Douglass ECLC Sent Into Secure In Place
March 28, 2023- Sulphur Springs Douglass ISD had a secure in place order on the school as a unidentified assailant was holding a hostage in a near by residence. The school campus was sent into “Secure”, not “lock down”, for precautionary measures. At this time the “secure” stats has been lifted.
The situation was handled by the Sulphur Springs Police Department. Students and staff are all safe after the situation was handled. The school day will continue as normal as the situation has been resolved.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Hosts National Drug Takeback Day
March 28, 2023- Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. On April 22 starting at 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. all residents may bring their unwanted prescription drugs to Atwoods Ranch & Home (parking lot) located on 817 Gilmer St.
The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. Only pills and patches will be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For disposal information on liquids and sprays, see below:
Disposal of Liquid Medicines, Eye Drops, Ear Drops, and Nose Sprays. Mix the leftover medicine with an unwanted material, like coffee grounds or kitty litter. Then, put the mixture in a container or a sealable plastic bag that will not leak. Throw the container away in the trash where children and pets cannot reach it.
For more information about the National Take Back Day, please call the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4040
Tuesday Gameday has four teams in action, including Area playoff soccer double-header
Tuesday, Mar. 28 is an another busy gameday for Sulphur Springs sports, as four teams are all in action.
Starting out on Tuesday is Lady Cats soccer, playing in their Area playoff game with Palestine.
Coach Adriana Brena and her squad are riding high following their 9-0 dismantling of Chapel Hill in the Bi-District match.
Seven scorers came up big last Thursday and hope to do the same Tuesday, Mar. 28 when they take on 16-4A runner-up Palestine.
The opposing Lady Cats also had a big game in their playoff opener, taking care of Carthage 3-0 in their Bi-District match-up.
Sulphur Springs will need an equally impressive game as their 9-0 win over Tyler’s Chapel Hill if they hope to move on to the third round of playoffs.
That game kicks off in Tyler on Tuesday at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Rose Stadium at 5:30 P.M.
Tuesday’s area game with Palestine will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
Second team up on Tuesday is Lady Cats softball, playing in their second district game in as many days.
Catch David Carrillo’s squad played North Lamar on Monday, winning yet another 10-run rule district contest, 12-0.
Monday’s district match-up was originally scheduled to be played Friday, Mar. 24, but due to rain coming in Friday afternoon that game had to be postponed to Monday.
It made little difference for Sulphur Springs, as they got a no-hitter from Crimson Bryant, going a complete five innings while giving up no hits nor runs, but striking out 12 in the victory.
12 hits were recorded in the 12-0 shutout win, with each hitter crossing home plate.
With the win Monday, Coach Carrillo’s team remains undefeated, now 17-4 on the season (3-0 district). They have a quick turnaround as on Tuesday, Mar. 28 Lady Cats softball heads to Pleasant Grove for their final district game in round one of 15-4A play.
A win at PG for Sulphur Springs would make them the sole undefeated team in the district.
That game tees off in Texarkana Tuesday at 6 P.M.
Also on deck Tuesday is Wildcats baseball.
Coach Jerrod Hammock’s team looks for a reversal of fortunes, as five of their last six have all been losses for Sulphur Springs.
Most recently, on Saturday, the baseball team hosted North Lamar in a game that was originally scheduled to be played Friday. Just like with the Lady Cats, rain coming in Friday afternoon forced a postponement to Saturday.
Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs they fell at home to the Panthers 12-2. It’s the third 10-run rule district loss for the baseball team, now 1-3 through four district games.
In the first two contests, playing the front-runners for 15-4A, the Wildcats managed just one hit in each game.
They rebounded in a 6-4 win in Paris, but Saturday saw them hit twice, with the result being the same as the first two losses in a 10-run rule defeat at the hands of North Lamar.
They are now 5-7 on the year.
Sulphur Springs ends round one of district play Tuesday when they host Pittsburg (1-3, tied with the Wildcats for 4th).
