Souper Bowl of Caring
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Now that we know who will be playing in the Super Bowl, be part of something greater by making an impact on people’s lives! Our Hopkins County 4-H Clubs are teaming up with tacklehunger.org to inspire every household that watches (or has watched) an NFL game to donate just 1 food item. If you watched a pre-play-off game, a play-off game, or plan to watch the Super Bowl, you are challenged to participate! That would provide enough food to feed many people for a long time. All foods that are donated will stay in Hopkins County. Monetary contributions will also be accepted.
There are four drop-off stations: Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs; Sulphur Springs High School; Alliance Bank, Sulphur Springs; and the Sulphur Springs News Telegram. Several food items have been brought to the Extension Office, but we are hoping for much more. Our County 4-H Council members will be bringing food items to the Feb. 7 meeting, so they are leading by example. Out goal is to top the previous donation of 253 pounds of food, and with your help, we can do it! Approximately 21% of the children in Hopkins County are living in poverty, and 23% of adults under the age of 25 are uninsured, so there is a definite need!
Food items will be collected through Feb. 14, and delivered to local agencies on Feb. 15 for distribution to clientele. Help us make this year’s event a huge success!
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes Reminder
We still have a few remaining seats for the 2022 “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series, scheduled for Feb. 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28. This series covers self-management, diabetes medicines, physical activity, meal planning, and much more. If you have diabetes or know someone who could benefit from attending this series, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling 903-885-3443. Sessions will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Hopkins County Extension Office. A small one-time fee of $20, payable at the first session, will cover materials, refreshments, door prizes, and top-notch presenters.
Closing Thought
A sympathetic heart is like a spring of pure water bursting forth from the mountain side. – Anonymous
Wildcats Powerlifting Places First, Lady Cats Third in Mount Pleasant Meet
Coach Casey Jeter confirmed both of his powerlifting squads placed top-3 in Mount Pleasant’s powerlifting meet held last Saturday, Jan. 29.
The Wildcats won the meet and the Lady Cats placed third in a crowded meet of 200 powerlifters from 15 different schools.
Matthew Mitchell and Chad Maynard won their respective weight classes at 198 and 242, with squats of 500 and 605 pounds. Max Williamson, in the second-lowest weight class of 114 narrowly missed out on a first-place finish, coming in at second.
Five more Wildcats placed in the top-5 of their class:
- Abraham Banueloz and Cristobal Torres, both in the 132 weight group, finished 3rd and 4th
- Nathan Andrews (198) placed 5th
- Ben Hatcher (220) got a top-3 finish at 3rd
- and Sean Dial (308) was the second Wildcat to place second in his weight group
Three more Wildcats finished in the top-11:
- Zachary Clark and Levi Barnes, both 165 finished 10th and 11th
- and Barrett Thesing (181) got seventh
Of the 13 men’s powerlifters that competed in Mount Pleasant, only two did not place in the top-15; Gage Williams, who narrowly missed out on at 16th and Colt Silman bombed out in Mount Pleasant.
Wildcats powerlifting are back in action two weeks from Saturday on February 19, 2022 in Commerce.
Lady Cats powerlifting had an equally impressive outing in Mount Pleasant last Saturday.
Machelle Allen of 259+ won her weight class, the lone Lady Cat to do so.
Six athletes from Sulphur Springs finished in the top-4:
- Caelyn Pilette (97) narrowly missed out on medaling at 4th
- Haylee Schultz (105) placed silver
- Max Bailey (148) got third in her weight class
- Anna Adair (165) at 4th place was another Lady Cat to miss out on medaling
- and Reese Offutt (259) also finished 4th
Three more Lady Cats placed in the top-12; Mary Taylor (123) got 10th place, Brooklynn Shackelford of the 132 weight class finished 11th and Kylie Clark (165) placed 12th.
No athletes from Sulphur Springs women’s powerlifting did not place. At 21 points, Sulphur Springs edged fourth-place L.E. 21 to 20.
Next up, the women also compete in Commerce for their next meet, but on Friday, Feb. 18.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Sulphur Springs High School Kicks Off CTE Month 2022 With Mayoral Proclamation
Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers helped Sulphur Springs High School students and staff kicked off Career and Technical Education Month Tuesday morning with a proclamation designating February as CTE Month 2022 in Sulphur Springs.
CTE Month, SSHS Director of College & Career Readiness/CTE Director Jenny Arledge explained, is a time for school to celebrate the accomplishments of CTE programs at SSHS and to bring community awareness to these programs.
“We are getting students ready not only for college but career,” Arledge said. “We offer 21 programs of study, with more than 90% of our students participating in career and technical education classes, and over 85% of those students are graduating with a program of study as a completer. So, I congratulate our programs of study instructors and our school district and the community for supporting us all through this.”
Sellers noted he’s had the honor on at least four occasions to return to his alma mater and that of his son, to help recognize the critical role CTE programs play in preparing students for the workforce.
