Tran, Galvan Top 2022 Honor Graduates At Como-Pickton High School
Sandra Tran and Leslie Galvan are the top 2022 Honor Graduates at Como-Pickton High School.
Valedictorian Sandra Tran, daughter of Quynh Tran and Suong Van, will graduate May 27, 2022, with a 4.0 grade point average. She has attended Como-Pickton CISD for eight years.
Tran was in the band and color guard from 10th to 12th grade, serving as Color guard captain her senior year. She also received Outstanding Color Guard Award in both 11th and 12th grades.
She was the Cross Country manager all four years of high school.
In One Act Play, she was a cast member her freshman year and was a member of crew her sophomore, junior and senior years, during which the CP troupe’s OAP was a bi-district qualifier. She helped the OAP qualify for area her senior years. She received the Outstanding Crew member award award in 11th and 12th grades.
Tran has been a member of the National Honor Society, Book Club and Spanish Club all four years of high school, including serving as NHS president in 12th grade. She was in FCCLA and FFA her sophomore year as well.
She too has been active in Academic UIL all four years of high school, winning first place honors in copy editing 11th, and 12th, making her a regional qualifier both years.
As a four-year member of the CP Varsity Track Team, Tran helped her team win the district championship her freshman and senior years, and this year helped them earn an Area championship as well. She has been a regional qualifier the last two years, and this year received the Ron Heflin Fighting Heart Award.
Among the honors and awards she has achieved Tran lists being named the CP Senior Class of 2022 valedictorian and being on the A Honor Roll.
Tran’s advice to other students who also hope to be successful is to not be afraid to try something new, including an extra class never taken or a new sport.
“Being afraid holds you back from your potential. Even if you’re not good at it, at least you have experience,” Tran said. “Being open-minded and adaptable is a good trait to have if you want to succeed. Also, being able to see the bigger picture while you are working towards something is definitely a trait one needs to be successful.”
In addition to her school work and activities, Tran also worked for Brookshire’s Grocery Company from Dec 30, 2020 to April 13, 2022.
Tran plans to become a nurse practitioner because has has a great interest in the medical field.
“Nursing is a rewarding career that exists to help others and I am ready to be a part of it,” Tran said.
She plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler, where she will begin working toward that goal as a nursing major. She already has several college credits, thanks to the dual credit English, government, economics, algebra, statistics, history, Texas government and art appreciation classes she had the opportunity to complete while attending CPHS.
Tran received was awarded a $500 Como-Pickton Athletic Booster Club Scholarship and was also offered a $40,000 Texas A&M University-Commerce Presidential Scholarship.
CPHS Senior Class of 2022 Salutatorian Leslie Galvan, daughter of Ivan and Maria Galvan of Como, graduates with a 3.96 PGA. She has attended CPCISD for 14 years.
She has been very active in academic and extracurricular activities as well during her high school career.
Galvan was involved with the Spanish Club throughout high school, serving as club secretary her senior year. She has been very active in FFA all four years of high school, during which she’s been on the Senior Quiz Bowl Team. She was an FFA Spanish Creed Speaker and was selected to serve as a Texas FFA Association Ambassador her sophomore, junior and senior years. During her junior year, Galvan served as FFA Chapter reporter and this year served as FFA Chapter secretary. She has competed in FFA Public Relations the past 2 years, winning first place this year. Also during her senior year, she was named FFA CDE Member of the Year and Ag Mechanics Showman of the Year, and earned her Lone Star Degree.
She has been on the floriculture team, agriculture mechanics and participated in Skills USA all four years of high school. As a senior, she was reserve grand champion in the CP Floral Exchange and finished fifth in the East Texas State Fair Floral Contest. Galvan also competed in academic UIL during her junior and senior years, and this year won first place honors at the district newswriting contest.
As a freshman, Galvan was ranked overall in Ag Mechanics & Metal Tech and Algebra I Honors classes, and second overall in Principles of Construction and Biology Honors classes. As a sophomore, she was ranked first overall in Ag Structure Design and Fabrication and Architecture Design 1 classes; second overall in English II Honors, Advanced Floral Design, Geometry Honors, and World History Honors classes. As a junior, she was was second overall in Ag Equipment Design & Fabrication, Algebra II Honors, English III Honors and Construction Tech I classes.
She also remained on the AB Honor Roll her freshman year, and the A Honor Roll her sophomore and junior years.
The past two years, she has served as basketball manager and athletic trainer. Galvan also was in the National Junior Honor Society her freshman and sophomore years of high school. As a senior, Galvan served as NHS Chapter reporter, Class of 2022 secretary.
She began taking dual credit courses as a junior, and has successfully competed US History, College English, Algebra, Statistics, US Government and economics classes giving her 24 hours worth of college credits when she graduates high school.
Galvan said her strongest influence and source of motivation comes from her parents.
“Ultimately, my goal is to one day look into the present day as the past and see how my hard work become rewarding, and demonstrate to my parents how much I appreciate their sacrifices. My parents have always served as my two biggest supporters, giving me the motivation to wake up every day with the purpose of being one step closer to achieving my goals. From learning a new langue to teaching me to pump gas, my parents have always been by my side, giving me more than I could ask for. This leads me to have a desire to give as much back to those who have supported me in the same aspect I have been blessed with. I hope to one day become a person who people can look up to and serve as inspiration for anyone who also believes in their potential,” Galvan said.
She said reflecting on her parents’ perseverance encourages her to pursue her “American dream and to fulfill their aspirations of creating a bright future for their children despite conflict.”
She said the leadership skills she’s gleaned through her school experiences, the confidence she’s gained though FFA to step out of her comfort zone has allowed her to build networks and develop her own voice, she will use to accomplish her American dream.
“Today, I am able to demonstrate my knowledge and talent of having a servant’s heart with a leader’s mind due to the character development I experienced these previous years. The tenacity developed within me empowers me to strive for excellence and the fulfillment of my goas. As a first generation college student, my ultimate dream in life is to make my parents’ sacrifices worthy while accomplishing my dreams and goals,” Galvan stated.
The 2022 CPHS salutatorian plans to attend Paris Junior College to become an LVN, then begin the RN program. She plans to enroll at UT-Tyler to begin the RN to BSN program, with a goal of graduating in 2026.
Galvan was awarded at $500 City of Como and Sanitation Solutions Scholarship and a $1,000 Como-Pickton FFA Scholarship to apply toward her college studies.
2021-22 UIL Academic Year In Review For SSISD Elementary, Middle & High School Teams
Sulphur Springs ISD coordinators recently updated the school board on students’ strong showing at all three levels of academic UIL competition this year.
