Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Asks For A Smile
The Hopkins County Health Care (HCHC) Foundation is asking that friends of the Foundation and members of the Hopkins County community take time to share a smile. The smile in question is Amazon Smile, which is a program Amazon uses to allow customers to designate a charitable organization as the recipient of a portion of the purchase price paid for certain items on their site.
The HCHC Foundation joined the program approximately six years ago. Since then over $700 has been received thanks to individuals naming HCHC Foundation as their chosen recipient. The program is easy to participate in and costs nothing to the Amazon customer.
All a person needs to do is shop through smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com. Once on smile.amazon.com or the app, be sure to denote the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation as the beneficiary. Go to Account & Lists then Your Account dropdown. Click on Amazon Smile. From there a charity (Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, please) may be designated or changed. If using the app, select Change Your Charity under Settings.
Purchase of certain products will generate a donation of 0.5% of the sale to the HCHC Foundation. That costs nothing extra to the Amazon customer but will mean the world to the Foundation, allowing it to do even more to promote health care initiatives in Hopkins County.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is celebrating its 25th Anniversary during 2022. It is an IRS designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit. For more information or to donate, contact Kayla Price, Executive Director, at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
Youth Accused Of Truck Stop Robbery, At Least 3 Others Sentenced In District Court
The youth accused of a truck stop robbery and at least 3 others were sentenced in district court in Hopkins County over the last week.
Charles Orin Lee Nash was sentenced Friday, Sept. 30, to 20 years in prison for the aggravated robbery at Love’s Travel Stop. Nash was accused of displaying a black pistol during the robbery at Love’s at 9:33 a.m. Dec. 3, 2021. The 18-year-old Sulphur Springs man left the store with approximately 35 cartons of cigarettes and was picked up in a reddish maroon colored Chevrolet Colorado pickup driven by 22-year-old Cass Hunter Sullivan of Caddo Mills.
The truck fled west onto Interstate 30. Local authorities did not immediately locate the suspect or vehicle. By midday Dec. 3, authorities had had obtained and released surveillance images of both the suspect and truck he was reported to have left Love’s in. Tipsters were encouraged to call Crime Stoppers with any information related to the case. One tip resulted in location of a suspect and officials obtaining an arrest warrant. Both Nash and Sullivan were in custody at 8 p.m. that night.
Nash was charged with aggravated robbery and served with a warrant for accident involving damage to a vehicle. He and Sullivan were both indicted during the Dec. 29, 2021 Grand Jury session on one aggravated robbery charge each. Nash has remained in custody since his arrest on Dec. 3, 2021.
He appeared in the 8th Judicial District Court last Friday, and was sentenced during the 9 a.m. court session to 20 years in prison for the December 2021 aggravated robbery, according to the District Attorney’s Office an court records.
Manuel Xum-Tziguin pled guilty Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, to a June 2, 2022 unauthorized use of a vehicle charge. He received a 5-year deferred sentence and ordered to pay restitution to the victim.
The 37-year-old Dallas man was a passenger in a vehicle that had been reported stolen from the Dallas area on June 1, 2022. Deputies were alerted the stolen vehicle was entering Hopkins County, located and stopped it at 3:52 p.m. June 2, 2022, at mile marker 116 on Interstate 30 east. Xum-Tziguin and 21-year-old Kenssy Liliana Perdomo-Vega were arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Xum-Tziguin, who jail records show is also known by Miguel Xam, Michael Xum and Manuel Xum-Tziquim, was indicted during the August 2022 grand jury session on the stolen vehicle charge. The Dallas man remained in Hopkins County jail until after his sentencing Sept. 29, 2022, in lieu of the $75,000 bond set on the charge.
Perdomo-Vega was released July 15, 2022, on bond on the UUV charge. She was also indicted on the charge during the August 2022 grand jury session.
Christopher Shane Freeman received a 10-year deferred sentence on a 2022 tampering with evidence charge and a 2018 evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge. He will be going to a long-term residential faith-based rehabilitation facility, according to court reports.