“I really admire these programs and what they do for you to get you ready for life,” Sellers said, prior to reading the 2022 CTE Month proclamation.
CTE offers the opportunity to gain technical and employability skills needed for true career readiness, Seller read from the proclamation. CTE programs allow students to participate in authentic, meaningful experiences that improve the quality of their education and increases their engagement and achievement.
Students in CTE programs are afforded opportunities for career exploration earlier in their educational experience, enabling them to better make informed and beneficial decisions about their academic course work and pursue established programs of study and career pathways.
CTE programs help bridge the skills gap reported by business and industry leaders nationwide by connecting qualified professionals with available careers in critical and growing CTE-related fields such as healthcare, energy, advanced manufacturing and information technology.
Integrated programs link secondary and post secondary education and lead to the attainment of industry recognized credentials.
Sellers, upon officially proclaiming Feb. 1-28, 2022, as CTE Month in Sulphur Springs, urged all citizens to become familiar with the services and benefits of CTE programs to this community, and to support and participate in these programs in order to enhance individual skills and productivity.
Business and industry leaders interested in learning more about these programs may contact Arledge at SSHS at 903-885-2158 or visit the CTE page on the district website, www.ssisd.net.
Sellers thanked the students and staff for inviting him to the school he and three years ago his son (who is now pursuing a career in the Air Force special forces) to make the proclamation.
“It is important for all of you to think about your life, your careers, your pursuit. There is college, there are technical training. There’s a lot of ways – there’s the military, of course – that you can go forward with your education. Study hard. Think about your future and pursue your happiness,” Sellers concluded.
Arledge noted that representatives from the school’s career and technical organizations plan to update school trustees on members activities and achievements during the regular February board meeting next Monday evening, Feb. 14, 2022. Presentations will also be made by CTO officers during a Rotary Club meeting on Feb. 24.
KSST will once again be assisting SSHS in celebrating CTE programs at the school through weekly videos featuring students and instructors in their classrooms. Be sure to watch for the “2022 CTE” heading throughout the month on the KSST Radio YouTube Channel.
Tuesday Game Day Has Softball Teeing Off Pre-Season, Both Soccer Squads in District Play
Tuesday, Feb. 1 brings softball’s pre-season opener plus both soccer squads in district action.
Both basketball teams are off Tuesday.
Coach David Carrillo’s Lady Cats tee off their pre-season with Gilmer on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Lady Cat Park.
That game tees off right here in Sulphur Springs at 5:30 P.M.
Moving over to basketball, both teams are on a bye Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Last Friday men’s basketball won big over Pine Tree 82-47, improving to 22-9 overall (6-2 district) and enter their Tuesday bye second in district.
After Tuesday’s bye Coach Brandon Shaver’s Wildcats are back on the road Friday, Feb. 4. taking on Hallsville at Bobcat Coliseum.
Women’s basketball lost at Pine Tree last Friday 57-32
Sulphur Springs enters Tuesday’s bye three games behind Hallsville, so if the fourth placed Hallsville Lady Cats beat Pine Tree on Feb. 1 Coach Delley’s squad is eliminated from post-season contention.
Both soccer squads are locked in for their second game of district play.
On Friday, Jan. 28 men’s soccer opened district play in Longview, losing to the Lobos 3-0.
The district-opening loss drops them to 1-10-2 overall (0-1 district).
Coach Alexi Upton’s squad is back on the road for this Tuesday game day, in Mount Pleasant taking on the Tigers.
That game kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 7:15 P.M.
Women’s soccer also suffered a loss in their district opener, falling at home to Longview 2-0.
The loss at home drops the Lady Cats to 3-7-2 overall (0-1 district).
Coach Javier Aguayo’s team is back at the Prim on Tuesday, Feb. 1 hosting Mount Pleasant. Kick off is 7:15 P.M. tonight with the Lady Tigers.
Tuesday’s district contest with Mount Pleasant will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
If given permission, we will also livestream the game on to KSST Radio’s Youtube channel.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
HCSO Deputies Assist Fugitive Task Force In Apprehending Como Man On Louisiana Warrants
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies assisted a fugitive task force officer in apprehending a 25-year-old Como man on Louisiana warrants, according to arrest reports.
On Jan. 31, 2022, Sgt. J. Durr with Texas Attorney General’s Office, who is assigned to the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, was requested by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office to locate and arrest William Michael Miller, a man wanted by the Louisiana agency on three warrants, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Sgt. Durr, accompanied by members of Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, visited a State Highway 11 east location in Como, Miller’s last known address, shortly after 3 p.m. Monday. The 25-year-old Como man officials learned still resides at the address and was taken into custody on the outstanding charges.
Officials transported Miller to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 4:19 p.m. on the Louisiana warrants for computer aided solicitation of a minor, pornography involving a minor and indecent behavior with a minor. The offenses, HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans noted in arrest reports, are alleged to have occurred on or about Nov. 5, 2021.
Miller remained in Hopkins County jail at noon Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, on all three charges, according to jail reports.
