lee-Cole was transported to the Hopkins County Jail this week. She was serving time for a theft conviction at the TDCJ Hilltop unit.
Lee-Cole was arrested in 2022 after she allegedly sold the Timber Rights to a logging company on a property she did not own. The company paid $8,000 for the rights. See that story here.
Lee-Cole is facing a Theft of Property >2,500 <30,000 charge. Bail amount is not yet available.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Tax Day Reminders For All Taxpayers
The filing and payment deadline for most 2022 federal tax returns has arrived. Here’s what last minute filers need to know.
Taxpayers who need more time can request an extension
Taxpayers can request an extension of time to file to avoid a failure to file penalty, but they still need to pay their taxes or risk a penalty for failing to pay. An extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 16, 2023, to file their 2022 tax return.
When a taxpayer can’t pay their tax bill
Even with an extension to file, taxpayers still must pay any taxes they owe by the deadline. If they can’t pay by the deadline, they should still file their return or request an extension, or they’ll face possible penalties.
Here are the steps a taxpayer should take when they can’t pay a tax bill:
- File their tax return or request an extension of time to file by the deadline.
- Pay as much as possible by the April due date.
- Review options the IRS offers to help taxpayers:
- Payment plans — Taxpayers can apply for a payment plan on IRS.gov or in writing using Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request.
- Offer in Compromise — An Offer in Compromise lets taxpayers settle their tax debt for less than the full amount they owe. It may be an option if they can’t pay their full tax liability or doing so creates a financial hardship. Taxpayers can see if they’re eligible and prepare a preliminary proposal with the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier Tool.
- Penalty relief — Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they tried to comply with tax laws but were unable due to circumstances beyond their control.
Some disaster victims, taxpayers living overseas, military service members and eligible support personnel in combat zones have more time beyond the April deadline to file and pay their taxes.
Taxpayers should also check their state filing and payment deadlines, which may be different from the federal April 18 deadline. A list of state tax division websites is available through the Federation of Tax Administrators.
Quarterly estimated tax payments also due
April 18 is also the deadline for first quarter estimated tax payments for tax year 2023.
These payments are normally made by self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, businesses, corporations and others that do not have taxes withheld or employees that don’t have enough taxes withheld by their employers throughout the year.
TXDOT Calls for Safe Driving in Work Zones to Continue Downward Trend in Fatalities
Work zone crash fatalities decreased for the first time since 2018
AUSTIN — Following a year in which fewer people were killed in work zone crashes in Texas, TxDOT is calling on all drivers to stay vigilant and help continue that downward trend. As National Work Zone Awareness Week kicks off, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is reminding drivers to stay alert and exercise caution when going through road construction and maintenance areas.
Traffic fatalities in the state’s work zones were down 16% in 2022, decreasing for the first time since 2018. Despite that, 205 people lost their lives and another 788 were seriously injured in Texas work zones last year. The vast majority of those killed, 85%, were drivers or their passengers.
“Although it’s encouraging to see a reduction in the number of work zone crashes and fatalities last year, one life lost is too many,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We’re calling on all Texas drivers to slow down and stay alert when traveling through work zones. Doing so could save a life, including your own.”
The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers five tips for safely navigating work zones:
Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and proactively adjust your driving to match road conditions. Excessive speed is one of the leading causes of work zone crashes.
Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers want to get home safely, too. Always follow instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.
Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry, should traffic stop suddenly. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crashes.
Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.
TxDOT also reminds motorists of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law that requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching TxDOT, emergency, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicles stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law can also result in a fine of up to $2,000.
Roadway safety professionals are encouraged to wear orange on April 19 for National Go Orange Day to proudly show their support for work zone safety.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
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Lunchables May Be Coming To Schools
April 17, 2023- Lunchables, the loveable miniature snack-pack filled with pieces of ham and crackers, or small DIY pizzas that have excited American children for years, won’t be only available at grocery stores. Students will be able to purchase them from their school or possibly receive them through a free lunch program. This revelation comes from Kraft Heinz, the manufacturer of Lunchables.
Starting this year, school administrators will be able able to purchase two different Lunchables offerings for the 2023-2024 school year: Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stacker and Extra Cheesy Pizza. Much like the name suggests, the turkey and cheddar Lunchables include slices of turkey and cheddar with crackers, and the pizza option includes a Kraft cheese blend, pizza sauce and crusts. The two meals are stated to meet the National School Lunch Program guidelines.
Kraft Heinz has stated that the meals will have a change in recipe to meet the National School Lunch Program guidelines, and as such the, meals may have different taste compared to the store bought versions.
