Hunt County Shooting Accident
April 5, 2023- Hunt County Dispatch received a call about a disturbance at a home on a private road in Quinlan. Deputies quickly responded to the scene and discovered that a man had accidently shot himself in the leg.
The same man also allegedly fired a weapon into the air. He was apparently frustrated that the party host had just announced the end of the celebration.
Currently the identity of the victim is unknown. The victim also allegedly threatened others at the party. He was taken by friends to the hospital and the incident remains under investigation.
Wood County Shooting Incident
April 5, 2023- Wood County dispatchers were notified at about 4:15 Tuesday afternoon that a Winnsboro woman had allegedly shot a man in the face in the 2100 block of FM 312. Officers were dispatched immediately to the scene to handle the situation, and to proceed with caution as the suspect is armed and dangerous. Deputies arrived on the scene, and detained the shooter without delay.
The shooter was identified as Michelle Denise Freudiger. The victim of the attack was said to be her husband, he was awake and coherent despite the injury. The victim was quickly transported to a undisclosed Tyler hospital, at this time his condition is unknown.
Michelle Denise Freudiger was quickly taken to the Wood County Jail and her bond has been set at $100,000. Freudiger has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Rebirth Juneteenth Pageant Set For June 10th
April 5, 2023- The Juneteenth Pageant committee is accepting applications for contestants who want to participate in the event on June 10th. Located at the Hopkins County Civic Center, the theme of the event will be “A Night of Black Excellence”, ages 12 months to 18 years old of all genders are eligible to participate. The registration fee will be $30 with $10 off for each additional child.
Tickets are on sale for $10 (Must have a ticket to enter, no money will be accepted at the door)
Signup dates: April 16th-May 31st
For more information contact:
Tish Debase (903)-335-6980
Lashan Taylor (214)-434-7212
Nitri Adams (903)-440-4716
Brittany Abron (903)-243-5408
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – April 5th, 2023
City Manager Marc Maxwell presented the City Manager’s Report to the Sulphur Springs City Council during their regular monthly meeting on April 4, 2023.
CLAIMS – We did not have any workers’ compensation claims in March. We had 2 liability claims in March. One was for a sewer overflow. The other will likely become a lawsuit that we will discuss in a future executive session.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER –City staff has completed drainage improvements to the underground drainage system to accommodate runoff from the site. The piers have been drilled and work on the foundation is in progress.
PACIFIC PARK – Construction of the basketball pavilion is underway. The piers have been drilled and poured. Work on the foundation is underway.
When the pavilion is complete, we will demolish the old basketball courts and grade the interior of the park. Then we will install irrigation and sod.
COLLEGE STREET – College Street is open down to Patton Street. We have completed sewer main installation from Patton to Ramsey, and we are now installing water main in the same segment. I expect the water main installation to be completed (to Ramsey) in 10 days.
Once we complete improvements to Ramsey Street we will continue to Como Street. After that we will pause to turn our attention to Holiday Drive.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the report of revenues and expenditures.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM – Atmos has finished the gas main replacement project on Como Street, and on Ardis Street. Ardis Street has been paved.
Como Street is being cement stabilized now. It will be paved next week. Expect a new SIP list in next month’s manager’s report.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Conducted 51 building inspections, 22 electrical inspections, 17 plumbing
inspections and 3 mechanical inspections. - Issued 17 building permits and 93 trade permits.
- Responded to 232 fire/rescue calls including 3 structure fires and 1 vehicle fire.
- Performed 10 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 65 fire hydrants.
- Pressure washed sidewalks downtown.
- Prepared downtown flower beds for spring flowers.
- Removed damaged trees from city parks.
- Prepared the Grays building for 15 rentals.
- Prepared sports fields for youth sports.
- Patched 425 potholes.
- Made 18 extensive street repairs following utility repairs (City and Atmos)
- Responded to 213 animal control calls while achieving a 75% adoption rate.
- Made 4 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 31 accidents, recorded 63 offences, wrote 502 traffic citations and
made 61 arrests in the patrol division. - Sold 3,831 gallons of AvGas and 12,005 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 1,605 operations (takeoffs or landings) at the airport.
- Continued upgrading lights around the city to LED.
- Replaced 1000-watt bulbs at Buford Park ball fields.
- Performed preventative maintenance on several items at the water treatment pant
and the wastewater treatment plant. - Treated wastewater effluent to a daily average suspended solids reading of 0.65
mg/L, about 1/20th of our limit. - Repaired 1 water break.
- Replaced 51 water meters.
- Unstopped 35 sewer mains.
- Flushed 40 dead-end water mains.
- Checked out 3,166 items from the library plus 755 eBooks.
Baseball hosts Paris for big showdown Tuesday
Wildcats baseball has a huge home-duel with Paris on Tuesday, Apr. 4.