Crime Down In 7 Major Categories, Clearance Rate Up In Hopkins County In 2021
Crime in the seven major reporting categories was down and the clearance rate was up in 2021 in Hopkins County, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. Officers initiated 135 cases in the major offense categories, 132 of which were cleared, giving the sheriff’s office a clearance rate of 97.77% in those categories in 2021.
That’s 30 fewer cases initiated by sheriff’s office staff in 2021 than the year before, when the clearance rate was 90.85% for the seven major offense categories – criminal homicide (murder), robbery, forcible rape (sexual assault cases, excluding offenses against children), motor vehicle theft, assaults (aggravated and simple), burglaries, larceny (all other thefts). Crime in Hopkins County was the third lowest it’s ever been. In fact, the 135 offense cases recorded in these seven categories is the third lowest in 21 years, and only about one-third the high of 408 total offenses recorded by HCSO officers during 2002, a year in which only 198 of cases (48.5%) were cleared from the books either by arrest, convictions or exception.
The only times crime has been lower in Hopkins County in these categories since 2000 were 116 in 2018 and 120 in 2019. Crime in the 7 major reporting categories began dropping in 2003 from 408 to 382, fell below 300 cases for the first time in 2009 (289 cases) and has remained below that mark ever since, The first time fewer than 200 cases was reported in the 7 major reporting categories for Hopkins County was 2012, when 184 cases were recorded in these categories, and the overall crime total for these categories hasn’t been above 200 since.
As the crime rate has declined, clearance rates have increased, from 41.9% in 2000, to 58.9% in 2005, and has not been below 72.3% since then. In fact, the clearance rate hasn’t dipped below 90% since 2015. The county clearance rate has only been higher in two other years. The clearance rate was 98.9% in 2015 and 101.4% in 2017.
(The electronic case tracking system used was different until a couple of years ago, with cases that had yet to be cleared in a prior year counted in the year it was cleared, which made the 101.4% clearance rate possible. Currently, clearance rates are figured only for the year the offenses were recorded, with no carryovers from prior years counting. For instance, if a theft case was reported Dec. 10, 2021, but an arrest isn’t made until January 28, 2022, the case would be open and uncleared for 2021’s reporting purposes. The theft would be marked cleared on the books in January, but the clearance would not count toward the 2022 clearance rate.)
7 Major Categories
Two criminal homicides were reported in 2020 as well as 2021. While thankfully there are few murders in Hopkins County, that also means that the past 2 years have matched the record high of two set in 2004 and repeated in 2017 and 2018 as well. One murder was reported in each of the following years: 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2019. The remaining nine years from 2000-2021 there were no murders recorded by HCSO. The clearance rate in this category was 100% in 2021, and typically is 100%.
One robbery was recorded in 2021, the same as in 2020, 2021, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2015 and 2017. The record of three robberies was recorded in 2002. Two robberies each were also recorded in 2009, 2011 and 2014. There were no robberies recorded in the remaining years from 2000-2021. The clearance rate was 100% in this category in 2021 as well.
For the first time since 2002, no sexual assaults were recorded in Hopkins County in 2021; that’s down from five in 2020. The record high was set at 13 sexual assaults in 2008, one of only three years in the last 22 that double digit totals have been recorded by HCSO. A dozen forcible rapes were reported in 2006 and 11 in 2011. The clearance rate for this category was 100% in 2021.
A total of 75 assault offenses were reported in Hopkins County in 2021, 40 aggravated assaults and 35 simple assaults, and all 75 cases were cleared by arrest, conviction or exception. That’s six more aggravated assaults and one less simple assault in 2021 than in 2020.
2021 ties 2012 in the simple assault category, in only two other years since 2000 in which fewer simple assaults were reported, 29 in 2017 and 28 in 2018. In three years, triple digit sums were posted in the simple assault category: 108 in 2001, 112 in 2002 and 114 in 2003.
In only two other years since 2000 have there been more aggravated assaults, 44 in 2000 and the record 66 in 2004. The fewest number of aggravated assaults was five in 2010, with 2018 in second with six. In fact, this category has been steadily rising since 2018, increasing to 20 in 2019, 34 in 2020 and 40 this year.
HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford noted that several of the aggravated assaults are offenses against officers. That is reflective of an atmosphere carried from Washington on down, according to Sheriff Tatum. In fact, more than a dozen of the aggravated assaults recorded in 2021 were assaults on peace officers or public servants, and all except two (one each in April and June) occurred in the final 3 months of the year.
One less burglary was reported in 2021 than the 11 burglary reports taken by HCSO officers in 2020. Ten is the least number of burglaries recorded in Hopkins County in a single year since 2000. In fact, this category has continued to decline since 2005, when the category dropped from 114 to 108. From 2000 to 2006, the least number of burglaries recorded by HCSO was 101 in 2003, and the most since 2000 was 122 burglaries in 2002. Burglaries fell below 100 for the first time in 2006, when 77 were recorded, and has remained a double digit number since. There have continued to be less than 75 annually since 2010 when 63 were recorded, and less than 50 since 2016 when Hopkins County had only 36 burglaries. Fewer than 25 burglaries have been recorded annually in four of the last five years, dipping to 24 in 2017, up to 26 in 2018, 17 in 2019, 11 in 2020 and the new record low of 10 burglaries in 2021. The clearance rate for burglaries was also 100% in 2021.