According to Kraft Heinz, the turkey and cheddar option comes in a 3.5-ounce container, includes 2-ounce equivalents of meat/meat alternative and 1-ounce equivalent of grain, and “meets whole grain rich criteria.” The pizza option is in a 5.05-ounce container and also includes 2-ounce equivalents of meat/meat alternative, 2-ounce equivalents of grain, 1/8 cup of red/orange vegetables and “meets whole grain rich criteria.”
To read more on the meals and their change in recipes, Kraft Heinz has presented a PDF stating more information on the meals.
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested April 17
April 17, 2023 – Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Office.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornadoes, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test.
Hopkins County Records – April 17
Land Deed Transactions for April 17, 2023
Ronnie Lee Collins and Susan Edwards Collins to Dixie Sickles and Hades Chase Sickles; tract in the A Caro survey
Lisa Guardian Cowen and Thomas Odell White to Thomas O Dell White Management Trust; tract in the Joseph Redding survey
James Lee Beck and Kimberly Ann Beck to Beck James Lee Co-trustee, Kimberly Ann Beck Co-Trustee and TJA Trust; tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell survey
Ricardo Chavarria to Oscar S Medina Marchante and laura Medina; tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell survey
Eldon Ford and Tony Ford AIF to Joshua Blake Boatman and Lauren Tye Boatman; tract in the WM H Moses survey
Melissa Beezley Harris and Rebecca Beezley Wix to James Devon Parmer and Pam Parmer; tract M A Bowlin survey
Chad Argenbright, Corey Argenbright and Candy Massey to Donna Argenbright; tract in the James E Hopkins survey
Corey Argenbright, Donna Argenbright and Candy Massey to Chad Argenbright; tract in the James E Hopkins survey
Chad Argenbright, Donna Argenbright and Candy Massey to Corey Argenbright; tract in the James E Hopkins survey
Linda C Blount and Ronald J Blount to Courtney Gail Allbritton and Jerry Wayne Blount; tract M A Bowlin survey
Janet Keir McAuliffe and Wayne Keith McAuliffe to Jason M Infantino and Lisa Infantino; tract in the Santiago Comarcho survey
Elmer Thompson and Maxie A Thompson to Jerry W Thompson and Ronnie Joe Thompson; tract in the WM Shaw survey
Nichol Fuentes and Oscar Fuentes to Jeremy Bennettt; tract in the George C Roberts survey
Deborah Abraham and Terry Abraham to Fatmir Cosic and Indira Cosic; tract M A Bowlin
Charlie Grantham to Morales Construction Enterprises LLC; tract in the R C Greaves survey
Opal J Evans to Frank M Torres and Janey E Torres; tract in the Hayden Arnold survey
Opal J Evans to Debra D Lanham; tract in the Hayden Arnold survey
Codi Reynolds to Charlotte McMullin and Marcia Mills; tract in the H D Parsons survey
Bettye G Thompson Beard and Don K Beard to Steven Derald Tolliver and Zandria Gabrielle Mims Tolliver; tract in the Henry Quirk survey
Bank Of America NA Trustee and J K Hughes Trust to Petter JJ Anderson, Robin A Brown, BSA CTX Foundation, Kyle Singer Canepa, Carolina Properies LLC, Stewart Carrell, Linda Perryman Evans, Linda Perryman Evans TUW, Williams J Fleischaker, Elizabeth C Ford, Mary Terrell Ford, John J Frishkopf, Linda Goldner, Gugenheim Asset Trust, Deborah S Lahti, Marion Morris Landers, Alexa Singer Laur, Austen John Laur, Lazy M Ranch LTD, Marcia Swesnik Lehman, Paul Mailhot-Singer, Helen Carrell Mann, Joan Mcilyar, Anne E Morris, George C Morris III, Penelope C Morris, Susan T Morris, John R Murrell, Joan Ford Pappas, Walter Lewis Perryman III, Andrea Singer Pollaxk Revocable Trust, Andrea Singer Pollack Trustee, Quagga Royalty LP, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, David Senior Trust, Senior Family Trust, Amy Singer, David P Singer Revocable Trust, David P Singer Trustee, Erik Alan Singer, Singer Family Living Trust, Jeb Senior, Marc Singer, Reid Teller Singer, Stanley H Singer Revocable Trust, Stanley H Singer Trustee, Stephen B Singer Living Trust, Stephen B Singer Trustee, Sue Singer Trustee, Timothy Goodman Singer, Singer/Simkin Family Company LLC, Hyla Swesnik, Betty Lu Williams Limited Partnership, Joel T Williams III Trustee, 2DFLY’S LLC; tract in the WM Teer survey
Doyle Wood, Margaret Wood and Michael Ray Wood Guardian to Donald Patrick Majewski, Donald Phillip Majewski and Jessica Kaye Majewski; tract in the Nacogdoches Univ survey
Anthony Santangelo and Carolyn Santangelo to Jose Rene Calidonia Gonzalez and Norma Liset Cano Pineda; tract in the Sarah H Norris survey
Madonna Clover Ewton to Scott Cooper and Lisa Cooper Skelton; tract in the A S Young survey
Alyssa Brook Hodges to Jennifer Cooper; tract in the A S Young survey
Jennifer Cooper and Lisa Katherine Cooper Skelton to Hooshang Rassaf; tract in the A S Young survey
Diane Lummus and Ron Lummus to Lummus Properties LLC; tract In the Elizabeth Melton survey
