Freda Mae’s Bridge Day at Northeast Texas Children’s Museum Approaches
100 Maple Street, Commerce, Texas 75428 . Telephone: (903) 886-6055
P R E S S R E L E A S E
F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
Freda Mae’s Bridge Day
at Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
.
(July 7, 2022 Commerce, Texas) One of the most anticipated adult activities at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum is Freda Mae’s Bridge Day to be held on Monday, August 22 at 1:30. The Bridge Day named for Freda Mae is a way for family and friends to honor her memory. It is also a day for friends to enjoy Bridge, dessert, and prizes. ” We have watched friendship grow each year around the Bridge table,” said Nancy McFarland, co-chair of the event. “We enjoy seeing returning friends and welcoming new participants each year.”
As a part of Freda Mae’s Bridge Day, Bridge lessons will be taught at the Children’s Museum. Beginner Bridge Lessons will begin on July 19 at 1:30. These lessons will begin with the counting points, etc. for those who have not played before. Intermediate Bridge Lessons will begin on August 2 at 1:30. These lessons will give intermediate players who may not have played recently a chance to review before Freda Mae’s Bridge Day. Bridge lessons are included in the $25 ticket for Freda Mae’s Bridge Day.
Prizes will be a big part of the event as prizes will be given for High Score, Low Score, Deuce Prize, and random drawings from ticket holders. All attendees will receive party favors and dessert. Attendees may choose their table for the first round. “We hope both new and experienced Bridge players will join us for this event,” said Toni Deaton, co-chair.
Tickets may be purchased by coming to the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum or by calling the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum at 903-886-6055.
For additional information, contact:
Sharline Freeman, Executive Director
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
100 Maple Street
Commerce, Texas 75428
Telephone: (903) 886-6055 or (903) 456-4789Email: [email protected]
When Life Gives Lemonade …
Mason and Colton Stillwagoner, sons of Russel and Crystal Stillwagoner, opened a lemonade stand on College Street Saturday to offer those passing by a refreshing treat while earning funds to help pay for things they are interested in. Mason indicated he’s saving any money to apply toward equipment or related costs of baseball, which he plans to start this fall. Colton said although he’s not certain exactly how he’d spend any funds he received, he told his mom he’d like to donate to help someone who is homeless.
Parasite Control Options For Goat Herds
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hopkins County, [email protected]
As I started the working week, our hot and dry conditions intensified over the weekend. A “new” small ruminant producer came to the office to visit early about parasite control. He, new to goat ranching, took the initiative to educate himself about parasite control in his new goat herd. After visiting with him for few minutes, he shared the overwhelming different findings related to parasite control in goats on the internet.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, internal parasites such as roundworms and coccidia can occur during wet periods. Most flocks have some level of parasitic infection but symptoms from these infections really tend to show up during high rainfall as the amount of parasites build up and cause health issues.
The best control is preventive, but dewormers or anthelmintics can enhance control measures, especially when administered before the parasite’s eggs contaminate the pasture. Dewormers are drugs can be a powerful tool, but for long term-parasite management, dewormers cannot be the only preventative treatment. If using anthelmintic, treat only the animals that need treatment in order to reduce the chance of the parasites building up a resistance to the dewormer.
Producers can also conduct a fecal egg count reduction test to determine if the dewormer is working. This will alert the producer that it’s time to switch classes of dewormers in the event the current dewormer is losing its effectiveness. Using multiple classes of dewormers at the same time should be avoided unless advised by a veterinarian.
It is important to emphasized that grazing management is a huge part of parasite management, noting stocking rate, forage availability and other aspects of grazing management play heavily into avoiding or minimizing internal parasites.
There is also the aspect of genetic selection and looking for animals that are more resistant to these parasites. It is also good management to pay the most attention to those animals that are the most susceptible. Each property must develop its own parasite management plan. and no single program is appropriate for all operations, but plans should include good rotational grazing management, smart drenching and attention to genetic selection.
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].
90-Day Burn Ban Issued For Hopkins County
No Outdoor Burning — Not Even In Covered Barrel — Allowed At This Time
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning, at the request of Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley, issued a burn ban for Hopkins County. The ban is effective as of today, July 11, 2022, and will remain in effect for 90 days, unless Texas Forest Service or the county judge and fire marshal determine drought conditions no loner exist.