A dozen vehicle thefts were recorded by HCSO in 2021, six less than in 2020. While certainly not a new record low, the number of vehicle burglaries recoded in 2021 was less than half the high of 27 reported in 2008. In only one year since 2000, in 2002, were no vehicle thefts recorded by HCSO. The clearance rate for this category was also 100% in 2021.
They’re not necessarily vehicles stolen from Hopkins County; the majority, Tatum noted, are stopped by law enforcement while driving through Hopkins County.
Weatherford added that a number of the stolen vehicle cases are vehicles stolen from outside of Hopkins County, but which are recovered in Hopkins County. In other words, he explained, someone who is stopped while driving a vehicle stolen from somewhere else would be charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Hopkins County because they were in Hopkins County at the time of arrest.
Finally, thefts of all other items, listed in some reports as larceny, declined from 55 in 2020 to 35 in 2021. This was the only one of the seven major crime reporting categories in which the clearance rate was not 100 percent in 2021. However, deputies still cleared 32 of the 35 cases recorded in Hopkins County in 2021, which is still at 91.4% clearance rate.
Tatum and Weatherford attributed the decrease in crime in these categories, despite a population increase, to the good hard team effort of all officers involved, from communications to patrol and investigations, and jail corrections officers, to get done everything that needs doing. That team also includes the community, Weatherford said. Tatum said community members who look out for their neighbors, and help out by taking down license plates and descriptions of any vehicle that does not belong in the area, of anything else suspicious, and call it in to authorities are vital in helping to solve some cases, giving possible leads quicker, which helps clear cases. Tatum noted the vital role the judicial system plays in these cases as well. Having a judicial that backs law enforcement, pursuing punishment according to the offense, is another huge part of the decline in crime in these categories in Hopkins County.
Crimes Against Children
Although not counted in traditional crime reporting categories, crimes against children is an eighth major crime category that HCSO officers track closely and diligently devote their time to clearing, while exercising as much care as possible for the alleged child victims.
In 2021, HCSO officers logged a total of 34 crimes against children, and reported a 96.87% clearance rate, as all except one of those cases had been cleared in 2021.
These offenses include 15 sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault and continuous sexual assault of a child cases; 10 indecency with a child cases; 2 possession of child pornography cases; 6 abandoning or endangering of a child cases; and one aggravated kidnapping of a child case.
Overall, 11 fewer crimes against children were reported in 2021 than were recorded one year before. In 2020, 12 abandoning or endangering of a child cases were recorded, six possession of promotion of child porn, one human trafficking case, nine indecency with a child cases, two online solicitation of a minor cases 13 sexual assault of a child cases and two sexual performance by a child cases, according to the HCSO data.
Additional Cases
Tatum and Weatherford pointed out that while these are eight major crime reporting categories, they are by no means all of the cases recorded by HCSO in 2021. In fact, these offenses represent only 25% of the offenses local officers worked in 2021.
Overall, HCSO officials worked 551 cases, 546 of which were cleared, giving Hopkins County a 99.09% clearance rate. That left only 4 open cases and one inactive case still on the books at the end of 2021. While 21 more offenses were recorded in 2021 than 2020, officers cleared more cases last year than the year before: 546 to 2020’s 517. Thus, officers cleared 3.1% more cases in 2021 than in 2020.
Again, the sheriff credited the team effort of all involved from HCSO employees at every level to judicial partners and community members for the high clearance rates.
As most anyone who follows local headlines can tell you, a large number of the cases worked by sheriff’s officers in 2021 were controlled substance, marijuana and other drug-related offenses. In 2021, 261 of the total offenses were controlled substance and drug-related charges, 50 more cases in 2021 than in 2020. That’s nearly half of HCSO officers total caseload in 2021.
Tatum said an influx of methamphetamine is making its way across the border, flooding the streets with the substance, and driving down the cost. In the past, officers would focus on taking down clandestine labs where methamphetamine was being cooked. Now, the sheriff noted, there’s so much meth available that it is cheaper to buy the ready made product than to purchase the ingredients needed to make it. It also means officers are discovering larger amounts of meth when conducting a probable cause search. Deputies remain diligent, Tatum said, in removing meth and other substances and offenders from the streets of Hopkins County to make the community as safe as possible.
The remainder of charges are a mix of everything from illegal dumping, terroristic threats, cruelty to non-livestock animals, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful carrying of weapon, criminal mischief, failure to identify, evading arrest, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, obstruction of justice, retaliation, resisting arrest, criminal trespassing, harassment of a public servant, online impersonation, violation of a protective order or bond, deadly conduct, escape while arrested, stalking and credit or debit card abuse.