Elementary UIL
SSISD Elementary Academic UIL Coordinator Sasha Posey reported a total of 120 students, 45 coaches and five campus coordinators traveled to Greggton UMC in Longview, where Pine Tree ISD hosted an elementary academic UIL competition for grades 2-5 on Jan. 28, 2022. Joanna Foster, Ana Ramirez, Dustin Morgan and Stacie Shearer served as coordinators for grades 2-3 at their respective primary campuses, while Posey was campus coordinator for the fourth and fifth graders at Sulphur Springs Elementary.
“Our students competed in 27 events which are designed to complement and extend student learning in the classroom. These events range from demonstrating creativity through writing skills to making quick mental calculations to identifying pieces of famous artwork along with its title and artist,” Posey told the SSISD School Board at their regular May school board meeting earlier this month.
UIL Award Ceremonies were held at SSES on May 2 for second and third grade students and May 18 for fourth and fifth grade students. During these award ceremonies, all UIL students received a ribbon for participating in the UIL competition. Teams who placed first, second, or third were also awarded a ribbon. Students who placed individually in their event received a UIL medal to commemorate their performance.
Second Grade
Out of 18 competitors in four events, second graders garnered one team award and one individual award.
The second grade music memory team consisting of Finley Peugh, Rachel Weber, Isabella Bañuelos and Kaylee Roque won first place honors; also recognized for participation in music memory were Isabella Gamblin and Jaciel Gaona. Music memory coaches were Shara Roden, Amber Harmon, Karen Miranda and Kelly Herriage.
Second grader Sadie Lawrence was recognized for finishing fourth in storytelling competition. Also competing in storytelling were Elle McClendon, Hank Daniel and Quintten Thesing. Storytelling coaches were Justin Findley, Kaci Smith, Olga Tellez and Sarah Miles.
Additional second graders recognized for participating in UIL competition included Jaxon Arnold, Rosalia Davila, Sebastian Sanchez and Cole Wasilowski in chess puzzle; and Avery Bryant, Ja’Kobe Hall, Ava Pruitt and C.J. Teer in creative writing. Coaches for chess puzzle included Dylan Blair, Kim Gillem, Margarita Gonzalez and Anna Moreland; and for creative writing were Kimberly Earhart, Amy Tanton, Lissette Cruz and Cassity Egan.
Third Grade
SSISD third graders competed in five different UIL events. One team was recognized and one student placed in individual competition as well.
The third grade music memory team earned third place team recognition. Competitors included Zachary Birdwell, Chip Emmert, Stetsyn Sanchez, Caleb Eoff, Haddie Brantley, and Jaclyn Chisom. Coaches were Danette Lovelady, Amber Harmon, Christi Emmert and Kelly Herriage.
Third grader Kyler Ramey earned individual fourth place recognition in storytelling. Other third grade storytelling competitors included Emma Mejia, Harley Bryant and Abel Miles. Coaches were Cassie Ibanez, Kaci Smith, Ashley Sanchez and Terri Rogers.
Additional third graders recognized for participating in UIL competition included Amelia Ansley, Kenzie Marquez, Gavyn Ashmore and Brandon Bilyeu in chess puzzle; Layla Shackleford, Braylee Normandeau, Spencer Shiever and Will Toliver in ready writing; and Ka’Mariyah Thomlinson, Ivana Vega and Eli Reyes in spelling. Coaches were DaMarcus Johnson, Kim Gillem, Carolyne Rowe and Laura Kring for chess puzzle; Kimberly Earhart, Amy Tanton and Amanda Walker for ready writing; and Carissa Williams, Blake Miles and Nallely Carreon for spelling
Fourth Grade
Fourth graders competed in seven different UIL events. Six earned individual honors in three different competitions and one team was recognized.
The fourth grade number sense team was recognized as a third place team. Individually, Jessica Chen won second place honors in number sense. Also competing in number sense were fourth graders Justin Ditto, Declan Thesing and Colter Holland. Sherry Baugh is the coach for the number sense team.
All four fourth graders competing in oral reading earned medals. Jayci McClung won third place honors, Bailey Fisher placed fourth, Brayden Moreland fifth and Abigail Gravens sixth in oral reading. Vicki Nugent is the team coach.
Rounding out the list of fourth grade individual winners was Hunter Robinson, who earned a third place medal in ready writing. Also competing in ready writing were Brantlee Robertson, Chesley Roden and Mabry Mitchell. Joanna Byrd was the team coach.
Additional fourth graders recognized for participating in UIL competition included Matthew Guerrero, Katherine Glass, Gabriela Chim, Collin Walker, Ben Draper and Brynlie Swann in art; Erik Gonzalez, Aziyah Clough, Brantley Scroggins and Ian Preas in chess puzzle; Olivia Holloman, Macy McDowell, Sofia Bonilla, Olivia Davis, Aubrey Boatman and Chandler Wood in music memory; and Emma Pogue, Emmalynn Overly, Lexie Slaughter and Brantley Scroggins in spelling. Coaches for these teams were Erick Perez, art; Alisa Kulak, chess puzzle; Jennifer Young, music memory; and Megan Wiggins, spelling.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade won second place overall at this year’s competition, with students competing in 11 different UIL events. Eight teams earned recognition and 22 fifth graders received individual medals.
The first place spelling team included Chandler Armstrong, Ayla Oud, Chloe Johnson and Jaetyn McPherson. McPherson won second place honors, Armstrong fourth place and Oud fifth place. Sonya Matthews was the team coach.
The second place dictionary skills team included Taryn Ford, Lila Wells, Kaleigh Payne and Brittan Hill. Individually, Wells won second place honors, Ford fourth place and Hill sixth place. Hayley McKinney was the team coach.
The second place listening skills team consisted of Moises Guerrero, Cassidy Smith, Tess McKenzie and Riley Mathews, with Mackenzie Pettit as coach. Mathews won second place honors and McKenzie placed fourth.
Making up the second place music memory team were Jesse George, Kaleb Turner, Raleigh Pryor, Aurora Ricker, Avery Rosamond and Kymora Young. Rosamond won second place honors and Young fourth place. Jennifer Young is the team coach.
The social studies team made up of Olivia Caldwell, Berhazi Hernandez, Lukas Cote and Nate Russell won second place team honors. Individually, Russell won first place honors and Cote fourth place. Cain Langhoff was the team coach.
The chess puzzle team consisting of Michael Perez, Seth Gillem, Alberto Gaona and Aldahir Guerrero earned third place team recognition. Individually, Gillem won second place honors in chess puzzle competition. Lisseth Carmona was the team coach.
The third place maps, graphs and charts team included Chloe Johnson, LillieMae Peterka, Shai Walker and Adddison Woodall, with Jennifer Walters as coach.