Sulphur Springs plays the opposing Wildcats in a bout to stay alive in the playoff race.
Last weekend Coach Jerrod Hammock’s squad played two district games over as many days.
Unfortunately for Wildcats baseball, Sulphur Springs over those two days played the frontrunners in 15-4A Pleasant Grove and Liberty Eylau.
Coach Hammock’s squad were shutout in both games.
Friday, hosting L.E. Sulphur Springs fell 14-0.
The Leopards stormed out to an 8-0 lead after two. Followed by two scoreless innings, L.E. then exploded for another six runs in the fifth to take a commanding lead en route to a 14-0 win.
Ty Robinson and Kaden Mitchell both went 1 for 2 Friday, with both advancing to first in a walk, the latter of which striking out once against the Leopards.
Dane Oud picked up the loss, going two innings which surrendering five hits and eight runs (six of each were earned), and walking two Friday.
Saturday had Sulphur Springs heading out to Texarkana for another bout with a frontrunner in Pleasant Grove (7-0).
Coach Hammock’s squad then suffered their second 10+ run loss to the Hawks, falling 10-0 Saturday.
Robinson again went 1 for 2 in his second straight district game over as many days, walking once in the loss. He picked up the loss as the starting pitcher Saturday, going four innings and giving up five hits in the process. The 10 runs Sulphur Springs coughed up to the front runners of 15-4A had seven count against the pitcher.
He walked four and struck out five in Texarkana.
The two losses over the weekend brings the Wildcats’ season record to 5-10 (1-6 district). It is also the fourth straight and eighth in nine games.
Sulphur Springs looks to change the tide Tuesday when they host Paris at Wildcat Park.
Through seven games, both schools are 1-6, tied for fifth. Pittsburg, in fourth (2-5) travels to second place L.E. Tuesday (6-1).
A win for either Wildcat team keeps them in postseason contention, likely tying the winner of Tuesday’s game in Sulphur Springs with the Pirates for fourth place.
The home duel with Paris tees off at Wildcat Park Tuesday, Apr. 4 at 7 P.M.
Tuesday’s district contest will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
The game will also be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
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.
Chamber Connection – April 5
Join us for a Business After Hours – at your business!
If you are a Chamber of Commerce member and want to host a Business After Hours (or Before Hours), we have some openings for you!
We are scheduling our monthly networking events for the remainder of the year, and are looking for host businesses. The cost of the event is free; we just ask that you provide some refreshments.
You simply open your business from 4:30-6 p.m. on the designated day (or 7:30-8:30 a.m.), and welcome the guests.
If you’re interested, send me an email at [email protected] or call 903-885-6515. Skeet Shooting
Heart of Hope will have a Skeet Shooting Event, starting at 11 a.m. on May , at the Church at Klondike. Entry fee is $15 and includes lunch and a raffle ticket. The contest will be sporting clay shoot, wolf chase and buddy shoot. There will also be a kid shoot for 14 and under. Bring your own ammunition.
Proceeds benefit Heart of Hope in Sulphur Springs. For more information, call 903-440-1665.
Freedom Ball
This year’s Hopkins County Freedom Ball is going to be bigger and better than ever! Come help celebrate our local heroes at the Hopkins County Civic Center on May 20.
This years theme is “Top Gun” and Jason Walden & The Alibis will be providing the music for the evening.
Tickets are $125 each, and 200 tickets are set aside for veterans and their wingman each — first come, first serve. So, get your tickets now.
For tickets, contact Danny Davis at 903-438-4003.
Health Fair
A 55+ Health Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at The ROC at First Baptist Church. There will be blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, preneed counseling, hospital equipment, information on hospice and home health as well as assisted living, Medicare and Medicaid.
For more information, contact Karon Weatherman at 903-243-3255.
Health Care Foundation Gala
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Lights of Life Gala has sponsorships and individual tickets for sale for the premiere event of the season that includes dining, dancing, live and silent auctions and games. All money raised goes to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs.
Go online to LOLGala2023.GiveSmart.com to purchase tickets or to sponsor.
Lunch and Learn
The Chamber will host its spring Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, April 18, from 11:30-1 p.m. The program will be a roundtable discussion on marketing, both conventional and social media. The seminar will be informational and practical to help business marketers increase their profile by doing it themselves. The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.
Call 903-885-6515 or email [email protected] to sign up.
Ribbon Cuttings
Frank Conrad’s Edward Jones office hosted a ribbon cutting at noon on Wednesday, March 29, at the office located at 513 Oak Ave.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Holiday Closure
April 4, 2023- The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Holiday will be closed on April 7th in observance of Good Friday.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society is open on the second Saturday of each month, however April 8th the HGCS will not be open. The HGCS will however be open on April 15th instead.
