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].
FDA Approves Second COVID-19 Vaccine
Moderna To Be Marketed as Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine For Ages 18+
Today (Jan. 31, 2022), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a second COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; the approved vaccine will be marketed as Spikevax for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older.
Key points
- Spikevax meets the FDA’s rigorous standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality required for approval.
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine has been available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 18 years of age and older since Dec. 18, 2020.
“The FDA’s approval of Spikevax is a significant step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the second vaccine approved to prevent COVID-19. The public can be assured that Spikevax meets the FDA’s high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality required of any vaccine approved for use in the United States,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “While hundreds of millions of doses of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine have been administered to individuals under emergency use authorization, we understand that for some individuals, FDA approval of this vaccine may instill additional confidence in making the decision to get vaccinated.”
Spikevax has the same formulation as the EUA Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and is administered as a primary series of two doses, one month apart. Spikevax can be used interchangeably with the EUA Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to provide the COVID-19 vaccination series. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine remains available under EUA as a two-dose primary series for individuals 18 years of age and older, as a third primary series dose for individuals 18 years of age and older who have been determined to have certain kinds of immunocompromise, and as a single booster dose for individuals 18 years of age and older at least five months after completing a primary series of the vaccine. It is also authorized for use as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) single booster dose for individuals 18 years of age and older following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine.
“The FDA’s medical and scientific experts conducted a thorough evaluation of the scientific data and information included in the application pertaining to the safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality of Spikevax. This includes the agency’s independent verification of analyses submitted by the company, our own analyses of the data, along with a detailed assessment of the manufacturing processes, test methods and manufacturing facilities,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Safe and effective vaccines are our best defense against the COVID-19 pandemic, including currently circulating variants. The public can be assured that this vaccine was approved in keeping with the FDA’s rigorous scientific standards.”
FDA Evaluation of Effectiveness Data for Approval for Individuals 18 Years of Age and Older
The Spikevax biologics license application (BLA) builds upon the data and information that supported the EUA, such as preclinical and clinical data, as well as details of the manufacturing process and the sites where the vaccine is made. The FDA evaluates and conducts its own analyses of the data to determine whether the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine has been demonstrated and meets the standard for approval, and whether the manufacturing and facility information assure vaccine quality and consistency.
The approval of Spikevax is based on the FDA’s evaluation and analysis of follow-up safety and effectiveness data from the ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial that supported the December 2020 EUA for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and information from post EUA experience to further inform safety and effectiveness.
The updated analyses to determine effectiveness of Spikevax included 14,287 vaccine recipients and 14,164 placebo recipients 18 years of age and older who did not have evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to receiving the first dose. The data used for the analyses were accrued before the Omicron variant emerged. These data demonstrated that Spikevax was 93% effective in preventing COVID-19, with 55 cases of COVID-19 occurring in the vaccine group and 744 COVID-19 cases in the placebo group. The vaccine was also 98% effective in preventing severe disease.
FDA Evaluation of Safety Data for Approval for Individuals 18 Years of Age and Older
The FDA’s safety analysis of Spikevax included approximately 15,184 vaccine recipients and 15,162 placebo recipients 18 years of age and older, more than half of these participants were followed for safety outcomes for at least four months after the second dose. Approximately 7,500 participants originally assigned to receive Spikevax in the blinded phase of the clinical trial completed safety follow-up for at least 6 months after the second dose.
The most commonly reported side effects by clinical trial participants were pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, nausea/vomiting, swollen lymph nodes under the arm and fever.
Additionally, the FDA conducted a rigorous evaluation of the post-authorization safety surveillance data pertaining to myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of tissue surrounding the heart) following vaccination with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and has determined that the data demonstrate increased risks particularly within seven days following the second dose, with the observed risk highest in males 18 through 24 years of age. Available data from short-term follow-up suggest that most individuals have had resolution of symptoms. However, some individuals required intensive care support. Information is not yet available about potential long-term health outcomes. The Spikevax Prescribing Information includes a warning about these risks.
The FDA conducted its own benefit-risk assessment using modeling to predict how many symptomatic COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths from COVID-19 the vaccine in individuals 18 years of age and older would prevent versus the number of potential myocarditis/pericarditis cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths that might be associated with the vaccine. FDA has determined that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis in individuals 18 years of age and older.
The FDA is requiring the company to conduct postmarketing studies to further assess the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with Spikevax. These studies will include an evaluation of long-term outcomes among individuals who develop myocarditis following vaccination with Spikevax. In addition, although not FDA requirements, the company has committed to conducting additional post-marketing safety studies, including conducting a pregnancy registry study to evaluate pregnancy and infant outcomes after receipt of Spikevax during pregnancy.