The third place number sense team consisted of fifth graders Ryson Hodges, Giovanny Romero, Brittan Hill and Blake Bimmerle, with Jasmine Mejia as coach. Individually, Hill was recognized for finishing sixth in number sense.
In ready writing, Kylee Harrison won first place honors, Riley Mathews second place honors and Chandler Armstrong sixth place. Also competing in ready writing was Jaslyn Carter. The team coach was Julie Silman.
Although no team award is given for oral reading, SSISD fifth graders won four of the six medals in this event. Hallie Lawrence won first place honors, Presley Bland second place, Kayla Slaughter third and Claire Toliver fifth place in oral reading. The team coach was Lori Green.
Also participating and contributing to the fifth grade’s overall second place ranking were Sybilla Carnes, Courtney Wiblin, Naomi Ramirez, Madilynn McWhorter, Cherish Rimes and Ryan Ragan in art. Karen Moreland was the art team coach.
Elementary UIL Coordinator Sasha Posey said looking to the future, the elementary UIL coaches and students will continue to place emphasis on academic events by practicing weekly with students, targeting specific skills, and forming final teams leading up to the yearly competition.
“We expect our elementary program to generate enthusiasm for academic UIL, thereby increasing student participation that will continue into our middle school and high school programs. This, in turn, will increase SSISD’s statewide competitiveness at the high school level,” Posey stated.
Middle School UIL
Sulphur Springs Middle School students competed against students from Hallsville, Pine Tree, Marshall, Texarkana and Mount Pleasant ISDs in 18 events at the District Academic UIL Contest. Overall, sixth graders and eighth graders both earned second place sweepstakes awards, and seventh grade finished in third place overall for the sweepstakes award, Middle School Academic UIL Coordinator Jeffrey Denton reported.
Sixth graders earned 24 individual awards and five teams sixth grade teams were recognized. Seventh graders also earned 24 individual awards and had eight teams recognized. At the eighth grade level, seven teams and 29 individuals were recognized. Denton noted that team awards were not given in speaking and writing events, only individual awards.
One Act Play
In One Act Play competition, SSMS finished second overall out of the eight schools competing, and was awarded first place points for academic contest. The four members of the SSMS thespian troupe winning individual honors included Nathan Bilyeu, Best Actor; Emma Boatman, All-Star Cast member; Taylor Price, Honorable Mention Cast member; and Aiden Barnes, Best Technician Award. Kristopher Luce is the director.
Art
In art competition, seventh grader Ryane McCullough placed sixth.
Kannon Gibons won first place honors, Camila Martinez-Barradas second and Piper Welch third place honors in eighth grade art, assuring a first place team finish as well. Jordan Ortloff is the art team coach.
Calculator Applications
Seventh grader Brooklyn Hodges was recognized for finishing sixth in calculator applications, and the seventh grade team made up of Ashley Monsivais, Daniela Hernandez, Brooklyn Hodges, and Robert Denton was recognized for their third place team finish. Mandi Denton is the team coach.
Chess Puzzle Solving
All three SSMS grade levels earned first place team honors in chess puzzle solving. Alysia Butler is the coach for all three teams.
The sixth grade chess team included Gabriel Castro, who won first place individual honors, Jensen Jumper second place and Grant Hansen third place.
The seventh grade chess team included Eric Li, who won first place honors; Uriah Lee, who won second; and Haiden Horrocks.
The eight grade chess team included Isaac Stanley, who won third place individually; Luke White, who finished fourth; Rhett Williams and Sulivan Lamb.
Dictionary Skills
All three grade levels also won first place team honors in dictionary skills competition as well. Cassidy McClure is the coach for all three teams.
The sixth grade team included Brielle Garing, who won second place honors; Marcos Valasquez, who placed fourth; Aiken Grimes, who placed sixth; and Danya Medina.
Making up the seventh grade team were Yosgar Marquez, a first place winner; Drake Griffin, a fourth place finisher; Perla Santacruz, a sixth place finisher; and Tania Ruiz.
The eighth grade team consisted of Lily Bankston, Kyler Van de Laar, James McCoy, and Bryan Medina; individually, Bankston placed third, Van de Laar fourth and McCoy fifth in eighth grade dictionary skills competition.
Listening Skills
All three of the listening skills teams coached by Brandi McCain earned team recognition.
The first place eighth grade listening skills team consisted of Amy Hurtado, the first place winners; Madison Jeter, second place winner; and Amani Finnie.
The sixth grade listening skills team made up of Abigail Montoya, Mitchell Emmert, and Kayden Pierce was recognized as a third place team; individually, Montoya earned second place honors.
Making up the third place seventh grade number sense team were Zoe Phillips, Alexandra Springfield, and Tania Ruiz; individually, Phillips was recognized for finishing fifth and Springfield sixth.
Maps, Graphs And Charts
The eighth grade maps, graphs and charts team won first place honors by taking four of the top six places. Chase Maynard won first place honors, Preston Nottingham second place, Justin Strickland fifth place, and Dylan McKinney sixth place. Kimberly Isonhood is the team coach.
Music Memory
Music memory was another contest SSMS students performed especially well in; all three grade levels not only had three individual winners but also won first place team honors. Aaron Lovelady coaches these teams.
The first place sixth grade music memory team included Juliet’s Tellez-Mariscal, Lillian Fleener, Isabella Salas, Jentri Hill, and Ja’Kaden Yarbrough. Tellez-Mariscal won second place honors, Fleener third and Salas sixth place.
The first place seventh grade music memory team consisted of Sarah Mireles, who won first place honors; Bailee Wilkerson, who won second; and Abby Noguera, third place honors.
Eighth graders Grayson Wall, Anthony Small, Julia Ricker-Garcia, Cara Batterton, and Nathan Bilyeu were recognized as the first place music memory team. Individually, Wall won first, Small second and Ricker-Garcia fourth in music memory.
Number Sense
Only one student and one team earned recognition in number sense competition. Sixth grader Kayden Pierce won first place honors in number sense. The seventh grade number team made up of Colby Mayfield, Zack Young, Eduardo Chimal, and Hannah Speed earned third place recognition as well. Sarah Giles coached the SSMS number sense teams.
Science
One student in each grade level earned individual recognition in science. Seventh grader Bailey Winn finished third, while sixth grader Jacob Love and eighth grader Aiden Barnes each finished sixth in science.
The seventh graders Bailey Winn, Hayden McCoy, Kelley Case, and Gavin Solorzano also earned third place team recognition in science.
Kelly Holloman was the science coach.
Social Studies
In social studies competition, the eighth grade team consisting of Cameron Davis, Aiden Barnes, and
Jonathan Gardner won second place team honors.
