County, District Officials Take Oath Of Office For Another Term
County and district officials who were reelected in November 2022 in Hopkins County took the oath of office for another term Tuesday morning, Jan. 3, 2023, during a swearing in ceremony conducted in the second floor courtroom at Hopkins County Courthouse.
All local nine candidates were unchallenged in their bids for reelection to their district, county and precinct offices and were the certified unopposed incumbent candidates on the November 8, 2022 ballots.
“Thank you so much for letting me serve you, and I believe each official would say the same thing,” County Judge Robert Newsom said, opening the meeting. “It’s an honor to be part of something that is bigger than yourself. A lot of people all across Texas would like to be right here in Hopkins County. Actually things are going very, very well. We still stub our toes every so often but it is just part of the deal. You don’t make progress if you’re not going forward. We have to go forward.”
Hopkins County Court-At-Law Judge Clay Harrison joined Newsom and his wife, Robbie, at the front of the courtroom. Robbie held the Bible, which Robert Newsom placed one hand on, then raised the other while Harrison administered the oath of office for county judge.
Judge Newsom then administered the oath of office for court-at-law judge to Clay Harrison, for commissioner to Greg Anglin and Joe Price, and for treasurer to Danny Davis. Each’s wife participated by holding the Bible each swore on when taking their oath of office.
“I just want to thank you for being here,” Judge Harrison said. “Thank you to my family, to everyone here to support your family.”
Newsom said he officiated Clay and Tara Harrison’s wedding, and he has enjoyed seeing the pair grow together and become parents, and to see Clay settle into his role as court-at-law judge. Being able to give the oath to him was an honor, the county judge said.
“Judge Harrison has done an amazing, outstanding job,” Newsom said. “Things have changed for the better since you’ve been judge. We want to thank you for all your efforts, all your sacrifices.”
“I appreciate each and every one of you. I thank you for bringing me your money every day, which is properly taken care of,” Treasurer Danny Davis said.
“It was an agreeable four years. I’ve learned a lot. This is an eye-opening job and I’ve enjoyed it,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price.
“It’s an honor to serve Hopkins County. I’ve enjoyed it also, and a good group of people to work with,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said.
Newsom said he is so proud of both District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher and County Clerk Tracy Smith. He worked with both for many years previously and have each now been reelected to office.
“I just want them to know how much I appreciate the good work they do, so, thank you so much,” Newsom said.
“I just want to thank y’all for being here. I want to thank my staff for supporting me for the last 8 years. They’ve been wonderful. I don’t know about y’all as elected officials, but I can’t do it without their help. They support me and I support them. I just really appreciate it,” Fulcher said.
“Thank y’all for being here, thank the voters for electing me for another term doing a job I love. Again, you can’t do it without your staff so I want to thank all of my staff that I’ve got. I’ve got a good staff right now,” Smith said.
The two justices of the peace administered the oath of office for each other, with each’s wife also holding the Bible as he was sworn in.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved the bonds for the elected officials and a few appointed county officials — including the County Fire Marshal, Tax Assessor/Collector’s Chief Deputy, and Deputy Treasurer — during the regular court meeting just before the ceremony.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, Angela Price, County Judge Robert Newsom, Courtney Anglin and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin 
Hopkins County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, Angela Price, County Judge Robert Newsom, Courtney Anglin and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin 
County Judge Robert, Newsom District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher and County Clerk Tracy Smith 
Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings, Janice Teer and Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer 
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer, Amy Cummings and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings 
What’s In Store For 2023?
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
With the new year you may be interested in being healthier, but what does healthy mean? The word healthy can be hard to define because there are many factors that contribute to one’s health. So let’s start with a few basics:
- A Balanced Plate: A balanced eating routine adds up over time. Try to make half your plate fruits and vegetables, a quarter whole grains, and the remaining quarter low-fat protein, along with a serving of low-fat dairy or calcium-fortified alternative.