The FDA granted this application Priority Review. The approval was granted to ModernaTX, Inc.
Additional Resources:
Information From the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center secretary Dana Smock welcomes new student Decker Hendricksmeyer, standing at right, and his mom, Tammy Hendricksmeyer. Dana helps complete Decker’s papers for enrollment into the Sulphur Springs campus.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
HHSC Launches License Plate Art Contest to Help Victims of Human Trafficking
AUSTIN – Texans can help raise awareness about human trafficking and support young survivors of human trafficking by participating in a new license plate design contest.
The design contest, hosted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in conjunction with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), will help create the Stop Human Trafficking Specialty License Plate, which was authorized by House Bill 2633 from the 87th Texas Legislature.
“Human trafficking is an issue that is often hidden in plain sight,” said Megan Bermea, director of Texas HHSC’s Office of Family Services. “We hope this specialty license plate will bring the issue to light and get the attention of more people who can help prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people.”
“We are proud to announce this specialty license plate design contest to raise awareness around the issue of human trafficking,” said Rep. Ann Johnson, who authored HB 2633. “The funds generated by these donations are dedicated to providing shelter and recovery services to some of our most vulnerable and neglected children.”
Texans who want to participate in the contest must create original designs that include the website iWatchTX.org. The iWatchTX.org website is operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety for people to report suspicious activity. The winning design will be used on the specialty license plate, which will be available for purchase through the Texas DMV in the fall of 2022.
HHSC also recently launched the Stop Human Trafficking donation fund to raise money for youth survivors of human trafficking. The fund will be used to provide grants to service providers committed to the recovery and protection of children and adolescents impacted by human trafficking. Proceeds from the sale of the specialty license plate will go toward this fund.
The deadline for contest submissions is April 30, 2022. All entries must follow rules and formatting requirements posted on the HHS website. To enter, visit the HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center website.
HHSC and organizations involved in helping survivors of human trafficking will select and announce the contest winner in the summer of 2022.
SSMS Lady Cats Basketball Have a Shot Monday to Complete Undefeated Season
Eighth grade Lady Cats basketball have the opportunity to wrap up an undefeated season Monday, Jan. 31 at home.
Coach Nickie Pannell’s eighth grade A and B teams have already clenched the district as champions, but her squads also have the shot at completing an undefeated season.
The middle school coach hopes everyone can pack the SSMS gym Monday afternoon in the hopes of witnessing the second middle school squad this season to go undefeated.
Games start at the middle school gym Monday, Jan. 31 against Hallsville at 4:30 P.M.
Last week the eighth grade A-team raced past Pine Tree 51-8 and B-team got a solid 28-14 win over the Pirates at SSMS.
The Lady Cats hope to complete an undefeated district season Monday, Jan. 31 when they host Hallsville.
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.
2 Zoning Requests, 2 Grant Applications, Tax Abatement Policy On Feb. 2 City Council Agenda
Two zoning requests, two grant applications, designation of election judges and early voting dates for the May 2022 city council election, review of the tax abatement policy, seven 380 agreements and bids for materials and contracts for the first phase of the College Street road rebuilding and sidewalk projects are all on Tuesday night’s regular Sulphur Springs City Council agenda.
The City Council will first meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 2022, in executive session to consult with an attorney on real property, acquisition of real property for drainage purposes and to consider Project Superman economic development project.
The council will then convene in regular open session at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Sulphur Springs Municipal Building (City Hall) to tackle the rest of the 3-page agenda.
Zoning Issues
The City Council is slated to consider on second and, if approved final, reading Ordinance No. 2795, which grants John Heilman’s request for a 0.97-acre property he owns at 1381 West Industrial Drive to be rezoned from heavy commercial to light industrial. Heilman has been approached by more than one business representative interested in purchasing and developing the property. Heilman plans to have the property replatted in order to make it one parcel. Rezoning to light industrial would match the zoning designation of other adjacent property, making it easier to sell as one parcel. The ordinance was proposed and approved on first reading at the Jan. 4, 2022, City Council meeting.
Sulphur Springs City Council too is being asked to approve on final reading Ordinance No. 2796 which would establish a reinvestment zone for D6, Inc. The business received tax incentives in 2020 to open a branch of the business on Industrial Drive. In October 2021, Gov. Gregg Abbott announced that D6, Inc. had been awarded two grants to help relocate the entire operation from its Portland, Oregon headquarters to Sulphur Springs, Texas, as well as an additional expansion. In order to do so, the business is asking for tax incentives from local taxing entities. Hopkins County Commissioners Court earlier this month approved a 10-year tax incentive for the business. In order to be eligible to apply to the hospital district for a tax abatement, a reinvestment zone is needed. The City Council on Jan. 4 approved Ordinance No. 2796 establishing a reinvestment zone for D6, Inc. The City Council is slated to consider approving the ordinance on second and, if approved, final reading Tuesday night.