Three students – one in each grade – also earned individual recognition. Seventh grader Cole Willis won first place honors, eighth grader Cameron Davis won second and sixth grader Gabriel Gomez won third in social studies.
Jill Crump is the coach for the social studies competitors.
Spelling
Spelling teams at all three grade levels earned team recognition. Taylor Thorsen is the coach for all three.
The first place eighth grade spelling team included Kale Burgin, who won first place honors; Abigail Bautista, who won second; and Colby Schwartz won third.
The sixth grade spelling team made up of Jackson Williams, Kaston Willis, and Vanessa Reyes earned second place recognition. Individually, Williams won second place and Willis finished fourth.
The second place seventh grade spelling team included Kenzi White, Cameron Endsley, and Kaylie Resendiz. Individually, White won second place honors in spelling.
Writing Events
In editorial writing, Lilyann Butterfus was recognized for placing fifth and Ireland McNair sixth among sixth graders. Christine Thomas was the event coach.
Sixth grader Lilyann Butterfus won second place honors and seventh grader Chloe Willis third place honors in ready writing. Patty Isonhood was the team coach.
Speaking Events
Six SSMS students, two at each grade level, earned individual recognition in impromptu speaking. Faith Ratliff won second and Elijah Teer third in sixth grade competition. Jessica Reed won second and Andrew Vo fourth among seventh grade impromptu speaking competitors. In eighth grade competition, Briana Dykes was recognized for finishing first and Conner Curtis sixth in impromptu speaking. Trevor McClure was their impromptu speaking coach.
Six SSMS students also placed in modern oratory. Sixth grader Riley Reynolds, seventh grader Piper Lilley and eighth grader Paige Batterton all won first place honors. Seventh grader Oakley Wies won second place honors and Sara Ferguson was recognized for finishing fourth in modern oratory. Adrienne Lilley was the SSMS modern oratory coach.
In poetry oral reading, two of the students Karina Perez coaches placed: seventh grader Alexa Gonzalez placed fifth and eighth grader Rachel Law won second place.
Three students in each grade level earned individual recognition in prose oral reading. Michael Ann McKenzie won first place honors, Jovi Young fifth place and Natalie Gomez sixth place among sixth grade competitors. At the seventh grade level, Lindsey Hayes won first place, Miley McCormack second and James Winnett-Moore fifth in prose oral reading. Emma Boatman won first place, Nathan Bilyeu second and Jaycie Arledge fifth among eighth grade prose oral reading competitors. Hayley Glenn is the coach for all three grade levels in this event.
High School UIL
SSHS UIL Coordinator Gerald Grafton also gave a review of the SSHS UIL Academic Team’s year, which he noted has provided some exciting moments.
Robotics
The year began in the fall with UIL B.E.S.T Robotics Competition. The robot the SSHS team built performed well. SSHS students also participated in a fall speech practice meet at Princeton and our UIL Academic events participated in three big UIL practice meets in the fall.
Congressional Debate
The SSHS congressional debaters competed at the Regional UIL Congressional Debate meet held at Region 8 Service Center on Nov. 11, 2021. The team composed two pieces of legislation, and three students competed. Jack Bain was awarded a 6th place medal at the event.
UIL Film
The UIL Film program experienced continued growth this year. SSHS submitted three films (two narratives and one traditional animation) in the UIL Young Filmmakers Competition. Two of those films advanced to the second round of judging.
One Act Play, Theater
UIL One Act Play had an amazing run this year. The cast and crew of “Peter and the Starcatcher” advanced all the way to regional competition. To do this, the One Act Play team had to go through the gauntlet of District, Bi-District, and Area, Grafton noted.
For the third consecutive year, AllieGrace Woodard brought home a medal in the State UIL Theater Design competition. Her creations were presented and judged at the state level May 3-4. This year, AllieGrace finished second in Costume Design and fourth in Hair & Make-up.
Historic Essay Contests
SSHS UIL Essay competitors continued their tradition of success. Each year, UIL offers two essay competitions: the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay and the Latino History Essay. In each event, 12 finalists are chosen with six receiving medals. This year, 10 out of 24 state finalists in the UIL essay competitions were from SSHS. And, two are the new state champions: Addisyn Wall in Barbara Jordan Historical Essay, Lausen Ost in the Latino Historical Essay Contest. Lexi McCoy came in second at state in the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Contest. Andrew Flores finished fifth and Lindsey Plumley sixth at state in the Latino History Essay Contest.
Academic UIL
Academic UIL teams finished second to Hallsville at district with 17 students advancing to Regionals in 11 events. At regionals, the team finished second to Highland Park with 12 students advancing to state in 7 events. At the UIL State Academic Meet May 5-7 at UT Austin, both the spelling and vocabulary team and the literary criticism team won the state champions. Individually, Shelby Ray is the 2022 literary criticism state champion and Alexis Villarino came in second, while Dawson Carpenter finished second and Lexi McCoy fifth in copy editing at state. The social studies team finished fourth at state as well.
The state competitors and their coaches were recognized at the Monday, May 9, 2022, school board meeting, along with this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian (Joel Villarino and Dawson Carpenter.)
Senior Competitors
Grafton and the UIL coaches noted that SSHS is “very proud of the senior class of 2022. They led by example and will be missed. Senior UIL students of 2022 are Lucy Braddy, Dawson Carpenter, Fernando Chimal, Anayeli De La Cruz Andres Flores, Lani Horn, Savannah Lilley, Shelby Ray, Caleb Talmage, Joel Villarino, Brandon Williams, and AllieGrace Woodard.”
Cumby Man Accused Of Firing A Gun During Disturbance
A 49-year-old Cumby man was accused of firing a gun during a disturbance with a woman and her son Tuesday.
(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Baumann responded at 4:17 p.m. May 24, 2022, to what was reported as an active disturbance on County Road 4734. Upon arrival, he detained the 49-year-old male resident for further investigation.
Christopher Michael Parker claimed he was arguing with the woman, who was seated in the chair next to him in the living room of the residence. The woman reportedly leaned forward and reached down and reached into the purse by her feet. He claimed he knew she carried a firearm in her purse, so he picked up his firearm and fired a warning shot into the ceiling above her head and told her to leave, Baumann alleged in arrest reports.
The woman’s son allegedly retreated to his bedroom, but punched a hole in the hall wall as he did so. Parker was alleged to have threated to kill the other male and his mother, according to arrest reports.
Another deputy reportedly met the female and her son at a different location to try to glean what had occurred.
Parker was taken into custody at 5:43 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, and booked into Hopkins County jail at 6:41 p.m. May 24, 2022 on two aggravated family violence assault with a deadly weapon charges. Sgt. Todd Evans was noted in arrest reports to have assisted on the call.