- Preparing Safe Food: Proper food safety can reduce your family’s risk of food poisoning. Some food safety practices that help prevent the spread of germs include washing your hands, utensils, and countertops, keeping ready-to-eat foods or raw produce away from uncooked meats or other proteins, using a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of cooked foods, and cooling and storing foods safely in the refrigerator to slow the spread of harmful bacteria.
- Being Physically Active: Find an activity you like to do! Recommendations vary between ages, but every minute counts. Adults should try to do 150 minutes or more a week (30 minutes a day for 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity; and two days a week of muscle-strengthening activity. Children (ages 6-17) should do 60 minutes or more of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
- Growing Fruits and Vegetables: Increase the availability of fresh produce at home by growing your own fruits and vegetables. It can be a fun activity for you and the family and an opportunity to get physically active while being outside. The Extension Office has a growing guide to help you select the best options for your climate.
- Food Resource Management Skills: Managing and creating a food budget may help promote balanced eating and reduce financial stress. Reduce the amount of money spent at the store by meal planning, using a grocery list, limiting the number of grocery trips, and being aware of local sales and available seasonal foods.
Remember, there are many factors that contribute to a healthy life. Do not feel like you have to ‘master’ everything at once; small steps can become great strides towards a healthier lifestyle.
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, January 12, 4-H Poultry to be picked up at 7:30 at the Extension Office
- Saturday, January 14, County 4-H Food Show, 1 p.m. Extension Office (please contact the Extension Office if you plan to participate)
- Thursday, January 26, County 4-H Roundup, 5:30 p.m., Extension Office (4-H members can find information in the January/February 4-H Gazette)
- Friday, January 27, Retirement Reception for Johanna Hicks, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Extension Office (come-and-go)
Closing Thought
You can fuss about the rain or you can splash in the puddles.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483, 903-885-3443, [email protected]
Chamber Connection – Jan. 4, 2023: Awards Nominations Accepted Until Jan. 20; Banquet Tables & Tickets Available
By Butch Burney, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
Thanks to everyone who has mailed or emailed nominations for the superlative awards that will be given out at the annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Banquet on Feb. 16.
Here are some tips for those who want to nominate individuals, businesses, groups or clubs for the awards. This is a nomination process, not a voting contest. The nominations go to committees that very seriously look at the nominations sent in. So …
- Don’t just send in a name; instead, tell us why the person or business should be selected. That carries much more weight in the process.
- Get the nominations in before Jan. 20. That’s the deadline.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Tables and Tickets
The 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet will celebrate Hopkins County with a theme of “A Night at the Gallery,” awards and dinner on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
Social networking and a cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with food service at 6:30 p.m., and awards beginning at 7 p.m.
You can reserve your seat for $30 per person or get a table for 10 for $500. The tables include preferential seating and name displays, as well as video recognition at the banquet.
For more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well as all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
Blood Drives
Please join Carter BloodCare at the following sites in the next 10 days if you can give blood.
- Red River Credit Union, 822 Gilmer St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5.
- Brookshire’s parking lot at 809 Gilmer St., sponsored by American Legion Post #66 and VFW Post #8560, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Sulphur Springs ISD calls Jan. 4 Board of Trustees Work Session
Sulphur Springs ISD has called a special Board of Trustees work session, which will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in the board room of SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
Dec. 12, 2022, Updates
Administrative Reports
At the regular December 2022 meeting, Sulphur Springs ISD Trustees approved five personnel changes, made 2 appointments. The board also heard at least five administrative reports and updates, including:
- A curriculum report that included STAAR redesign items presented by Assistant Superintendent Lisa Robinson;
- Primary and Secondary Campus updates, including some exciting campus “firsts” reported by Assistant Superintendents Jeremey Lopez and Justin Cowart;
- Information on maintenance work orders routine maintenance across the district, presented by Director of Maintenance Dan Froneberger; and
- Bus plans, roof update, classrooms at SSHS, and Raptor updates, presented by Superintendent Michael Lamb.
Appointments
The school board reappointed Bryan White and Mike Horne to represent the school district on Hopkins County Tax Appraisal District Board of Directors.