According to Endsley, the index was issued due to the worsening dry conditions in the county, with no potential for significant rainfall in sight in the weather forecast for the foreseeable future. Texas Forest Service recommends establishing a burn ban when drought conditions reach 600 on the Keetch Byram Drought Index.
The KBDI, used to determining forest fire potential, is based on a daily water balance, where a drought factor is balanced with precipitation and soil moisture (assumed to have a maximum storage capacity of 8-inches) and is expressed in hundredths of an inch of soil moisture depletion.
The drought index ranges from 0 to 800, where a drought index of 0 represents no moisture depletion, and an index of 800 represents absolutely dry conditions. Presently, this index is derived from ground based estimates of temperature and precipitation derived from weather stations and interpolated manually by experts at Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) for counties across the state. Researchers at Texas A&M University are working with TAMFS to derive this index from AVHRR satellite data and NEXRAD radar rainfall within a GIS.
The drought index ranges from 0 to 800, where a drought index of 0 represents no moisture depletion, and an index of 800 represents absolutely dry conditions. Presently, the KBDI is derived from ground based estimates of temperature and precipitation derived from weather stations and interpolated manually by experts at Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) for counties across the state. Researchers at Texas A&M University work with TAMFS to derive the KBDI from AVHRR satellite data and NEXRAD radar rainfall within a GIS.
Each 100 represents an inch into the ground without moisture. Hopkins County is averaging in the 600s on the KBDI. As of Monday, July 11, 2022, the county’s overall average was 667, with a minimum rating of 559 in a streak in the lower northeastern part of the county and a maximum of 709 in the central and mid southwestern part of Hopkins County. That’s a 7-point increase, according to the Forest Service KBDI maps and data.
A ranking in the 600-800 range on KBDI is “often associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. Intense, deep-burning fires with extreme intensities can be expected. Live
fuels can also be expected to burn actively at these levels,” according tot he KBDI “Real-time drought Assessment System of Texas A&M Forest Service.”
Endsley noted that while some areas in the county did experience scattered rainfall over the weekend, it was not enough to even begin replacing ground moisture nor too reduce fuel levels. He said the area in the last few weeks has reached temperatures high triple digit temperatures, and is predicted to potentially peak at 107-108 with the heat of July and August still to go, temperatures the area has not experienced this early since the 1800s, as far as he’s been able to determine.
Over the past 2 weeks, county firefighters have responded to a number of grass fires, including one that resulted in loss of a structure, farm equipment and other property. That fire is under investigation by the county, aided by the state fire marshal’s office.
The burn ban applies to all unincorporated areas of Hopkins County, and stipulates that “all outdoor burning is prohibited in all areas of the county for 90 days from the date of adoption of the order,” unless the forest service or county judge and fire marshal rules drought conditions no longer exist.
That means no burning, not even in a burn barrel with a cover over it, Endsley noted.
The exceptions to the burning regulation would be would if the burning is related to public health and safety authorized by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, including firefighter training; public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining practices; planting or harvesting of agricultural crops; or burns that are conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Natural Resources Code 153.048 which meets standard of Natural Resources Code 153.047; and commercial welding projects with plan of action on file.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted he typically is resistant to enacting a burn ban, especially if there is a chance of appreciable rain in the forecast, but with no rain forecast, it would be prudent to put one in place to protect citizens and property.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley made a motion to enact a burn ban. Place 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin seconded the motion, which received full approval of the court.
Hopkins County joins 195 Texas counties already under a burn ban Monday morning, including nearby Rains, Wood, Hunt and Delta Counties. In fact, only 57 Texas counties did not have a burn ban as of the start of the day Monday, July 11, 2022.
Endsley said county officers will likely start issuing warnings for any violation of the 90-day burn ban, but after an initial warning a citation will be issued. The order states that a violation of the 90-day burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor offense, punishable with a fine of up to $500.
Meal A Day Menu – July 11-15, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of July 11-15, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Chicken Spaghetti, English Peas and Garlic Sticks.
- Tuesday – Sweet and Sour Chicken On A Bed of Rice, Egg Rolls and Oriental Vegetables.
- Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Thursday – Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers and Tossed Salad.