The Mission Hopkins County Genealogical Society:
- TO PRESERVE genealogical and historical materials of Texas, with emphasis on the Northeast area.
- TO PROTECT the family histories and records of people and places that represent the area and to provide a public repository for research and storage of materials collected by Hopkins County Genealogical Society.
- TO PROMOTE research in family history through educational and instructional programs and workshops.
- TO PROVIDE resource material for research relating to Texas with emphasis on Hopkins County.
- TO EXPAND awareness of genealogical and historical information through publications of materials relating to Hopkins County Texas.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society was founded in 1981 and members established a small library in a side room at the Sulphur Springs Public Library. Both the society membership and the genealogical collection expanded quickly and soon outgrew the space available at the public library. Glynn Lowe and the Sulphur Springs Loan and Building Association offered a two-room office space in a building adjoining the L&B. The City of Sulphur Springs allowed HCGS to move the genealogical collection to the new site and listed the books as on permanent loan to the society.
Robbery Suspect Buys Gas and Burgers With Windfall
April 4, 2023 – Nathaniel Raylon Wright, age 20 years-old, was arrested Monday for Felony Robbery.
An altercation began at a Hopkins County address on Country Road 1174. At the core of the dispute was an unpaid debt.
Wright confounded a man who owed him money. That man attempted to partially repay the debt with a $100 bill. Wright felt that this amount was not sufficient, and demanded more. When the man refused to offer more cash, Wright allegedly attacked the man. The victim’s money fell to the ground, and Wright allegedly grabbed the cash and fled. This entire exchange was witnessed by at least three other people. The amount of cash taken by Wright was stated to be $360.00.
Hopkins County Deputies were dispatched to the scene, and interviewed everyone involved except Wright. Based on the information gleaned during those interviews, a search began for Wright.
A Deputy located Wright standing on a porch at another CR 1174 address. That address is approximately 1 mile from the scene of the altercation. When the owner of that residence was contacted, that owner said Wright had knocked on his window and stated that he (Wright) had just beat up a man and stole his money.
As the search continued, Wright appeared at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Lobby in Sulphur Springs. He told Law Enforcement that he wished to give his side of the story. Wright was notified that he was not under arrest, and could leave at anytime. Wright’s version of the altercation and robbery did not include attacking the victim. In Wright’s version he simply ‘pushed’ the victim and the money fell to the ground. Wright declared the money was at his residence on CR 1175. However, Wright did not consent to Deputies retrieving the cash.
A search warrant was obtained for Wright’s residence. During the execution of the search warrant, it was learned that Wright’s Cousin now had the money. That cousin was contacted and instructed to bring the money to the Sheriff’s Office. He didn’t comply. It was then arranged for that cousin to give the money to Law Enforcement at his residence. The cousin cooperated and surrendered $150.
When asked about the remainder of the money, the Cousin stated that during the trip to deliver Wright to the sheriff office, they made several stops and purchases. They apparently purchased gasoline, and ate a meal together at a local burger joint. He claimed ignorance as to where the remainder of the money went.
Wright is in Hopkins County Jail, charged with Felony Robbery,
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.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release 4/4/2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, April 3, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
If you have a loved one that has recently suffered a stroke, had a major fall and required hospitalization, or even has a planned joint replacement: inpatient rehabilitation might be an option. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs provides a comprehensive rehabilitation program of the highest quality in order to improve the functional independence of those we serve. Listed are some of the specialties we treat: amputation, brain injury, bilateral knee/hip replacement, certain arthritic conditions, deconditioning, hip fracture, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, post back and cardiac surgery, spinal cord injury, and stroke. The Inpatient Rehab teams uses an interdisciplinary team approach for recovery with a goal to return the patient to a healthy, fulfilling and independent lifestyle.
Opened 24/7, we provide around the clock nursing care, three hours of therapy per day, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and social work/discharge planning to return home. If you believe you or a family member may benefit from an inpatient rehab stay, please contact us at 903.438.4570 for more information.
CHRISTUS Nurses Start Nurse Honor Guard
A group of CHRISTUS Nurses, known as the Founding Mothers, is starting the Northeast Texas Nurse Honor Guard. Their mission is to pay tribute to nurse colleagues that have passed away and provide comfort to their families by reading the Nightingale tribute at their funeral services. The group is voluntary; members do not have to be CHRISTUS associates but do have to be an RN or LVN. The membership is open to any active or retired (LPN or RN) in the state of Texas. To become a member of the CHRISTUS NETX Nurse Honor Guard, you may join the private Facebook page for members, and/or fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/bBKeFfeYbv. For questions or to request a tribute for a loved one, please reach out via email at [email protected].