Deputies stopped a Toyota f-Runner at 2:19 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2022, on Gaskins Street in Como because the driver failed to stop at a designated stopping point at a highway intersection. After deciding it was too hot to wait for a K9 to conduct a sniff search around the vehicle, the driver agreed to let deputies search it. Deputies took passenger Freeman into custody for investigation of drug paraphernalia after stepping on a glass pipe of the kind used to smoke methamphetamine that’d been on the ground under the passenger’s side door. A review of dashcam video showed Freeman making furtive movement after getting out of the vehicle and the pipe falling to the ground, resulting in a tampering with evidence charge, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
The 48-year-old Brashear man was jailed July 31, 2022-Aug. 1, 2022, then released on a $2,000 bond on the tampering with evidence charge. He was indicted on the tampering charge during the September grand jury session.
On Aug. 4, 2022, Freeman was served with warrants for violation of probation on a June 15, 2018 evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge and remained in the county jail until his release Oct. 4, 2022 as well as surety off bond on the tampering with evidence charge. He was indicted during the June 26, 2018 grand jury session on the evading arrest charge.
Breunta Rhashod Hill appeared in court Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, for sentencing; he was slated to appear to go into custody on a possession of 4 grams but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge. Hill was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the controlled substance charge, a conviction with a deadly weapon finding, according to the DA’s Office.
The 42-year-old Dallas man was stopped Jan. 10, 2022, by police for a traffic violation. He was allegedly found to be in possession of approximately 149 grams of cocaine and a handgun during the traffic stop. Hill spent the night in Hopkins County jail, then was released the next day on a $30,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and a $40,000 bond on the firearm charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hill, who jail records show is also known by Brelinta Daniels, Tata Daniels and Tay, was returned to Hopkins County jail on May 28, 2022. He remained there until June 14, 2022, for bond forfeiture on a controlled substance charge as well as the firearm charge; his new bond was twice the original bonds.
The Dallas man was taken to the county jail after being sentenced on the controlled substance charge on Oct. 5, 2022.
Vender Wright Named 2022 Ms. Texas Senior Classic
Venda “Vender” Wright recently was named 2022 Ms. Texas Senior Classic in Tyler, making her at least the third Hopkins County resident to earn the state title. The pageant winner is excited for the new adventures that being the pageant winner will afford her, and plans to use it to help lift others spirits.
Wright not only won the title of Ms. Texas Senior Classic, but also received recognition at state for her Philosophy of Life. Also recognized during the 2022 pageant were competitors Stella Bagley, the very first Ms. Hopkins County Senior 2010, and Kylene Claypool, the 2022 Ms. Hopkins County Senior.
Those ladies earning lop ratings at their local pageant advance to the state contest. Wright earned the right to advance by winning the Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic pageant in 2019.
She was very much aware of the Ms. Senior Classic pageant hosted annually in Hopkins County and was excited the year she turned 60, because that meant she too was finally eligible to compete in the fun she saw so many other ladies enjoying as contestants. And, in 2019, she want the whole enchilada as far as the local pageant is concerned.
“Whenever we have competed in the Ms. Hopkins County Senior Queen for Sulphur Springs, Texas, we have a chance go and compete for this,” Wright said of the Ms. Texas Senior Classic pageant.
She did advance to state, eligible to compete at that level for the past four years. Wright finished as second runner up for the Ms. Texas Senior Classic title in 2021, and at the end of September 2022 came home with a new crown and title.
“Always believe in yourself. Always your dream go for it. No matter what, we may fall or whatever. Still, go forth. We’ll succeed,” Wright said. “Don’t give up in any kind of way. Don’t talk negative. Anybody who’s negative, get them out of your way … and say I’m going for it and, yes, it will be.”
The Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant contestants met in Tyler Thursday, to get acquainted and get a good night’s rest. On Friday, they registered and soon began competing, first in a judges interview. They rested for a short time, then hit it hard to be ready for the pageant. Wright said while the work was hard, it was a blast.
The pageant consists of four phases: philosophy of life, judges interview, evening gown and talent competitions, with different judges for each.
“It was fun, so much fun. That’s the most important part. It’s a sisterhood. We gather together each year to have fun. We pray — everything, learn our routines,” Wright said of the preparation for the talent portion of the Ms. Texas Senior pageant. “It comes fast and it ends fast.”
She said it’s so much fun to be a part of the pageant that contestants forget about how tiring it is and just have fun among friends.
“I will never forget it. It changes your whole entire life. It changes it all. It’s amazing. We are queens. We are all queens. My it just does something to you,” Wright said of her experiences competing in and serving as a Ms. Senior Classic queen.