Personnel
The resignation of Kylile Wyly as secretary at Barbara Bush Primary was accepted by the school board during the December 12, 2022, meeting. Kourtney McDonald will be switching jobs, going from Title 1 aide to fill the opening as campus secretary at Bush Primary. Alexandra Best was approved to fill one Title 1 aide opening at Bush.
Brittany Jones was approved to join the staff at Bowie Primary as a Title 1 aide, an opening created with the retirement of Sherril Brokmeyer.
The final staff change approved during the Dec. 12, 2022, board meeting was for Barbara Bloodgood to remain an instructional aide, but to work at Sulphur Springs High School instead of at Austin Academic Center.
Financial Rating
District Business Manager Sherry McGraw reported the district received an A rating for superior achievement on the district Financial Integrity Rating System with a score of 100. That puts SSISD among 890 districts out of the 1,019 state-wide to earn a superior rating base on 2020-2021 financial data in responses to 20 indicators.
The FIRST report also includes a financial management report which includes any reimbursements received by the superintendent and school board members. The superintendent’s contract had to be included, plus any additional meal,, lodging, transportation, fuel, and other reimbursements. The superintendent received $852.67 in reimbursements for meals, transportation and registration fees for attending training and/or conferences. Trustees Robbin Vaughn, Jason Dietze, John Prickette, Leesa Toliver, Kerry Wright and Craig Roberts each received a $100 reimbursement: $40 for meal and $60 for other fees such as registration for training. Robert Cody received $112.74 reimbursement for the same.
Campus Updates
Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Lopez provided six comprehensive spread sheets with professional training, updates, past and future events, campus specific professional development activities, employees and students of the month, attendance percentages safety checks and other drills, and other campus highlights for Douglass ECLC, the four primary campuses and SSES. These are busy campuses with many good things going on.
Assistant Superintendent Justin Cowart reported the following among the “good things” going on at Middle School:
- 21 students were selected to the All-Region Choir;
- more than 40 qualified for All-Region Band, 3 earning first at region;
- several 8th grade band members accompanied the Wildcat Band to state, including three who helped win 4th in state;
- students have competed in 5 events and are gearing up for the VEX robotics competition Jan. 21, under the direction of Kelly Shutt and Bryan Cole; and
- Cross Country Girls finished third at district and Boys finished first.
Cowart reported the following from the 6 pages of “good news” at high school presented to the school board in December:
- Cross Country Team won district and qualified for state for the first time in school history;
- Tennis team qualified for area for the first time in school history; the first ever Meet the Wildcats was held in the fall;
- Student Council raised $600 for In My Closet by selling pink out shirts, and helped with landscaping and visited with residents at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab, participated in Wreaths Across America, partnered as mentors to read one-on-one with SSES student council, and raised funds for CASA through the Great Christmas Light Challenge;
- Wildcat UIL finished second overall Nov. 12 in Whitehouse, and one student qualified for state and another was selected as an alternate in UIL Congress events;
- Key Club had the largest membership of 446 students, who helped host 200 student athletes at Special Games Day, 300 paired up one-on-one to read with SSES and primary students, paired up with over 400 students for Handicapable Rodeo;
- NHS and NTHS hosted two blood drives that exceeded the donation goal and are planning to host another in March;
- The 1 remaining orchestra student participated in the All Region Orchestra Dec. 2-3;
- Choir students advanced to Area, with three earning first chair, and are headed to All State competition this month;
- 2 HOSA members advanced to Area and others will attend Spring Leadership competition this month in Allen;
- BPA offered the professional closet and are slated to compete Jan. 31 in Wylie for a chance to advance to state in March;
- FCCLA are preparing for area competition in February;
- TAFE had the most ever compete at Area, with 11 advancing to state, including the first place Area ethical dilemma team; and
- FFA in addition to participating in various stock show with successes, the floral department is making monthly flower arrangements and competed, teams participated in build-offs and ag mechanics evens, and built ramps for the Handi-capable Rodeo, and are planning for spring contests.
