The S.O.C.K. Program is back!
August 22, 2023 – The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the kick-off of S.O.C.K. Support Our Campuses and Kids! This opportunity was created for businesses to partner with schools, with the belief that the more our community is involved and invested in our schools, the more successful our schools and children will be.
Please contact Communications Coordinator, Amber Grimes, at 903-885-2153 x 1129 or email [email protected] for more information about this program or click the link below to register.
Time is Running Out to Register for Fall Classes at Paris Junior College
ENROLLING
August 22, 2023 – Jazz Santos Rodriguez, left, and Taylor Price, both of Sulphur Springs, are completing paperwork for enrollment at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center — with the help of secretary Dana Smock. Registration for Fall 2023 classes at Paris Junior College is under way. Fall Classes start Monday, August 28th, 2023.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is Hiring
August 22, 2023 – Full time and part time positions are available at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office as local Sheriff Lewis Tatum has added (3) new full time positions to next year’s budget, which will start October 1, 2023. In addition, salaries are increasing for all county employees including the newly needed Patrol Deputy positions which will start at $59,400 after October 1.
Other positions are also currently available including part-time transport and bailiff work. Applicants need not have TCOLE certification as both TCOLE and Non-TCOLE positions are available. New hires are also offered affordable family insurance and a “take home unit” as Tatum highlights that the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has new equipment and a new fleet of vehicles.
Interested applicants should email: [email protected]
For a list of all benefits click on this link: Employee Handbook or visit www.hopkinscountytx.org
Impatient Driver Arrested on Main Street
August 22, 2023 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies noticed a black Dodge pickup truck traveling on Main Street this week. The driver, 49 year-old THERESA GALE GARCIA, was known to have a Failure to Appear warrant issued for her arrest.
As deputies observed Garcia, she continued to travel on Main street eventually coming to a red light. Deputies observed Garcia pull around and pass a vehicle that was lawfully stopped at that same red light. A traffic stop was performed a short distance away from that intersection. Garcia was highly agitated and refused to follow orders given by deputies. Eventually Garcia was assisted from her vehicle and to the ground with the least amount of force required. She was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. Her truck was impounded.
She is currently charged with:
1 FAILURE TO APPEAR
1 3007 RAN RED LIGHT
In June of 2023, Garcia was arrested in Sulphur Springs and charged with:
LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT
3035 OPEN CONTAINER- DRIVER
3002 UNSAFE SPEED/TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS
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.
Fields Back in Hopkins County Jail
August 22, 2023 – SHAINA CHEYANNE FIELDS was arrested this week after she violated her parole.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies received an anonymous tip as to the location of Fields. A warrant for her arrested was confirmed.
When Deputies arrived at the Precinct 2 address, they met with the homeowner. He gave consent for them enter his home. He told Deputies that Fields was hiding in a bedroom. Fields refused to open the bedroom door and surrender. The door was breached and Fields was found hiding in a closet.
Fields, who lists herself as an unemployed resident of Sulphur Springs, was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident.
This is not the first time Fields has been in jail.
In March of 2023 Fields was arrested at a Fuller Street address for violation of parole, which she was on for possession of a controlled substance.
In 2022, Fields got creative with her identity and attempted to deceive law enforcement. She was arrested and faced several drug charges, violation of parole and failure to identify as a fugitive from justice. See that story here.
In 2021 she was arrested after a traffic stop on Helm Lane and a search revealed controlled substances. See that story here.
In 2014 Fields was sentenced to a year in prison for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. She served her term in the San Saba Prison.
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.
Joy Of Hope Holds First Press Conference
August 21, 2023 – At 11AM Monday August 21st, 2023, Joy Of Hope, Inc held a press conference at the Hopkins County Courthouse. It was an occasion to get the word out to the people of Texas. For the blind or vision impaired, it was a message of outreach and that help is coming.
The board is excited to get started. They have found a property inside Sulphur Springs city limits that appears to fit their anticipated needs. “We will need space to house people who are studying at Joy Of Hope. This will be a live in facility.” said Wheat.
Wheat, who is the vision behind Joy Of Hope, stated the closest live in facility for the blind is in Austin. He feels blind people desperately need a place to fellowship.
Wheat hopes to include people with diabetes as well.
“You can be visually impaired, without being blind. These people need to know that someone cares. They need to be able to reach out.” said Wheat.
There are state programs available to help blind people. Wheat is eager to share information on these programs, and is a phone call away. 214 803 5552
The purpose of Joy of Hope is to provide life skills and education to individuals affected by vision impairment, blindness, diabetes and others.
How To Help
Joy Of Hope is a registered 501 (c)(3) charity, and donations may be tax deductible. Right now financial donations can be made via check, delivered by US Mail. Here is the address:
Joy Of Hope, Inc
What is Next for Joy Of Hope
Board members said that a web presence will be complete this week, and that all additional information will be available there.
Anyone who thinks they might benefit from Joy Of Hope is encourage to contact Jonny Wheat. The board is still collecting information on potential needs. Any input will help shape evolving offerings.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 08-14-2023 – 08-20-2023
Arrests:
Whitson, 23 years of age, of Pittsburg, was arrested on 8-14-for Burglary of a Motor Vehicle.
Martin, Jerry, 54 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 8-17-2023 on 10 Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Martin, Jerry, 31 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 8-17-2023 on 3 Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Smith, Riley, 25 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 8-17-2023 on 6 Winnsboro Municipal Court warrants.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 138 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 48 citations and 51 warnings during this reporting period.
CHRISTUS Health: Summer Winding Down, But Impact of Heat on Health Will Remain
(East Texas) – Summer is over in about a month, but in Texas, one of the hottest summer seasons on record will leave its impact well into the fall, putting a renewed emphasis on taking the necessary precautions when working or playing outside.