The weekend concludes with a Sunday morning breakfast, where they talk with the queen, who takes her walk and share. She said the roses and trophy were beautiful. She’s looking forward to participating in the Rose Parade in Tyler, along with some of the other contestants. She also plans to get a list of upcoming activities from Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce so she can represent ladies age 60 and older across the state as Ms. Texas Senior Classic 2022 at the different functions, festivals and activities over the course of the year. She said she’s looking forward to traveling a little bit around the area some too to be involved in events in other cities and counties as well.
“Whatever they send towards me, hey, lets go!” Wright said.
Wright said the pageant was fun, but they sure missed their friend Sherry Macauley, who has been part of the pageant for 16 years but was unable to compete or take part in the 2022 pageant because of health reasons. So, before Wright sang during her turn in the talent competition, she dedicated the song to Sherry, and dedicated the pageant to her.
Several other ladies with several years of involvement in the pageant last week took the pageant to Sherry Macaulty, letting her know how much they missed her sweet spirit. At Macauley’s home, they began as if starting the pageant over, then announced a special award. They recognized Macauley for always bringing laughter and joy to the pageant, and cheering for everyone. They presented her with a “Rappin’ Granny G” crown, sash, spray of flowers and trophy.
“It was so precious,” Wright said. “She is such a beautiful person. We love her so much.”
Although she wears the crown and sash, Wright said she also shares the state title shares with the residents at local nursing facilities. Last week, when she visited Carriage House, the facility she frequents most often, she did so with her roses, sash and crown.
“I told them what went on and we sang. They were so happy,” Wright said. “It was for them too.”
A woman with a servant’s heart, Wright will still be doing plenty of volunteer work around the Sulphur Springs community, especially at local nursing homes.
“I love my nursing homes. That’s my pick right there,” Wright said “We are out here to serve. That’s what we are. We are all servants. Everything that happens, we are still servants.”
Not even COVID could stopped her from lifting up the people in local nursing facilities, including singing for residents. She and staff at the facilities simply fond thought outside the box to come up with creative ways to do so during the pandemic.
“I said let’s go and do the singing, but lets do it outside. So everybody got to wear their masks and then we still went and had a ball,” Wright said. “I am so glad the Lord put that on my mind like that.”
Information From an English Class at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION
English Instructor Ken Haley helps his students with some personal instruction during his class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
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.
What Drought Conditions Mean For Trees
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected]
The anticipation of drought can bring many thoughts to mind from water shortages to increased wildfire risk. But what do drought conditions mean for our trees? Drought is defined by a relatively long duration with substantially below-normal precipitation, usually occurring over a large area, and Texas is no stranger to drought.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, in 2011, one of the state’s worst drought years, more than 80% of Texas experienced exceptional drought conditions. This drought killed an estimated 300 million trees, 5.6 million being urban shade trees. According to experts at Texas A&M Forest Service, tree fatalities occur during a drought because drought is a significant stress to trees.
A stress is anything that reduces the capacity of the tree to function efficiently and grow vigorously, Stresses are things that can affect growth, nutrient uptake, the ability of the tree to photosynthesize and ultimately the ability of the tree to defend itself against environmental conditions and pathogens. These include excessive heat or cold, predation from animals, and insects and diseases – a number of different things.
Drought alone may not kill your trees, though it could be the tipping domino of tree mortality and should be cause for concern.
Most trees usually die from a combination of different stresses. One of the biggest stresses we see in Texas is drought. When that happens, stresses build up and secondary pests or diseases can establish in trees. Secondary pests and diseases are those that attack a tree that is already stressed by something else, such as a drought or winter storm. Hypoxylon and most boring insects are considered secondary pests and diseases, with the exception of the emerald ash borer, which attacks both healthy and stressed ash trees.When a tree is already stressed these types of insects and diseases will increase — not only during the time of drought, but for years after a drought or other large stressor event has ended.
So, what happens to trees during a drought? Ultimately, the lack of water causes trees to photosynthesize less, or make less food, which leads to a lack of nutrients needed to survive.