2 Teens, 1 Man Arrested For Disorderly Conduct
Medical Complaint Results In Intoxication Arrest
Three people — two teens and a Cumby man — were arrested for disorderly conduct, while a medical complaint resulted in one intoxication arrest Monday, according to arrest reports.
West Main Street Fight
Cumby Police responded at 3:53 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, to a disturbance on West Main Street in Cumby. The officer reported two male residents, ages 17 and 24, to have been “intentionally and knowingly engaging in a physical altercation in a public place.”
Both men were taken into custody at 4:29 p.m. on a charge of disorderly conduct-fighting. They were booked in around 5:45 p.m., according to arrest reports. Neither was in custody at the county jail Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2023, according to Hopkins County jail records.
North Jackson Street Disturbance
Sulphur Springs Police responded at 12:03 a.m. Jan. 3, 2023, to a disturbance on North Jackson Street. Upon arrival, they contact a woman, who officers reported was yelling and using vulgar language outside of her residence, near other residences. When asked to stop acting in that manner, the woman allegedly refused and opted to continue yelling and using vulgar language while in a public access area.
Determining the woman to be intentionally and knowingly using vulgar language, inciting a breach of the peace, police took the 18-year-old Sulphur Springs woman into custody at 12:11 a.m. Jan. 3, 2023, on a Class C misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, according to arrest reports. She was booked into jail at 12:53 a.m. and released later Tuesday on the charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
CR 3528 Complaint
A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, on County Road 3528, to a medical complaint in which a woman was reported to have gone unconscious due to an adverse reaction to medication and alcoholic beverages. A volunteer firefighter who arrived at the address first had requested law enforcement assistance. The woman in question reportedly refused treatment and walked away from him, headed down the county road.
Upon arrival, the deputy reported finding the volunteer firefighter and woman away from the residence in a pasture east of the county road. The 36-year-old woman, the deputy alleged in arrest reports, refused EMS treatment and became uncooperative and argumentative with officials. She was detained in handcuffs for her safety and escorted back to the road to await the arrival of EMS, who she again refused to be treated by, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
She was reported to have taken medication for mood disorder and alcohol. The deputy reported alcohol could be smelled emitting from her. The woman was reported to be unsteady on her feet, had red, glassy eyes and slurred speech. Deputies determined the woman to be intoxicated to the point she represented a danger to herself or others, and took her into custody at 5 p.m. Monday. The 36-year-old Saltillo woman was booked into the county jail at 6:01 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, on a Class C misdemeanor public intoxication charge, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Welding Student Harlie Harred
GRINDING
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding student Harlie Harred of Sulphur Bluff is grinding on a backing strip during a recent class period. She is working toward certification in structural welding. To inquire about workforce or academic classes at the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus, call 903-885-1232.
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.
Man Shot Jan. 2 During Foot Pursuit Confirmed Dead
Deceased Allegedly Threatened Others On Holiday Drive, Pointed Gun At Officers
The man who was shot during a foot pursuit with local authorities Jan. 2 died as a result of his injuries, officials confirmed Tuesday morning. Texas Rangers are investigating, and the name of the deceased is not at this time being released by authorities. The police officer who fired his weapon is on administrative while Texas Rangers investigate.
According to a public information release distributed to local media by Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson, officers from Sulphur Springs Police Department and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office first became involved in a call on Holiday Drive at 5:51 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, in which “an individual that had a handgun and was threatening to do harm to himself and others” then walked away from the area.
“A short time later, officers located the individual in a vehicle in the Royal Inn Parking lot, located at 1233 South Broadway Street. When confronted, the individual then fled from the vehicle on foot with the handgun,” the SSPD release stated.
Reports from the scene Monday night were that the suspect had begun running toward South Broadway Street, with officers in pursuit. Responding officers reported gunshots were fired, then that one person was injured, according to initial reports Monday evening from the scene.
“Officers gave pursuit and, later, the individual pointed the handgun at the officers and a Sulphur Springs Police Officer fired his duty weapon, striking the suspect. Officers administered first aid to the individual, but the individual succumbed to his injuries,” the public information release states.