Lisa Marie Langston and Thurel Dean Langston JR to Lisa Marie Langston Co Trustee, Lisa Marie Langston Revocable Living Trust, Thurel Dean Langston JR Trustee and Thurel Dean Langston JR revocable Trust; tract in the N B Westerman survey
Margaret Ann Sargent Lozar and Mary Francis Jennings McMahon to James Scott McMahon and W D McMahon; tract in the Simon Derrick survey
North Texas Annual Conference Of The United Methodist to Gafford Chapel Church; tract in the John W Moore survey
Carol D Snyder and Diane Snyder to Carl D Snyder Trustee, Diane E Snyder Trustee and Snyder family Trust; tract M A Bowlin survey
Ronnie D Northam to Linzy Harland; tract in the James H Brown survey
Linzy Harland to Ronnie D Northam; tract in the James H Brown survey
Marriage License Application
Aaron Taylor Ball and Sydney Elizabeth Clagett
Dennis Ray Dodgin and Annelyse Marie Sallas
Garrett Quade Rhoades and Marissa Diane Randolph
Zachary Garrett Emmons and Taylor Paige Bolton
Fred Houston Fielden and April Denise Keen
Caleb James-Edward Brown and Medina Andrea Itze Juarez
Kenneth Wesley Smith and Joanna Lois Winn
William Acie Simmons II and Jeana Marie Baker
Todd Ray Parnell and Julie Ann Knight
Sebastian Gabriel Kitt and Delia Joy Baker
Tyler Cole Mitchell and Tegan Helene Landroche
Steven Scott Stelzer and Taeler Renee Duke
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting – April 20
April 17, 2023 – Susan Lanning is set to be the guest speaker at the next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting. However, if you are unable to attend due to travel distance or for whatever reason, you are invited to attend via Zoom. The time will be the same, April 20, 2023, 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada). You will need to register in advance for this meeting by clicking the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqf-iopj8iHtNdlok4fc8Ir2i8az4C9alB After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The topic of the meeting is An Introduction to the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum Time & Place: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2011, (Genealogy Research Library), 611 N. Davis, Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Susan grew up in St. Louis, MO and received a BA from Northeast Missouri State University (now called Truman University). She has an MA in Museum Studies from Baylor University and has been the director of the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum since 2007. Prior to that she was the director of the Fire Museum of Texas down in Beaumont. When not working she enjoys traveling and getting together with friends and family.
Susan will give a kind of virtual tour of the American Cotton Museum and talk about its history. Whether in person or virtually, the Hopkins County Genealogical Society hope you will join for this interesting presentation!
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release 4/17/2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, April 17, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Silent Auction
Many of us are looking forward to the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Gala this Saturday, April 22. Even if you are not attending, you can still participate in the silent auction! Register online to view auction items at https://e.givesmart.com/events/tN7. From gift baskets to vacations, you are sure to find something you love. Your purchase will also contribute to health care focused projects that benefit our community through our foundation.
Digestive Issues? We can help.
At CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, we offer some of the latest treatment options for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Our highly trained team, led by gastroenterologist Dr. Umair Sohail, provides screening, diagnosis and advanced treatments for a wide range of complex digestive disorders including: colonoscopy and colon cancer screening, heartburn and reflux, abdominal pain, nausea and ulcers, bowel issues, gallstones and pancreatitis. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our CHRISTUS GI team, talk to your primary care physician about a referral.
Outpatient Therapy
When you need rehabilitation and therapy services – the more convenient, the better. Our CHRISTUS outpatient therapy department is conveniently located on the bottom floor of our Medical Plaza building at 113 Airport Rd. With a goal to return patients to normal function as quickly and safely as possible, our rehabilitation professionals provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to all ages. Our staff are specialized in skills such as orthopedic and sports rehabilitation treating injuries or following surgery, swallowing and speech disorders, balance disorders, strokes and other neurological conditions, hand therapy, pool therapy, and much more. We even have an Anti-Gravity Treadmill – an innovative technology. If you would like more information on available services, please call our team at 903.439.4053.