Plants generate their own food through photosynthesis, and one of the key components of photosynthesis is water, Water is necessary for the chemical reactions that create sugars. It’s also necessary to help move the needed materials around in the tree and, finally, to utilize those materials. Without water, a tree cannot generate sugars and cannot utilize those sugars necessary for tree growth. When this happens, trees will start to show physical symptoms from the lack of nutrients, usually through their leaves.
The things to look for on your tree are leaves dropping or wilting, small or malformed leaves, yellowing of the leaves and browning tips of the leaves, Some species, like junipers, may totally brown out, losing all of their leaves.
Just because leaves begin to fall from your tree, does not mean the tree is dead. For small trees, you can simply use your thumb nail and scrape some of the smaller twigs – if there is still green underneath, then the tree is not dead. Within a few weeks, it may leaf back out. If you are concerned your tree is dead, contact a certified arborist for a professional opinion.
The most helpful way to reduce stress to your tree during drought conditions is to give supplemental water, though the amount and how often you water will depend on your specific tree and area. Watering is going to depend on the tree; the size, species and age of the tree as well as the soils you have in your area, If you have established trees that are well-adapted to your location, it’s very likely that they might not need supplemental water at all but is important to monitor them to look for signs of stress.
If you begin to see signs of stress in your trees and the ground under your trees is extremely dry, it’s time to begin watering. To test the dryness of the soil, you can take a long screwdriver and stick it in the ground. If the screwdriver doesn’t go easily 6 to 8 inches into the soil, it’s time to water. Start by watering the area around the canopy of the tree, not just at the base of the tree and not just around the edge of the dripline but water the entire area underneath the canopy of the tree until the point where you have water start pooling and running off the surface. A good guideline for the amount of water your tree needs is 2 to 3 gallons per 1 inch trunk diameter..
A general rule of thumb for newly planted trees during the heat of the summer is to water them up to three times per week in the absence of precipitation. Though, you want to make sure the soil is not completely saturated with water at all times.
Larger, established trees may not need much water at all but extremely high temperatures and lack of precipitation may warrant watering them every couple of weeks.
When watering your trees, adhere to any water use restrictions you may have in your area and try to maximize the water you do give.
The most important thing is to avoid watering during the heat of the day, because much more water is going to be lost in evaporation, Either early in the morning or later in the evening is the best time to water.
An easy tip for watering trees during a drought is to try and mimic what a typical summer looks like for your trees, watering every 10 days to two weeks and knowing that it’s okay to not be on a set schedule – just like normal summer rain.
Another way you can help your trees manage drought stress is by mulching. Mulch is an easy and inexpensive option to help your trees because it conserves water, regulates soil temperatures, reduces competition from other plants and improves soil health.
In general, apply a layer of mulch no more than 2 to 3 inches deep, In reality, the entire area under the canopy could be mulched, but mulching out several feet around the base of the tree, being sure not to let the mulch touch the base of the trunk, will held.
During times of drought, be extremely cautious not to add additional stresses to your tree, making them more susceptible to secondary insects and diseases. First, do not prune your trees unless absolutely necessary.
What you’re trying to do is reduce stress to the tree, so pruning, even when you have to, is adding stress because you are wounding the tree, If you’re pruning out live branches or live leaf areas of the tree, you’re removing food and the site where the tree’s root growth hormone is developed, affecting root growth and further stressing the tree at a time when it’s already too stressed. The exception to pruning trees during drought is a completely dead branch or one that is a hazard to its surroundings. Another common mistake that can be harmful to your trees during a drought is putting out fertilizer. Just generally applying fertilizers without knowing if there is a deficiency is a really bad idea. If there is not a nutrient deficiency then it’s not going to help anything, and it can actually hurt things and make the tree worse.
During the summer heat, and especially when experiencing drought conditions, it is important to monitoring your trees for stress symptoms and adding supplemental water when necessary.
Trees provide an enormous value to us in our landscape. Keeping trees, especially near our homes, can help to reduce overall energy bills, keep us healthier and provide shade for the house. If we lose those trees, we potentially lose benefits that have taken decades to accumulate.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected]
Coming Up
- Dairy Outreach Program Area Training — October 26, 2022. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southwest Dairy Museum. $10. Register by calling 903-885.3443.
- Pesticide Private Applicator CEU — November 2, 2022. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. $30. Register by calling 903-885-3443.