Parker remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, May 26, 2022. The 49-year-old man’s bonds totaled $200,000 – $100,000 per aggravated assault charge, according to jail reports, which also show one prior assault charge on his records. Parker was was jailed May 5, 2004 on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; he was released from the county jail on a $20,000 bond later that day, jail records reflect.
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.
75-Year-Old Man Jailed For Possessing Child Pornography
A 75-year-old man was jailed Wednesday for possessing child pornography, which was reportedly found during a search of his home, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from someone who believed there to be child porn at the man’s address. An investigation was launched and evidence of child porn linked back to the North Davis Street address. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the Davis Street residence. “Huge amounts” of corroborating evidence were found, according to HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford.
The resident, James Frank Neel, was taken into custody at 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2022, by Weatherford and Sgt. Richard Greer and booked into Hopkins County jail at 5:17 p.m. May 25 on one possession of child pornography charge.
The investigation into the matter continued. Neal was charged with 19 additional counts of possession of child porn Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the jail. The 75-year-old Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, May 27, 2022, on all 20 third-degree felony possession of child porn charges. Bond was recommended at $100,000 each and the 19 new charges, which would put the total bond on those 19 charges at $1.9 million, according to HCSO jail and arrest records.
Enrollment for Fall Classes at Paris Junior College is Underway
STUDENT SUCCESS
Student Success Coach Elizabeth Joslin, left, visits with sophomore students Nicole Guterrez, center, and Lois Rocha, both of Sulphur Springs. Enrollment for fall classes is underway. Call 903-885-1232 for more information.
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.
Como-Pickton Senior Awards Program 2022
Como-Pickton High School seniors were honored this week with scholarships, honors and awards. Overall, the CPHS Class of 2022 received more than $221,000 in scholarships at the annual awards program.
Como-Pickton Assistant Superintendent Lydia Walden presented Kara Tifft with a $500 Hopkins County Veterans Patriot Scholarship, on behalf of the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Freedom Ball. Walden explained that the 2022 Hopkins County Freedom Ball was graciously supported this year by various families and businesses in the community who donated to the organization’s scholarship fund. The scholarship is designated for a Hopkins County student who is involved in activities that support veterans in our community – things like organizing or working at the Veterans Day School Program and volunteering at “The Wall that Heals” event held back in the fall.
Amy Rayzor presented Tifft and Meghan Cummins with scholarships from Legacy Ag Credit, awards given to students who not only excel in academics but also agriculture. Cummins received a $2,500 scholarship and Tifft a $5,000 scholarship.
Keith Shurtleff said one of the things Alliance Bank, which has been in the community for almost 100 years, likes to most is support local youth. Alliance has an ongoing relationship with almost every school district in the county. Each year Alliance give scholarships. This year, across the bank service area, 10 scholarships will be awarded to local graduates. Two of the scholarships are designated to benefit Hopkins County youth, with one of those specifically earmarked to go to a student graduating from a rural school district. The Alliance Bank scholarship in the amount of $2,000 a year, renewable for up to four years, was awarded Meghan Cummins.
CP Counselor Lou Colvin announced Makayla Hall as a recipient of one of 10 Bright Star Scholarships, a $40,000 award. The Bright Stars Scholarship Program was created in 2018 by the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation, which exists to provide multiple educational opportunities to amplify, strengthen and empower Hopkins County students so they will be college and career ready in order to be highly competitive in a global society. The award is divided into up to eight semesters.
Colvin also presented City of Como and Sanitation Solutions Scholarships in the amount of $500 were awarded to Leslie Galvan and Erika Mares.
Coach Danny Bulls presented $500 Como-Pickton Athletic Booster Club Scholarships to Kara Tifft, Marissa Corona, Nate Lovelady, Tucker Rutledge, Sandra Tran and Kara Tifft.
On behalf of Franklin County Sheriff’s Posse, Michael Bowen awarded a Franklin County Youth Rodeo Scholarship in the amount of $500 to Logan Langley.
Jovany Tellez was announced by Bowen as the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Texas State Technical College.
For competing in the National FFA Dairy Handlers Association contest at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis a couple of years ago, Presley Cummins was awarded a $2,500 scholarship.
Bowen has the honor of awarding a scholarship given by the family of Dr. Wayne Parker, a Hopkins County veterinarian for many years, one Bowen recalled his family visited in when he was young. After Dr. Parker’s death, his family established a scholarship fund in his memory for a student planning to study animal science.
“This year, we have a student who is going to pursue a degree to be a veterinarian. Dr. Parker, I know, would be proud of this,” Bowen said, when announcing Kara Tifft as the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship.
Kara Tifft, Leslie Galvan and Micah Flemens were awarded $1,000 Como-Pickton FFA Scholarships, funded by the annual FFA Stew and Auction.
Bowen also awarded Micah Flemens with a $2,500 Northeast Texas Livestock Association (NETLA) scholarship and a $2,000 State Fair of Texas Premier Exhibitor Scholarship for finishing second out of 40 students in the fair’s ag mechanics sweepstakes event.
Bowen had the honor of awarding a $500 Lonnie Niblett Memorial Scholarship to Jordyn Mahoney.
Presley Cummins, Makayla Hall, Tucker Rutledge and Kara Tifft accepted a $250 Como-Pickton Little Dribblers Scholarship, presented by Coach Trevor Wallace.
Andre Simon, First Baptist Church-Sulphur Springs music minister, had the honor of presenting a $1,000 Tommy Jackson Scholarship and a $750 FBC Scholarship to Nate Lovelady. He too presented Lovelady with three scholarships on behalf of East Texas Baptist University – a $40,000 Honors Scholarship, a $24,000 Music Scholarship and a $10,000 Christian Leadership Scholarship. That makes $76,250 in scholarships Lovelady received during the May 23, 2022 program.
Patsy Evans had the honor of presenting to Tucker Rutledge a $2,000 Clay Evans Memorial Scholarship. Funds for the scholarship come from an annual crawfish boil, started by her sons Andy and Clay, and two of their friends were on a job in Louisiana. They were so taken by the Cajun culture – the music, food, the people who could tell catfish tales better than Texans. They liked it so much, that they stopped on the way home in 2014 and bought 2 bags of crawfish, a bunch of shrimp and frog legs on the way home. They invited friends and family to their crawfish boil. Each year thereafter, the crawfish boil was held and the number attending continued to grow into the hundreds. In 2012, they began selling t-shirts to cover the cost of the food for the boil. In 2013, the fundraiser became a fundraiser to help Clay with medical bills. It was a huge success, with a great outpouring of support with people coming from miles around to the boil to contribute. The next year, they guys decided the event would continue to be held and used to fund a scholarship annually to honor Clay’s memory. The funds would go to someone graduating from Como-Pickton, the school clay and all of his siblings attended. The 2022 Clay Evans Memorial Scholarship recipient, Tucker Rutledge, has participated in many UIL events, demonstrated leadership abilities and has a plan to study computer science at Northeast Texas Community College.