- Friday – Corn Dogs, Cole Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for July 11, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 11, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 is closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around this intersection.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. Once the traffic switch is completed, US 75 northbound frontage road traffic will be reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes will remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier will separate southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic will be reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes will remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier will separate the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Redbud Trail intersection with FM 1417 is closed to traffic to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Travelers are asked to use West Cypress Grove Road during this closure. Beginning July 19, crews plan to close the eastern portion of the Taylor Street intersection with FM 1417 in order to complete paving at this intersection; the Skyline Drive intersection will reopen to traffic before the Taylor Street closure.
FM 120, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from Festival Park Street to the Pottsboro High School driveway. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 697, Grayson County, from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a seal coat to the roadway.
SH 11, Fannin County, from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers pave the roadway with a thin hotmix surface. Work is expected to begin July 12.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1752, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars escort traffic through the work zone.
FM 816, Fannin County: from SH 11 to Hunt County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to blade level hotmix on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars escort traffic through the work zone.
FM 272, Fannin County: from SH 78 to Hunt County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to blade level hotmix on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars escort traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews rehabilitate the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
County Road 1032 (bridge replacement project), Hunt County – The contractor has set barricades and advanced warning signs. Preparation of the right of way is complete and the bridge has been removed. Drill shafts and columns have been poured. Abutment work is complete. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has finished grading out cement treated base, and a ride test has been performed. The contractor continued stripping grass and grading ditches on the remaining 1.3 miles. Prime coat of mile two has been done. Reworking existing base and subgrade widening will begin next week on the final section. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor continued grading ditches and preparing for seeding. The contractor continued concrete culvert structures, forming, and pouring the wing-walls. The contractor continued grading around the bridge, preparing for the installation of riprap. The contractor started the first course of Grade 3 rock for seal coat. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor completed the concrete paving on the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264. The contractor is working on the culvert extension on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding, and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has finished mailbox turnouts. The contractor has finished working on proposed signs for the project. The contractor completed the placement of permanent striping and profile pavement markings. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing base repair and herbicide operations. Maintenance crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Man Caught Trying To Conceal Bag Of Pills In His Pants
7 Arrested This Week on Controlled Substance And Related Charges
Among the 7 men arrested this week on controlled substance and related charges was a Sulphur Springs man caught trying to conceal a bag with 86 Oxycodone pills in his pants and found to be wanted by Tarrant County authorities on a murder charge, three wanted men, and a Lone Oak man caught near a school with methamphetamine, according to arrest reports.
Shannon Road Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s office Deputy Drew Fisher reported stopping a silver SUV at 2:54 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, for speeding on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 122 then on Shannon Road at Bill Bradford Road. When he contacted the driver, Fisher reported smelling a marijuana odor emitting from the Chevrolet Equinox.
As the driver began exiting the SUV, Fisher reported seeing hte man stuff what appeared to be a bag with pills into the back of his pants. Shawn Cardale Sims was placed into custody and the item removed from his waistband. He allegedly admitted to having marijuana in the SUV. The vehicle was searched, then impounded.
Police reported the bag contained 86 pills or 9 grams of oxycodone and 3.88 ounces of marijuana found in the vehicle. The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested for possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, possession of 2 ounces or more but less than 4 ounces of marijuana and on an outstanding city no driver’s license. Later, a Tarrant County murder warrant was also added to his list of charges, according to jail reports.
Cardale remained in Hopkins County jail late Saturday morning awaiting bond on all four charges, according to jail records
Warrant Arrests
HCSO Deputy Terry Thompson took Dustin James Spieldenner into custody at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, at Johnson County jail, and transported him to Hopkins County jail on a bench warrant.
The 29-year-old Dekalb man was booked in at 11:47 a.m. July 8, on the warrant for violation of probation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. He was held in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 9, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
At 6:31 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2022, HCSO Deputy Thomas Patterson escorted Christian Kirby Collins into Hopkins County jail, where the 29-year-old Pickton man was booked in for bond revocation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge.
Collins, who is also known by the alias Kyle Trey Collins, remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 9, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley took Ricky Lee Wayne Liebel into custody at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at a courtroom, where he was assessed a jail commitment, the term of which was not specified in arrest and jail reports, for violation of probation on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
The 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man, who is also known by Ricky Waynelee Liebel, Wayne Liebel and Ricky Lee Lieber, remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 9, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports.