“When outside, try and wear loose-fitting clothes, use plenty of sunscreen and most of all, stay hydrated,” said Shelby Ivey, trauma program manager at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro. “Even when the temps eventually drop, the threat of heat-related illnesses is very real.”
Ivey added that it is important to recognize the symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Excessive sweating, dizziness, cool or clammy skin and muscle cramping are signs of heat exhaustion, while throbbing headaches, confusion, and a body temperature above 103 degrees indicate possible heat stroke.
“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are essentially the same problem but on different ends of the spectrum,” Ivey said. “At the core, the body is trying to cool itself and prevent damage. When the body cannot cool itself, it becomes a medical emergency.”
CHRISTUS EMS responded to more than 100 heat-related calls during the months of June and July. The eventual drop in temperatures will be a welcome sign but, according to Ivey, the threat of heat exhaustion and heat stroke remains very real when the humidity remains high.
“Pay attention to the humidity when the temperatures drop. High humidity levels make it more difficult for sweat to evaporate and cool your body,” Ivey said. “Just because the air temperature may be falling, the humidity levels are very important to keep an eye on.”
Ivey added that special precautions should be taken for children and older adults, as they are more
susceptible to heat-related illnesses. She also noted that certain prescription or illicit drugs can also
increase risk.
People who are overweight, chronically ill, outdoor workers and those who consume excessive alcohol should also take extra precautions.
“If you find yourself outside and you stop sweating, that is a time to be concerned,” Ivey said. “Taking frequent breaks, working during the early and late hours and hydrating properly can really help avoid any major issues.”
Truck Driver Arrested, Charged with 3rd DWI
August 21, 2023 – 50 year-old Michael Shawn House was arrested over the weekend in Hopkins County. His semi was involved in what State Troopers describe as a minor accident on I-30 near mile marker 122.
When Troopers arrived at the scene of the collision, they detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from House. House allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the crash. He failed various roadside sobriety tests. House was arrested and transported to the Hopkins County Jail.
House refused to give a breath sample. A warrant was sought and granted for a blood sample to be taken. House was then transported to a local hospital and a sample was successfully obtained.
A records check showed this to be at least the third DWI charge collected by House. He was convicted once in his home state of Missouri and once in Washington.
House is charged with:
1 49.09(B) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE IAT
The red Freightliner was impounded.
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.
Tina Young Becomes the First African American Woman to Serve as Postmaster for Sulphur Springs Texas
August 21, 2023 – On Friday, August 18th, 2023, the community gathered in a courtroom in the Sulphur Springs City Hall to witness history. On this past Friday, Tina Young took the Oath Of Office as, not only Sulphur Springs’ 25th Postmaster, but also as the first African American Woman to hold the position.
Sulphur Springs City Manager, Marc Maxwell, served as Master of Ceremonies and guided the day’s special speakers. Invocation was conducted by Bobby Eubanks. The “Posting of Colors” was performed by the Sulphur Springs Color Guard of the VFW, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Speaking of special guests, Senior Ms Texas herself, Vender Wright, performed awesome renditions of the Star Spangled Banner and a song of dedication during the ceremony.
Sulphur Springs USPS Sales Service Associate Chris Miles stepped up and discussed positive notes about Sulphur Springs and Tina Young. Afterwards Sulphur Springs USPS Supervisor Sherry Vanicek stepped up to the mic and discussed the positivity Tina Young’s leadership has had on the USPS. She discussed briefly about the historic significance this assignment to Postmaster of Sulphur Springs will have. Next, Tina Young’s daughter, also a USPS employee, came to the mic to talk about her “Shera” and her influence on her life and those around her. She talked about how proud her and her sister were of Tina and congratulated her.
Sulphur Springs Mayor, John Sellers, took the mic to say some words, including talk about the history of City Hall, and how it used to be the Sulphur Springs Post Office. He ended his speech by presenting Postmaster Tina Young with a silver coin from the city of Sulphur Springs and the Mayor Council.
This was followed by a speech from Patrice Hendricks, the Worthy Matron, Naomi Star organization. She talked about how proud the organization was with Young and her accomplishments, and presented her with a congratulatory gift. Next, Marc Maxwell introduced Frederick Wilkerson with the Garland Legends Organization. Mr. Wilkerson talked about how proud his organization was with Tina Young and then he read what was stated on a plaque he presented to Tina Young after his presentation.
Postmaster of Carrolton, Texas, Darwin Adams was called to the podium to say a few words about Tina Young. He talked a little bit more about the history of what used to be the post office, City Hall. And then he talked more about her part in history being the first African American Woman to serve as Postmaster in Sulphur Springs.
Marc Maxwell then gathered Tina Young, her family, and the appropriate personal around the podium so Young could take the Oath of Office. After taking the Oath, Tina Young took the mic and talked about her family, her fellow post office employees, her future plans, and her ideas of how to handle issues that may arise. She thanked her Sulphur Springs USPS employees and their hard work and dedication to the job. She also thanked the members of the community that played their parts in helping her get to where she’s at today. Young said she could go on all day talking about all of those who have helped her get to this historic position.
The ceremony was concluded by kind words about Tina Young by Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell. He talked about how things are coming together for major growth and improvement of the town of Sulphur Springs, and how Tina Young is an important part of these future plans. Amongst the speakers that stepped up and offered kind words, it was revealed that Tina Young was also offered another important job, but she turned it down for this significantly valuable opportunity in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Young’s friends and family also discussed her love for her family and how important her Christian beliefs and involvement are to her.