Colvin then presented Presley Cummins with a $3,500 Finnis and Onree Attlesey and Garland and Sweet Gamblin Scholarship.
Wendell Hildebrandt announced two scholarships on behalf of The Hawks Gun Club of East Texas and the Friends of the Hawks, a men’s club that meets once a week for breakfast and that gather once monthly. The Friends of the Hawks consist of like-minded men who believe in the second amendment and giving back to the community. Some of the ways they give back include working with Winnsboro Police Department to host a Christmas toy drive, a helping to park cars and with parades. Another way The Hawks giveback, Hildebrandt explained is by raising money for local kids who are planning to go to a trade school and who will come back to the community and put back into the community. The Hawks awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Avelardo Villa and a $3,000 scholarship to Logan Langley.
Colvin noted that each year NTCC gives a $200 scholarship to the principal and counselor to award. This year’s NTCC Counselor and Principal Scholarship was awarded to Kallie Ann Ramirez.
Ben Pegues and son presented Hannah Pegues Memorial Scholarships to Alyssa Corona and Marissa Corona.
“As many of you know, 7 weeks ago today, our family and community completely changes. But, with that, we got a generosity from you that was just overwhelming. In the spirit of that generosity we have the Hannah Pegues Memorial Funds. The recipients this year are Alyssa Corona and Alyssa Corona,” Ben Pegues said.
Colvin presented a Stephen F. Austin Academic Excellence Award in the amount of $2,500 to Juli Sawyer.
Sulphur Springs Rotary Scholarship awarded a $3,000 scholarship to Presley Cummins and a $1,000 scholarship to Kara Tifft. That makes a total of $19,750 in scholarships Cummins received. Tifft also was awarded a $4,000 Tarleton Honors Scholarship, bringing the total amount of scholarships awarded to her May 23 to $13,750.
Colvin presented a Texas A&M University-Commerce Presidential Scholarship in the amount of $40,000 to Sandra Tran. Tran received a total of $40,500 in scholarships Monday evening.
Nathan Brown and Alex Holcomb each was awarded a $500 Texas High School Bass Association Scholarship, presented by Colvin.
Jaired Maddox, UT-Tyler Admissions Officer, said while there were several eligible, he would be presenting only one $8,000 UT-Tyler Academic Excellence Scholarship to Jessica Houghton.
Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Greg Bower, assisted by the other district administrators, presented two Como-Pickton Administrators Scholarships. He noted that each year the district administrators see time after time organizations, colleges, people and businesses go out and fundraiser money to help CP kids go off to college and represent CP and their school in the future. As the biggest employer in the Como-Pickton community, the administrators felt they too could find ways to raise funds to help support students as they begin the next chapter of their lives after graduating from CPHS. Over the past 5 years, the administrators have raised over $20,000, which has been awarded to graduates for college. This year’s fundraising included a teachers versus students volleyball contest, and offered candy, drinks and water.
At the May 23 Senior Honors and Awards Program, CP Administrators Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to CPHS Class of 2022 Seniors Erika Mares and Yarely Tellez.
CP seniors were also recognized for being on the A and AB Honor Rolls, Red Cord Honors, FCCLA, Spanish Club, CCMR, National Honor Society, Honor Graduates, the cumulative Top 10 students in the class and 13-year Eagles (those who’ve attended CP since kindergarten). Awards were presented for Distinguished Eagle of Excellence, and class awards. Alyssa Corona lead the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, Principal Kelly Baird welcomed everyone and offered closing statements. To close out the evening, a slide show featuring the CP Senior Class of 2022 through the years was played.
3 Residents, TREAD Official Speak Out Against Solar Projects During Commissioners Court
Four people addressed Hopkins County Commissioners during the public forum portion of the regular court meeting this week regarding large solar complexes planned to go up in Hopkins County.
Two Dike residents who expressed disapproval of Commissioners’ decision to grant a tax incentive for Hopkins Energy, LLC, the solar facility planned in the Dike area and a third pointed out information gleaned from investigation into rising costs of solar panels and components. The fourth speaker represents Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense (known as TREAD) Coalition, a member-based nonpartisan organization that represents land owners in rural communities all over the state.
Dike resident Michele Barnes said she’s seen ads for the upcoming total eclipse in 2024, but would personally be embarrassed for anyone she knows to come to Sulphur Springs for the event due to the number of solar power stations in Hopkins County that would surround them on their way to Sulphur Springs and the Centerline.
She asked whether Hopkins County will become barren and jagged with changed topography like Big Bend National Park, when all of the solar projects are complete. She asked whether the court has considered the aftermath of all the solar power plants – which she contends will destroy vegetation, wetlands and animal habitats – or if their only interest in green is printed on paper.
“The only way to get those in authority to listen to the people they represent is to keep speaking up. Sometimes, that means inviting experts to come in and make you aware that we are not just blowing smoke. We have done our research and gathered data to show that there is devastation coming to Hopkins County, in large part due to your negligence of not doing the same due diligence,” Barnes alleged.
Barnes said she and other residents, including those involved with Save Dike From Solar, are determined to make the public aware of what she calls the Commissioners Court’s “Ill-informed decisions” the elected officials are making.
“I do hope you remember that you work for us, we do not work for you,” Barnes said. She also asked about records of meeting agendas posted. She noted they are to required to be posted 72 hours in advance, with 24/7 access by citizens. She said she missed the last court meeting because she did not see it posted on the public notice calendar, although a workshop was listed.
Also addressing the court was Jessica Karlsruher, executive director of the TREAD, which is lending help to the local grassroots efforts of Save Dike From Solar, which seeks to bar Engie from building a solar facility in the Dike community. Karlsruher noted she is also a sixth generation Texan, a landowner and concerned citizen about the state’s resources being jeopardized. As such, she expressed concern regarding the proposed Dike solar project.
Karlsruher said she’s aware of renewable energy projects popping up in Limestone, Erath, Camanche Lamar and other counties across Texas. Some civic leaders have turned down tax abatements and worked with communities to support land owners, while others have not.
“Hopkins County is not an ideal location for a solar plant due to its topography, its weather and surrounding water sources and overall environment,” Karlsruher contends. “It’s ironic that these projects are considered good for the environment when the project involves stripping the land of soil, disturbing the fauna and animal habitat and water sources that surround it.”
The TREAD official contends that the placement of the solar projects on 2,000-10,000 acres of land will affect waters, streams, watering holes, farm and ranch land, and will alter where people fish, hunt, and recreate in general.