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Gala
Don’t miss out on this year’s Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Lights of Life Gala, from dancing to great food and prizes, it is guaranteed to be a good time. Have you bought your tickets yet? The event will be on April 22, 2023 and will include live and silent auctions. All proceeds go to healthcare projects benefiting Hopkins County. For tickets, please visit the Gala website: LOLGala2023.givesmart.com. For more information, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] or 903.438.4799.
SSISD Board of Trustee Hopefuls Speak At Republican Forum
The Hopkins County Republican Party held a nonpartisan forum at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center focusing on candidates in the upcoming May election. Four candidates are vying for two spots as Board of Trustees for the Sulphur Springs Independent School District. The two spots currently held by Robert Cody and Robbin Vaughn are up for reelection with both of those candidates deciding not to sign up for another election try. Republican chair, Donnie Wisenbaker, gave the opening remarks. Three of the four candidates on the May 6th ballot attended the forum as Wesley Cooper had a scheduling conflict and could not attend. Earvin Larry, Jr., Darla Gibson Reed, and Adam Teer all gave introductory statements and then answered questions posed by moderator Jim Thompson. Numbers were drawn by candidates to determine the order in which the candidates would present their statements. Jim Thompson presented questions ranging from past and future school bond elections, to gender issues, and superintedent relationship to the board.
Earvin Larry, Jr.
Air Force Veteran Earvin Larry, Jr. is a 2002 graduate of Sulphur Springs High School. He currently works at L3 Harris in Greenville. His passion for helping kids through youth sports such as basketball and football drove him to seek election to the board. He has also been instrumental in the “adopt a teacher” program to show thanks to the teachers that work so hard. He is married to Tanya Larry and they have one son who is a sixth grader in Sulphur Springs. They have lived in SSISD for the past 10 years.
Darla Reed
Darla Gibson Reed introduced herself to the crowd as a former teacher previously employed by SSISD as well as the Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District. She and her husband also own a dairy as she joked that she didn’t ever want to own a dairy after growing up on her parent’s farm, Jackie and Patsy Gibson. Although now out of the classroom, she felt the need to serve by running for SSISD Board to be of service to teachers, students, and parents.
Adam Teer
Adam Teer began by asking those attending the forum for their vote, as he highlighted he was a product of the SSISD system by attending all school years from kindergarten through high school. He gives credit to the teachers, coaches, and administration that has made him the person he is today. He feels that he owes the district a debt of gratitude therefore he is running for a board seat to repay that debt. He feels that he can serve the faculty and adminstration, and through them, the students by serving on the Board of Trustees.
Wesley Cooper
Unable to attend Republican Candidate Forum due to scheduling conflict. A prepared statement was read by moderator Jim Thompson. That statement included his regrets of not attending the event. He stated “he had changed professions from public education to the private sector in 2011but remains a staunch advocate of eduacating our children to the best of our ability.” He believes that board memeber should act as stewards of the tax dollars, as well as being a bridge between administration and the public. He believes his experience both in public eduacation as well as a business owner gives him the ability to serve as a board member.
Candidate Questions and Responses:
Question 1: Did you support previous bond elections recently defeated by voters? Also, what are your ideas for meeting the needs that were rejected in the earlier bond elections?
Earvin Larry Jr.: Yes, supported past elections. Would like another bond election with changes.
Darla Reed: Yes, supported past elections. Would like to see new bond presented in better way.
Adam Teer: Voted No on first, and yes on second. Would support a new smaller bond.
Question 2: What do you see as the role of the superintendent versus school board trustees?
Earvin Larry Jr.: Superintendent is face of district, board should be extension of community.
Darla Reed: Superintendent should be leader of the district.
Adam Teer: Superintendent should cast vision for district, board should provide accountability.
Question 3: Do you know your school system’s policy dealing with gender identity? What are your thoughts about a student using the restroom of the opposite biological gender.
Earvin Larry Jr.: Does not know current policy, would need more info on deciding.
Darla Reed: Afraid more lenient policy could be tip of iceberg for other issues
Adam Teer: Would refer issue to legal department of district.
Question 4: What ideas do you have to support teachers with discipline issues in their classrooms?
Earvin Larry Jr.: Wants to support teachers in their efforts.
Darla Reed: Knows teachers need more support, administration needs to support teachers.
Adam Teer: Wants to support teachers with students that need discipline.
Question 5: What are your top three priorities if you are elected or re-elected to a position on the school board?
Earvin Larry Jr.: Board transparency, A fair bond proposal, Enhance teacher pay, help improve teacher retention.
Darla Reed: Teacher recruitement and retention improvement through better pay, Transparency of funds spent by administration and district. Support teachers in any way possible.
Adam Teer: Teacher pay raises, teacher retention, smaller fair bond proposal.
The SSISD Board of Trustees portion of the candidate forum wrapped up with moderator Jim Thompson asking if all candidates voted in the last November 2022 election with all candidates affirming that they indeed voted.