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.
Slate Of Activities Announced For Saltillo ISD 2022 Homecoming
Saltillo ISD will be having Homecoming Friday, February 4, with a slate of activities planned throughout the day.
The festivities will start with a pep rally led by the Senior Class of 2022 at 10 a.m. The Saltillo Lady Lions and Lions will play Avinger Indians starting at 5:30 p.m.
The night’s homecoming activities will start with Senior night for the Lady Lions at 5:20 p.m. and Varsity Lady Lions at 5:30 p.m. The Saltillo Class of 2002 will be honored between the 2 games.
The Varsity Lions game will be followed by the coronation of the 2022 Homecoming Court. The Court includes Freshman Duchess Jordan Cartwright; Sophomore Duchess Ryleigh Redar; Junior Duchess Julianna Giles; and Senior Candidates Amina Terry, Cindy Alvarez, Brianna Tawil, Raegan Speir, Nora Martinez, Elena Heukels, Trinity White, Jasmine Gutierrez and McKenna Gurley.
The night will end with a reception in the school library honoring the Class of 2002; friends and family are welcome to attend.
More Than 135 Indictments Signed By Hopkins County Grand Jury
When the Hopkins County Grand Jury last met they signed more than 135 indictments, pushing those cases forward for prosecution.
Approximately 110 people were named in the charges, including 18 individuals accused of more than one offense. In some cases, more than one person is alleged to have been involved in the same offense, according to the indictment list released by the District Clerk’s Office for the December 29, 2021 grand jury session. The grand jury isn’t slated to meet again until March 2022.
Approximately half of the charges were for controlled substance, marijuana and alcohol offenses and related charges. The remainder of the charges ranged from aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault of and impersonating a pubic servant, continuous sexual abuse of a child, abandoning or endangering a child, indecency with a child and drunk driving with a child passenger, to unauthorized use of and evading arrest in a vehicle, escape while arrested or confined, felony theft, terroristic threat, criminal mischief, failure to comply with sex offender duty to register, violation of bond or protective order more than twice in a 12 month period, money laundering and firearm charges.
Indicted during the Dec. 29, 2021 grand jury session on an aggravated robbery charge each were Charles Orin Lee Nash and Cass Hunter Sullivan. Nash, 18, of Sulphur Springs allegedly displayed a pistol while robbing Love’s Travel Center in Sulphur Springs on Dec. 3, 2021; he allegedly left the store with approximately 35 cartons of cigarettes, which he carried to and left in the pickup 22-year-old Sullivan of Caddo Mills drove away from the store. Both were arrested that night and remained in custody at Hopkins County jail Jan. 31, 2022, in lieu of the $100,000 bond set on the robbery charge, according to jail reports.
Jose Emiliano Hernandez-Lopez, Seth Patton Jumper and Gaylon Voughan Younger were each indicted on one count each of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Hernandez-Lopez was accused of allegedly threatening a woman and discharging a firearm from inside of a vehicle toward an FM 2560 residence on Aug. 8, 2021. He then allegedly drove on the driveway beside the house and discharged his weapon toward the house approximately five more times from inside the vehicle in the direction of the residence. The front door of his vehicle appeared to have a hole from a gunshot and two spent .40-caliber cartridges were found in the rear seat of the vehicle, deputies noted in August arrest reports. The 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail on a $50,000 bond on the aggravated assault with deadly weapon charge on Aug. 10, 2021, according to jail reports.
Seth Patton Jumper was accused June 19, 2021, of involvement in an altercation in a vehicle on McBride Street in Como, where a person allegedly sustained a head injury from a weapon used during the altercation. He claimed he wielded the pipe and made contact with individuals inside of the vehicle, in an effort to get them to vacate the area. The disturbance allegedly began as a verbal altercation but escalated to a physical confrontation. The 42-year-old Como man was booked into jail early June 20, 2021, and released the next day on a $15,000 bond on the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, according to jail reports.
Gaylon Voughan Younger was accused during a verbal argument of injuring his 51-year-old wife’s arm while holding a machete-style knife in a threatening manner and threatening to kill her if she didn’t leave the Lamar Street residence on Sept. 29, 2021. The 61-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, on a $50,000 bond on the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, according to jail reports.
Crystal Ann Sievers was indicted on a continuous sexual abuse of child victim under 14 years of age. The 32-year-old Brashear woman has been held in Hopkins County jail since her arrest July 27, 2021, on an indecency with a child by exposure charge; bond was set at $100,000 on the charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Indicted on two abandoning or endangering of a child with intent to return was Holly Ann York, who is also known by Holly Ann Allen. The 39-year-old Como woman was accused of leaving her two elementary-aged children home alone, while she was at a Sulphur Springs address consuming alcohol and vaping THC. Her 8-year-old and 6-year-old sought help at a nearby residence for their mother, who they believed had been kidnapped, Deputies responded, found no indication a kidnapping had occurred. They tracked her through individuals she’s known to associate with and found her at 2 a.m. Oct. 10, 2021, in Sulphur Springs, deputies alleged in arrest reports. She has remained in the county jail in lieu of $25,000 bond each on two abandoning or endangering a child charges, according to jail reports.