Liebel was last in Hopkins County jail May 26-June 30, 2022, on three city warrants for dog as large and two for not vaccinating animal against rabies, as well as violation of probation on the controlled substance charge, jail records show.
South Broadway Street Arrest
HCSO Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a Ford Taurus at 11:04 p.m. on South Broadway Street for expired registration. Upon contact with the sole occupant, Wilkerson noted the 48-year-old Lone Oak man looked way while talking to him throughout their conversation and was deceptive.
When the man refused to allow Wilkerson to search the vehicle, the deputy called for a police canine. Deputy Colt Patterson arrived with his canine partner, Chiv. The K-9 gave an alert during a free air sniff around the exterior of the vehicle, giving the officers cause to search the car.
A small cigarette wrapper with a marijuana cigarette blunt was found during the vehicle search resulting in Sean Kristoffer Stacy being taken into custody at 11:44 p.m. July 7, 2022, for possession of drug paraphernalia. A pat down of Stacy, however, revealed a bag containing a crystal-like substance deputies suspected to be methamphetamine, Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports. Stacy was jailed on the charge and the contraband was seized.
At the jail, the substance weighed 0.257 gram, including packaging, and tested positive for meth. Stacy was booked into jail for possession of drug paraphernalia as well as possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. A drug free zone enhancement was added to the controlled substance charge due to the proximity of the traffic stop to a local elementary school, according to arrest reports.
Stacy was released from Hopkins County jail Friday, July 8, 2022, on a$5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
Arrest On I-30 West At MM 140
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams reported stopping a black car at 12:44 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2022, on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 140 for a traffic violation. He found Trenton George Turner to be in possession of 15-20 grams of Ecstasy.
Williams placed Turner into custody at 12:59 a.m. July 7, 2022, and had SSPD Sgt. Matt Glenn transport the 29-year-old Denton man to Hopkins County jail. Turner was booked in a short time later for possession of more than 4 pounds but less than 200 pounds of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. He was released later July 7, on a $20,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Arrest On I-30 East At MM 114
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde reported stopping a Lexus for not having a front license plate and a window tint violation on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 114 Monday morning, July 4, 2022.
While talking to the driver, Ugalde observed Marcus Darrell Fitch had a distant gaze, and loose tobacco mixed with marijuana “shake” on the front of his shorts and shirt. The 33-year-old Austin man reportedly admitted he’d smoked marijuana earlier in the morning. Fitch showed clues of intoxication during standard field sobriety testing. A probable cause search of the car revealed two THC canisters labeled “86% THC” and a usable quantity of marijuana in the console, Ugalde alleged in arrest reports.
Fitch’s driver’s license also showed to be suspended. The Austin man was placed under arrest at 8:31 a.m. July 4, 2022. He was transported to the hospital, where he provided a voluntary blood specimen for analysis.
The 33-year-old was then jailed for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, driving while intoxicated, possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana and driving while license invalid. Fitch was released from Hopkins County jail July 5, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, a $1,000 bond on the DWI charge and a $1,000 bond on the marijuana charge.
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.
3 Jailed This Week On Felony Warrants
At least 3 people were jailed this week in Hopkins County on non-controlled substance felony warrants.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Bobby Osornio contacted Kasey Anderson Benson at an FM 69 south residence and placed him into custody at 10:10 p.m. July 7, 2022. The 44-year-old Como man was booked into Hopkins County jail after midnight on the injury to a child, elderly or disabled person charge.
Benson remained in Hopkins County jail later Friday, July 8, 2022. Bond on the first-degree felony charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where Sarah Renee Grubbs was in custody at Calcasieus Correctional Center on a Hopkins County warrant. He took custody of the 33-year-old Sulphur Springs woman at 12:50 a.m. July 7, 2022, and transported her to Hopkins county jail.
Grubbs, who arrest and jail records show is also known by Val Hampton, Valory Hampton and Vanity, was booked into Hopkins County jail July 7, 2022, for interference with child custody. She remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, July 8, 2022, in lieu of the $10,00 bond set on the state jail felony charge.
HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans and Deputies Isaac Foley and Rains County Deputy David Rojo located Lane Wesley Keller at his residence and took him into custody at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, on 10 warrants.