City Council Addresses Oncor Rate Change Request, Sewer Main Expansion Contract
Sulphur Springs City Council this week made short order of the regular meeting agenda, addressing all items — including an Oncor rate change request, amendment to the police budget and a community facilities contract for a sewer main expansion, and heard the monthly manager’s report — in just 17 minutes.
While presenting his monthly report to the City Council during the Oct. 4 meeting, City Manager Marc Maxwell noted that City Finance Director Lesa Smith would not be presenting a monthly revenues and expenditures report. However, during the next regular meeting on Nov. 1, Smith is scheduled to give a year end tally of expenditures and revenues.
Oncor Rate Change Proposal
Maxwell also recommended the City Council pass Resolution No. 1314, which denies Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s requested rate change within the city.
The city is part of a consortium of cities that work together regarding the Oncor utility rates, usually through an attorney. Maxwell represents the city on the Steering Committee. The group agreed the amount was too high, so the group has been negotiating with Oncor regarding the matter. They have not reached an agreement with Oncor.
“Oncor filed a rate case. We’ve put an extension on that giving it 60-90 days. That time is coming up and we need to either approve the rate or deny them. We need to deny them, and then, this will ultimately be decided either at the Utilities Commission or by some agreed settlement,” Maxwell told the City Council.
Place 1 City Councilman Jay Julian made a motion, which Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash seconded, to approve the document denying the requested proposed rate change. The motion was unanimously approved by the City Council.
Asset Forfeiture Fund
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson asked the City Council to consider amending the department’s asset forfeiture budget by an additional $35,000. That, he noted, would be in addition to the $20,000 the City Council approved late last month as part of the 2022-2023 City of Sulphur Springs budget.
The asset forfeiture fund, consisting of csh and liquidation of forfeited property from narcotic-related enforcement, is currently very healthy, with a balance of $296,092.64 as of Oct. 4, 2022. He asked that the City Council allow the additional $35,000 to be take from the fund to increase SSPD’s budget to $55,000.
He explained that the department is looking to upgrade and trade in issued duty pistols in order to transition from Glock 22 .40-caliber to the glock G45 9mm pistol, which will have a mounted optic sight (a red dot). This would increase the accuracy of officers over traditional iron sights, should a situation arise in which an officer has to fire his or her duty weapon. Many agencies are transitioning to this configuration to increase accuracy and officer confidence. The approximate total cost of the transition will be roughly $35,000. He asked that the $35,000 be pulled from the asset forfeiture fund to allow SSPD to transition to the G45 pistol with mounted optic sights. While the money is available in the account, state law requires the governing body to accept a law enforcement department asset forfeiture budget.
Nash made a motion, which Place 7 Councilman John Sellers seconded, to amend the SSPD asset forfeiture budget by $35,000 to $55,000 to allow for the conversion to the Glock G45 pistols as duty weapons. The council unanimously approved the motion granting the increased budget.
Sewer Extension Contract
Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski recommended approving the proposed community facilities contract from Town Branch Living LLC. Niewiadomski explained that Don Roundtree with Town Branch Living LLC proposes extending approximately 1050 feet of 6-inch sewer main and manholes from Reservoir Street to Craig Street to promote development of currently vacant land in that area.
“Bulkley Properties LLC is the primary property that the sewer main will be crossing so that they can develop their project at Tate and Craig Street. The cost of this will be paid for by the developer,” Niewiadomski said.
Water is currently available along Reservoir, Booker, Craig and Tate streets. In the past, sewer availability for properties in that area has been a stumbling block for development.
Properties in the area that could benefit from the sewer main extension are zoned multifamily, which could allow anything from single family residential development to apartments.
A Community Facilities Contract requires submittal and approval of engineering plans for sewer improvements, including easements. The city engineer has reviewed the plans and deemed the size of the proposed sewer main adequate for that type of development.
A bond or irrevocable letter of credit for the cost of the public improvements is needed, along with an inspection fee of 1.75% of those costs. Those have been submitted and approved by the city engineer
This would bring sewer from Reservoir up to Craig Street. City Council approval is required for the sewer project to be accepted as a public main.
Niewiadomski recommended the contract be approved. Place 5 City Councilman Gary Spraggins made the formal motion, which Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar seconded, approving the community facilities contract with Town Branch Living LLC to extend the sewer main, at the cost to the developer.