That game tees off at Wildcat Park Tuesday at 7 P.M.
The last team up on Tuesday is Wildcats soccer, and like the Lady Cats they play Palestine in the Area round.
On Thursday Sulphur Springs took on Athens, suffocating the Hornets for a 2-0 win in Bi-District.
The other Wildcats are 16-4A champions, having won 13 of their 14 district games.
In their opening round playoff game, they easily took care of Sabine 6-2.
Coach Upton and his team will need an equally impressive game plan as the one they had Thursday in their win over Athens if they wish to move on to the Regional Quarterfinals held later this week.
The Area match-up between men’s soccer and Palestine is set to kick off in Tyler, also at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Rose Stadium, at 7:30 P.M.
Another Tuesday gameday brings another soccer playoff double-header, and just like last Thursday both soccer playoff contests for the soccer programs will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
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.
17th Annual Lights of Life Gala Sponsor KSBR, LLC
Gala Co-Chair Whitney Vaughan (l-r) accompanies Katy and Sergio Ramirez for a check presentation recognizing the Ramirezes’ sponsorship of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 17th Annual Lights of Life Gala to be held on April 22. The Ramirezes are owners of KSBR, LLC and The Market on Main. Thank you, Katy and Sergio, for sponsoring the Gala!
Wes Gerald Back in Hopkins County Jail
March 28, 2023 – Law Enforcement noticed Sulphur Springs resident Wes Gerald, age 48, operating a motorcycle on Bill Bradford Drive in Sulphur Springs. A records check showed the vehicle’s registration to be expired, and Gerald’s driver license to be invalid.
A traffic stop was initiated and Gerald continued to travel on Bill Bradford a few blocks. He eventually turned onto Carter St. Once on Carter St he travel approximately two more blocks before parking in front of a home.
Contact with Gerald was made, and he was informed as to why he was being stopped. Gerald appeared nervous and was sweating profusely. When asked if he had anything illegal on his person he produced a baggie containing marijuana. He was asked again if he had anything illegal on his person, his replied that he did not. Officers noticed Gerald was hiding one of his hand behind his back. When asked to show his hands, Gerald attempted to discard something he was holding. That object came to rest behind the mailbox he was parked next to.
The object was located. It was a small black box, and inside a baggie containing a crystal like substance suspected to be methamphetamine. That substance was later tested and confirmed to be meth.
At this point, the Carter St homeowner, a.k.a Wes Gerald’s friend, arrived home. When asked if Gerald was an acquaintance, the homeowner denied knowing Gerald.
Gerald was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. His Harley-Davidson Road King was impounded. His charges include Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While Licence Invalid, and Criminal Attempt to Obscure Evidence.
This is not the first time Wes Gerald has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2016 he pled guilty to Bail Jumping. Gerald was sentenced to three (3) years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. As part of his plea agreement other charges including Aggravated Assault in Retaliation, possession of drug paraphernalia, and engaging in organized crime were dropped. See that story here.
Wes Gerald was involved in an Undercover Drug bust gone wrong in 2015. See that story here.
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.
17th Annual Lights of Life Gala Sponsor Echo Design
Echo Design and Print Studio is once again assisting the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation with the 17th Annual Lights of Life Gala by donating their printing and design services for the event. Tickets are available at LOLGala2023.givesmart.com.
TxDOT Seeks Public Input on Building the Transportation System of 2050
TxDOT will host a statewide virtual meeting and local in-person open houses
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation is planning for the future, and public input is crucial as the agency looks to meet the transportation needs of tomorrow. TxDOT is hosting a statewide virtual public meeting with in-person open houses this spring for Connecting Texas 2050, the latest update to TxDOT’s statewide long-range transportation plan.
With unprecedented population growth, increasing demands on our transportation system, and technological innovations reimagining how we move, TxDOT wants to hear from the traveling public as the agency looks toward 2050.