The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into and remained in Hopkins County jail in Friday, July 8, 2022:
- 2 Hopkins County warrants for violation of probation on theft of cattle charges (held without bond)
- bond forfeiture on a Hopkins County theft of property charge (new $5,000 bond),
- bond forfeiture on a Hopkins County failure to identify as a fugitive (new $5,000 bond),
- 2 Sulphur Springs warrants for failure to appear charges (fees owed totaled $860.20),
- 1 Sulphur Springs warrant for failure to maintain financial responsibility ($500.50 fee owed on the charge),
- 1 Harris County warrant for assault causing bodily injury ($5,002 bond),
- 1 Lamar County warrant for theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 ($5,000 bond),
- insufficient bond on a Young County theft of property valued at $750 or more but less than $20,000 charge ($7,500 bond set).
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.
Slaton & Colleagues Ask Governor To Halt COVID Vaccines For Children Under 4 Years Of Age
Unanswered Questions About Vaccine’s Effect On Young Children Among Concerns Cited In Letter to Abbott
Representatives Bryan Slaton (House District 2), Jeff Cason (HD 92) and Kyle Biedermann (HD 73), as well as House District 93 candidate Nate Schatzline, emailed a letter Friday, July 7, 2022, to Governor Greg Abbott requesting he direct the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to halt distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to children under 4 years of age.
The letter was written in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s June 17, 2022, emergency use authorization of Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for use in children down to 6 months of age.
For the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) to include use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 17 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in adults 18 years of age and older. The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a primary series of two doses, one month apart, to individuals 6 months through 17 years of age. The vaccine is also authorized to provide a third primary series dose at least one month following the second dose for individuals in this age group who have been determined to have certain kinds of immunocompromise.
For the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA amended the EUA to include use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in individuals 5 years of age and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a primary series of three doses in which the initial two doses are administered three weeks apart followed by a third dose administered at least eight weeks after the second dose in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age.
According to the FDA, the agency’s “evaluation and analysis of the safety, effectiveness and manufacturing data of these vaccines was rigorous and comprehensive, supporting the EUAs.” Thus, the FDA “determined that the known and potential benefits of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks in the pediatric populations authorized for use for each vaccine.” The federal agency noted in the June 14, 2022 announcement that “prior to making the decision to authorize these vaccines for the respective pediatric populations, the FDA’s independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee was consulted and voted in support of the authorizations.”
[For the FDA June 17 announcement of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for children from 6 months to 17 years, click here.]
The three House Representatives and HD 93 candidate contend in their letter to Abbott that “all objective standards this Covid ’emergency’ has long been over,” negating the need for the extended emergency use authorization of the vaccines, especially for children as young as 6 months.
“The FDA’s Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccines for infants has raised many concerns and unanswered questions across the country, as we highlighted in our letter,” Slaton commented in a news release Friday, July 8, 2022, about the letter. “Governor Abbott has often publicly committed himself to protecting children, and my colleagues and I are respectfully requesting that he do that in this situation. Until these concerning questions regarding the effects of this vaccine on infants have been answered, it is our firm belief that Texas should pause all distribution of the vaccine to young children.”
The letter states as follows:
5 Rezoning Changes Approved By City Council
Five rezoning changes were approved this week by Sulphur Springs City Council during the regular July meeting. While the City Council voted 4-3 to deny Libba Land LTD‘s request to rezone 12 acres at the corner of Industrial Drive and Hillcrest Drive, that was not the case for five other requests.
1659 Arbala Road
Andrea and Malachi Sandoval are asking the city to rezone 0.93 acres out an 11-acre parcel of land they own at 1659 Arbala Road as light commercial. The lot, located at the northwest corner of Arbala Road and Wildcat Way, is currently zoned single family.
During the June 20, 2022 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski reported that it is their understanding that the change would allow the applicants to construct a coffee shop on that corner, but at present there are no structures on it. Mini self storage is planned behind the 0.93-acre parcel, according to city officials and the sign posted on the property.
“The land use plan along Wildcat Way identifies it as a commercial corridor in the future,” Niewiadomski said. “It’s primarily commercial in all directions except to the west, which is single family, and most of the land is vacant, with the exception of a single family home to the east that is currently zoned heavy commercial.”