Also indicted for abandoning or endangering a child through intentional or knowing reckless criminal neglect was Colton Sherman Wright. He was also charged in indictments signed in December 2021 with two manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance offenses and one possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
Indicted for assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or cirucluation were Jorge A. Roque-Hernandez and Hadden Dewayne Moreland.
Roque-Hernandez was accused on Aug. 1, 2021, of becoming jealous of phone messages sent to his girlfriend. In a fit of rage, he allegedly threw her phone at her, then, held her down and choked her twice, at lease once to the point she couldn’t breath and almost passed out, while sitting on her at a County Road 3511 residence. The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from jail on Aug. 2, 2021, on a $20,000 bond on the felony assault impeding breathing charge, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Moreland was arrested on Nov. 1, 2021, on the assault impeding breathing warrant, then released the next day on a $25,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports. He was taken into custody late Nov. 23 and booked into jail early Nov. 24, 2021, on a warrant for insufficient bond on an assault on a family or household member that impeded breathing charge. He was released from Dec. 6, 2021, after securing bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Jerry Mack Price Jr. was indicted during the December 29, 2021, grand jury session on two assault of public servant charges and one attempt to take a weapon from an officer charge. Price was accused on Oct. 3, 2021, of assaulting 2 deputies and his girlfriend, as well as resisting and trying to take a deputy’s taser from him. The 51-year-old Cumby man was jailed Oct. 3, then released Oct. 6, 2021, on $30,000 bond per assault charge and $25,000 bond on the attempt to take weapon charge.
Also indicted in December 2021 for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and aggravated assault against a public servant. A multi-agency manhunt was launched Oct. 16, 2021, for the 21-year-old North Carolina man after he drove off from and I-30 traffic stop, and during the pursuit struck the guardrail on the FM 2653 overpass, then rammed the truck he was driving into a Cumby police patrol vehicle, causing major damage. He then reportedly traveled up the railroad tracks for a mile in the truck before ditching it and running into a wooded area. He was taken into custody less than hours later, officials alleged in Shearer’s October arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Jan. 31, 2022, in lieu of a $100,000 bond on the assault against a public servant charge, $50,000 bond on the evading arrest charge and as well as as $20,000 bond on a controlled substance warrant, according to jail reports.
Troy Michael Stockton was indicted for making a terroristic threat while at North Hopkins school. School administration launched an investigation. The student was removed from the campus and the matter turned over to the sheriff’s office. accused of making verbal statements to cause serious bodily injury to others. Witnesses told officers the 18-year-old had been involved in a verbal altercation with a student at school and made statements which made another student fear for their wellbeing. A witness reportedly indicated fear of Stockton, who has a mental health condition and has been assaulted by the youth before, according to sheriff’s reports. The 18-year-old has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on Oct. 19, 2021; bond was set at $75,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
Landon Paul Shearer was indicted for criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth of damages. The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested late Oct. 28, 2021, after he admitted to damaging several of the glass panels in the see-through restrooms downtown. He was booked into Hopkins County jail, where he has remained since his arrest. On Nov. 5, he was accused of damaging the protective padding on the floor of the jail cell he was being held in.
Jorge Camacho Villanueva was indicted for indecency with a child by sexual contact. The 36-year-old has remained in Hopkins County jail since his transferred Dec. 22, 2021, from Denton County jail, in lieu of the $100,000 bond set on a continuous sexual abuse of a child charge, according to jail reports.
David Alan Swindler was indicted for impersonating a public servant. The 58-year-old Sulphur Springs man has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest Dec. 2, 2021, on the charge. Bond was set at $50,000. on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Indicted for violating bond/protective order two or more times in 12 months was Jessie Wayne Petrea. The 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested Sept. 17, 2021, on the charge and has remained in the county jail ever since in lieu of a $100,000 bond, according to jail reports.
Dustin Mackenzie Davis was indicted on a driving while intoxicated with a child younger than 15 years of age in the vehicle.
An off-duty highway patrol reportedly saw the 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man, identified as a possible drunk driver, getting into a vehicle with a child and leaving a Sulphur Springs establishment around 7:45 p.m. Sept. 11, 2021. While Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies were en route to Interstate 30, dispatchers received a complaint that he was driving the truck recklessly, failing to maintain one lane and possibly speeding on I-30 west. A second motorist soon contacted sheriff’s dispatchers reporting a reckless driver was exiting I-30 near the westbound rest area. A Cumby Police Officer spotted the truck traveling west on the north I-30 service road, where it failed to travel in one lane. The Cumby officer stopped the truck near mile marker 107 on the north I-30 service road. Deputies arrived to assist. Alcohol was smelled on him. He failed sobriety testing and admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages prior to leaving the Sulphur Springs establishment. Officials reported there was indeed a child in a car seat in the backseat of the vehicle. CPS was called, but the child’s grandparents arrived and took the child. The vehicle was released to someone as well, according to arrest reports.