Tax Abatement Policy, 380 Agreements
The agenda also calls for discussion and adoption of a Tax Abatement Policy for the City of Sulphur Springs. Taxing entities that offer these types of tax incentives for economic development are required every couple of years to review and adopt a Tax Abatement Policy. Hopkins County Commissioners Court and Hopkins County Hospital District each approved the tax abatement policies recommended earlier this month by Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley.
As part of the consent agenda, Sulphur Springs City Council will be asked to consider approving seven requests for 380 agreements. The infill housing agreements allow builders to request repayment of certain city fees, such as utility tap and permitting fees, in exchange for development of single family homes on vacant and underutilized lots within the city upon successful completion of the project within 3 years of the agreement. Delinquent city taxes and liens on the property and demolition costs associated with clearing a lot to redevelop may also be requested. The seven properties the council is being asked to consider granting 380 agreements for include: 801 Putman Street, 409 Sheffield Street, 115/119 Nicholson Street, 408 Houston Street, 412 Houston Street, 204 West Beckham and 950 Church Street.
Grant Applications
The City of Sulphur Springs earlier this month completed, following a public hearing, a Community Development Block Grant CARES Act grant application to Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the Community Resiliency Program. If approved, Sulphur Springs would receive $3 million in additional funding for construction of the new Senior Citizens Center on Oak Avenue. The application was submitted by the Jan. 19 deadline. Award notifications are expected to be made around March 10, 2022, with grant contracts to start five days later.
On Feb. 1, 2022, the City Council will be asked to approve two resolutions giving city staff approval to submit grant applications to help fund costs of new portable radios for police officers. Resolution No. 1288 would authorize a grant application to be submitted to the Office of the Governor- Homeland Security Division for the purchase of 10 portable radios to be used by the police patrol division. Resolution No. 1289 would authorize an application to be submitted to the Office of the Governor-Criminal Justice Division to purchase eight portable radios to be used by the patrol division.
Also on the Agenda
Bids for excavation, stabilization, concrete pavement and sidewalks for Phase 1 of College Street rebuilding project are to be presented along with city staff’s recommendations on who should be awarded contracts for those services are on the Feb. 1 council agenda.
The City Council also is asked to approved three additional resolutions Tuesday night:
- Resolution No. 1290 adopting the Hopkins County Mitigation Action Plan Five Year Update.
- Resolution No. 1293 calling for a general election for City Council Places 4, and 5, naming election judges, and setting dates for early voting; and
- Resolution No. 1294 authorizing continued participation with the Atmos cities steering committee; and authorizing the payment of five cents per capita to the Atmos cities steering committee to fund regulatory and related activities related to Atmos energy corporation.
A racial profiling report to be submitted to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, and proclamations designating February as Black History Month and for Adam Henry-USD are also on the Feb. 1 City Council agenda.
And, if any action is needed on the items discussed during the 6:30 p.m. executive session the City Council would vote on them during the regular open forum.
Should anyone wish to address the City Council, they should fill out a card prior to the meeting to let them know they plan to speak during public forum.
This Year’s AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program Begins Soon
This year’s AARP Foundation Tax Aide program begins soon. (This is NOT sponsored by the library, they are merely the site). They are currently taking appointments! Taxpayers can go by the Sulphur Springs Public Library to make an appointment and pick up a packet of paperwork. It is possible to make an appointment online but individuals still need to go by and get their paperwork.
They will open Tuesday, February 8 at 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 pm. Saturday hours are 9:30-12:30. The last day this year this program will be offered is Tuesday, April 12. It is by appointment only, no walk-ins. They do have to follow safety protocols that are required by the AARP Foundation. The counselors are certified by the IRS and have completed over 40 hours of training. There are tax returns they aren’t allowed to complete, such as self-employed with employees or a loss, but they can do returns for all ages, not just older clients. The service is free! AARP Foundation funds pay for training and equipment.
Please contact Mary Lou Foster if you have any questions.
Mary Lou Foster
Local Coordinator
AARP Foundation Tax Aide
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Jan. 24-30, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department provided the following media report for the week of Jan. 24-30, 2022:
Arrests
- Jared Lowrance, 23 years of age, of Gilmer, was arrested on 1-25-2022 for Possession of less than 2 ounces of Marijuana.
- Vincent Jones, 21 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 1-26-2022 on a Winnsboro Municipal Warrant.
- Justin Williamson, 25 years of age, of Tyler, was arrested on 1-26-2022 on 8 Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 149 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 39 citations and 57 warnings during this reporting period.