Upcoming Blood Drives
As a reminder, Carter Blood Care Bus will continue their rotational blood drive on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm. The bus will be located outside of our medical plaza at 113 Airport Rd. You may make an appointment on their website or just walk in. Thank you for your generosity!
Lady Cats Track & Field sending five plus a relay team to Area meet
Coach Ross Hicks and his team had a solid outing Tuesday and Wednesday, Apr. 11-12 at Liberty Eylau’s Harris Field for the 15-4A District meet, as Sulphur Springs sends five athletes and a relay team to the next level.
“Overall, it was a good day,” the track and field coach said Thursday morning.
One of two Lady Cats to qualify for an event at the Area meet is Jaicee Jasmer. Her efforts in the 200 M dash got her fourth place at a time of 26.92. Finishing top four allows the Sulphur Springs athlete to qualify for Area. Jasmer, however, really shined in pole vault. The sophomore’s 10’6″ winning mark made her the first of two Lady Cats to win an event at the 15-4A district championship.
Amerson Boles also moves on in pole vault, placing fourth at 9′.
The 800 M dash sees two Sulphur Springs athletes qualify for Area:
- 3rd. Abbey Williams — 2:32.97
- 4th. Laney Hurst — 2:34.81
Rainey Johnson narrowly missed out on placing coming in five seconds after Hurst in fifth.
1600 M run saw Edith Martinez come in second place, at 5:44.93 and getting eight points in the process for Sulphur Springs. The Lady Cat then went and emerged victorious in the 3200 M run, crossing the finish line with a winning mark of 12:49.61.
Dylan McKinney missed out on qualifying the 1600 in fifth and Williams got sixth in the 3200. Coach Hicks said McKinney was in the fourth the entire race but was edged out in the final steps by a Paris runner, losing out on the final qualifying spot by 0.15 seconds.
And the 4×200 M relay team of Rowan Faircloth, Trinity Jefferson, Codee Roland & Jasmer moves on to the Area round as the Lady Cat squad got fourth in the event.
Sulphur Springs athletes not previously mentioned scoring points over the two day district championship at Liberty Eylau were
- Jaden Allen, 110 M hurdles — 19.31 (5th)
- Madison Jeter, 300 M hurdles — 53.72 (6th)
- Trinity Jefferson, High Jump — 4’8″ (5th)
The first two aforementioned Lady Cats are freshman and competing at a high level at the District championship, an experience that Coach Ross Hicks believes is crucial for the development of Sulphur Springs track and field.
The relay team of Aaliyah Cheatum, Hurst, Johnson and Jolea Moore came up fifth in the 4×400 M relay crossing the line at 4:21.57. While missing out on the Area meet, Tuesday’s outing is a season best time for the Lady Cats.
In the 4x100s, Jaicee Jasmer, Jefferson, Roland, and Vanessa Wayne got 6th.
Cumulating 69.5 points, Lady Cat track and field finished fourth at the 15-4A meet.
Coach Hicks liked what he saw from his team over the two day meet held at Harris Field in Texarkana.
“Nearly all of them had a season-best here at district, so we’re peaking at the right time. And I truly think that peak will continue through Area and they’re gonna be ready to roll in Paris next week.”
Next up, the track and field coach and five of his athletes plus a relay team move on to the Area meet scheduled to be held in Paris on Thursday, Apr. 20.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Let’s Get Kids Into Gardening
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
When I was in 4th grade, Mother decided I should have a garden. She picked a spot shaded in mornings, and said, “Have at it!” Well, a fourth grader trying to get bare ground with no gloves or tools didn’t do a very good job. I did manage to plant some carrots so thick they looked like weeds. So, I pulled the weeds, which ended my early gardening efforts! Needless to say, it was MANY years later before I felt a true calling to be a gardener.
Many adults who garden would like to instill a similar desire in their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The goal is to instill a strong desire without inducing a quick burnout. Outsourcing weeding and maintenance to youngsters for your existing garden can quickly induce burnout, possibly on the first day! Rather, they need simple tasks that have a quick feeling of success.
Perhaps assigning them one to a few plants and showing them what to do. You might let them closely observe whatever you’re doing whatever with many or a row of plants before having the do the same to their assigned plants, all under your close supervision, never scolding, but correcting and encouraging. Letting the water a few plants after watching you first. Don’t forget to turn the sprinkler on them from time to time! Your objective is to make it fun rather than hard work.
Then, there’s watching you prune several plants before (gulp, choke, sweat) allowing them to do the same. Most importantly, show them how to pick vegetables. While you may see considerable pride at any of their efforts, you’ll really see pride when they pick vegetables from THEIR plants. Come fall, they may want to take some veggies to school and discuss what THEY did in THEIR garden!!!