No matter where you work, live or how you get around, this plan impacts everyone in Texas. That’s why TxDOT wants to hear from all Texans to help establish the vision, objectives, performance measures and strategic recommendations for the state’s transportation system through 2050 for all modes.
During the statewide virtual public meeting and regional in-person open houses, TxDOT will explain the process of the statewide long-range transportation plan. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their vision and provide input on transportation goals and needs to help TxDOT plan for 2050.
The statewide virtual public meeting will be available online through May 31, 2023. TxDOT will also host in-person open houses in various locations. For a full schedule, visit TxDOT online. The same information will be available at the virtual public meeting and in-person open houses.
Comments can be submitted online, by e-mail to [email protected], or by mail to: TxDOT TPP Connecting Texas 2050, Statewide Planning Branch Manager, P.O. Box 149217, Austin, Texas, 78714-9217. Comments can also be submitted via comment forms provided at the in-person open houses. Comments must be postmarked or received by Wednesday, May 31, 2023, to be included in the public involvement summary.
The virtual public meeting and in-person open houses will be conducted in English, with Spanish materials available online and in-person. If you need special accommodations, please call 512-271-2025 at least three working days prior to the in-person open house you wish to attend.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at 512-463-8700 and [email protected].
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CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital News Release 3/27/2023
Sulphur Springs, Texas, March 27, 2023 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur
Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
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].
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Recent studies have shown that colonoscopies can save lives. Due to colon cancer being highly curable (if detected early enough), it is recommended that individuals without any symptoms or known risk- such as family history receive their initial colon screening at age 45. However, if individuals are having symptoms, have personal history, or are at high risk they are recommended to screen before age 45. If you or a loved one could benefit from a preventative screening, turn to our compassionate gastroenterology team led by Dr. Umair Sohail. Talk to your primary care provider today about scheduling your screening at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs, or call 903.885.1770.
Primary Care
Do you have a Primary Care Provider? Now is a great time to establish care with our new team member available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care in Sulphur Springs. Accepting new patients, Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Couch would love to serve your healthcare needs. At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, our distinguished providers are dedicated to efficiently meeting the healthcare needs of the patients we serve with compassionate, quality care. To schedule an appointment, call 903.885.3181 today.
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.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 03-20-2023 – 03-26-2023
Arrests:
Murphy, Raymond, 59 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 3-20-2023 for Disorderly Conduct.
Marks, Cory, 35 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 3-20-2023 for Possession of Controlled Substance PG1 /1-B<1G and multiple Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants for DWLI, Expired Driver’s License, Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility, and Operate Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
Burns, Gregory, 37 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 3-21-2023 on a Hopkins County Warrant Continuous Violence against the Family.
Marks, Cota, 32 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 3-22-2023 for DWLI with previous convictions.
Powell, David, 38 years of age, of Mt. Vernon was arrested on 3-22-2023 for Possession of Marijuana < 2oz.
Murphy, Raymond, 59 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 3-24-2023 for Public Intoxication.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 110 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 28 citations and 26 warnings
during this reporting period.
Five-Year Study Examines Health Of Bees In East Texas
March 27, 2023- The American bumblebee population is alive and well in East Texas, according to early indications from a five-year research project.
The project, which started in 2022, is a collaboration between Stephen F. Austin State University, Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M Forest Service to assess the health of bee communities in 74 East Texas counties. The survey is funded through a $500,000 state grant.
Dan Bennett, an associate professor of biology at Stephen F. Austin State University, said the results from samples collected in the study’s first year are positive.
“We’re catching lots of bumblebees of multiple species, and we’re capturing quite a few of the American bumblebee,” said Bennett, the lead entomologist for the project. “We’re finding them most places we look, and that’s a very good sign.”
It’s a good sign, Bennett said, because the American bumblebee is not doing well in other parts of its range and is being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
“It’s very early to say, and maybe we’ll get different results this year, but the early indications are that the American bumblebee is doing well here,” he said. “And that’s very important because it has almost disappeared from places like Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.”