Other Business
Sulphur Springs Mayor Doug Moore noted that there were no items resulting from the 30 minute executive session which preceded the regular 7 p.m. council meeting on Oct. 4. The agenda called for deliberations with Ashoka Street regarding economic development and consultation with an attorney, but no action was required.
After verifying that no one had signed up to speak during public forum, the meeting was adjourned Tuesday night.
5 Booked Into Hopkins County Jail On Controlled Substance Charges
Five individuals were booked into Hopkins County jail on controlled substance charges over the past week. Among them was a teen who set off a vape sensor in a school restroom and a pedestrian who complained he was being followed by someone in a vehicle, but was found to have drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance concealed in his body.
Pedestrian Complaint
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Fite responded at 1:52 p.m. Tuesday in Brashear, where a man told dispatchers he was being followed by a vehicle while walking.
Fite reportedly contacted the man at a FM 2653 church. He noted the 43-year-old Cumby man to be visibly shaking, reportedly in fear of the vehicle returning. He asked for the man’s ID and whether he had any weapons. Leland Randolph Nelson Jr. handed the deputy his driver’s license as well as two small knives.
The deputy relayed the information to dispatchers and requested a records check, then returned to ask the man to empty his other pockets. He complied, removing a small straw with suspected meth residue inside of it. Fite took Nelson into custody for possession of drug paraphernalia at 2:56 p.m. Oct. 4, 2022, according to arrest reports.
While being booked into HCSO jail, staff reported finding a small glass vial containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine wedged in the defendant’s posterior body cavity. The vial weighed 4.07 grams, including contents, Fite alleged in arrest reports.
Nelson was booked into Hopkins County at 4:29 p.m. on possession of a misdemeanor amount of drug paraphernalia as well as possession of more than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Because the man was at a church, about 115 meters from the playground which is accessible to the public, when arrested, a drug-free zone enhancement was added to the controlled substance charge.
The 43-year-old Cumby man remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. Bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail records.
Vape Sensor
Sulphur Springs ISD Police Officer TC Abron was called to the office at the high school after a vape sensor was triggered in the ladies’ restroom in the 200 hall at school Tuesday, according to arrest reports.
A 17-year-old said to have been responsible had been taken to the office by an administrator. The Alasialeigh Renee Delgado allegedly admitted to having a vape pen containing THC in her possession, Abron noted in arrest reports.
The youth was taken into custody and transported to the county jail, where she was booked in at 1:07 p.m. Oct. 4, 2022, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. The teen spent the night in jail and was released Wednesday morning, Oct. 5, 2022, on a $3,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Warrant Service
When Sulphur Springs Police Officers Victor Reyna and Francisco Castro arrived at 3:40 p.m. Monday at Francisco Manuel Velasco’s Hodge Street residence to serve him with a warrant, Castro reported seeing the 29-year-old in the residence.
The officers entered and detained the man. While doing so, they reported seeing a bag with suspected methamphetamine in it on a couch in front of Velasco. In the Sulphur Springs man’s backpack, police reported finding a glass pipe of the kind used to smoke meth, with what appeared to be meth residue on it, as well as a bag containing a substance the man allegedly claimed could be cocaine. Velasco also had another glass pipe with meth residue on him, the police officers claimed in arrest reports.
Velasco was taken into custody at 3:48 p.m. Monday on the Hopkins County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for an arson charge. The suspected cocaine tested negative but the other substance tested positive for meth. As a result, Velasco (who is also known by Franny Velasco and Cisco) was booked into the county jail at 5:12 p.m. Oct. 3, 2022, on the warrant as well as a new possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Abandoned Vehicle
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Justin Wilkerson responded at 2:02 a.m. Oct. 4, 2022, to a complaint of a vehicle abandoned on the mile marker 142 exit ramp from I-30. Upon arrival, deputies reported there was indeed an abandoned vehicle, a red pickup with front end damage and a blown front tire he recognized as a Chevrolet Silverado he’d seen on the south I-30 service road at mile marker 136 earlier in his shift.
The occupants from the vehicle had claimed they were just waiting on a tow truck to remove the vehicle from the exit ramp, where it presented a road hazard. A female and two juveniles then walked down the ramp. Although there was a partial language barrier, the deputies ascertained two males in the truck had walked to try to get help. One deputy gave the female and juveniles a courtesy escort.