Daryl Christopher Simmons was indicted during the December 2021 grand jury session on escape while arrested or confined, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and theft of property valued at less than $2,500 but enhanced due to two or more prior convictions.
The 53-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of escaping with handcuffs still on from the District Courtroom Oct. 20, 2021, and caught on video driving a car with body damage east on Jefferson Street. The vehicle was found later in the day near Simmons’ residence. An officer that night contacted Simmons, pretending to be his friend and told the deputy he was at his rural residence. He was arrested around midnight on warrants revoking his bond on two controlled substance charges, officers alleged at the time of his arrest.
Simmons, who is also known to use the aliases Bryson Alphonso Hill, Charles Kartney James, Charles Karney James, Triple OG and Simmons Schristopher, has remained in the county jail since that time, according to jail reports. Bonds on the three indictments totaled $250,000: $100,000 each on the evading arrest and escape charges, and $50,000 on the theft charge, according to jail reports.
Also indicted in December for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle were Christopher Kirby Keel, Eugene Montrell Jones, Frederico Martinez, Stevie Nicole Mathis, Justin Wayne Andrews and Rashad Oneal Hall. Jones was also indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Others indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle included Simetrius Dawn Kelley, Moses Jerome McLaurin, James Glenn Belcher and Edward Mathew Cain. Belcher was also indicted for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance. Cain was indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance as well. McLaurin was indicted for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Cody Earl Lee was indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, while K C Antwan Macon was indicted for unlawful possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group1/1-B controlled substance. Pernell Lewis, Justin Keith Morris, and Derek Dewayne Dirks were also indicted on a possession of a firearm by a felon charge.
Miguel Angel Morales was indicted on a money laundering in the amount of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, while Paul Wesley Cash was indicted for theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. Indicted for fraudulent use or possession of more than 5 items of identifying information was Jose A. Canisales-Martinez.
Laron Dewayne Ross Jr. as indicted for failure to comply with duty to register with local law enforcement 90 days after making any changes such as change of address or vehicle.
David Brian Holcomb was indicted for possession of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance and forgery of a financial instrument while Conchetta Janell Weatherall was indicted for f property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions
Candace Lashay Gordon was indicted on tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, while Brian Winston Johnson was indicted on tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance.
Also indicted on a tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair charge were Rodney Justin Condo, Briana Marie Galaviz, Toshia Marie Edmonson and Amber Ann Kinchlow.
Indicted on a third or more offense DWI charge each were Jason Allen Ashford, Brandon Gene White and Jeremiah Laray Cooper.
Luis Fernando Discua-Garay was indicted for possession of 5 pounds or more but less than 50 pounds of marijuana. Indicted for possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana were Shemika Marshall, Candace Rae Blade, Milique Fredrick Zirretta and Alfredo Junior Vargas.
Indicted for manufacture or delivery of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance were Jesus Escobedo-Fernandez, 1 gram or more but less than 4 gram in a drug-free zone; Arturo Pina, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams; Ernesto Arellano Martinez, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams; and Nicholas Anthony Reynolds, less than gram. Martinez too was indicted on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams in a drug-free zone with intent to deliver.
The rest of the indictments were for possession of Penalty Group 1 or 1-B controlled substance offenses, unless otherwise noted. They include, by weight of substance:
- Less than 1 gram
- Carlos Sonchz Aubrey
- Dustin Michael Caldwell (in a drug-free zone)
- Jimmy Ray English (in a drug-free zone)
- Ramiro Saucedo Espinoza
- Michael Thomas Ferry
- Shaina Cheyanne Fields
- Noe Rosas Fuerte
- Philip Ryan Gibson (in a drug-free zone)
- Monica Jane Groves
- Spenser Allen Hart
- Chelsey Nicole Jeffries
- Crystal Lee Hickman (in a drug-free zone)
- Laura Kay Rogers Kirtley
- James Edward Kizer Jr.
- John William Legendre Jr
- Alyssa Renee Legendre
- Christopher Adolpho Lutz
- Brooke Lanee McSparrin
- Franklin Nathaniel McWhirter
- Micah Lynn Mothershed
- James Barry Norton Jr.
- Truman Leon Pope Jr.