Karlsruher said while some point to West Texas as a perfect location for solar plants due to the flat openness, taxing entities in far West Texas aren’t offering big tax breaks to solar companies the way they are in some other areas of the state.
“This is not about energy production, it’s about tax breaks. Even when tax breaks are no longer available, you will be looking at a solar project complex, displacing thousands of acres of precious Texas land,” Karlsruher said.
Each starts with the creation of a commercial reinvestment zone but, Karlsruher argued, they don’t fulfill the requirement for the designation established in Chapter 312 of the State of Texas Tax Code. A reinvestment zone designation is in place for five years and is supposed to contribute to the retention or expansion of primary employment or attract a major investment in the zone.
Karlsruher contends property taxes around the solar projects go up or down depending on the commercial designation for the project, “contamination of natural resources is almost inevitable, and the landowner is held responsible for the project when, not if, it is abandoned.”
She alleged that officials who make decisions without consideration for public input are not being true public servants representing their community.
She questioned whether the companies proposing the solar projects are foreign and if the local community will benefit from the energy generated from them. Karlsruher said her sources say it won’t.
While TREAD understands the need to diversify energy sources, the organization leader said, that should not come at the cost of rural communities.
“Water runoff is inevitable by the nature of the projects being erected and how they are constructed. There is no oversight and no mitigation of error and there is no plan B. There is only one Texas with nearly 700 acres a day being lost to development. It’s not only that – it’s our best land being lost. You have an opportunity and a responsibility to preserve our land and our state,” Karlsruher told the Commissioners Court.
Dike resident Kirk Reams said a month ago when he walked out his back door, all he heard was silence. He expects that will change significantly within the next 1 ½ years, to motors running and humming machinery, if the solar project is constructed in Dike as planned.
“And, right now I’m so mad, and Wade, you know I’m mad,” Reams said to Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley. “You and I have had our disagreements many times. I thought you were a servant of Dike Texas and you’re not. I’m so mad right now I could spit. This is ridiculous.”
Reams said a country resident should be able to walk out of their home and hear birds singing, see the deer running around, ducks flying over, fish jumping out of a pond. Instead, Dike residents will soon see solar panels.
“You are ruining my homeland. My family settled here in 1870 and now you’re treading my family’s stuff. I don’t appreciate it. I don’t appreciate it at all,” Reams said.
The Dike resident said it’s his understanding that every bit of the power generated will go to the Dallas area, not the local community. Reams challenged the Commissioners Court to give him three good reasons besides money why locating a solar farm in Dike is good for the Dike, Sulphur Springs and the Hopkins County community.
The final speaker during the public forum portion of the May 23 Commissioners Court meeting was Michael Pickens, often the spokesperson for Save Dike from Solar, a grassroots organization he and his mother, Cynthia Martin started along with other Dike residents in an effort prevent a planned solar plant from being constructed in their community.
Pickens said he wanted to make sure the Commissioners Court is aware of the findings of a Commerce Department investigation into the “price jumping on the solar panels that are coming across the ocean.”
Austin Solar out of California has initiated an investigation request to the Commerce Department to the Biden Administration. Investigation, Pickens said, revealed that 100 percent of the components of solar panels being bought by solar companies from businesses in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are made in China. The products are then shipped to the US, allowing the businesses to get around the tariffs implemented a few years ago on Chinese products entering the United States, Pickens reported.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom thanked the four individuals for their comments, then proceeded to the next item on the court agenda.
Results Of May 24 Party Primary Runoff Election Results
Below are the results of the Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Democratic and Republican Party Primary Runoff Elections, which determine who will represent their party on ballots on Nov. 8, 2022. It should be noted that all results are unofficial until canvassed.
Texas Lieutenant Governor
In the Democratic Runoff for lieutenant governor, Mike Collier received 104 votes and Michelle Beckley 74 votes in Hopkins County.
The total for the state was Collier receiving 263,503 votes and Beckley 217,398 votes giving Collier 54.79% and Beckley 45.21% of the overall vote in Texas.
The Democratic winner in November faces incumbent Dan Patrick, who won the primary against five other candidates by securing 76.61% of the votes cast in the March 1 Republican Primary for Lieutenant Governor.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Hopkins County voters selected Janet T. Dudding as the Democratic Party favorite for Comptroller of Public Accounts with 72.99% (127 votes) of the votes cast going to Dudding compared to Angel Luis Vega, who received 27.01% (47 votes) of the votes cast in Hopkins County for the office.
The results across the state weren’t quite as close, with Dudding receiving 290,088 votes to Vega’s 182,404 votes. That, however, still has Dudding finishing ahead with 61.4% to Vega’s 38.6% for the Democratic nomination for the state comptroller.
That should put Democrat Dudding facing off in November against incumbent Glenn Hagar, who beat out challenger Mark V. Goloby by taking 81.69% of the overall Republican votes cast in the March 1 Primary for the Republican nomination, for the office of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Texas Commissioner of General Land Office
Hopkins County Democrats also approved Jay Kleberg over Sandragrace Martinez in the race for Commissioner of General Land Office. A total of 128 votes (72.32%) were cast in Hopkins County for Kleberg and 49 votes (27.68%) for Martinez.
Overall, across the state, these results were much closer for the Democratic nomination for Land Commissioner. Kleberg received 252,420 votes and Martinez 224,689 votes, putting Kleberg ahead with 52.91% to Martinez’s 47.09% of the overall 477,109 votes cast across the state in the Democratic Runoff for General Land Commissioner.
In Hopkins County on May 24, Republicans selected Dawn Buckingham 777 votes to 298 votes. That gives Bukchingham the county Republican nomination on a vote of 72.28 % to Westley’s 27.72%
Across the state, Dawn Buckingham received 592,683 votes to Tim Westley’s 268,914 votes. That has Buckingham finishing the May 24 runoff with 68.79% to Westley’s 31.21% of the Republican votes.
With those results, Martinez should appear on the ballot as the Democratic candidate and Buckingham as the Republican candidate on Nov. 8.
Texas Attorney General
On May 24, 2022, Hopkins County Republican voters selected incumbent Ken Paxton over challenger George P. Bush 884 votes to 310 votes or 73.14% to 26.86%.
Across the state, the result was closer. Paxton received 630,064 votes giving him 67.96% of the overall Republican votes cast for Attorney General on May 24 while Bush received 297,025 votes, giving him 32.04%.
In the Democratic Primary Runoff, Hopkins County Joe Jaworski finished just ahead of Rochelle Mercedes Garza for the party nomination for Attorney General. Jaworski received 92 votes (51.69%) and Garza 86 votes (48.31%).