A deputy then spotted the two males from the truck walking near I-30 on County Line Road, and advised the female and juveniles had already gotten a ride with the other deputy, then offered to give them a ride to the same location, but needed to determine whether they had weapons or anything illegal before he could transport them anywhere. Lucio Ibarra Valadez began pulling items out of his pocket, then handed the deputy his wallet. The deputy reported finding a baggy containing suspected methamphetamine in Valadez’s wallet. The substance, which weighed 1.2 grams, field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Thus, the deputy took the 28-year-old Franklin, Tennessee man into custody at 3:22 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, and transported him to jail instead of the location where the others had been taken.
Valadez was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:36 a.m. Oct. 4 and remained there Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in lieu of the $5,000 bond set on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Obstructed Traffic
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond and Zack Davis stopped to check on Donald Wayne Dowling at 9:33 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, whose Volvo tractor was reported to be obstructing traffic; the rig was parked facing oncoming traffic in the left turn lane on Wildcat Way.
While speaking with the man, the officer reported signs of of narcotic intoxication by the 66-year-old truck driver and asked him to exit the truck. A records check using the Jarrell, Texas man’s information showed prior narcotics convictions. So, the officer asked for permission to search the truck. When he refused, a K-9 was requested and the officer had Dowling wait in front of his patrol vehicle. After a while, police noticed he was sweating heavily despite the coolness of the night. Police then noticed a bag containing large crystal-like shards suspected to be methamphetamine on the ground at the front bumper of the police vehicle, where Dowling had been standing. The bag hadn’t been there previously, Rosamond reported in arrest reports.
Dowling was placed into custody and the police dog arrived to conduct a sniff search around the vehicle. The dog gave a positive alert on the vehicle, so the officers searched the interior of the cab. They did not find any contraband in the truck. The Jarrell man was arrested and taken to jail, where he was booked in at 10:42 p.m. Sept. 28, 2022, for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Dowling (who is jail reports show is also known by Don, Donnie, Wayne and Jim) remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in lieu of $35,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO currently is unable to post on the jail’s public site new images, due to issues switching to a different computer system. Thus, only photos of individuals who were arrested and whose photos were posted prior to the start of the system conversion process. No photos were available Wednesday for Donald Wayne Dowling, Lucio Ibarra Valadez, Alasialeigh Renee Delgado and Leland Randolph Nelson Jr.
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.
Hopkins County United Way 2022-2023 Campaign Off To Great Start
The Hopkins County United Way 2022-2023 campaign is off to a great start, with most donation packets delivered and $11,503.89 of the $150,000 goal raised over the past week, Hopkins County United Way campaign chair and officers reported during the first campaign workers report meeting Tuesday.
Donations have been made by private citizens, governmental entities, businesses and civic organizations to help the 18 local non-profits that have been allocated funding from this year’s campaign. Among this week’s contributors were Professional Land Title, Outdoor Power, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Judy and Chuck Jones, and the City of Sulphur Springs.
There have even been a few business people who told HCUW officers they have not been contacted yet and wanted to make sure their business is not overlooked for pledges and campaigns.
So far, the total is only about $2,500 behind last year’s tally at the first campaign workers report meeting. Last year, the total included three notable donations, those of FEC Charitable Foundation, the City of Sulphur Springs and UPS. This year, HCUW has yet to receive a UPS donation. Minus that amount, the Oct. 4, 2022 total is very close to the amount that’d been donated to HCUW as of the first workers report meeting of 2021.
“That’s amazing. We are off to a really good start,” said HCUW 2022-23 President Kristy Moseley.
Donations are typically made by either a set amount or a set pledge per paycheck to be paid through payroll deductions over the next year, which are then sent on by the contributors’ employer. Not all businesses that participate in HCUW offer payroll deductions. Some businesses match their employees’ contributions and some offer incentives, such as a prime parking spot, being allowed to wear jeans, and drawings for cash or gift cards procured by the business for the occasion.
Those not affiliated with or who choose not to make a contribution through their place employment may do so individually, and even given in honor or memory of others. Individual contributions may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way Campaign Headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made through HCUW’s Facebook page and website, via paypal. Simply click the shop on website link on Facebook or Make A Donation button at https://hcuw.org/.