Attracting bees
Samples were collected from traps in each of the 74 surveyed counties for two weeks each in July, August and September, timed to avoid interfering with major pollination cycles and to minimize the risk of capturing queens during hive-building activities in the spring.
Texas A&M Forest Service staff members set the majority of the traps and retrieve the samples.
Allen Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator, said the bees are attracted to the bright color of the traps, which are set across both urban and rural areas.
“Traps are placed anywhere from fence lines around airports to the edge of rights of way to open forest canopy where we would have flowering plants nearby,” he said.
Photos are taken of the area where the traps are set “so we can look at the vegetation and see what’s growing there,” Smith said.
Smith said the agency’s involvement streamlined the project, allowing an established network of statewide personnel to cover a lot of ground in setting and collecting the traps so researchers could focus on analyzing the data.
Smith developed a computer application for the collection teams to log data related to the traps, allowing the university teams to see when and where the traps were placed and when they were collected.
It makes sense for Texas A&M Forest Service to play a role in the study, Smith said, because of the agency’s access to the land throughout the region where the study is being conducted as well as the agency’s experience surveying insects in forests of East Texas.
“Everyone that’s working on this project for us deserves credit. We even have fire personnel out there helping out,” Smith said.
Early questions
Questions have already emerged from the study’s early findings, Bennett said.
“Are they going to decline soon? Is there a disease coming? What’s the difference between here and where the populations have already declined?” he said.
The samples will give researchers an idea of how the bumblebee population is doing, Bennett said, and possibly shed light on where they might be in the future.
“We want to know where the bees are, why they are there, and how that relates to human activities,” Bennett said. “We’re looking at the entire landscape and the correlates of habitat diversity.”
Counting pollen
Along with American bumblebees, the researchers are focusing on populations of long-horned bees, which are important pollinators of agricultural crops. As the project progresses, the pollen from the bee samples will be used to determine floral relationships.
“We’ll try to figure out which types of plants are represented on the bees based on the pollen that they carry,” Bennett said. “Maybe there are certain flowers that they need that we don’t quite know just yet.”
Justin Williams, a biological sciences professor at Sam Houston State University, serves as the botanist for the research project.
Using scanning electron microscopes, Williams and his students identify the pollen grains collected from the bees. Williams said his team has identified about 80% of the pollen from the bees trapped during the study’s first year.
“We are trying to find the diet of these bees,” Williams said, with the goal of introducing more of the flowers that the bees prefer.
Williams said sampling locations and methods will be refined through the study’s third year.
“That’s when we’re going to start bringing all of our data together,” Williams said. “Then we’ll start working on a modern inventory of the bees that we have.”
Williams said he’s hoping to find species of bees that haven’t been seen in decades.
“It’s not that they’ve gone extinct or disappeared, it’s just that people haven’t looked for them,” he said. “Natural history just isn’t as appreciated today as it should be, and that’s why this project is so important.”
A teaching tool
In addition to the bee survey and pollen analysis, researchers are planning to incorporate an educational outreach component.
“We’ll be visiting Master Gardeners and botanical gardens and giving talks, and it’s our aim to make a poster that we can give out that has general information on identification of the bees of East Texas along with photos of the more common bees,” Williams said.
Part of that educational message, Williams said, is that we need more natural areas for bees and other species to thrive.
“Let those wildflowers be out there, because they are food for the bees,” he said. “Part of the reason bees might be struggling is our insistence on mowing all the time. You can mow, but let’s do that after the flowers have finished blooming.”
Bennett said he hopes the research highlights the significance of bees and the role they play in the ecosystem.
“Without them, we would be left with fewer things to eat, or the things we have to eat would be much more expensive,” he said. “I want people to appreciate what bees are doing for us and understand that if they decline, in a way, so do we.”