EMS and fire department personnel responded at the location. No law enforcement officers at that time were reported to have been injured. South Broadway Street from Lee Street to Industrial Drive were closed to traffic for more than 3 hours while officials began the investigation process.
The man was officially pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace BJ Teer, but “the individual’s name will not be released at this time.” The officer who fired his duty weapon also was not identified in the release. It does state however, that “the officer has been placed on administrative leave during this initial investigation,” which is being investigated by the Texas Rangers.
Authorities are directing any further questions or information requests to the Texas Rangers in Garland.
Both Soccer Teams Win Season Openers Friday
Sulphur Springs had itself a wonderful season opener for both soccer teams.
Men and women’s soccer won to start their seasons 1-0.
The Lady Cats got the action goin Friday, Dec. 30 as they hosted Henderson, ranked as high as #4 coming into the season.
Coach Adriana Brena and her squad proceeded to beat the top-10 ranked Lady Lions 4-2 at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The win at home on Friday, Dec. 30 starts off the season with a 1-0 record. The team also went a perfect 6-0 in preseason.
A perfect start to their 2022-23 campaign has Lethal Enforcer ranking Sulphur Springs #5.
Next up, Lady Cats soccer heads to Kilgore for a tournament running Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 5-7.
Their first game takes place Thursday, Jan. 5 at Spring Hill HS taking on Carthage. They next play Friday, taking on old district foe Hallsville at R.E. Saint John Memorial Stadium at 2:20 P.M.
Coach Brena’s squad wraps up the tournament Saturday, Jan. 7 back at Spring Hill HS, taking on Jacksonville at 12:55 P.M.
The men’s team won as well, though in a much tighter 1-0 affair versus Kaufman.
Coach Alexi Upton and his team got a game-winning kick from Alexis Passion giving Sulphur Springs a big win to open their season.
That, and a solid pre-season against stiff competition has the Wildcats ranked No. 7 in Lethal Enforcer’s rankings.
They look to build on their season-opening win on Friday, Dec. 30 when they host their annual tournament at Gerald Prim Stadium Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 5-7.
The action starts early Thursday, Jan. 5 as men’s soccer takes on Caddo Mills bright and early at 7:30 A.M. Coach Upton’s squad plays a second game Thursday, taking on North Dallas at 5:45 P.M.
Sulphur Springs plays once Friday, wrapping up their pool play when they take on Tyler’s Chapel Hill at 5:45 P.M.
Saturday, Jan. 7 is championship day as each pool winner plays one another to determine who is the champion of Sulphur Springs’ Elite Invitational.
That tourney runs Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 5-7 at Gerald Prim Stadium.
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.
7 Arrested On Possession Charges Over The Weekend
Seven individuals were arrested on possession charges, resulting from three traffic stops and a suspicious vehicle check, conducted over the weekend of Dec. 30, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023, according to arrest reports.
East Industrial Drive Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond and Officer Zach Davis reported stopping a Chevrolet van at 10:57 p.m. Dec. 30, 2022, for defective lighting. Upon contact with the driver, police reported smelling a strong marijuana odor coming from the van’s interior. A search of the vehicle yielded a cigarette box with a baggy containing a white powder-like substance the officer believed was cocaine and a straw in the common area between the van seats, Rosamond alleged in arrest reports.
When both occupants denied knowledge and ownership of the box and its contents, both the driver and passenger, identified in arrest reports as 48-year-old Shakendrick Lamar Pettigrew of Tyler and 24-year-old Montashia Shenil McCarty of Paris, were taken into custody at 11:37 p.m. Friday for possession of the suspected controlled substance.
Prior to being transported to jail, the woman allegedly admitted she’d concealed marijuana in a body cavity; it was retrieved by staff upon arrival at the jail, Rosamond alleged in arrest reports. Both Pettigrew and McCarty were booked into Hopkins County jail just after midnight on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Pettigrew remained in the county jail Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, on the felony charge, while McCarty was released from Hopkins County jail later Dec. 31, 2022, according to jail reports.