Campaign workers are encouraged to attend the weekly HCUW report meeting to turn in any contributions they’ve collected thus far, and join in the fun. A drawing is held at each meeting, with the workers whose names are selected to choose a prize from among the donated items. Occasionally, HCUW members and officers bring edible treats for any who care to partake. Those who attended this week’s meeting also received a “100 Grand” to enjoy. And, some even bring pom poms to cheer each donation that is turned in, as every donation, no matter how big or small, counts in the overall total.
The weekly meetings provide fellowship of like-minded individuals working together to help as many residents as possible through the agencies that are supported by HCUW. This year, 18 agencies have each been designated a portion of the $150,000 campaign goal, which will reach all age groups and sections of the population offering services that vary from helping meet basic needs, to offering counseling, support and enrichment activities.
Campaign volunteers who are unable to attend the weekly meetings may send them with another campaign worker, drop them off at Landers Creek on Main Street, or contact HCUW Campaign Chair Emily Glass or Executive Secretary Susan Berning at 903-243-4066 to arrange to have them picked up. Requests to have a HCUW campaign official speak at a business or organization, may also be directed to Glass or Berning.
Hopkins County United Way is a leadership and support organization for local nonprofit organizations based in Hopkins County, Texas. All funding decisions are made with the input of local leaders and community stakeholders.
HCUW is part of United Way Worldwide, found in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories around the world. United Way is focused on creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and health.
United Way engages people and organizations in innovative solutions to help transform every community around the world into a strong one, with jobs that pay a livable wage, good schools and a healthy environment.
Additional information about Hopkins County United Way, including to view videos from campaign workers and about the recipient organizations, can be found on groups Facebook page and website, by contacting any volunteer campaign worker, Glass or Berning.
Be sure to watch as the HCUW thermometer (located on Gilmer Street by Sulphur Springs Fire Station at Gilmer, Bill Bradford and Tennessee Road) rises as the campaign heats up, reflecting the donations collected each week of the campaign.
Pursuit Of Stolen Vehicle Spans 2 Counties Concludes With Collision
Pursuit of a stolen vehicle spanned two counties before concluded Tuesday morning with a collision in Commerce, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were notified at 4:44 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, that a stolen vehicle was believed to be traveling west on Interstate 30. Deputies reported spotting and getting behind a silver Toyota Corolla they believed to be the stolen car in question at mile marker 127 on I-30, and attempted to stop the driver. Instead of pulling over, however, the driver accelerated and continued west on I-30 to exit 116 in Brashear.
Deputies pursued the car as it turned north onto FM 2653. The car continued north until it reached State Highway 11, then turned west. The car continued west on SH 11 west into Hunt County, where it swerved into oncoming traffic, disregarded traffic lights and, at one point traveled into oncoming traffic on a one-way road. During the pursuit, the car lost a rear tire and, upon turning onto SH 11, lost control of the vehicle, causing the officer leading the pursuit to crash into the car, disabling both the car and deputy’s patrol vehicle, ending the chase on State Highway 24 at SH 11 in Commerce.
The driver, identified in arrest reports as 38-year-old Joshua Lamar Rigsby Sr. of Wylie, was taken into custody at 5:25 a.m. Oct. 4, 2022. Records checks confirmed the car had been reported as stolen and Rigsby was wanted by Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, Arkansas authorities on seven warrants, according to arrest reports.
Rigsby was transported to the county jail, where he was discovered to have concealed a baggy containing a small amount of marijuana and another bag with five tabs which field-tested positive as MDMA and weighed 1.1 grams, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
The Wylie man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:06 a.m. Tuesday on four Hopkins County felony charges — unauthorized use of a vehicle, evading arrest or detention in a vehicle, criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth of damages and possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance — as well Texarkana, Texas warrants for engaging in organized criminal activity, unauthorized use of a vehicle and burglary of a building; and Texarkana, Arkansas warrants for a commercial burglary, breaking and entering, theft of property valued at less than $5,000 and first-degree criminal mischief.
Jail records show Rigsby is also known to use the names Christopher Jones, Hog Lil, Josh Lil, Boy Texas, Jason White and Richard Demon Williams. The 38-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail on all 11 charges late Wednesday morning, Oct. 5, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Josh Davis, Colt Patterson and Justin Wilkerson,and Sgt. Scott Davis were all credited with participating in the pursuit and arrest.
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.