- Edith Leanne Raney
- Darrick Jerome Ransom
- Willie Marvin Riley III
- Doyle Ray Roberson
- Colten Blake Skinner
- Justin Lee Smith
- Kristina Lenea Ullman
- Jose Ernesto Valladares-Pineda (in a drug-free zone)
- 1 Gram or more but less than 4 grams
- Jacob Lee Ball
- Lacy Michelle Blevins
- Robert Stanley Chambers III
- Sarah Marie Cordy
- David Carlton Cunningham
- Kedaron Dion Franklin
- Steven Derek Hanson
- Daniel Hernandez Gonzales
- John Reno Kraft
- Brian Lynn Matthews (in a drug-free zone)
- Christopher Francis Matthews
- Lovie Ann Moss
- Zachary Antonino Rodriguez
- Richard Forster Walls
- Kendall Ashley Simpson
- Jacinto Johnathan Sosa
- Brandon Ray Timmons
- Nicholas Chase Trimble
- Gage Jahvon Williams
- 4 Grams or more but Less than 200 grams
- Joshua Luke Deal (in a drug-free zone)
- Kedaron Dion Franklin (2 counts)
- Lovie Ann Moss (with intendent to deliver)
- Rodney Edward Petrea Sr.
- Carmen Celeste Pickle (2 counts)
- 400 grams or more
- Kim Lafay Nelson
- Luis Enrique Sanchez-Ramos.
COVID-19 Vaccinations For Children Ages 5-11 Offered In MMU Tent Each Morning This Week
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
COVID Testing at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics | Urgent Care
Due to a shortage of COVID testing supplies, we unfortunately cannot guarantee that rapid tests will be available. If rapid tests are not available, we will be able to send out a COVID PCR test, which typically results in 2 days, but could take up to 7 days if testing volume is high. We are working diligently to obtain additional supplies and appreciate your understanding; please know that we remain dedicated to providing you with the very best care possible.
Thank you for your respect and consideration!
With a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County, we appreciate anyone who has made an appointment with a provider at one of our clinic locations kindly cancelling within 4 hours of their scheduled time to allow the visit slot to be filled with someone else who may need it. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.
UPDATED – COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs offers a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older) and Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older). This includes all three brands of boosters for fully vaccinated people. Appointments not required, but parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will be partnering with Northeast Texas Public Health District to provide COVID vaccinations for children ages 5 through 11. The vaccine clinic will be held in the MMU tent located in the parking lot north of the hospital (between Dr. Arnecke and Podiatry offices) from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. during the week of Jan. 31.
The second vaccine in the series will be available 4 weeks later during the week of Feb. 28 at the same time from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Adult vaccinations, both Moderna and Pfizer, will also be offered during the same time and location of the pediatric vaccinations. There is no cost to receive the vaccine and no appointment required. Please note, the hospital will still offer the weekly adult COVID vaccine clinic on Friday from 9 to 11 a.m., but if a child needs a vaccine, the attending adult will have the opportunity to receive one at the MMU tent location.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- An adult must accompany minor-age visitors, be free of symptoms, and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
New Staff
Family Nurse Practitioner
CHRISTUS Trinity Primary Care Clinic is excited to welcome Madison Orwosky, Family Nurse Practitioner, to our team of Family Medicine providers. Madison, “Maddie” will be accepting new patients at 105 Medical Circle [Medical Building 1], beginning on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. To schedule an appointment, please call 903.885.3181.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care – Sulphur Springs
PLEASE NOTE – due to limited staffing, the Urgent Care may be forced to change its hours without notice. We recommend calling prior to your arrival to check the status of availability. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The CHRISTUS Urgent Care Hours of Operation is as follows:
- In-Person Care Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Closed
- Virtual Visit Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- To schedule a virtual visit, please visit urgentcare.christushealth.org, then select your location and click “Virtual Visit”
The Urgent Care is located at 1339 South Broadway St., and the phone number to call is 903.951.1001.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Tips To Help Avoid Accidently Starting A Wildfire While Hunting Or Working In Fields
“Although rain has been in our weather forecast on and off, no significant precipitation has occurred in the last few weeks, causing extreme dry conditions in our fields. Drought or freeze-cured grasses provide a very receptive medium for an accidental wildfire ignition and dead grass will readily ignite under a wide range of weather conditions,” according to Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services.
“An additional factor that will contribute to the difficulty of extinguishing a fire burning in dead grass this year, is that there is a lot of grass on the landscape due to above normal rainfall observed over much of the state during this year’s growing season. Wildfires burning in tall, thick stands of grass will burn hotter, spread faster and require more effort to extinguish.”
Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human caused, and 65% of wildfires that occur during hunting season are caused by debris burning and equipment use, including parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains. Texas A&M Forest Service encourages hunters to be cautious with any activity that may cause a spark.
Some simple tips to help avoid accidently starting a wildfire while hunting or working on the field include:
- Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass – the heat from your vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
- Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts their own burn bans. Make sure you know your county’s burn ban status and if it restricts open flames and other heat-causing activities such as using charcoal. View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.
- When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended, and always make sure it is completely out by drowning it, stirring it and feeling to ensure that it is out cold before you leave.
- If you are taking a trailer out on your adventures, make sure that the tires are properly inflated, chains will not contact the road and that any loose metal will not continually hit anything else, all which can cause sparks.
- Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp and have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office by calling 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Submitted by Dr. Mario A Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hopkins County. Contact him at the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or 1200 West Houston St., Suite B, Sulphur Springs; or by email at [email protected].