Across the state, however, Rochelle Mercedes Garza finished head of Joe Jaworski. Garza received 303,386 votes to Jaworski’s 180,339 votes, giving Garza 62.72% of the overall Democratic votes for Attorney General and Jaworksi 37.28% on March 24.
Based on the preliminary votes reported to Texas Secretary of State’s Office, Democrat Garza is set to face Republican Paxton on the ballot in November.
Texas Railroad Commissioner
In Hopkins County, 675 Republican voters selected incumbent Wayne Christian and 437 selected Sarah Stogner as their choice for Railroad Commissioner. That gives Christian the win in Hopkins County 60.7% to Stogner’s 39.3%.
Texas Republicans selected Christian 571,705 votes to Stogner’s 307,258 votes, giving the incumbent the party nomination for Railroad Commissioner 65.04% to 34.96%.
Christian will face Democrat Luke Warford on the November ballot; Warford had no challengers in the March 1 Party Primary.
Request For A New, Different Type Of Ambulance Considered by Hospital District Board
A new, different type of ambulance was considered by Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors Tuesday night.
Typically, EMS submits for HCHD Board approval in the budget process a truck remount. Monday evening, the board was asked to consider purchasing a new truck at a higher rate but with many additional safety features and more in line with current industry standards, at the recommendation of the department’s apparatus committee.
Heather Smith explained how the committee came by that decision. The Hopkins County EMS Apparatus Committee was formed in May of 2021 to look at best practices in ambulance safety due to the increasing number of first responder and ambulance collisions being reported across the state and country. The group started with 9 members, most of the department’s leadership, two EMTs and the rest were paramedics to research and study different ambulance manufacturers and inspect some on site.
Two 11-year industry studies one published in the summer of 2021 and the other 10 years before, showed that 58% of fatalities in ambulances occurred during emergency response and 60% of most crashes involving ambulances occurred during EMs response. Another study said 74% of EMS fatalities are motor vehicle crash-related.
Medic 2 in 2019 was struck while traveling with lights and sirens on transporting a “code stroke” patient to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs. The medic in the back with the patient had just moved to the CPR seat to check the patient’s blood pressure before arrival at the hospital when Medic 2 was hit on the back curbside door, causing it to land on its side, sliding before stopping. An airbag placed on the floor without a designated housing location at the time was thrown about within the back of the ambulance. The EMS employee sustained only a bruised knee from the stretch slamming into the medic’s knee upon impact with the other vehicle.
Smith noted that if everything in the back of the ambulance had been within arm’s reach of the EMS staff, he would never have had to leave his seat. A more secure console in the front of the compartment should hold items in place.
Accidents, the board was told, do happen and are more likely to happen the more calls the department makes. Lights and sirens do not mean people pay attention and stop to give the ambulance the right of way. They were shown another scenario in which an ambulance on the way to Tyler was almost struck head-on by a vehicle driving in the wrong lane on State Highway 154. Luckily, the driver reacted quickly and was able to move onto the ditch to avoid the collision as did the family member of the patient in the ambulance at the time.
The Apparatus Committee was tasked with evaluating current apparatus and decide what would be the best apparatus for Hopkins County EMS moving forward based on safety and functionality, comfort and placement design, and chassis and stretchers.
The committee members were given the opportunity to attend the largest Texas EMS conference and tradeshow offered to view more apparatuses from all over the nation.
After numerous meetings to evaluate current units compared to what can be done better to maintain safety in all aspects of driving and riding in the MICU, the committee recommended staying with a Type III unit, rearranging the entire module to make it more accessible for the attendant in the back with the patient, continue using the Stryker cots HCEMS already had and to add more safety features to each unit.
In February, HCEMS sent out requests for proposals to 10 different ambulance manufacturers, but only 2 responded. Siddons-Martin were unable to place a bid because they don’t know when chassis will be available so they aren’t taking on any new customers, Heather Smith and HCEMS Director/HCHD CEO Brent Smith reported.
Excellance & SERVS (AEV) came in with a low bid with everything HCEMS asked for. In April, the local EMS official met with a representative to work out details and some modifications so the truck would be CAAS certified (the current standard), while ensuring the safety of the crew and patients would be upheld.
A new ambulance with all of the items sought is priced at $284,000, whereas a remount has typically been $165,000, which with a purchase order would guaranty the price for the unit and put it in the que to be built. Due to supply chain, chips and related issues, the truck isn’t expected to go into production until November 2023, although that could be later before it’s ready due to current delays in chassis being produced for first responder vehicles.
Hopkins County EMS would then test and study the ambulance’s performance for 6 months or so, to see if that will be the department’s recommendation of a new ambulance on regular schedule to replace aging equipment that’s been around since 1999. In addition to a designated place for everything, including a waste disposal, lights which would improve scene safety and allow medics to see around and under a truck once on scene, a 360 degree camera in the back installed not to record what is occurring but so that the driver in the front can monitor the situation occurring with the patient and coworker in the back, interior brake and blinker lights, liquid springs which would help counterbalance to keep the ambulance from rolling over should it become involved in a crash or other perilous situation.
The industry has changed dramatically in the last 20-25 years in terms of design and safety features for apparatus. When consulting, EMS Committee was told the cost would be a lot cheaper to start fresh with a new ambulance than to try to reconfigure the units they currently have to make them safer. However, the plan would be to study the one ambulance, see if it meets best practices and safety needs of patients and EMS personnel or if a redesign would, while continuing to monitor to see if something else comes along between now and that time that’d be in something considered between the old and new apparatuses.
If the new ambulance is deemed a good fit, HCEMS then will likely ask that the rest of the department apparatus be replaced one at a time over a 9 year period with new models with the safety features instead of asking annually that funding be allocated for unit remounts. If not, another recommendation will be made based on best practices, safety and comfort and utility and accessibility. The industry appears to be going toward the CAAS systems, Smith said.
HCEMS/HCHD would be given trade-in value of the old ambulances if they trade them in to apply toward purchase of a new unit.
HCHD Board member David Black made the motion which board member Eimy Medina seconded to approve the purchase of a new model ambulance as recommended by the Apparatus Committee. The motion received full approval of the board.
CP Senior Recipient Of First Hopkins County Patriot Scholarship
The 2022 Hopkins County Freedom Ball was graciously supported this year by various families and businesses in the community who donated to the organization’s scholarship fund. The first Hopkins County Veterans Patriot Scholarship is awarded to a student in Hopkins County who is involved in activities that support veterans in our community – like organizing or working at the Veterans Day School Program, or volunteering at the “Wall that Heals” event held back in the fall.
On behalf of the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Freedom Ball, Como-Pickton CISD Assistant Superintendent Lydia Walden presented a $500 Hopkins County Veterans Patriot Scholarship to senior Kara Tifft.