Suspicious Vehicle Check
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Scott Davis reported seeing a Chevrolet Silverado, with the truck lights and engine running, parked across several parking spots at a State Highway 11 east business in Como at 1:17 a.m. Dec. 31, 2022. Aware the business was closed, the deputy pulled in behind the pickup to check for suspicious activity. As he approached the driver’s side door, Sgt. Davis noted a large dog in the bed of the truck. He noted a man appeared to be asleep in the driver’s seat with a large baggy with a white substance visible on the console.
Davis reported waking up the man, who opened his door. The man, identified as 31-year-old Reed Ballard of Como, was asked about the bag on the console. He initially tried to conceal it, but eventually admitted it contained methamphetamine, Davis alleged in arrest reports. Ballard was placed into custody at 1:30 a.m., but was allowed to contact a family member who lived less than a mile from the location to take possession of both the dog and truck.
Ballard and the contraband were transported to jail. The substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 8.7 grams, including packaging, resulting in the Como man being booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:49 a.m. Saturday, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
The 31-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail records.
Texas Street Traffic Stop
HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Elijah Fite reported stopping a maroon Chevrolet van on Texas Street at Peach at 3:13 p.m. New Year’s Day 2023 for failure to signal the proper distance prior to a turn. Upon contact with the driver, deputies recognized him as a man who id not have a valid driver’s license. While speaking to the driver, from the passenger’s side of the van, Steward reported seeing an open beer can un the passenger’s side floorboard. He had all three occupants step out of the van and obtained permission to search the vehicle and its contents, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
After removing a metal ashtray in the center console deputies reported finding a baggy containing a crystal-like substance the deputies suspected was methamphetamine. All three occupants denied any knowledge about the contraband. All three were placed under arrest around 3:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 2023, and transported to jail, along with the contraband, according to arrest reports.
At the jail the crystal-like substance, including packaging weighed 1 gram, resulting in 30-year-old Lauren Serene Maxwell of Sulphur Springs, and 54-year-old Floyd Taylor and 60-year-old Terry Ray Boles, both of Como, being booked into the county jail at 4:40 p.m. Sunday, Fite and Steward alleged in arrest reports.
Maxwell remained in the jail Monday, Jan. 2, 2022. Boles was released Monday on a possession of a Penalty Group 2-A controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge. Taylor also was released Monday on the felony possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in drug-free zone charge, according to jail records.
I-30 East Traffic Stop
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley reported stopping a Mercedes E350 at 3:25 p.m. Jan. 1, 2023, on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 116 for speeding, traveling 90 in a 75 mph speed zone. The driver was identified.
A Texas Department of Public Safety canine a short time later responded to conduct an open air sniff around the vehicle. The dog positively alerted for controlled substances on the car door. A probable cause search allegedly revealed 12.9 grams of suspected Tramadol HCL tablets in the Fort Worth woman’s purse, Talley alleged in arrest reports.
The woman was arrested at 4:14 p.m. New Year’s Day and transported to jail, where she was booked in at 5:23 p.m. Jan. 1, 2023, on a possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge. She was released from Hopkins County jail Jan. 2, 2023 on the misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
Shots Reportedly Fired, 1 Injured On South Broadway Street
South Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs from Lee Street to West Industrial Drive was closed to traffic shortly after 6 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, as officers work an area where gunshots were reportedly fired and one person was reportedly injured. No official statement had been released by local law enforcement at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.
Local officers are reported to have responded to a call in the area of West Industrial Drive near South Broadway Street around 6 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023; one suspect was identified in connection with the complaint. Shortly thereafter, a suspect reportedly took off running toward South Broadway Street. Initial reports were that officials pursued the suspect, said to have a gun, on foot. Officers responding reported gunshots were fired. One person was reported to have been injured. EMS and fire personnel responded. No law enforcement was reported at that time to have been injured.
South Broadway Street continued to be closed down from Lee Street to Industrial Drive at 8 p.m. Jan. 2, 2023, while multiple law enforcement officials worked in the area of Broadway and Industrial Drive.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
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.