The P&Z Commission approved the measure June 20 as meeting zoning requirements, but added one stipulation as recommended by city staff: that the applicant subdivide the lots in according with the rezoning request. That was forwarded to the City Council.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked about ingress and egress from the property, the impact the proposed business would have on traffic in that area, which at certain times of day can be pretty heavy. Niewiadomski noted traffic would be managed through Texas Department of Transportation, and other matters would be considered when subsequent applications are sought and will be taken up with the city engineers.
On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, the City Council approved on first reading an Ordinance granting the the request to rezone that portion of Arbala Road light commercial. As is the case with all Ordinances, the City Council must approve it on second reading before it becomes official. The City Council is scheduled to consider the request on second reading and, if granted, final approval at the regular August 2022 City Council meeting.
1120 Church Street
Jason and Jennifer Lacomfora’s request to rezone 1.54-acres of property at 1120 Church Street from multifamily to heavy commercial zoning was approved July 5 on second and final reading. The property is split-zoned multifamily and heavy commercial, and the couple want to make it have one designation. They noted that should make it easier when they try to develop the property in the future. It is surrounded by heavy commercial property to the north, west and south, with multifamily zoning to the east.
During an April Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told nearby property owners who’d expressed concerns about water abatement for drainage and fencing that while those were not directly addressed in a zoning request, but those would be taken into consideration when/if the lot if developed. On-site utilities, adequate drainage, fencing equipment to separate the lot from abutting residential property would be required at the time of development.
The Lacomforas indicated that someone had at one time had shown interest in constructing a mini storage facility at the site, but nothing specific at that time. Having all the property zoned the same would help when and if development is considered. No plat or development proposals had been made at that time to the city, according to Niewiadomski.
The rezoning request for 1120 Church Street was first approved by the City Council on June 7, 2022, and became final upon second reading and approval at the July 5, 2022 City Council meeting.
302 & 306 Magnolia Street
A request by Hopkins County Holdings LLC to change 302 Magnolia Street and 306 Magnolia, which spans 0.66 acre, from light industrial to multifamily zoning was also approved on final reading at the July 5, 2022, City Council meeting.
The applicant indicated the zoning change would better accommodate residential development on the lot, located at the southeast corner of Magnolia and Hinnant Street, Niewiadomski reported at an April Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
The property at the southeast corner of Magnolia and Hinnant Streets is surrounded by railroad tracks on the north, with an office in a light commercial zone on the east, and residences in multifamily zoning on the south and west. Thus, making the multifamily residential zoning request an appropriate designation in keeping with the land use plan for that area, according to Niewiadomski.
525 Church, 530 Davis Street
Hopkins County Hospital District’s requests to rezone a 0.49-acre lot at 525 Church Street and a 0.46-acre lot at 530 Davis Street to professional office zoning were both approved on first reading at the June 7, 2022, City Council meeting and one second and final approval at the July 5, 2022, City Council meeting. This would clean up some zoning, where the structures have long been used for professional offices, when occupied.
Niewiadomski reported 525 Church Street is located four lots north of Houston Street, along Church Street, and has been zoned multifamily, with medical offices within it for a long time. It abuts property zoned multifamily on three sides and single family-10 to the west.
The HCHD plans to sell the 525 Church Street property; the land could not be utilized for office space unless zoned professional office. Based on the land use plan of commercial and context of the area, rezoning 525 Church St. for professional offices would be appropriate, Niewiadomski told the City Council at the June 7, 2022, meeting.
Niewiadomski at the May 2022 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting and the June 2022 City Council meeting noted that 530 Davis Street, the old Longino Clinic located at the southeast corner of Woodlawn and Davis Streets near Sulphur Springs Public Library, is zoned single family-10, but is not suitable for habitation as it does not have sufficient bathroom and kitchen facilities. The lot has been a medical office for a long time and the Hospital District has aske that it be rezoned to professional office to maintain the professional uses on the lot.
Properties to the north and east are zoned multifamily and to the south and west are single family-10. Land uses are residential in all directions except the east, which is office. The Hospital District is planning to sell the property to a local media company, who will be moving a few blocks northward from Dabbs Street to North Davis Street.
Both requests from HCHD were approved by the City Council on first reading at the regular June 7, 2022, meeting, and on second and final reading at the July 5, 2022, City Council meeting.
